Last weekend, i was pleased to present at WordCamp Whistler organized by my good pals Duane & Dale (of Brave New Code) and John and Rebecca (of sixty4media).

My spiel was called “Are you Worthy?” or ‘history of publishing from Greeks to geeks’. I also previewed my upcoming Moose Camp and Northern Voice presentations a wee bit.

Audio: Are you Worthy? DaveO’s spiel from Wordcamp Whistler (.mp3, 56M, approx 51:00)

Blurb:

The mighty power of web publishing should not be taken lightly. Traditionally, for stories to reach an audience required navigating layers levels or publishers, printers, editors, distributors but with WordPress, anyone can spread stories to a worldwide audience, instantly, for almost free. Awesome! But do you deserve this power? Of course you do – as long as you make something remarkable.

To make your work rise to the top requires diligent honing of your craft – from writing to photography. Writer and documentarian Dave Olson (AKA uncleweed) will offer reasons to push yourself to create art, as well as share practical methods for finding inspiration and following through to publication.

By exploring other forms of grassroots publishing, and exploring real-life WP examples, you’ll leave with a keen sense of your place in the history of personal expression, and a renewed vigor for making your best stuff ever.

Analog stuff at WordCamp Whistler by Miss604

Video: Kris Krug shot video of the whole presentation and posted it in a playlist in 5 segments for your viewing convenience – Video of Dave Olson Presentation – NerdCamp Whistler 2009 – huge thanks (will post the collection is a separate post). Kris’ blurb:

‘From Greeks to Geeks’ or ‘Are You Worthy?’ http://uncleweed.com/ Dave Olson (@uncleweed) gave a mind-blowing presentation at NerdCamp Whister (AKA WordCamp) about censorship, copyright, content creation, history, beauty, art, and the internet. These 5 videos are the 5 10 minute segments from his talk. If someone wants the pieces to string together please let me know and I’ll get them in your hands.

Tweets/Blogs: The folks really seemed to enjoy the schtick and highlighted favourite bits in Twitter reactions and blog posts. How about a sampler?:

hummingbird604: @uncleweed ’s conceptual Venn Diagram of the intersection of Awesomeness and Audience is here http://bit.ly/8IoN (expand) – #wcw09 Jan 25, 2009 01:06 AM GMT · Reply · View Tweet

nataliesisson: No 69 is my player number and it just came through for me as I won some excellent poetry from @Uncleweed at #wcw09 being attendee 69! Jan 25, 2009 01:13 AM GMT · Reply · View Tweet

arieanna: Powerpoint can kiss @uncleweed’s ass #wcw09 http://twitpic.com/16v8i Jan 25, 2009 01:14 AM GMT · Reply · View Tweet

gnb: #wcw09 @josiejose’s reproduction of @uncleweed’s venn diagram: The intersection of Awesomeness and Audience http://is.gd/h73M (expand) Jan 25, 2009 01:11 AM GMT · Reply · View Tweet

baronmunchowsen: not enough bands make colouring books anymore. That’s too bad. @uncleweed killing it at #wcw09. awesome. Jan 25, 2009 12:50 AM GMT · Reply · View Tweet

ericaha: ‘Anybody who has a story should be telling it.’ @uncleweed wcw09 Jan 25, 2009 12:42 AM GMT · Reply · View Tweet

Miss604: @uncleweed #wcw09 “instead of HTML and markup, I was using scissors and glue”

Jan 25, 2009 12:45 AM GMT · Reply · View Tweet

ColleenCoplick: @uncleweed quote “Ulysses was all over the motherfuckin’ bit torrent”. BEST QUOTE of #WCW09, hands down. Jan 25, 2009 12:31 AM GMT · Reply · View Tweet

WordCamp Whistler is Live | Fearless City24 Jan 2009 by raincoaster

And Dave Olson knitted together Aeschylus, Jack Kerouac, Guam, mimeographed punk fanzines, ice cream, heroin, and art in his presentation.

snickerdoodles: Word Camp Whistler…24 Jan 2009 by kerry macleod Here is a photo and poem from today’s final speaker Dave Olson. One of the few I actually followed and understood completely the whole time. He had real props like books.

Random stuff from WordCamp Whistler 200925 Jan 2009 by John Dave Olson ended the day with his talk and had the entire audience hanging on his every word. He invited people to sit up front and close since he wasn’t using the projector…and lots did. It was a great session to end the conference

by Graham Ballantyne

by TylerIngram

Ianiv and Arieanna

same as above

Thanks to all you came and listened.

With the Canucks mired in a futility streak, BC Almanac invited me down for a chat on the popular CBC Radio 1 afternoon radio show “B.C. Almanac”. I’ve appeared on a the show before along with On the Coast, and really enjoy going to the Ceeb and sharing my punditry with my fellow Canadians.

During this segment, I fielded calls from Canucks fans around BC (Penticton, Nanaimo, Fort St. John … ?) including 85 and 87 year old gentlemen who both brought good conversation and veteran savvy. Topics included coaching, Pat Quinn, Sami Salo, Ryan Johnson, Mats Sundin, chemistry, mediocrity, and psychology.

My amigo Bread the Producer recorded the segment and one of the production crew snapped a photo of Mark Forsythe and I chatting during an on-air break.

What’s Wrong the Canucks? – Canucks Outsider on BC Almanac, CBC Radio 1 (21:24, .mp3, 10MB)

Cross posted at Daily Vancouver as: High-Flying Canadian Snowboarder Crispin Lipscomb – Olympic Outsider podcast #9

Recorded at the post-Turin Olympic flag tour in May 2006, top-placing Canadian half-pipe snowboarder Crispin Lipscomb talks to host Dave O about his Olympic experience, pre-race rituals and 2010 plans – plus offers insight into the Whistler lifestyle, future of the sport, and how to help young boarders.

