Category: Training

101, Editing, events, Learning, Mentoring, Project & Production Management, Social Media, Technology, Training

UGC – What Is it? Why Is It Important?

What is UGC?

User-generated content (UGC): This is content that is created by users or fans of a particular brand or product, often shared on social media or other online platforms. UGC can include photos, videos, reviews, and other types of content that are created by consumers rather than professionals.

Why Is UGC Important?

UGC is a powerful tool for businesses and content creators looking to engage with their audience and create authentic content. Editing UGC can be a bit different than editing other types of footage, as the footage is often shot on a mobile device and may not be of professional quality. However, with the right approach, UGC can be edited into a compelling final product.

Here are some steps involved in the UGC editing process:

1. Gathering footage: The first step in editing UGC is to gather the footage from your audience. This could involve asking your followers to submit videos or photos that relate to a particular theme or topic.

2. Reviewing footage: Once you have gathered the footage, you will need to review it to identify the best clips to use in your final edit. This could include footage that is well-shot and on-topic, as well as footage that evokes a strong emotional response.

3. Organizing footage: Once you have identified the best clips, you will need to organize them in a way that tells a compelling story. This could involve creating a rough storyboard or timeline to map out the flow of the video.

4. Enhancing footage: Depending on the quality of the footage, you may need to enhance it to improve its visual quality. This could include color correction, noise reduction, or other techniques to improve the look of the footage.

5. Adding music and sound effects: Once you have organized and enhanced the footage, you can add music and sound effects to create a more immersive viewing experience. This could include selecting music that complements the mood and tone of the video, as well as sound effects that add texture and depth.

6. Finalizing the edit: Once the editing process is complete, the final product is reviewed and approved by the creative team. Any necessary changes are made, and the final edit is exported for distribution.

Editing UGC can be a powerful way to engage with your audience and create authentic content that resonates with viewers. By gathering, reviewing, and organizing footage, enhancing it with music and sound effects, and finalizing the edit, you can create a compelling final product that showcases the best of what your audience has to offer.

101, Career, Employment, Learning, Life Choices, Mentoring, Training

Digging Out of A Career Black Hole

No matter profession you’re in.  One day you might find yourself here…..But where is here?

A career is an essential aspect of one’s life. It is not only a source of livelihood but also a means of personal growth and fulfillment. However, many people find themselves in a career β€œblack hole” at some point in their lives. This is a situation where they feel stuck in a job that does not offer any prospects for growth, development, and advancement. If you are in a career black hole, you may feel unfulfilled, demotivated, and frustrated. However, there are solutions to get out of it.

Here are some signs that you may be in a career black hole:

1. You are not growing professionally

If you are not learning or growing in your job, it could be a sign that you are in a career black hole. A good job should offer you the opportunity to learn new skills and develop professionally. If you are not getting any training, promotions, or opportunities to take on new challenges, it could be a sign that you are in a dead-end job.

2. You are not challenged

If your job is too easy or repetitive, you may not be challenged enough. A good job should offer you the opportunity to use your skills and abilities to the fullest. If you are not being challenged, you may feel bored and unfulfilled.

3. You are not happy

If you dread going to work every day, it could be a sign that you are not happy in your job. A good job should offer you some degree of job satisfaction. If you are not happy, it could affect your mental and emotional well-being.

If you identify with any of these signs, you may be in a career black hole. Here are some solutions to get out of it:

1. Evaluate your skills and interests

Start by evaluating your skills and interests. Identify the skills that you have and the ones that you would like to develop. Think about the type of work that interests you and the industries that you would like to work in. This will help you to identify the type of job that would be a good fit for you.

2. Update your resume and cover letter

Update your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience. Make sure that they are tailored to the type of job that you are interested in. This will increase your chances of getting a job interview.

3. Network

Networking is a great way to find job opportunities. Attend industry events, job fairs, and conferences. Connect with people on LinkedIn and other professional networks. Let people know that you are looking for a job. You never know when an opportunity may arise.

