This summer I swore off travel, conferences, etc and promised I would sit in front of my computer as much as humanely possible. Well, by making a promise I guess it sets you up for breaking them as well. But no regrets, as the promise was broken for a good reason: I decided to attend and give a (short) talk the The Open Video Conference, which looks like it is going to be quite an event, being held June 19th and 20th at NYU law school.

Why hold a conference about video now? As stated on their website:

As internet video matures, we face a crossroads: will technology and public policy support a more participatory culture—one that encourages and enables free expression and broader cultural engagement? Or will online video become a glorified TV-on-demand service, a central part of a permissions-based culture? Web video holds tremendous potential, but limits on broadband, playback technology, and fair use threaten to undermine the ability of individuals to engage in dialogues in and around this new media ecosystem.

The organizers are not taking what we have now as a given but want to make sure the gifts that keeps on giving and the democratic potential of open video will surive in the future. They have assembled an incredible (and diverse) line up. I am particularly excited about Amy Goodman, DVD Jon (my talk is partially about him) as well as the hackers behind VLC (cuz VLC has saved me on SO many occasions!).

The organizers have made sure to also include some fun, so there is a Friday night after-party, movies, and an informal Hackday on Sunday.

If in the area, *do* drop on by!