Download High-Flying Canadian Snowboarder Crispin Lipscomb – Olympic Outsider podcast #9
(.mp3, 8MB, 9:53)

Subscribe:
Olympic Outsider podcast – iTunes – http://feeds.feedburner.com/olympicoutsider/
Canucks Outsider podcast – iTunes – http://feeds.feedburner.com/CanucksOutsider
More Dave O podcasts and writing ]]> http://feasthouse.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/dusting-off-the-podcast-archive-for-an-olympic-outsider-episode/feed/ 1 uncleweed crispin lipscomb http://feasthouse.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/beers-seabus-and-fave-podcasts-feasthouse-podcast/ http://feasthouse.wordpress.com/2008/10/27/beers-seabus-and-fave-podcasts-feasthouse-podcast/#comments Tue, 28 Oct 2008 04:08:57 +0000 Dave O http://feasthouse.wordpress.com/?p=484 ]]>

In response to Dave Delaney (davemadethat.com)’s meme-like inquiry about favorite podcasts – What are you listening to? A podcasting meme – I sit on the rocky banks of Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet drinking a St. Ambroise beer and extol a list of faves podcasts with reasonings and anecdotes about each.

• Dopefiend.co.uk w/Dopecast, Psychonautica, Lefty’s Lounge, Black Beauty’s Bungalow
• Clubside Breakfast Time
• Radio Zoom
• Psychedelic Salon
• Cory Doctorow’s Craphound
• Scarborough Dude
• plus selections from the CBC – Dispatches, Search Engine, Vinyl Cafe and BBC – In Our Time
• and Mosquito Leg Chimpanzee

“What podcasts do you listen to?” podcast (.mp3, 7:07, 6.6.MB)

Dave’s instructions told me to tag 5 people but that sounds kinda heavy so comment and chime in if you want – no big whoop.

Here are some of my podcasts:
Choogle on with Uncleweed – Counter-culture hi-jinks – Feed – iTunes – Blog

Canucks Outsider – Vancouver Hockey Podcast – Feed – iTunes – Blog

Out n’ About with Uncle Weed – Travelin’ man vidcast – Show – Feed – iTunes

Postcards from Gravelly Beach – Spoken word literature – Feed – iTunes – Blog

Olympic Outsider – Winter Sports/culture – Blog – iTunes – Feed

At Vancouver’s personal expression conference, Northern Voice 2008, i presented my (semi-infamous) spiel “Fuck Stats, Make Art” to enthusiastic reviews [Sweet Nectar of Validation - NV08 wrap up, reviews and podcast] and then spent the afternoon with my dear colleagues from The Crazy Canucks podcast discussing our role as independent chroniclers of the NHL hockey team and the thrills and problems we face along the way dealing with team management, credentials (or lack thereof), and the reasons for producing grassroots, fan-powered media.

Alanah of Canucks and Beyond posted this video of me (representing Hockey NW, home of the Canucks Outsider), J.J.of Canucks Hockey Blog, and the blogging Bollwitts: John (Radio Zoom) and Rebecca (Miss 604) yakking it up. My posture is horrible but the conversation is likely compelling enough for a listen for media pundits, hockey fans and social media enthusiasts.

Notes from NV08 wrap up

Also a lovely treat to riff with my Crazy Canucks colleagues in the Sports Blogging and Podcasting panel. This rag-tag group grew into a team over the past 61 shows and the panel was as easy and intuitive as the podcasts. We know each others strengths and are “giving” to one another in the conversation. The questions in the session were great and show a real understanding of the weird tension we have with the “official”ness of the Canucks and the trade off of objectivity and creative control vs selling out.

Alanah and JJ live outside the Vangroovy tech industry bubble and run the two most popular Canucks blogs out there. Alanah’s is famous for drunken live blogging which is no surprise why she ranks #1 for drunken canucks fan. JJ is the people’s ambassador to GM Place – walking the concourse with him is a task as he’s stopped more often than Mike Weaver would. And of course my good buddies the Bollwitts – the Vancouver blog and podsafe music podcast darlings.

Really truly pleased to read all the kind words from folks who rolled by my Northern Voice presentation F*** Stats, Make Art – sorry for messing up your SEO mojo with the inappropriate title ;-). To all who showed up, thanks! Really a treat to see so many friends, heros, colleagues and new friends smiling back – makes doing my “Dave O Show” a blast.

I really dumped my guts into my spiel about making art with the mighty tools at our disposal. With a group of opinionated, smart and savvy folks, I wasn’t sure if my message would be redundant or met with indifference or confusion. The resultant cavalcade of positive remarks suggests I articulated much of what i set out to share.

Hmm … what do I come up with for next year? As per the convo percolating at Nancy White’s post, perhaps a creative arts track of some kind is in order. As for me, I’d very much to learn about the other part of the publishing business which i know very little about – agents, distribution, editors and all that. Remember tis important to know much fu!

As for creativity, no one expresses artistic passion at NV like Rachel Ashe, three years back we shared a Barefoot-hosted panel with Capn’ Ajax and a Ms. Yarnageddon, last year she snapped very thoughtful diptychs of photos of artists and their tools. This year was light painting – she rallied up some helpers and armed with a bushel of gadgets created some positively psychedelic works. Spiral Godess is my NV hero!

Also a lovely treat to riff with my Crazy Canucks colleagues in the Sports Blogging and Podcasting panel. This rag-tag group grew into a team over the past 61 shows and the panel was as easy and intuitive as the podcasts. We know each others strengths and are “giving” to one another in the conversation. The questions in the session were great and show a real understanding of the weird tension we have with the “official”ness of the Canucks and the trade off of objectivity and creative control vs selling out.

Alanah and JJ live outside the Vangorrvy tech industry bubble and run the two most popular Canucks blogs out there. Alanah’s is famous for drunken live blogging which is no surprise why she ranks #1 for drunken canucks fan. JJ is the people’s ambassador to GM Place – walking the concourse with him is a task as he’s stopped more often than Mike Weaver would. And of course my good buddies the Bollwitts – the Vancouver blog and podsafe music podcast darlings.

Digression: The day following NV, the Crazy Canucks met up at the rink for concourse podcasting at the Open practice. We hung out with the Ultimate Canucks Search guys and Kent from We are all Canucklehads podcast, enjoyed many laughs, coffees and interviews. More in the The Pressure Cooker! – Canucks Outsider #61 and TCC#61 – Searching for Ultimate Canucks at the 2008 Open Practice.

Mighty Thanks to the kinds people who organized the event. I’ve becomes great friends with some of these diligent inclusive and inspiring peeps and truly enjoy learning more about their many skills and noble dedication to knowledge sharing. I encourage others to step up and help out driving the vision of the event going forward. Special thanks to KK, Boris and Roland who (unbeknownst to them) served as sounding boards for bits and pieces of my presentation in progress. Their reaction, diatribes and riffs helped my schtick for the better.

