We’re just setting up now, waiting for the panelists and of course – the throngs of eager social media do-gooders that will be in attendance tonight.
Update: David Drucker is now here (arriving with John) and he and Dave are discussing David’s post about how the Hippies Saved Vancouver.
I just heard DaveO instruct John to write something down for the panel presentation, “it’ll be like one of those 1970’s game shows,” this is going to be fun.
Update: Things are underway, “so you’re thinking of podcasting eh? First of all let me tell you you’re INSANE,” states DaveO. “It’s one thing to produce content and it’s another to have it actually do something.” Dave starts by introducing the panelists and handing them each a special hat – no joke.
Dave’s first point is to note that the least important part is buying a bunch of expensive equipment and asks the panelists to express a few points about what people should think about when considering podcasting.
Rob: “I would ask myself – do I really care enough about this subject?”
John: “What will your level of commitment be? Are you going to be able to hear yourself and like what you’re saying?” “Are you going to be able to learn with each episode.” “Are you going to have passion?”
Roland: “Do it and don’t worry about how it goes – just try because you’ll find something. We’re all creative human beings.”
There’s a difference between making something for fun and making a big production out of something when it doesn’t need to be. “It’s not a bad idea to start on a hobby podcast before you get started on something other people are dependent on,” remarks Dave.
Update: We now get to the part where the panelists wrote key points on memo cards. John says the most important part is voice – and not necessarily the actual sounds but having your opinions and thoughts expressed. “With audio there’s very little distraction,” says Dave.
[Editor’s note: Roland is streaming this live on his Qik account]
Now what about getting to that first episode? Title, point of view (outsider/insider), the aesthetic etc. Dave notes that storytelling is paramount – it doesn’t need to be a 60 minute high-quality production, you can have your own narrative.
Dave points a few questions to John about soundseeing, which is basically walking around with a recorder and capturing sounds, and talking about what’s going on around you. “You’re going to forget stuff, you’re going to go off on tangents,” it’s okay to veer off your show notes or show plan as long as you tell that story. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
The last time I was at Metrotown it was to sit on Santa’s knee with Keira that also happened to be when first I noticed the little train carting young ones and their parents around the ground floor of the mall.
It wasn’t until recently that I discovered that the train provides more than mid-mall amusement (and seated rest) for the retail-weary and pretzel-loaded kiddies.
Registered non-profit organizations can now apply for cash donations made possible by the Metropolis Express, a trackless train that runs through the corridors of Metropolis. The Metropolis Express is entirely funded by Metropolis at Metrotown and rides are offered by donation to charity.
The train has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and they’re looking to expand their donation portfolio, offering to find new places to which they can pass along these funds. Here’s what they’re looking for in a non-profit:
Must be Burnaby, New Westminster or East Vancouver based and demonstrate a significant and unique contribution to community life.
Must be “grassroots” i.e. the money would make a significant impact on their operations.
Must not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, religion and sexual orientation.
Must be a registered non-profit organization.
Must have defined goals and objectives.
If you know of a local charity that could benefit from additional funds from The Metropolis Express, you can find contact information on their website.
My episode of The Lab with Leo was one of the last ones produced before the show ceased to be but I was very lucky and proud to be a small part of it all.
I admit, I was probably the most nervous I have been in a really long time when we recorded this segment. I’ve done podcasting, blogging, radio, and TV interviews before but it was something about this show and at this time that made me as shakey as a monkey in the middle of January (you know, cause it would be cold n’ stuff).
It did help though to be in the green room with Derek Miller, who had been on the show many times.
Five minutes goes by REALLY fast when you’re trying to sound smart with HDTV cameras in your face and I hope I sound somewhat intelligent.
As a side note, I was also interviewed by Fundfindr at the VIDFEST opening gala party at the Vancouver Art Gallery. You can view the clip which is entitled, “Bloggin from the Noggin” (which is something I’m proud to be doing) on their website.
Tonight I’m at Ceili’s Irish Pub (or SkyBar for those of you who remember this venue from a past life) attending and liveblogging two meetups that have been combined with one special guest speaker – Scott Humphrey, Peak Performance Strategist. The Vancouver Real Estate Tech Meetup Group (you wouldn’t believe how many real estate professionals are blogging and using the power of social media) as well as the Vancouver Young Professionals Meetup Group, which I suppose I could be a part of as well.
Raul is here networking and being his usual hummingbird self and I’ve just met Steve Jagger of Ubertor who asked me to come out tonight and has already supplied me with a beer (the man knows how I work). Larry just joined us at the table in the corner as well. More to come with the liveblog as the evening progresses.
Update: During the mingling session before the formal portion of this evening’s event there’s some talk about Vimeo penalizing and removing real estate content saying that it’s commercial, which is not allowed. This is similar to the issue I had with Blip.tv a while back when they deleted my company’s account due to some product screencasts saying it was too commercial. Thank goodness for Viddler is all I have to say right now.
Update: Tim Ayres, realtor and blogger from Sooke, BC the said over Twitter (with regards to the Vimeo issue) “All is resolved. I was told to avoid video walkthroughs/tours of properties for sale, but vlogging is OK.”
Update: Scott takes the stage and thanks everyone for being here and by being here we’re all stepping up and taking actions in our business (so we get a round of applause). He does over 500 workshops a year and does a quick “hands up” survey about effort, health, passion, drive, results and pay off in our professional lives. “Everyone here wants to make more money… everyone in North America wants to be healthy.” We need to be committed to results and achievements – “how many here are 100% committed to making more money this year? …and how many here want to take their health and energy to the next level?”
The key word tonight is “participation” – “how many of you here won’t raise your hands no matter what I ask tonight?” [Editor’s note: my hand went up – too busy typing]
Scott’s first pillar for creating extraordinary quality of life: Clarity. Where am I going, how am I going to get there and WHY? The second pillar is that you have to get the best tools and strategies. The third pillar is integration and action. Don’t have customers – have fans. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩
In this age of reducing, re-using and recycling it still isn’t easy to find someone to cart off your old couch, computer or dry wall after a home reno. Sure, there are companies out there that will haul away anything you can toss at them out the window but how do you know your semi-mint condition couch won’t end up clogging up landfills?
That’s where Vancouver’s own Fresh Start Recycling comes in. I had a chance to meet with their community relations/customer service guru Kara to discuss what exactly it is that they do, and why.
Founded in 2004 by Vancouver native Thomas Goodall, Fresh Start Recycling & Disposal Ltd. is committed to reducing clutter in your life while minimizing our impact on the environment by reducing the amount of material that goes straight to the landfill. [About – Fresh Start]
Fresh Start rents out bins for big home projects but can also take away your TV, computer, garden waste or furniture for safe and eco-friendly disposal – even flooring tiles get recycled. They also donate all re-usable items to non-profits like the Salvation Army with a main goal of having as little as possible going to the dump. The company also practices what it preaches, with all of its vehicles powered by natural gas.
They reach out across Metro Vancouver and yes, will even pickup your unwanted items downtown, which I have found can be an issue sometimes with disposal companies not wanting to bring their trucks into the core.
They’re currently in the process of rejuvenating their blog (hence reaching out to yours truly) but you can also find Fresh Start listed on happyfrog, “BC’s green directory and sustainability community” and through their Facebook page.
Update: David Drucker is now here (arriving with John) and he and Dave are discussing David’s post about how the Hippies Saved Vancouver.
Roland: “Do it and don’t worry about how it goes – just try because you’ll find something. We’re all creative human beings.”
The last time I was at 
