September 2007 Archives

As a follow-up to my recent entry on Google Docs, I thought you might be interested in Harry McCracken's column from PC World. He discusses the trend towards online applications, and mentions several that I hadn't tried.

• Remember the Milk is a simple, yet powerful task manager that isn't just for shopping lists. Best of all it works on PDAs and cell phones, because, after all, you won't remember the milk if you don't have your reminders with you wherever you go.
• Picnik is for those who need an easy photo editor. It works seamlessly with Flickr, and is free!
• Zoho Notebook is similar to Microsoft OneNote, but Harry likes it better. I'm rather fond of OneNote, so I'm thinking I should give it a try. I'd have access to all my notebook information wherever I go!

Microsoft should be afraid, very afraid.

I've been using web conferencing for several years, and consider it an invaluable training tool. I mean, really, how did we ever live without it? But as with any live training, sometimes the schedule of those who could benefit gets in the way. That's why it's great to be able to easily record your web conferences for the viewing pleasure of those who couldn't attend the live conference. Recordings also provide the attendees with the ability to revisit the session to refresh their memory, or watch sections they may have missed during a momentary lapse in attention.

All web conferencing services aren't created equal when it comes to recording. The granddaddy of web conferencing, Webex, doesn't offer a convenient way to record the audio and video. The audio must be captured using a special phone jack, which is most definitely NOT convenient, and has the potential for a number of different glitches. I keep waiting for them to improve in this area, but so far, no dice.

Luckily there are better options out there. Here's some basic facts on some that I've tried.

Live Meeting

Recording Format: Downloadable wmv file. Can also view recording from Live Meeting site using Windows Media Player
Ease of Recording: Requires sometimes slightly confusing configuration to enable the audio. Essentially, the Live Meeting server must dial into the conference call
File Editable?: Because of a change in codec in their new version, recording is editable in Sony Vegas Movie Studio only. Alternately, I'm told (but haven't tried it) that the file will become editable using other programs after it has been run through Windows Media Stream Editor.
More Information: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/livemeeting/HP011426151033.aspx?pid=CH011442321033

ReadyTalk

Recording Format: Flash. Can download files or view from ReadyTalk site. There is a monthly storage fee.
Ease of Recording: Extremely easy. Audio is integrated with conference center. Host just clicks on record button.
File Editing: It's not clear to me whether these files can be easily edited. Luckily, turning the recording on and off is so easy, extensive editing may not be necessary.
More Information: http://www.readytalk.com/docs/brochures/readytalk-recording-brochure.pdf

Raindance

Recording Format: Proprietary. Requries Raindance Media Player. Downloadable.
Ease of Recording: Extremely easy. Audio is integrated with conference center. Host just clicks on record button.
File Editing: Not available.

Somehow I completely missed the OCLC announcement back in April of a beta-test of a new service called OCLC's Worldcat Local. But while catching up with my blog reading, I saw this Librarian in Black entry announcing her library's launch of their OCLC Local OPAC and I got excited. Because I've wondered for a while why libraries are paying out all sorts of money for OPACs that aren't as good as what OCLC offers in Worldcat. So how about we cut out the middle man, and pay for our own local version of Worldcat?

I should calm down; I'm getting ahead of myself. We're not there yet. OCLC Local, as it is currently designed, works with the local library's system, and isn't designed, yet, to replace it. But for smaller libraries that don't have sophisticated library software, it seems like an interface like this could be incredibly useful, all on it's own.

That may not be where OCLC is headed, but if not, it's a shame. It could be beneficial to everyone except, oh yeah, the vendors of library software.