Video 101: Editing Basics from Vimeo Staff on Vimeo.
Happy New Year people! Here’s a lot of lovely useful links to kick-start the year with:
Vimeo Video School 101 – ‘Join the friendly Vimeo Staff as we cover all the basics of shooting and editing videos you can be proud of. We’ve handcrafted these lessons for beginners of all backgrounds, check it out!’ It’s a brilliant resource – incredibly simple, easy-to-follow instructions on the basics of shooting and editing short films for the web. Also includes step-by-step guides on the basics of editing with a PC (with Windows Movie Maker) and the basics of editing with a Mac (with iMovie).
Pete Ashton on The Future of Local – Pete is writing a series of posts for talk about local examining where local media is going next. There are two quite in-depth posts so far in the series on The Future of Local and The importance of The Commons, in which he concludes:
If we’re going to understand where local-oriented activity online is going to develop in the future I think we need to look at it in these terms. There was a revolution. It’s effects were felt but their importance was not fully understood and it’s by no means over yet.
3 ways to deal with content theft via RSS – Philip John’s response on Journal Local to the frustrations expressed by many community website managers such as Darryl of 853 Blog, William Perrin and myself at the My Village network populating its commercial websites with content from independent hyperlocal sites using RSS feeds. Daryl hit the nail on the head of many people’s feelings when he stated ‘I blog for many reasons, but propping up other people’s business plans isn’t among them.’ Philip’s reaction to the online debate was to ‘impart some wisdom on how you can try and protect your content’ – some simple steps you can take to prevent people using the RSS feeds of your website in a way you’re not happy with. My Village manager Roifield Brown has since apologised for the mistake and removed the content created by those who have complained.
Wannabe Hacks’ Hyperlocal Week – Wannabe Hacks are plannig a Hyperlocal Week on 31st Jan – 6th Feb. It promises ’7 days of specialised content looking at various challenges and advantages of the hyperlocal genre.’ They are looking to get as many websites involved as possible to generate a good conversation and content submissions. Contact them if you’d like to get involved.
Mass Observation Communities Online – Mass Observation has been recording everyday life in the UK since 1937 through diaries, questionnaires and observations. Some of this rich historical archive is available to purchase online. However the JISC funded Mass Observation Communities Online project (or MOCO for short), which took place April-September 2010, is a more recent addition to the archive which has ‘expanded on Mass Observation’s tradition by inviting community groups throughout the UK to develop an archive that reflects life in 21st century Britain.’ Groups and individuals from all over the UK were involved but those hailing from Scotland, Brighton and Cardiff might find it useful to delve through the online records, as there is a sizeable representation from these areas.
Evolving English: Map Your Voice – Evolving English are are after recordings ‘that capture the sounds of spoken English all over the world.’ So, using audioboo, they are gathering recordings of people reading aloud Mr. Tickle by Roger Hargreaves (here’s why). Try participating and encouraging others to do the same to help their research and maybe generate some fun content for your community website.
Digital Birmingham: Promoting the census with social media – Might you be able to use your community website to encourage local residents to take part in this year’s census?
The Midlands Media Awards 2011 – If you’re managing hyperlocal website in the Midlands region, consider a submission in the Community/Online Campaign of The Year category.