eric rochow : social media handyman

In my defense, when I read the promotional material for VON, it sounded more like a software coder’s convention, lots of tech talk that I understand, to an extent, but I didn’t see myself flying west to attend.

After reading Chris Brogan’s post about the event, and hearing about it from friends, I realized I should have gone.

Now, David Eckoff writes in his blog a nice wrapup of Video on the Net. Here’s my thoughts on a few of his highlights.

– Justin Kownacki, director of the online episodic show “Something to Be Desired,” has produced 100 episodes since November 2003 on a shoestring budget of $200 per week through an approach he calls “Open Source TV production”. How does he do it? The 25 person cast volunteers for the show, keeping production costs ultra low.

I think this model is part of the future. Well produced shows by ‘indy’ producers will do well. I see Justin and myself in similar spaces. We’ve actually been in the same room a few times, but I have still to meet the guy.

– Long time video blogger Steve Garfield says that soon we’ll all be able to broadcast video live from the street, with WiFi enabled mobile devices, faster upload speeds and integrated tools. Garfield described how he produced an online video show entirely with a pre-release Nokia N95 cell phone. In just 15 minutes during a train ride, he shot video, edited, inserted credits and added a music track. When he got to a WiFi point, he was able to upload the video to his blog. Cool stuff!

This will also be part of the future, not in the same entertainment way, but I think more in the political arena; watch a protest march in Albania instantly. Think of the movie “Enemy of the State”, the guy with the video tape is chased by govt agents. In the future, the guy who video phones the abuse will be racing to get to a WiFi hotspot.

Yes, there will be a niche industry in content created by phone videos, plenty to fill up YouTube, but its impact will be felt more in the political world. Plus, we’ll get to see lots of video phone of Brittany Spears.

– Jeremy Allaire, founder and CEO of Brightcove, talked about the importance of taking care of the content creator first and foremost.

I use Brightcove, and its good, but I’m not feeling any of this love Mr Allaire speaks of. I’ve gotten a few emails from them, but its far from a warm and fuzzy relationship.

– Dina Kaplan, founder and CEO of blip.tv, says 100K people watch zefrank — thanks in part to the close connection zefrank has with his audience. Bottom line, he has a community that adores him. …According to Kaplan, the future is all about the shows, with the playing field leveling.

I agree, my viewers and I have this close attachment also. I get emails from people in Scotland who ask how my dog, Henry, is. I can’t really put it in words as well as others can, but there is a definite connection. A recent email started with “Why am I not your best friend already???”

OK, so if Jeff Pulver invites me to Proof again for drinks, then invites me to VON again like he did this year, I will go. I will even speak, if asked.