Going multi-media

Just in the last week I’ve gotten involved in a number of "podcasts" in the ACS here in California. Actually, they’re not exactly podcasts with RSS feeds to the public, but they will show up on our extranet called  The Link. People are beginning to realize audio can be a powerful tool. More importantly they’re realizing that new media are tools they can use, not just experts.

So I sat down an drew up a kind of outline/wishlist of what I think is necessary to support extending multi-media as an everyday set of tools.

1.
Empowering people
1.1
Audio and video are the new typewriter and ballpoint pen of the 21st century
1.2
Non-professionals can–nay, they must–learn to use the tools
1.3
Instructon is needed, not obstruction
1.4
Visionary management will pursue power communication, not 20th century traditions

2.
Equipment
2.1
A studio is not necessary although ok if affordable
2.2
Field equipment
2.2.1 Good quality digital, highly-portable recorder
2.2.2
Pro-sumer video camera
2.2.3
Supplemental microphone(s)
2.2.4
Supplemental lighting
2.2.5
Power laptop
2.2.6
Pro-sumer multi-media software

3.
Platform
3.1 Internet or extranet, if available
3.2
Supplemental hosting facilities for multi-media
3.3
More broadband at field level
3.4
Content management
3.5
Cheap headsets for office audience

It’s funny what obstructs using new media. In a meeting the other day we realized people didn’t feel they had permission to get on the internet in the office. Also, if you’re going to do audio and video you need headsets in the dreary cube-farms.