The Evolution of Online Video!

Within the last few years it has been amazing to witness the growth of online video. In 2010 people in the US watched a combined 500 million hours of video online. Personally, I watched everything online, either through Netflix, Hulu, or iTunes. I haven’t had cable for the past two years, which allows me to choose the shows I want to see, and watch them when I want to. Also, by avoiding a cable subscription I have saved about $50 a month, which so far has totaled over $2000. In addition to saving money, I have also had a much more pleasant experience. Sure the buffering can be annoying, but I’ll put up with it for the benefits.

My experience with online video, as well as my interest in video production has made me very interested in exploring the evolution of online video. I will develop a research paper for Evolutions and Trends in Digital Media that will focus on how online video started, current trends, and where it is likely to go in the future. By concentrating on this topic, I hope to gain an understanding that will allow me to explain the importance of online video. I also hope to use what I learn to create and promote a weekly show that will be distributed online.

 

Sci-fi, Technology, and Evolution

Science fiction is by far, my favorite genera of Entertainment. Dr. Who, Battlestar Gallatica, Farscape, Stargate, I’ve seen it all. The reason for my love of sci-fi lies in technology. The genera allows for an examination of what is possible with new technology, and by doing so, explores the positive and negative effects it can have on a species. Just as the cell phone was influenced by StarTrek, what we see today will be influential for the scientists and engineers of the future.  Unfortunately, I don’t have a Stargate, Sonic Screwdriver, or engineering degree, but I do have the ability to predict the evolution of technology.

This quarter in the Master of Communication in Digital Media program at the University of Washington, I am lucky enough to take Evolutions & Trends in Digital Media with Kathy Gill. Just as sci-fi allows me to imagine worlds of the future, this course will allow me to pursue my passion for exploring the future of technology. By analyzing technology’s past, present, and future, I will be in a position to help shape where it should go, and understand and explain why.

In addition to exploring the future of technology, I also have an interest in the production and distribution of online video. Over six years ago I started watching video podcasts like Diggnation and The Totally Rad Show. While watching, I realized that video had changed forever. Instead of watching programs when the networks told you to, you could make your own choice as to when you wanted to watch a program. Individuals could create their own content and bring in millions more viewers than many networks could ever achieve. The possibilities of online video inspired me to get into video production, and to also join the MCDM. I am looking forward to combining my passion for predicting the future of technology with my interest in online video.

*Tardis CC image by aussiegall

 

Multimedia Storytelling: Final Class

I am more than impressed with the presentations in Multimedia Storytelling. The Unplugged Sundays and He Said She Said were great. Good job everyone. The pacing was great and the stories were well told.

Thanks to my group for all of your hard work. The Real Social Guru turned out great. It is surprising how much work it was to shoot a three episode series.

I look forward to working with all of you in the future!

 

Why didn’t MTV’s distribution strategy work?

The biggest question that I came away with from my storytelling class tonight was this: Why did the MTV distribution model fail? It should have worked.  MTV allowed partners to embed its media player onto their sites. This should have increased viewership for all of their content, and by doing so they should have increased revenue from advertisers. Why didn’t this strategy work? Does anyone have any ideas?

 

The Future of the Web

Take a look into the future. There will be an app for that, not a cat for that!

 

Recap of Storytelling Class

So here is a quick recap of our class tonight:

Best. Class. Ever.

 

Hulu and the Holodeck

In preparation for their new Holodeck the crew of the Enterprise must learn from the mistakes of Hulu.

 

Old Media is Scary

We’ve got to talk. Old media must embrace new technology or they are going to end up like the recording industry. They are afraid and they cannot stop the change.

 

Everything is Fake!

Sorry my post is so late tonight, my wife and I have been discussing the fact that a lot the history American’s believe is fake. Tonight I learned that I must question everything much more than I already do. Rick Shenkman, the debunker of American history came into my storytelling class tonight.

Apparently you should question:

Plymouth Rock (no record of anyone ever landing at it)
Betsey Ross made the American flag
WW1/2 Footage
Liberty Bell

and much much more. Thank you for opening up my mind much more tonight.

 

My Secret Past!

It’s magical.