Random Stuff

Random stuff: social networking sites, short (but distant) vacations, and do-it-yourself film festivals.

• It started with Friendster, and recently Orkut has been all the rage. But really it isn't much more than a faster, more detailed and exclusive version of Friendster. Today I tried out Flickr, which is a bit different. There are the profile pages and such, but there is also a cool flash based-app at the core with allows for IM'ing and easy, easy photo sharing. The photo sharing seems to be at the heart of the application. There are also different levels of friendship available, from acquaintance up to soul mate. I don't have any pals there because I can't bring myself to invite anybody to these things. If you want to join though, go with your bad self.
• There is an article in the Times about the growing trend of Americans taking long weekends to the likes of Europe and Asia. The one thing that dismayed me in the article is the fact-nugget that Americans are taking less vacation overall these days. Wrong way, folks! But I am intrigued with the idea of these last-minute, far-flung getaways. I'll have to try it sometime. Who wants to come along? Bonus: The article has a quote from a high-school classmate!
• Stumbled upon a link for an iMovieFest up at WWU. Each residence hall forms a team to write, shoot, edit, and produce a 5-minute film in a five day period, using Mini DV cameras and iMovie. Then there is a big premiere night where they show the films at a theatre. As a former RA, it sounds like a totally awesome program! As someone interested in film and communities, I think this sort of idea could easily be translated off of the college campus. I've used iMovie before and it was super easy to make a great-looking product. That was 2 versions of iMovie ago! I think DV really puts a lot of filmmaking power into the hands of regular people, and I'm excited to see where it will go.

February 21, 2004 12:02 AM

Comments (2)

02/27: John said:

"Social networking sites?"

02/27: Bill said:

How else to describe Friendster and its ilk?