So if you’ll pardon me, … for the self-indulgence file, here’s an annotated NV08 roundup for personal archeology (in no particular order):

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F*ck Stats, Make Art (daveo) – AUDIO!!! Recorded, Levelated, and added by Cosmo

{Note: Last year’s podcast presentation induced the creation of yet another podcast feed which features all my odds and ends which don’t fit elsewhere from marketing lectures to sound seeing strolls. This is now a series i guess.}

Subscribe Ephemeral Feasthouse podcast feed

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More pimping of the Northern Voice posted by Carol Browne at 1:59 PM on February 23, 2008

After Matt’s talk, I sat in Dave Olson’s session called “F&*% Stats, Make Art. He’s clever and funny. Dave’s big into the podcast side as well. I also spoke to him briefly after he spoke – very gracious.

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IndieScribe – Liveblogging Northern Voice blogger con, part deux »

Dave Olsen rules. He is swearing too. He is swearing so much his talk is called “f— stats, make art”. He stresses that we should put our hearts into our work, otherwise what we are doing is just bullshit. And that we need to start really caring about what we are creating. On and control your transparency; because he doesn’t really want to know all that shit about you. All humor aside it was an inspiring talk, Olsen stressed that we should get back to ourselves “people say that if you want to be an artist you need to go to art school – bullshit – study yourself” states Olsen. Find your craft and take it seriously he states, and there is a big difference between typing and writing. (Dave Olsen)

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dave olson: blogging and creativity Isabella Mori change therapy

today i want to tell you about the session that touched me the deepest. it was dave olson’s “f**k stats, make art”. miss 604 has a great synopsis of it, and you can find my notes at the end of this post.

one of the things that became very obvious for me after dave’s presentation was sadness/frustration/disappointment that i had abandoned my practice of doing at least one piece of “artful writing” a day, no matter how short, kitschy or silly. dave may just have just stirred me enough to go back to that.

so i ended up writing two poems and would like to dedicate them both to dave.

thanks to dave olson, no. 1

a concussion of the most
mindful sort
comes over me as i indulge in these
northern voices.
poems must be written,
suns must be risen,
earths must be quaked
in this pyramid of
gentle thoughts
– not just yours,
not just mine –
that shake up this world.

{note: Thanks so much for the lovely work! }

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raincoaster - Northern Voice Blogging Conference stream of consciousness debrief part 1: Moosecamp

I did one last year on Stats: The Forbidden Love, and given that this year there was a talk on “Fuck Stats: Make Art” maybe it’s time for another one. After all, they are independent principles, not antagonistic. And Oscar Wilde cared passionately about his stats, you just know it.

{Note: This is a sweet piece of prose!}

But I must admit, even as an Egalitarian of long standing, that there is something wrong with a world in which grown men are not ashamed to admit they’re too scared to go into neighborhoods that don’t frighten a woman. They looked me in the eye, one after another (the men, not the eyes; mine are virtually on top of one another, except the ones I keep in the freezer) and told me that the Gallery Gachet wasn’t in Gastown, it was (horror of horrors!) in the Downtown EastSide (although the out-of-towners called it the Lower East Side, presumably thinking it was a wormhole to Manhattan or something). As if Gastown were an idyll of upper-middleclassdom, which it is not and never has been. The people who work in Gastown are convinced it’s a postcard and that the bums and junkies they see on the street each day are “spillover” from the Downtown EastSide, just on the other side of Maple Tree Square. That the junkies, streetwalkers, and bums have been there since 1860 never seems to occur to them and, day in and day out, they remain convinced that it is the down and outs who are the anomaly, not the chino-clad technologists and graphic designers.

{my comment}

After catching yuppie cooties at the Lame-lighter, i led a rag-tag gang (past the endlessly sprouting fancy furniture stores) on a late-night foray to the Gachet where we imbibed and roasted til the last Seabus sailed. Dig what they are brewing up there for sure.

PS My spiel about the fucking of the stats and so on … was more about inspiring folks to step it up and reap validation from producing quality work which evokes passionate responses rather than settling for the saccharine pleasure of statistics. There is some audio of my pontifying somewhere.

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Northern Voice: Fuck Stats, Make Art

Have I mentioned before that our pal Dave Olson is awesome? He’s here to talk about how Art Makes the Future. History may have been forged by popes and generals but the only reason we KNOW about it is because someone took the time to write and paint about it.

{Note: My pal Miss604 took attentive notes which resemble my own scribblings – which i’ll post once i recall where i stashed the bits}

Comments from Miss604’s post:

Tod Maffin Best talk so far. Totally inspiring.

Stephen Rees I had three pages of scribbled notes in my moleskin to transcribe. It seems to me that you got the spirit if his – very impressive – presentation.

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Full Circle Associates connections for a changing world, online and offline…What I missed at Northern Voice Nancy White

There were two sesssions I really wish I had not missed. One was Dave Olson’s F*ck Stats, Make Art Dossier.

Apparently, Dave was on the same stream as our “Writing on Walls” session – tapping into our creativity. I’m glad the session was recorded and blogged. It was interesting to see that there were quite a few sessions that pinged on a central core of creativity.

{my comment:}

1. Indeed Nancy, i’d hoped to hang out in your arts and crafts funtime and enjoyed seeing lots of creative hi-jinks going on. Not sure if you remember but you made a great “podcasting lunch” sketch for my amigo Cosmo and i at Mindcamp 1.0 in Seattle. I also enjoyed your ’symbolic word poetry remix’ wall.I wish you could’ve stopped by to enjoy my schtick (and i’d have enjoyed your input for sure) but gratefully the recording and remarkable notes will tide you over til next year. With all these common themes emerging … How about a “analog expression” track? I was also displeased being up at the same time as Monique’s preso about books and writing and missing Alan’s tour de force ~ sigh.

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Facebook Wall round-up (used without permission with my pardons):

Keith Bao wrote at 5:19pm
“Know Much Fu”I f*@!k’n dig this!!!!!!

Refreshing and honest, down to the core.
It was an honour to be there listening.

Kris Krüg wrote at 10:23am

fuck stats make art rocked.
upgrading heros in progress.

Ariane Khachatourians wrote at 4:56pm yesterday

I’m home sick today and have been listening to back episodes of Postcards from GB for the last hour or so…listened to the most recent one twice cause I liked it so much :-)Ditto on the session motivation. Totally inspiring.