4. Consider further education

Further education can help you to develop new skills and improve your job prospects. Consider enrolling in a course or a program that is relevant to your career goals. This will not only improve your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to your career.

5. Take on new challenges

If you are not being challenged in your current job, seek opportunities to take on new challenges. Volunteer for new projects or take on additional responsibilities. This will not only help you to develop new skills but also demonstrate your initiative and commitment to your job.

Being in a career black hole can be demotivating and frustrating. However, there are solutions to get out of it. Start by evaluating your skills and interests, update your resume and cover letter, network, consider further education, and take on new challenges. With these strategies, you can break free from a career black hole and find a job that offers you growth, development, and fulfillment.

Please share your experiences. It’s free!

Career, Collaboration, Employment, Life Choices, Training

Job Seeking in Broadcasting (this really applies to many industries)

Are you tired of seeing job postings that seem impossible to qualify for? You’re not alone. As someone who receives countless requests for help to break into the broadcasting industry, I’ve seen my fair share of job descriptions that require years of experience or advanced degrees for entry-level positions.

It’s frustrating and it doesn’t make sense. Entry-level should mean just that – a starting point for someone who is just beginning their career. These positions should be filled with individuals who are eager to learn and grow within the company. Instead, companies are expecting candidates to have years and years of experience for positions that are supposed to provide a pathway to success.

This is particularly problematic in the broadcasting industry, where there is a severe lack of crew around the world. The industry simply cannot afford to turn away talented individuals who are just starting out because they don’t have the years of experience that some job postings require. We need to be nurturing new talent, not pushing them away.

Of course, experience is important, and it’s understandable that companies want to hire individuals who have some level of expertise. But there has to be a balance. Entry-level positions should not require multiple years of experience or a master’s degree. That’s not reasonable or realistic.

Instead, we need to start thinking about entry-level positions as an opportunity to train and mentor new talent. Companies should be providing on-the-job training and investing in their employees’ professional development. This not only benefits the company, but it also benefits the industry as a whole by creating a pipeline of talented individuals who can take on more advanced roles in the future.

So, if you’re someone who is just starting out in their career and feeling discouraged by the unrealistic job postings out there, know that you’re not alone. It’s time for companies to rethink their approach to entry-level positions and start investing in the next generation of talent. And if you’re a company looking for new talent, consider taking a chance on someone who may not have years of experience, but who is eager to learn and grow with your organization. You might just be surprised at the results.

Now that we’ve identified the problem of unrealistic job postings and the need to invest in new talent, let’s take a look at some potential solutions.

1. Redefine entry-level positions: Companies need to redefine entry-level positions to better reflect what they actually are – starting points for people who are just beginning their careers. This means dropping unrealistic experience and education requirements and focusing on a candidate’s potential and willingness to learn.

2. Offer training and mentorship: Companies need to invest in their employees by offering on-the-job training and mentorship programs. This will not only help new hires develop their skills, but it will also create a supportive work environment that encourages growth and development.

3. Partner with educational institutions: Companies can partner with educational institutions to create pipelines of new talent. This can include internships, co-op programs, or apprenticeships that provide students with hands-on experience and a pathway to a career in the broadcasting industry.

4. Focus on diversity and inclusion: Companies need to focus on diversity and inclusion by actively seeking out and hiring candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. This will not only bring new perspectives and ideas to the table, but it will also help address the systemic issues that have led to a lack of diversity in the broadcasting industry.

5. Create entry-level job boards: Finally, companies can create entry-level job boards that are specifically designed for individuals who are just starting out in their careers. These job boards can help job seekers find opportunities that are more realistic and attainable, while also helping companies find new talent.

By implementing these solutions, companies can start to address the issue of unrealistic job postings and invest in the next generation of talent. This will not only benefit companies by creating a pipeline of skilled workers, but it will also benefit the broadcasting industry as a whole by creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

But wait there’s more! What can the job seeker do?

