Archive for June, 2004

Today’s show deals with digital images and why size DOES matter. I talk to Jim Nelson of Agreda Communications. Jim and his wife deal with images and printing and file transfers every day. Included are some tips for digital camera users. Good for the summer vacation season. “Let’s email all our photos of our trip to Yosemite to Grandma!”

Today’s show was an interview with Dean Har of Paradym Systems. We talk about their customer engagement service that helps small and mid-sized businesses and organizations set up a conversation with their customers. The archive is posted.

In this interview we talk about how RTC works, who is on the board and what their next steps are in attmpting to implement concepts learned form the Tech Expo and other events. The archive is now posted.

Foma;;u gpt ;ast weel’s show posted: An interview with Chris Crawford for the Redwood Technoloyg Consortium about the Tech Expo that was held recently. Coming up this wekk will be part 2 where we discuss the RTC in more detail and some of the thngs the group is doing to promote the wise use of technology on the North Coast.

Three articles appeared over the past couple days indicate some important trends in online use and activity. First, after many years of promise broadband access if finally taking off with 42 percent growth last year.

Second, as more people spend more of their time online with their broadband connections, they tend to offer more of themselves such as photos, videos and other data intensive content. People are no longer just downloading content, but uploading content for others to download.

But people are also using their broadband in yet more interesting ways. Online gaming continues to change in unexpected ways.. People creating virtual worlds in which to live virtual lives. There is no Abu Grhraib prison in these virtual worlds.

At the same time all this heavy living is being moved to the Internet, the network is also expanding in other directions. Between wireless connections via laptops, mobile phones and PDAs and hooking up all kinds of devices and sources, the move to the network is relentless. We will soon be living in an Always On data mesh. As writer Dana Blankenhorn says, “In an Always-On network data can come from anywhere - from your heart, from your soil, from your refrigerator, from the very air. (Wouldn’t you like to measure the level of pollution in your house and then buy just-enough scrubbing to control it?) It can be processed anywhere it’s convenient. You can interface with it where and how it’s best for you - from a touchscreen or using your voice.”

We will eventtually be living in an all encompassing, always on data mesh. The questions are, how soon will this eventuality arrive and will we be able to maintain any sense of privacy in such a world?

My original idea was to have a live, 30 minute talk show about technology with some commentary and some interviews. While this would take some extra coordination, writing and pre-production, once the show was done it was done.

What I have now is a 5 minute or so segement within a half hour show. So, I still have to do the pre-production work, tape an interview and then take what is usually a 10 to 20 minute piece and edit it down to 5 minutes. It’s the edit that takes forever. And I have to rely heaavily on Charles Horn who actually does all the edits while I watch over his shoulder. It’s a difficult, time consuming process. We’re getting a little better at it, and I am slowly learning the technical aspects.

Without Charles I wouldn’t have a show at all. Charles has a job as Director of Development for KHSU, plus his own weekly music show. I am grateful for all the time he has volunteered to help me get started. He won’t be able to continue as things heat up for him in August. I hope I can find someone else to help.

Tomorrow’s interview is with Chris Crawford of the RTC. We review the Tech Expo that was held April 30 and May 1 at Redwood Acres. Tune in to The Homepage show, KHSU, 90.5 FM, 1-1:30 PM.

I’ve posted Part 2 of my interview with Mark Thomas if INRI. In this interview we discuss his search for the right site for his trial installation and the discussions he has had with local folks.