Alexa Booth wrote at 2:18pm yesterday

yeah agree with @victoria, I feel teh motivations too

Victoria Potter wrote at 1:10pm yesterday

hey man. I really enjoyed your NV talk. consider me officially motivated.

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Victoria Potter Northern Voice 2008: Done Like Dinner February 25, 2008

I had expected something bordering on more technical, but still had a good [and informative] time listening to all the speakers; including my friend Stephanie’s talk on design, and Dave Olson (aka. uncleweed) and his Fuck Stats Make Art motivator.

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Bob’s Blog Get there faster. Am I too old for Northern Voice?

There were two more sessions that were seminal. First, Dave Olson producer, writer and visionary gave a great talk about the need to make art, not stats. Truly great rant that put a number of things in perspective for me. We get so caught up in the techno, the art suffers. It shouldn’t. And if Dave has anything to do with it it won’t. When everyone seems bent on promoting wikis, blogs, 3rd Life and all the other accoutrements, Dave was extremely refreshing. I would suggest you follow his work. This guy is truly unique.

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Blog the Fire Alicia Northern Voice 2008

After looking at the schedule the first thing I saw was the Sports Blogging and Pod Casting. Which I am very excited about because that is the Industry I want to have a career in. I have heard about the speaker Rebecca Bollwitt from many people and with not a lot of women on the panel, I am quite excited!I think another session with Dave Olson will be interesting F*** Stats,Make Art which seems like my sort of thing and will be a good discussion.

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Northern Voice 2008 Wrap Up John Biehler

Dave Olson also had an outstanding session about making art instead of worrying about “fucking stats”. Looking forward to hanging more with these guys in Austin real soon.

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Northern Voice Stephen Rees Yet another blog for me

If you missed it, plan to go next year and book early. Maybe next time they will have decent coffee, enough food for lunch and somewhere to hang your coat up. But these are minor quibbles. Excellent presentations today from Matt Mullenweg, Marc Canter, Dave Olson and Alex Waterhouse Hayward.

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My dear amigo Chris Heuer rocked some photos

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At the tiki party, I read 4 pieces of freeverse findable at Mountain Highway:

Waiting Only Twice a Day

standing up already

Pulling to the strait

All the secrets just vanished

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{Note: After an appearance at the pre-party, sadly K-A wasn’t able to roll to the learning-fest}

NO NV08 FOR THIS CHICA

I was really looking forward to meeting a lot of bloggers whom I’d only read or heard about, as well as picking up a few tricks of the trade for myself.Hope to catch up with her at the Green Living show for happyfrog’s frogblog – IT’S ALL GREEN, IT’S ALL GOOD

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Northern Voices 2008 Dana Oshiro meme.ca

Dave Olson’s podcast features a rousing rendition of the Canadian national anthem, his antics in Amsterdam and an impromptu longboard hockey game at the University of British Columbia’s Chan Centre.

{note: the Canadian anthem referenced is a humorously lackluster rendition from the Canadian Little League championship in Whalley, Surrey BC – fortunately i keep better versions in the feed too ;-))

I’m spoiled because new product demos are a dime a dozen in SF. I’m less interested in the technology available than I am in the way it is used. For this reason, my favorite presenter was a fellow I’d never heard of, Dave Olson.Dave Olson is a bit of hoser. He produces the Canucks Outsider Podcast, published a grade school punk zine featuring D.O.A and publishes Uncle Weed- a marijuana lifestyle blog and podcast. Olson’s lecture, entitled, “Fuck Stats, Make Art” was a welcome change from the widget wankery preached at most conferences. Olson entertained with embarrassing childhood anecdotes while still managing to deliver a great message.

He argues that somewhere in the process of monetizing and analyzing the web, content producers have sacrificed their need to create art and have fun. In essence, they’ve become meta-douches. It seems Dave Olson is putting the passion back into publishing and as long as this hoser keeps giving ‘er, I’m behind him 100%.

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TechVibes Greg Andrews Dave Olson on art, blogs, self expression, and redefining success

Dave Olson commanded a pre-lunch time slot with his rousing, bullet-point-free presentation entitled “F*ck Stats, Make Art” at Northern Voice 2008. “Art makes the future” Dave states. What we know about history is based on art, because someone chose to record it. Technology changes our focus on what art is. Oil paints were a technology revolution that allowed post-impressionist painting. The Internet has lowered the bar immensly for the distribution of art, but the most popular content seems to be the least meaningful, most simpleminded things like “some guy dancing around the world“.

Dave goes through a brief history of things he has created over the years: from a photocopied punk rock fanzine, through paintings, poetry, photography, writings, and now podcasting. He contrasts craft vs. art: you can take pride and enjoyment in your craft, your day job, but the meaningful personal expression comes through in art. Embracing translucency, instead of transparency, is his policy. No one cares to hear minor details of your life, and there should be things you don’t want to share, but you do want to put your whole self in the work. “Declare your story” and talk about what you create; “put the log back in blog”.

A slide with Google’s Larry Page and Sergey Brin pops up, and Dave goes into redefining success. Validation can be found from things other than stats, such as reader/listener mail and feedback. Success is for each person to define for themselves. Hold yourself to high standards and maintain your reputation. Hunter S. Thompson is referenced, in that he could write anything because he was very good at it. Rewards will come, possibly when you’re dead, but good art will have longevity. The presentation concluded with a standing ovation.

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I’m Taking the Northern Voice Challenge! Richard Eriksson Who Challenged Me At Northern Voice

Whether they knew it or not, intended it or not, the following people challenged me to think a little harder about creativity and craft. People close to me wonder why I don’t identify as being creative. The following Northern Voice speakers have me wondering too.

Dave Olson challenged me to step it up a notch, and to consider another media form if I’m struggling at the one I think I’m good at (writing). Podcasting, maybe? I don’t like the sound of my own voice, so that strikes video out as well. Photography is the medium I sunk the most into already, so I will try to bring the SLR to more places, make the same mistakes everybody makes when they start out, and document the process better. I’d like to learn how to draw. And sing. Outside of the conference, he remarked that he likes to find a third place, away from work and away from home to be creative. This has me thinking of the ideal place to work somewhere (and on something) not domestic and not commercial, but somewhere in between.

(I know that my desire to learn how to sing directly conflicts with the angst about hearing my voice, so don’t bother pointing that out.)