While companies have a responsibility to provide entry-level opportunities and invest in new talent, job seekers also have a role to play in their own career development. Here are some things that job seekers can do to enhance their skills and gain experience:

1. Attend local events: Job seekers can attend local events, such as industry conferences, workshops, and networking events, to meet professionals in the broadcasting industry and learn about new trends and technologies. This can also be an opportunity to ask questions and get advice from people who are already working in the industry.

2. Pursue internships or apprenticeships: Job seekers can pursue internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience in the broadcasting industry. These programs provide opportunities to work alongside professionals and learn from their experiences.

3. Build a portfolio: Job seekers can build a portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and experience to potential employers. This can include samples of their writing, photography or videography work, or other projects that demonstrate their abilities.

4. Invest in their own education: Job seekers can invest in their own education by taking courses or pursuing certifications in areas related to broadcasting, such as journalism, media studies, or video production. This shows a commitment to their field and demonstrates a willingness to learn and develop new skills.

5. Seek out mentors: Job seekers can seek out mentors in the broadcasting industry who can provide guidance and advice on their career development. This can be a valuable resource for job seekers who are just starting out and looking for direction.

Ultimately, job seekers need to take an active role in their own career development. By seeking out opportunities for on-the-job training, attending local events, building a portfolio, investing in their education, and seeking out mentors, job seekers can enhance their skills and gain experience that can help them land their first job in the broadcasting industry.

101, Best Practices, Career, Collaboration, Learning, Technology, Training

Building A Stack for Your Business: 101

What does building a stack mean?

Building a stack refers to the process of selecting and integrating different software tools and technologies to create a customized software solution that meets your specific business needs.

1. Identify your business needs: The first step in building a stack is to identify your business needs. Determine what problems you are trying to solve and what goals you want to achieve.

2. Research available tools: Once you have identified your business needs, research different software tools and technologies that can help you meet those needs. Look for tools that are reputable, well-supported, and have a track record of success in your industry.

3. Evaluate tools: Evaluate the tools you have identified by looking at their features, pricing, ease of use, and compatibility with your existing systems. Consider factors such as scalability, security, and customization options.

4. Select tools: Based on your research and evaluation, select the tools that best meet your needs and fit within your budget. Make sure to consider how the different tools will work together and integrate with your existing systems.

5. Integrate tools: Once you have selected your tools, work on integrating them to create a seamless and cohesive software stack. This may involve customizing the tools, creating APIs, or developing other integration solutions.

6. Test and refine: After you have integrated your tools, test the stack to ensure it is working as expected. Refine the stack as necessary to optimize performance and ensure it is meeting your business needs.

7. Maintain and update: Finally, maintain and update your software stack over time to ensure it remains up-to-date and continues to meet your business needs. Keep an eye on emerging technologies and be willing to make changes as needed to stay competitive and efficient.

#cloud, 101, AWS, Digital Platforms, Learning, Mentoring, Streaming, Success, Technology, Training

What is S3? Buckets? SDKs? A Quick Overview

Amazon S3, or Simple Storage Service, is a cloud-based storage service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It allows users to store and retrieve any amount of data from anywhere on the web, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike.

At its core, Amazon S3 is an object storage system. This means that data is stored as objects, rather than in a traditional file hierarchy. Objects can be of any size, from a few bytes to terabytes, and are stored in containers called buckets. Users can create, manage, and delete buckets through the AWS Management Console or with the AWS SDKs.

Oh riiiiight …What are SDKs? πŸ˜Š

SDK stands for Software Development Kit. It is a collection of software development tools that allow developers to create applications for a specific software package, hardware platform, operating system, or programming language. SDKs usually include libraries, APIs, documentation, and other utilities that help developers to build software applications that integrate with existing systems or platforms.

Now Back to S3…..

One of the key benefits of S3 is its scalability. It can handle an infinite amount of data and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This is achieved through a distributed architecture, where data is stored across multiple servers and locations. This also means that data is highly available and durable, with multiple levels of redundancy and built-in error correction.

