My background in video/online video

Let me preface my background in video by saying I had never done a single thing related to video until I graduated high school. Now I have experience in video production, online video implementation, and I've actually done scholarly research on online video.

My first experience with film came when I was hired as a student assistant on the Georgia Tech football video staff. I held this position for five years and learned a lot about filming and pre-production in a professional setting. My team actually won the best video staff in the conference award two times while I was a member.

My experience in filming includes sports, special events, weddings, educational, TV shows, and real estate. Each of these markets require a different filming technique and style. I feel like most of this typically comes naturally because I have a good mix of creative and practical instincts and can control these instincts based on the situation and requirements.

I believe video can be implemented online by companies in any and every industry. Seriously, challenge me with a company or industry and I can implement a streaming video plan that would benefit their company. During college, I enrolled in a streaming media class, in which I focused on creating a tutorial for first time users to create and stream their own content, from production to embedding in their website. This experience allowed me to gain a better understanding of how to teach people who are new to streaming video.

I did an extensive research project, titled Recommendations on the Implementation and Marketing of a Georgia Tech Video Website. I wanted to create a plan that would maximize two things: viewership of videos and participation (or uploading) of videos. I wanted this project to serve as an educational, community, and social resource. I researched how other universities implement video, interviewed many important people in the GT community, and surveyed over 125 GT students. I received some very interesting insight on the desires and abilities of GT students to view and upload video. I'll do a recap of my research at some point soon.

Now, my career is in the online video industry. It is an industry that is rapidly growing, but many people who are now trying to get into it have little or no plan. This is where I hopefully will be able to help. I am going to try to be a resource to anyone and everyone who wants to put their videos online. From a blogger who wants to do a Vlog, to a family announcing a special event, to a small business trying to market their product, to a university trying to stream their courses, to an enterprise company using video as HR training and education, I have a basic understanding of the best practices and strategies.

Online video is a dynamic and emerging industry, and there is very little research or advice out there on how to implement video. I will attempt to give everyone a better understanding, and who knows, I would actually love to do some research on the topic. Basically if you have any ideas or can help in anyway (I would love to have more contributors), just let me know. This is a learning experience for all of us.

Welcome to The Joy of Streaming blog!

Welcome to my new blog about streaming video! I consider myself very passionate about video in general, and I truly believe that the future of the internet is dependent on the proper and ethical use of streaming video.

This blog will attempt to focus on all aspects of online video, from research and analysis to strategies and tips. Currently it is a work in progress, but hopefully it will become a valuable resource very soon. If you have any tips, suggestions, criticisms, opinions, or questions, do not hesitate to let me know. Either leave a comment on one of my posts, or simply email me at gtstigall@gmail.com.

Here's some ideas you can expect to see in the future:
1. Links to any and all research about streaming video
2. Analysis of how different industries, or companies, use online video
3. Tutorials and tips on how to create online video, from production to distribution
4. Basic education on aspects of online video
5. Links to other important blogs and resources about online video
6. Strategies and suggestions on how companies should implement online video, both external and internal use.

I hope this blog will be nearly as valuable for you as it is for me.

Next topic: My background and experience with online video.