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Marketer deluxe Jordan Behan of Strutta (who just unveiled their secret powers) My Northern Voice Wrap-up

My favorite presentation of the weekend wasn’t about blogging at all, but rather a homage to making art; a visually stunning and clever rant by my good friend Dave Olson entitled “F*ck Stats, Make Art.” A standing ovation followed his talk, and I think I was first on my feet.

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Who’d I miss? Post a link to join the muster roll. Thanks again to all for the kind words – i look forward to seeing what you brew up! Keep an eye and i’ll post my notes or slides or something, sometime, maybe …

I’ve replenished the Olympic Outsider podcast series with an episode called The Duff Man! – Olympic Laughs with the Superhero Skeleton-ist Duff Gibson – Olympic Outsider #8 over at 2010.dailyvancouver.com. Coming next is an interview with half-pipe snowboarding star Crispin Lipscomb.

Duff Gibson and Gold Medal in Vancouver, BC, May 2006, photo by Dave O

Here’s the description to the 10 minutes podcast to encourage you to checkit out:

Torino 2006 Skeleton Gold Medalist athlete Duff Gibson chats with Olympic Outsider host Dave Thorvald about having a beer named after him, life as a Calgary fireman, being Canada’s (and the world’s) oldest gold medalist, training for technical and speed courses, the Whistler track, athletic challenges and the future of the sport at an Olympic rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery in May 2006.

Subscribe:
Olympic Outsider podcast – http://feeds.feedburner.com/olympicoutsider/

Canucks Outsider podcast – http://feeds.feedburner.com/CanucksOutsider

More Dave O podcasts and writing

In a collection of transitory reminiscences, Dave O rolls on from rainy North Van by taxi down venerable Granville St. down the spine of to YVR with indigenous dioramas. Then travels by plane to Gatwick Airport, continuing via train to Victoria Station, then by another taxi to Piccadilly Circus passing notable London sites along the way. And recapping visits to New York neighbourhoods, San Jose developments, importance of stimulating road literature, podcast faves, outstanding Vancouver activities, worthy podcasts, street music, thoughts on going with the flow, healthy breakfasts and provocative TV in London.

Come along for Taxi Flashbacks Towards Gatwick – Ephemeral Feasthouse Podcast (.mp3, 58:08, 47MB)

Topical Recap:

Literature for the road – James Joyce’s “The Dubliners,” Haruki Murakami, Samurai William

Podcasts with goodness – Dick n’ Jane’s, Radio Zoom, CBC Dispatches, Dopefiend, BBC In our Time

Vancouver Conundrums:

Canada RAV line/ Cambie St.

Civil City ordinances in Vancouver – ‘Progress’ report about the Civil City

From theTyee.ca

Mayor Sam Sullivan called former provincial attorney general Geoff Plant’s report “very impressive” and his fellow NPA councillors joined in the praise. The minority Vison/COPE faction continued to worry the project could criminalize poverty and called Plant’s work a waste of time and money.

The Civil City project passed last year calls for the elimination of homelessness, the open drug market and aggressive panhandling, starting with 50 per cent reductions in all three by 2010.

BC Province buys Vancouver SRO hotels

Vancouver Activities:

Pitch and putt courses

Lynn Valley Suspension bridge

Miss 604’s Cheap and Fun Vancouver Activities

Vancouver fireworks

Commercial drive Car-free fest

More New York, San Jose and London podcasts:

Greenwich Village Rooftop NYC Diesel Smokedown – Choogle on #40

NYC Speakeasy Stroll with Bubble Bands and Falafel Bars – Choogle on #45

Stoney Streets of San Jose (with California Medicine) – Choogle on #41

Interrogating a Russian over Drinks – Choogle on #50

Hemp for Victory with Author Kenyon Gibson – Choogle on #52

London Town Wander Night – Choogle on #46

Anarchy and Fungi in the UK – Choogle on #42

Joints on Brighton Beach with Dopefiend and Freakout – Choogle on #38

Meandering Past Monuments of Remembrance – Postcards #49

The only evidence of Dave and Trauben as youthful lads in London, circa 1992

Music:

Clayton the Seabus Busker

+ other unidentified buskers and Larry Harper

Wandering around enjoying community entertainment along Commercial Drive during the Parade of Lost Souls festival during the pagan Halloween in Vancouver, BC, Oct. 2007. Features drums, fireworks, mariachis and conversation snippets.

Follow along on Aural Wanderings at the Parade of Lost Souls (.mp3, 30MB, 37:35)

Photo by Ianiv & Arieanna

DJ Snailmail and DJ Anon discuss Letters from Russia with writer Dave Thorvald Olson on the WriteNow! The Art & Action of Letterwriting show, Dec. 2007 on Santa Cruz Free Radio – Low-power unlicensed station – also streaming live.

Tune in to: Letters from Russia on Santa Cruz Free Radio (.mp3, 57:07, 26MB)

Thanks to DJ Snailmail and Bread the Producer

In my blitzkrieg of personal socialized publishing catchup, i came across a recording spontaneously spieled while riding the bus from North Van to Surrey in Oct. 2005 shortly after relocating to my beloved harbours, trees and parks. I talk about three big writing projects which are moving verrryyyy slowly but are moving (a couple of them anyhow).

DaveO Writing Project Ideas (.mp3, 12:17)

Specifically the ideas are:

* a collection of short stories about quitting jobs (many) in rather creative ways and heading out on adventures – tentatively called “Quitting Jobs” – i often recollect new ones i had forgot about too …

* a novel “Elsewhere” being a first-person narrative about finding a place and meaning for a generation between the cracks in the early 90’s – (loosely based on notes and scribblings from a summer on Dead tour including a hostage incident in New Mexico)

* “The Diamond Merchant” – a (funny) screenplay about the double-life of a owner of a chain of mall jewelry stores and his dubious, international exploits running both ends against the middle – add hoodwinked Nigerian spammers and Russian roulette in Thailand (wait hasn’t that been used?) and chaos ensues.

Continuing on with promos for Max Freakout’s Psychonautica podcast on the Dopefiend.co.uk podcast conglomerate, here’s one with Uncle Weed and the Dopefiend pushing the goods to the people recorded at the Dope Den in South East London in June 2007.

Of course you are subscribed to his show (along with the rest of Dopefiend.co.uk’s offering) but for my own benefit (and Max’s), here’s the clip.

