--- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, Paul Knight <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Hi guys > > I would just like to ask some pretty straight forward questions to > all those associated with Node 101. This includes Michael Verdi, > Markus Sandy, Ryanne and anyone else who teaches Vlogging. I also > viewed Michael Verdi's (Anarchy video from May 2005). I don't have > any intentions other than getting some straight answers, I would like > you answer these questions as frankly as possible. I need to make up > my own mind on this and your answers will help. > > After viewing the Interview with Markus Sandy on Blip by 93mm, you > (collectively) are renowned for helping people to be able to vlog, > which is a good thing, but in the long term: > > 1. What are your objectives?
To encourage people to tell their own stories; to capture images and ideas from places around the world that don't get covered by mainstream media; to increase media literacy at the community level so traditional disenfranchised populations can have a stronger voice in civic discourse. > 2. Why do you want to take on the media? I don't necessarily want to "take on" the media; I just don't believe they have a monopoly on ideas, news, culture, etc. They shouldn't be the only game in town. Beyond vlogging, I'm very concerned about media concentration, particularly since the FCC started reversing cross-ownership rules a few years ago; the less diversity their is in media, the shallower our democracy. > 3. How much do you charge people to go on these courses? Most times I've done vlogging training I haven't charged anything, but that's because I often teach in low-income or disenfranchised communities. Other times, it's usually been an honoraria rather than a consulting fee. But as Node101 expands here in Boston, I plan to participate as a volunteer. > 4. Do you all still have jobs in the film/TV industry? My work in the media industry has always been somewhat ancillary. From 94-99 I developed grant programs for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; I then became a digital divide activist at the Benton Foundation, working occasionally on FCC media ownership issues. Documentary making was more of a hobby than anything else; my wife and I made a few documentaries when I was in college in grad school. Later, we made a doc on Thai boxing and managed to get actor Jason Statham to narrate it; we then sold it to the Nat Geographic Channel. My wife is in the industry - she works full-time on story development for Nat Geo; most of my current video blogging work is a hobby, though I occasional consult and do speaking engagements in connection to my work in the digital divide. > 5. How exclusive is Node 101, could I join and do the same over here? Seems like the operating principle is The More, The Merrier. > 6. How do you guys actually see the newbies such as myself, without > any media training, videoblogging? Depends on what you mean by "see." See as in "expect" or "imagine": I never received any training; I'm self-taught. The great thing about video blogging is that anyone with a camera and basic Internet skills can do it; that's why I'm such a fan of the medium. See as in actually watching newbies: I use iTunes and fireant; see who's posting what on the list; exploring sites like mefeedia, etc. > 7. Do you have ordinary jobs or do you actually work for or at Node > 101? Here in Boston at least, Steve Garfield has done an amazing job at motivating vloggers to get together on Sunday mornings. Personally, I've been a rather poor participant due to travel schedule and a sudden rush of baby-supply shopping. The meeting I attended had more than 30 people there sharing thoughts and ideas on video blogging - all of them there as volunteers. andy carvin www.andycarvin.com Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/videoblogging/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/