Chris Smith Associates

The idea gets traction

I have been working on the EquiMar project for a wee while. It's all about standards or protocols for the marine renewable devices. So it was great to see this particular clip which shows American thought leaders in civic society are embracing the whole concept.

Death by powerpoint

Recently, I turned down the opportunity of broadcasting a series of executive powerpoint presentations to a grateful nation. I think I did the right thing. Part of my rationale was, given the media choices we have now, powerpoint may have a limited appeal. Then I chanced upon this video clip which says it all. Having sat through and probably delivered my share of such pitches; I would like to say - "there is a better way". Get in touch.

Human rights and personal video

This was an interesting piece I picked up via Digg. It strikes me that considered use of video with purpose and intent is the future. Having seen so many fads, think about CB radio and chatrooms; adoption is poised between novelty and sustaining usefulness. Are YouTube and handheld video moving away from dogs on roller skates towards something more relevant long term ? Difficult to say and an added factor is the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest. It's high production values and scale makes me wonder whether 400 x 264 pixels could do the justice to the audio and visual treat that Moscow provided. Tacky content but amazing staging. So the question in my mind is how do you select and shoot in the right scale with the right subject matter? We are not there but the journey has started.

Podcasts and the train

I am now a regular commuter to Glasgow. As everyone who knows me will testify, I am a big fan of public transport. It's possible to work and travel. Sitting on a train listening to an interview and making edit notes is a real benefit to a freelance podcaster. But, I also note that I am sitting amongst my audience. Sure, you can hear the percussive beats of Megaflangedeathbunnies from the young guy with long hair and R'n'B classics from the young woman sitting next to you; but there are an awful lot of people of 'certain years' who seem to be listening to something that might be audio books, might be intelligent speech or might even be plain old podcasts. Hugely reassuring when you consider the market this could represent.

Is the world ready for more TV...and less news

Last weekend I turned on the TV at midnight and heard the dreadful news about the shootings in Northern Ireland. Having spent some time in Belfast a couple weeks ago, I could fully understand the impact these events would have. Interestingly enough even then, our friends had been full of dark warnings about the possible escalation of violence and attacks. My surprise was this. The events took place around 9.40pm about 16 miles away from Belfast. The news coverage I was watching two hours later was still studio bound 'Breaking News". There was no coverage from the location. Not on BBC nor Sky News. The explanation from a media insider on Monday; "Everyone had the night off". Very soon, I won't be able to buy a newspaper. Very soon, I will have more digital content available to download at a time that's convenient to me. But it seems already today - here and now, I have news services that take the weekend off or just aren't there until the news has become history. Colour me worried.

Twitter and social media in general

Good golly Miss Molly, you have all taken your time to get here. Twitter has finally arrived mainstream and all the attendant nonsense is starting to appear. The words 'craze' and 'passing fad' are absent just now but for how long ? I have been on Twitter for a wee while. Cycling through Finland last summer, it was great to keep in touch with the local weather. However, now it seems to be turning into part stalker, part compulsion and part 'the next big thing'. Everyone I know seems to want to follow Stephen Fry. He's a nice guy but I am not just that nosey. And maybe I'm not that online. Anyhow, I am clearing a space in the garage for my Twitter accounts; the CB radio, the Rubic Cube and the hula hoops will have to make way.

Why blog...what's the point.

Here's the best example I have seen for a very long time. Bruce Springsteen committed a couple of paragraphs to describing the Superbowl concert. Love him or hate him; it's a compelling read.

43 Folders returns

Just a quick post to hail the return of 43 Folders, Merlin is a genius and if you haven't discovered Merlin Mann - you are in for a great treat. Part productivity guru, comic and podcast talent - he is a lot of fun. Put '43 Folders' in iTunes search and enjoy !

Community groups and practical action

Like a lot of people, we have a garden. We have fruit trees and every year the Buddha gets clobbered by the falling apples. I would like to know a lot more about looking after the trees, pruning and what I can do with the avalanche of apples and plums we can reasonably expect annually. Having spoken to Ellen at Wecan ; she helpfully pointed me at a local group; the Newburgh Orchard Group. So I went along to meet the Chair Caroline Guthrie to find out more. Naturally, I took the trusty recorder along for you to hear the conversation.

Download and listen to Caroline Guthrie.

Great application

I rarely come across applications that do anything for me. But I came across a little gem that is small and helps a keen photographer like myself. Go over to PicLens and see what you think. Thanks again to Leo and the Twitters for another great piece of advice.