Fun Anymore

Why wait for a conference?

Image by sheiladeeisme via FlickrNew Media unshackles the notion of a broadcast schedule. Traditional media is waking up to this fact (hello, Hulu). Audiences have been there for a while (hello, TiVo). Conferences and conventions are getting into the act, albeit from their tech-savvy attendees (hello, uStream).

So what am I waiting for?

On the plane back from NAR2008, I sketched out an outline for 5 MORE Reasons Your Podcast SUCKS, and 5 Reasons You Suck on Twitter. My first two talks in this vein (Podcast & iTunes suckage) met with rave reviews when I presented them at Podcamp AZ. I just need a venue to give the talks.

But I already have one. I don’t need to wait for a “live” event, attract 100 or so folks to show up at a specific time and place, and hope someone catches it on video. I can produce the talks as new media files and use the Four Corners of New Media (I’ll define that in a future presentation/post) to give even more people a chance to see it.

(Of course, I’ll not turn down a live speaking invitation. If you’re looking for a dynamic speaker, give me a call!)

I am cognizant of diminishing value. You should be, too. That’s why when I give a live talk, I try my best to make it interactive. Interactivity is difficult to do with new media. At least, it’s not as seamless and efficient as it is when you are live with a crowd. And I think that’s the key difference. Yes, you may contract with me to come speak at your event. Yes, there may be an archived media file of me speaking on that topic right on my website, if not all over the webbernets. And yes, you could project said media file up on the Jumbo-Tron rather than fly me in. But people could only shout questions at the screen… and I doubt they’d get a response.

Props to Podcasting News for posting the article that got me thinking about this. It looks like I have some work to do.

Evo’s Dragon*Con Schedule

Just heard from the programming track at Dragon*Con. I was sorta hoping to avoid speaking on panels, but that’s just because I can be a cantankerous bastard on occasion. Looking over what they’ve got me doing, I’m pretty pleased.

Fri 01:00 pm - Podcasting Kick Off featuring the Brobdingnagian Bards
Come celebrate the third year of Podcasting: Now and Beyond at Dragon*Con. Catch up with some of your favorite podcasters, and kick up your kilt to the tunes of the Brobdingnagian Bards.

Fri 04:00 pm - Podcasting for Promotion
Podcasting has become a powerful tool to promote just about anything. Come learn about the different ways to promote your book, your music, your event or even yourself through the power of podcasting.

Mon 11:30 am - Podcasting Into the Future
Description: Where is podcasting going, where is it taking us? A look at the possible future of podcasting and how we can make sure to not be left behind. Look at the new technology and upcoming innovations.

Mon 01:00 pm - Talk Back to the Podcasters!
Description: Are you a rabid fan of podcasting or even a certain podcaster? Come go all “fan boy” on the podcasters. No question is off limits.

That leaves me wide open to run the PARTY SUITE Friday and Saturday night. I wish I could tell you what room it’s in… but I can’t. Big room at the Hyatt is all I know. Find any podcaster and ask, or travel over to where all the podcasting sessions are being held and ask someone there. We’ll put the word out as much as possible.

Oh, and if you see George Hrab at the event, go up to him and say “Vibraslap”. Then come tell me you did it. Hilarity!

I’m speaking at Ignite Phoenix August 12th

If you’re interested in some fun and eclectic talk, join me at Jobing.com at 6:00 PM on August the 12th. I’m kicking off the presenters at the first ever Ignite Phoenix event that evening. Speakers only have 5 minutes on stage, so even if something sounds terribly boring to you — relax! Or take a potty break.

Here’s the line-up of speakers for Tuesday evening:

First Act

1. Big Time Evo Terra

2. Peanut Butter Jelly Time! April Holle
3. RadiatePhx: Why having a vital downtown matters Claudia Bullmore
4. Running A Successful Coffee Establishment Austin Baker
5. O.B.G.I.T.R. Steven Shaffer
6. Do Social Networks merely help us build bigger silos? Steve Swedler
7. Get in Shape David Koontz
8. Storycasting Jeff Reid
9. Play with yourself (musically) and break through to the next level Sean Tierney

Second Act

1. Circ Jerk: Fear and Loathing in the Stacks Daniel Messer

2. 10 Green Biz Ideas For PHX Entrepreneurs! Tomas J Carrillo
3. Firewalking - Myth or Mastery? Vincent Kellsey
4. LIT 140: the public side of sharing a personal passion Ms. Heather Lynne Herr
5. Commerce: assistance for success Tiffany Frechette
6. Is living outside the United States right for you? Kevin Patterson
7. OCD: We Put the “Order” in Disorder M. Bahle
8. Pinhole Portrait Photography Sheila Bocchine

Be sure and RSVP to the event if you are going to come. It’ll be a hoot!