Uncleweed and Doepfiend Promo for Max Freakout’s Psychonautica (.mp3, :14, >500K)

My endless quest continues with me tidying up my massive stash of audio files before they ferment into too-heady a’ brew. This leads me today to a promo file for Max Freakout – a wise and adventurous chap living in Camden, the counter-culture conscience of London. From his flat – and environs around – earnest Max dispenses his knowledge of headtrips and philosophy alike for the eager multitudes tripping out to the Psychonautica podcast (with help from KMO in Arkansas) on the Dopefiend.co.uk podcast conglomerate.

You should just subscribe to his show (along with the rest on Dopefiend.co.uk) but for my own benefit, the clip is here.

Uncleweed Promo for Max Freakout’s Psychonautica (.mp3, :19, >500K)

If you don’t listen the Scarborough Dude’s podcast dicksnjanes [A rambling kinda talk about life and all that comes with it, held together with an unusual variety of great music...] you are missing out. He is a (decidedly) middle-aged rambler who lets his true emotions all hang out in loquacious hour long shows chronicling his innermost thoughts as we toils in business, travels far and wide, deals with co-workers, kids and colleagues and life in Canada. His political observations are astute and his social meanderings insightful. Not hard-hitting and full of ‘explosions’ but more like a hour being a sympathetic bartender to a patron with his heart on sleeve.

Anyhow, recently the Dude went to Japan on business and recorded well … just about everything. Listening to his rambles brought back a heap of memories so i fired him up while waiting for the Seabus a couple of weeks ago. He’s back from the far west now and a friend is filling in his shows (he’s always threatening to quit podcasting for whatever reason) but be sure tune in for a unfiltered view of middle-aged angst and joy from a classic Canadian.

My message offer flashbacks while wandering around Vancouver, waiting for the Seabus (toking a bowl) and listening to the Dude’s poignant discourse – topics include my experience as a enokitake farmer in Tottori-ken, New Year’s Eve eating mekon oranges around fire barrels and drinking under cherry trees and buckwheat hull pillows.

Message to the Scarborough Dude (.mp3, 6:25, 6.1MB)

Subscribe to DicksnJanes Podcast!

Yup, whilst in London, I hooked up with my Atlantic doppelganger, The Dopefiend – a guy who homegrows a cannabis podcast called Dopecast.  He even has a herd of cohorts gleaning wisdom and inspiration to bust out shows of their own. Good times indeed and mucho recordings to spread and this takes time … so while i am editing away, here is me – Uncleweed on Dopefiend’s Dopecast #80.

Here’s the show description:

On this extra-special Eightieth Episode Extravaganza, The Dopefiend is joined in the VaporLounge by podcasting legend, Cannabis journo and Hemp activist Uncle Weed for an hour-long exhaustive interview and vaping session covering subjects as diverse as where the world’s best weed comes from, the current Cannabis scene in Canada, how Vancouver has changed in relation to the Cannabis scene in Toronto, the spread of Compassion Clubs in the US and whether medical marijuana will ever be fully legal, Hemp and Cannabis use in Japan and the North American hemp revolution Uncle Weed discovered while making his documentary The Hempen Road, and how the hemp industry has changed since the film’s release, and lots more, including some extremely tasty bags of Hawaiian, Brainstorm and New York City Diesel.

Uncle Weed can be found at www.uncleweed.net. He promises he’ll do some new shows soon!

Yes, yes i’ve been internationally chastised for my molasses pace of production so while i am toiling away for your aural pleasure, download it yerself to hear the grandeur of two podcasters managing compelling discourse amidst copious clouds of vapor.

Dopecast80

The Crazy Canucks crew (well, John, Rebecca, Dave) were guests on GetConnected Radio on CKNW (Chorus Radio Network or whatever) a week or two ago. While there, John set his recorder on the table to capture the between the takes banter with hosts Mike and Yolanda talking with us about the technical and creative backstory of making podcasts and publishing them out to the people. You can even hear Mike “hitting the button” in the 21st floor studio on a beauty Vancouver Saturday in the midst of playoff mania.

This raw segment is published with an intro by John as:
TCC#35 – The Crazy Canucks GetConnected interview

Or for your convenience, grab is here:
Crazy Canucks on CKNW (24:38, .mp3)

And/or give it a listen right here:

photo by Drew Olson on Miss 604’s photostream

Read more:

Miss 604 – Get Connected With The Crazy Canucks

Audi Hertz – On the radio to talk about podcasting with GetConnected

photos from Miss 604’s photostream

A bit of a post-playoff press round-up of the various mainstream media coverage of my Canucks Outsider podcast and the Crazy Canucks podcast i make with some other blogger/podder friends …

Dave Olson (me) and Vancouver uber-blogger Roland Tanglao interviewed on CBC Radio One’s “On the Coast” show on 4/20/07 previewing the Canucks Outsider “Alive for the Playoffs” streaming vidcast event on 4/21/07. Most notable is the custom Wayne’s World / Coaches’ Corner mashup intro.

Download CBC Radio One On the Coast Interview (7:14, .mp3, 7MB)

Big thanks to my cohort Cosmo of the Clubside Breakfast Time podcast (who was at Podcast hotel) for the quick action on the clip from CBC’s On the Coast with Priya Ramu

Quick annoucement

For the first ever live, streaming video episode of the Canucks Outsider on Saturday. April 21st at 5PM PST.  The show will be delivered via UStream.tv and feature live chat, guests, hi-jinks and libations.  Stay tuned for details and save the date/time.

Also in this clip … While waiting for the Seabus the morning after the third win versus Dallas, Dave shows a wee bit of excitedness about the exploits of Ohlund, Linden and Mitchell.

Download Canucks Outsider Alive in the Playoffs! Live Video Cast Announcement
(3:23, .mp3, 3MB)

Album Art on Flickr
Tunes by Derek K. Miller and Ill Lit.

Sound-seeing audio of dozens of different musical bands including pipe and drum, fiddles and sticks, more pipers, marching bands plus sound-systems and even old Shriners with fezes playing “When the Saints” on Glockenspiels.

Vast variety of musical snippets – plus some gratuitous police motorcycle sirens and horses – generally unedited and without commentary but with natural crowd chatter in stereo.

