Monday, May 21, 2007

Users Choose TV Shows

What do you want to watch on television? Networks have spent decades trying to push shows on to the viewers through pilots and short series in hopes of creating a winner. Now, some networks are finding value in trying new shows out on the Internet in specially formatted "webisodes." Consider it the new pilot. The network can monitor feedback on the web. We all know news, good or bad, travels fast through blogs. If the buzz looks positive, the network may choose to air a few episodes. If not, they may scrap it altogether.

Jordan Levin, former CEO of the WB network explained, "we're shifting to a user-empowered era in which audiences take ownership of content." (See article: TV Pilots Crash, Fans Race to the Web for the Next Viral Hit .)

Consumers have always been savvy. The Internet places more control in the consumers' hands, giving the users a venue to voice opinions on everything from television shows to politics. If the television networks can utilize the Internet to better viewer experiences, then why not try an online sneak peak?

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Living a Web Life

You’ve probably noticed my lack of posts in recent weeks. I’ve been noticing the same phenomenon on other blogs as well. Must be Spring fever. I would say that life got in the way, but that sounds like life is a bad thing, which couldn’t be further from the truth. In the past month my non-work time has been consumed by hosting guests, moving, going to baseball games, and spending time with my family.

I am now caught up on my news feeds and it looks like the Internet is still the way of the world. People are still blogging and twittering and networking online. One guy (though I presume there are others) has managed to maintain an online presence while still living his life. Justin.tv is a perpetual video account of Justin Kan’s life as viewed from a camera strapped to his head. Interesting idea. It’s not for everyone. I’m pretty sure no one needs or wants to see my life in that much detail. It just goes to show that voyeurism will always provide some people entertainment.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

1.8 Million Species, 1 Site

I have a lot of web projects going on at work right now that range in scope and scale. All of it, however, pales in comparison to an upcoming undertaking called the Encyclopedia of Life.

Over the course of the next decade, the Encyclopedia of Life will be loaded with all known information about every species on the planet- all 1.8 million of them. Rather than appealing to a niche audience, it is aiming to be accessible by the masses. Information will be accessible at a level for scientists and six-year-old children, educators and those that are simply curious. According to their website, EOL’s goal “is to create a constantly evolving encyclopedia that lives on the Internet, with contributions from scientists and amateurs alike.”

We’ve changed a lot since the days of the door-to-door encyclopedia salesman. Here’s a video to whet your appetite.

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Travel to Galapagos Without Jet Lag



Traveling to Galapagos is on my “someday” wishlist. I’ve heard the wildlife and environment there are spellbinding. The travel, however, is long, expensive, and requires special permits.

Annie Ok offers an alternative, however, through her environmental design where she has created a virtual Galapagos in Second Life. Annie’s creations may not be enough to appease those of us that want to visit Galapagos, but they are quite breathtaking in their own digital right. You can see a full set of images on Flickr or visit Galapagos in Haenim, Second Life. Otherwise, maybe I’ll see you in the real Galapagos someday.