I was thrilled to create and present a panel discussion at PodCamp NYC this past weekend on the topic of Video Conversations. In recent months I’ve been an active user of Seesmic, which is both a tool that allows for connecting with friends and strangers via video, and a community. I was lucky to receive an invitation into the alpha (rather, pre-alpha!) testing stage of the site in October 2007, and have been amazed with how quickly and tightly I’ve come to know and bond with other users. Unlike YouTube, which is an all-purpose personal video hosting site, you typically would post to Seesmic a video of yourself, with the intention that viewers will respond and take the conversation further. In fact their tagline is “Join the video conversation.”

A PodCamp is an “unconference”, based around podcasting and podcasters, but also including social media and social networking. The idea is not just to attend but to contribute. I had attended my first PodCamp, in Philadelphia in September 2007, as a sponge, soaking up as much knowledge as I could. This time I felt I had something to offer, and realizing that many of my new “Seesmic friends” would also be attending, I decided to put together this session about Video Conversations. And what better format than a panel, a live version of the type of conversations we were having online? A panel that would hopefully answer the questions What? Who? How? and most importantly- Why?

There are other services that allow you to have a video conversation. Seesmic is the one I’m most familiar with and the community I’m most connected with, but it’s not really about one particular service, it’s about this new way to connect, what it is and where it’s going.

I’d like to thank the people who made this session what it was: Phil Campbell, Seth Eagelfeld, Mike Gaines, Patty Hartwell, Jeff Hinz, Dan Patterson, Christian Payne, and most especially Christine Cavalier who saved me when I had the wrong connection from MacBook to projector and who gave me feedback as I developed the session. Also thank you to the many other Seesmic users who attended the session, provided insight, and helped fill seats .

What follows are videos that were sent to Seesmic during the session. The first two were uploaded by Christian Payne (aka Documentally), the remainder by Patty Hartwell. At the end are the slideshow itself and a video I put together of responses to the question “What is the Future of Video Conversation.” If you watch nothing else (and I wouldn’t blame you, it’s a lot!) I encourage you to watch the video at the end.

Seesmic is still in testing and you can become a member by invite only. If you would like to join, register by leaving a video comment here, contact me at annie@pixelcurrents.com, or if you are on twitter you can follow getseesmic and send a DM request for an invitation.
Above image originally uploaded to flickr by Filmosity, aka ChrisCavs, used with permission.

Documentally Part One

Documentally Part Two

Patty Hartwell Part One

Patty Hartwell Part Two

Patty Hartwell Part Three

Patty Hartwell Part Four

Patty Hartwell Part Five

Patty Hartwell Part Six

Presentation slideshow

What is the future of Video Conversation?

I’m wrapping up work on my presentation for PodCamp NYC this weekend. The nerves haven’t kicked in yet, but I think that’s because I have great support both here and there. Pat’s been super supportive so I don’t have to worry about things here at home while I head to Brooklyn for a long weekend.

I’ll be driving in with my Philly friend Christine and we’re co-presenting both my topic, Video Conversations, and hers, Social Media Parenting. Moral & practical support for each other. We’ll also be rooming together, which is allowing both of us to splurge a bit. Even in Brooklyn, with a discount, three nights in NYC ain’t cheap. I’ve also got plans to meet a ton of people I’ve met online over the past year.

Now that the presentation is under control (and another HUGE THANK YOU to those who’ve agreed to be on the panel!) it’s time for the detail stuff. Like what the hell am I going to wear? This time of year is the most annoying clothing-wise. Too warm for sweaters, too cool for t-shirts. What’s a casual girl to do? Head to Kohl’s I guess! Nick needs some new clothes anyway, so we’ll have a mini shopping spree tonight.

Gotta make sure to gather up all the chargers, connectors, outlet strips for the MacBook, phone, Xacti, iPod… and hmm, maybe a backpack to make it easier to carry it all around.

I’ve posted a little more about what I’ll be doing at PodCamp over at Pixel Currents. If you are going and see me please say hi!