VBW07: Day 3 – Freedom

Today was a extraordinary day as Josh Wolf was released from federal prison after 7.5 months for contempt of court. He was the longest held American journalist in US history. Now that he’s out, he’s got a couple projects he will be working on. From his press conference today on the steps of San Francisco City Hall.

Brilliant “unauthorized” campaign ad

Whoever created this ad, knew exactly what he/she was doing. It resonates so powerfully with many people because it there is a kernel of truth to it. If Hillary Clinton wasn’t such a Democratic Party old guard robot, this ad would have never gained legs. Welcome to the Internet democratized era of politics. The machine can no longer control the message. It is going to be a very interesting year.

SXSW 2007 Wrapup

SXSW was amazing this year. Interactive was much bigger than last year, a sign the boom is back or something. Geek summer camp it was. I stayed a few extra days for Music this year, just to catch a little bit of the flavor. I got myself a wristband which enabled me to get into most of what I wanted to see. Almost every venue and street corner in Austin has a bad playing at all times. It’s quite insane really, but awesome if you love music. A highlight for me was seeing Pete Townshend in a small venue play acoustic guitar. He’s a spry and witty legend interacting with the audience and playing a few songs with other musicians who shared the stage with him that night. Here’s a clip I shot of Pete doing Drowned off of The Who’s Quadrophenia.

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The Future of Internet Video Panel



SXSW 2007
Originally uploaded by Laughing Squid.

My panel went well. Packed house, 400+ peeps, standing room only. Having Internet rock stars on the panel probably had a little something to do with that. Hoping someone shot video of it, I don’t think SXSW did anything official. PC Magazine did a nice summary of the major points we hit. No, we were not the only panel to drink ourselves silly throughout. I think MJ downed a bottle of Jack on her panel.

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In Austin for SXSW



SXSW 2007
Originally uploaded by Laughing Squid.

Kind of last minute, but I’m in Austin right now for SXSW Interactive. It’s been a blast reconnecting with friends from far away places. As has been said before, this is summer camp for Internet geeks.

Today at 5pm, I’m moderating a panel titled ‘What Does the Future Hold for Video on the Internet?‘. Panelists include Kent Nichols of Ask a Ninja, Micki Krimmel of Revver, Kevin Rose of digg / revision3 and Scott Watson of Disney Imagineering. We’re gonna shoot the shit about the heady futurism of online video as it relates to policy, audience, community and big media. Join us if you’re here.

Craig Newark is the (humble) man

I was lucky enough to first meet Craig some 10 years ago through the Noend mailing list when Craig’s List was still a local San Francisco trading post. He was humble then and he is just as humble now. If there is anyone who is the poster child of how to navigate lots of attention and scrutiny, yet still stay true to your core ideals, it is Craig. Humble, mild mannered, world changing, not a sell out, safe around children and pets, that is Craig. Kudos Craig and congrats for making an appearance on one of the best shows on television! Can’t wait to see what your Colbert experience will be like as well.

And here’s a little interview we did with Craig last year at SXSW in Austin. Wow, a lot’s changed since then.