Come on along by downloading:
Saint Patrick Day Parade Sound-seeing Tour – Vancouver, BC 2007
(23:20, 128K, .mp3, 22MB, stereo)

Subscribe to all Ephemeral Feasthouse podcasts

More Info:

photo of Shriner’s at St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Vancouver
by Frank Dawson (blueshoe on Now Public)

article “4th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade In Vancouver”
by Frank Dawson (blueshoe on Now Public)

Excerpt:

VANCOUVER B.C., Canadaby Frank Dawson

Towntown core of Vancouver goes green today. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade which went down Howe and Granville streets between Smithe and Drake featured 2,000 participants and more than 100 entries went down Howe and Granville streets between Smithe and Drake.

On show where pipers, drummers, dancers, multicultural and community groups, acrobats, vintage automobiles and horse-drawn attractions. Last year’s successful street market again was set up on Granville between Robson and Smithe, with the KidsZone attractions located on Nelson.

Lecture by me (Dave Olson) to Robert Scales‘ class at Vancouver Film School on March 29 2007. My occasionally witty, yet sometimes convoluted banter, is laden with anecdotes on publishing, planning, development, outreach, promotion and collaboration, particularly about HempenRoad film project.

Using Social Media for Art Endeavors – Dave O Lecture at VFS

Lecture at VFS podcast

Another episode from the day-job podcast which i am often pointing learners to, check it out for a few handy tips to setting up and rocking your WordPress blog.

Ergo:

Dave breaks down a simple example of starting a new WordPress blog including deleting original posts, adding/importing posts, organizing with categories, adding links, and integrating with Feedburner and Flickr.

MP3 File

[Photo of this very Mac by DaveO]

I am often yapping away about handy web tools for blogging, podcasting etc. so here is a repost of a podcast i did over at the day-job for your convenience. The recording is not excellent but the content is worthy for newbs looking to hop on the cluetrain. … and this audio thinks it is a video cause there are enhancements to go along.

Host DaveO chats with Software Engineer Justin Tilson about innovative and useful web tools to help Justin give away 10,000 adopted western red cedar trees.

Topics include RSS technology in general (your content wants to be found) and myriad free web apps including semantic web publishing (blogging) tool WordPress and WP’s mighty founding developer Matt Mullenweg, Vancouver superstar company Flickr (now Yahoo!), the very useful Feedburner from Chicago, video-sharing site Blip.tv, and a new browser built on Firefox called Flock – along with discussion of Google map mash-ups, the power of community collaboration and new web business models.

Yup, been meaning to scribble something about Northern Voice but wanted to take the time to do it right, … since magical time expansion is unlikely, here it goes …

First off, massive thank yous to all the folks who rolled into my presentation: Three “P’s” of podcasting – Plan, Produce, Promote [note the intentional misspellings and grammatical errors - keepin' it real ;-)].

The Podcast Spot guys recorded and posted a podcast of the podcasting show … but here is an alternate version recorded on my beloved M-Audio Microtrack and remixed by Bread the Producer. Might as well make a podcast feed for this eh.

Listen up! Three 3 Ps of Podcasting – Plan, Produce, Promote (and Party) – (.mp3, 59:00, 40MB)

T’was really a treat to have so many amigo y amiga grinning back at me plus cool that a lot of other “veteran” podcasters were along for the ride plus folks making podcast software, podcast networks, consulting about podcasts etc. While the inclinations are different for various casters the process for making shows is really the same.

I advocate taking the time to work on your presentation style and “embracing your internal dialouge” in order to deliver a compelling conversation on on cue in order to make consice and listenable shows. Planning the idea and then busting out the production with Macgyver skill using the vast array of kiss-a$$ software apps and thrifty hardware out there.

photo by Chris Heuer

The visual aid of my schtick was a series of 75(?) pieces of 100% hemp cardstock (no trees harmed) – each painted with one or maybe two words each in black acyrlic. A few cards had lists or phrases written with oil pastels and even a couple of doodles to deliver the feeli.

I filled the time for 59 minutes from Planning to Producing to Promoting and Partying and tossed the cards in the air and to the floor as the routine rolled on. Yes certainly inspired by Bob Dylan’s Subterranean Homesick Blues. In the spirit of non-commercialism, i stayed away from personal or professional plugs or even listing all my fave podcasters (many makers in the audience even) so i didn’t leave anyone out.

I did specifically mention:

IODA Promonet

Inside Home Recording

Castblaster

Ubercaster

Flickr is resplendant with great pics of me in action from the increasing famous Megan Cole, Clubside Breakfast Time host Cosmo was taking shots (there with Blarney Nat and the irrepresible Dingo), photog-deluxe (and Vancouver fashion photographer) KK, the energetic Chris Heuer, international man of mad skills – Rob Scales, gracious Miss 604 and podcaster-in-arms Radio Zoom John (both part of the Crazy Canucks), blogaholic Adrienna, Vancouver Duane, Mutually Inclusive PR and possibly more (flickr tag uncleweed) …

photo Megan Cole

More giant funtimes in the auditorium with Podcast hotel and Splashcast Alex Williams, mediadude John Anthony Hartman, Bruce Sharpe – audio-guru and Levelator-maker, Jordan Telling Ten Friends, Shirley (of the North) Beyond Robson.

More shout outs to the Podcastspot guys who chronicled chronicled Northern Voice with podcasts galore and ahhh … a fellow from InsidePodcasting or something about podcasting (sorry, i wanted to chat with you further, but) and ya, Ian King from 24 Hours and my buddy the Moose …

Also, thanks to Roland for steering the ship and trusting in me to get r’ dun. I was a late substitution and managed to cobble together my “Paper Point” moments before the gig but managed to keep the folks enjoying my edu-tainment, .. but don’t take my word for it, plenty of comments abounding, so, if you’ll indulge me in a moment of repose, i’ll post a round up below.

photo of me promoting Promonet by Robert Scales

Derek K. Miller’s Fakeout was gonna be the official theme music but Roland racked up a different one (Clouds or Smoke IIRC) and though i stumbled my good vibes message a wee bit, the thought is what counts eh. DKM was following along via backchannel and mediacasting too adding in his humour and opinions. Gouranga & Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

By not plugging my shows, folks had a reason to come up to chat and ask for my addys to check it out (yeah that was the plan). Since you good people wanna know, here’s the list – each show series is entirely unique and each are handcrafted with care and attention.

I note that, like younglings, each podcast series has a unique personality and i love each equally (sniff, sniff). However unlike children they are basically free and require no diapers nor nutritional sustinence (just occasional cables and doo-dads and frequent enthusiasm) to sustain.

Since it is probably a good idea to have any list anyhow, here’s the “DaveO Podcast Round Up” (which should maybe be feed of it own ;-)) …

Choogle on with Uncleweed – Feed – iTunes - wild soundseeing rumpus from tokes on the porch to emerging rock bands plus art, transportation, economics and more ganja hi-jinks – but make no mistake – this is no lightweight drivel, serious stuff included on public policy and growing killer buds

Postcards from Gravelly Beach – Feed – iTunes - my original show of spoken word literature mixing my original creative writing (often culled from my Mountain Highway notebook) with classics from Kerouac to Tolstoy to emerging writers, backed by an eclectic assortment of music, sometimes spontaneous, sometimes from a dusty shoebox

Canucks Outsider – Feed – iTunes – hockey mayhem with a buzz, sometimes in game, sometimes on the porch with a beverage, often both, always irreverent and solid, serious hockey talk – not recaps per se, but sweeping observations and overviews and analysis of the team, game and culture

Urban Vancouver - Feed – sorta like the mellower side of Choogle on – out and about at Vancouver festivals, meeting entreprenuers, activists and characters around Vancouver diverse neighborhoods and cultural groups (also available on the Choogle on itunes

Olympic Outsider – iTunes – Feed - interviews with Winter Olympic athletes, updates on Vancouver Whistler 2010, featured frequent analysis during Torino 2006 and interviews with Gold Medalists Ross Rebagliati and Duff Gibson and Olympian (and big Nucks fan, Crispin Libscomb coming soon)

+ Bonus casts

Clubside Breakfast Time – Feed – this is Cosmo G. Spacely’s show which i am a frequent guest on and this was my first podcast appearance (thanks Jay), Olympia music, peace politics, local eccentrics and rock and roll anecdotes and other fine guests (Dingo, Damien, Old Timey Dave)

The Crazy Canucks – Feed – iTunes – produced by John of RadioZoom, this is a roundtable discussion via Skype about the Canucks with the aforementioned Rebecca – Miss604.com, Alanah – Canucks and Beyond, and J.J. – Canucks Hockey Blog

Ephemeral Feasthouse – you are here … for all the stuff which doesn’t fit elsewhere to keep it handy so i can find it again … i.e., the outtakes, blurbs, random clips, promos and miscellania, grab a podcast feed for your convenience

(secret day-job identity) Get Elastic – this will blow my cover as a edgy hipster ;-), … but here i am riffing on about ecommerce with pundits, memes, shameless promotion and fascinating discourse on online bidness

Comment bonanza follows for posterity (pardon the self-indulgence):

Current Thinking from Brad Gibson -Northern Voice 2007 Take Aways

Dave Olson is a relentlessly cool podcaster and makes the rest of us look like dorks.

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Northern Voice 2007

Dave Olson, really great paper point presentation on podcasting.

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Tell Ten Friends’ My Northern Voice 2007 Roundup

Another great highlight for me was Dave Olsen’s “The 3 P’s of Podcasting,” as much for his presentation style as for the easy-to-absorb content. Using what was later jokingly referred to as an “underhead projecter,” he whizzed through 60 or 70 slides in a manner that was reminiscent of both Bob Dylan and a certain scene from the film Love Actually (one of Mrs. Behan’s favorites). I’ll have to find a video of Dave’s talk, as it has to be seen by all podcasters.

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Northern Voice at Beyond Robson | Vancouver Blog

But on Saturday I met Uncle Weed, aka Dave Olson — a local who semi-regularly puts out SEVEN podcasts!!!!!!! In a mile-a-minute, Dylanesque, low-tech performance of tossing out cards with short messages like “podcast”, “passion”, and “plan”, Uncle Weed made it seem easy. Like all it took to become a podcaster was some time, an idea, a computer, a little enthusiasm, and $20.

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Northern Voice – The Wrap Up

A photo session followed, lead by Kris Krug. In my opinion, he and Dave had the best presentations of the day. They were both laid back, had practical and useful tips, and told it like it is, plain and simple. Things don’t have to be complicated.

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Northern Voice 2007 – Best yet | Bryght

And the expected: Dave Olson, social media rockstar (his 3P’s of Podcasting session was superb; it was my favourite of the few I managed to squeeze in between organizing!),

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Almost like being there. Almost.

good job on the podcast session, by the way, DaveO!

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More Thoughts on Northern Voice

Dave Olson, Great simple use of meeting notes / props, ubercaster, garageband promonet. Expression Engine blogging tool.

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NV07: Overheard

Dave Olsen during his session on podcasting: “I’m bi-platform, and I’m man enough to admit it.”

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Northern Voice 2007 in a Nutshell

Then I moved on to Dave’s podcasting session. I have to admit that the Uncle Weed persona did put me off a bit. I guess I’m a stiff. So the subject matter of his podcasts doesn’t excite me, but the session did. Dave knows his shit. He cares about what he’s doing and it shows. So he had some great pointers and interesting presentation covering everything from getting a concept through recording and producing all the way up to promoting your podcast once you’ve got a few in the can. I only went in to the session with idle curiosity – but when he started in about how to vet an idea to see if it’s worth starting a podcast, I started to get inspired. I’ve done a couple podcasts, well they’re not episodic so some say that’s not a podcast … so I’ve recorded a couple audio file of me speaking which were syndicated in the RSS feed from my blog… But anyway, I’ve done a couple of those and I think I might like to do some more over a limited time, like a short series around a topic I like to talk about. One of the reasons I identified with Dave’s attitude was the focus on getting it out there. Get good audio quality but don’t go overboard buying equipment before you start recording. He recommended starting with a laptop if you already have one and showed the M-Audio device he uses (a Microtrack 24/96). It looks pretty sweet – two channels of audio and a CF slot. A far cry from the crap RCA puts out (which, by the way, doesn’t use any normal formats for files or connectivity).

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Northern Voice Puts Blogging in Focus

I also really enjoyed Dave Olson’s session on podcasting. His whimsical, and sometimes hysterical presentation was void of PowerPoint and instead, supported by single word cue cards ala Bob Dylan. Podcasting is something I’m becoming more fascinated with and how it can be integrated into brand marketing and communication activities.