Amazon S3 also offers a range of features for managing data. Users can set up access controls, encryption, and versioning to ensure that their data is secure and accessible only to authorized users. They can also use lifecycle policies to automatically move data to lower-cost storage tiers or delete it after a certain period of time.

Under the hood, S3 uses a combination of technologies to provide its high performance and scalability. It uses a distributed system architecture, with data stored across multiple servers and locations. It also uses a highly optimized network stack, with low-latency connections to AWS services and the internet.

In addition, S3 uses advanced algorithms and caching techniques to optimize data retrieval. For example, it uses parallel processing to retrieve multiple objects at once, and it caches frequently accessed data for faster retrieval times.

Overall, Amazon S3 is a powerful and flexible storage solution that offers a range of features for managing and securing data. It is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, and is used for a wide range of applications, from backup and archiving to content delivery and data analytics.

Do you use S3? Comment & Let me know how – it’s free!

101, Collaboration, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, Learning, Mentoring, Technology, Training

Short Tutorial: UNC Paths in Broadcasting & Digital Streaming

Who May Need Them in Broadcasting & Digital Streaming?

UNC paths are commonly used in broadcasting to facilitate the transfer of large video or audio files between production facilities. This is because broadcasting often involves collaboration between multiple teams and locations, and UNC paths provide a standardized method of accessing shared resources on a network.

In broadcasting, UNC paths may be created by various professionals, including video editors, audio engineers, and IT staff. For example, a video editor may use a UNC path to access a shared folder containing footage that another editor has uploaded from a remote location. Meanwhile, an IT staff member may use a UNC path to connect broadcasting equipment to a shared storage device or backup system.

Overall, UNC paths are an essential tool for broadcasting professionals who need to collaborate on media production across a network.

What’s An UNC Path?

Creating an UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path is a method of identifying a network resource, such as a shared folder or printer, on a computer network. It uses a format that starts with two backslashes followed by the name of the computer and the name of the shared resource.

For Example:

For example, if a computer named “FILESERVER01” has a shared folder named “SharedDocs”, the UNC path to access it would be: \\FILESERVER01\SharedDocs

UNC paths are used when accessing network resources across different operating systems, such as Windows and Linux. They are also used in web addresses to access shared resources using a web browser. 

How-To Create One:

You can input a UNC path in various ways depending on the task you are trying to accomplish. Here are a few examples:

1. To access a shared folder on a network: Open File Explorer and type or paste the UNC path in the address bar at the top of the window. Press Enter to access the shared folder.

2. To map a network drive: Open File Explorer and click on “Map network drive” in the ribbon at the top of the window. In the “Drive” drop-down menu, choose a drive letter to assign to the mapped drive. In the “Folder” field, enter the UNC path of the shared folder you want to map. Click “Finish” to create the mapped network drive.

3. To reference a file in a UNC path in a script or program: Use the UNC path as you would any other file path, but include the double backslash at the beginning. For example, to reference a file named “Data.txt” in a shared folder named “Data” on a computer named “Server1”, the UNC path would be: \\Server1\Data\Data.txt

It’s important to note that UNC paths require proper permissions and authentication to access the shared resources.

Why You Need Them

UNC paths are necessary because they provide a standardized and consistent way of identifying and accessing network resources on a computer network. They allow users to access shared resources from any computer on the network, regardless of the computer’s operating system or location.

Without UNC paths, users would have to manually navigate to the network resource by IP address or hard-coded network path, which can be difficult and error-prone. UNC paths simplify the process by providing a unified naming convention that is easy to remember and use. They also provide security features that limit access to shared resources, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot access sensitive information.

How Do You Use Them? Please Comment.

#cloud, 101, AI, Bandwidth, Best Practices, Cloud Editing, Cloud Providers, Collaboration, Content Delivery Networks, Digital Platforms, Mentoring, Project & Production Management, publishing, Streaming, Technology, Training

Overview: 30 Cloud Security Companies

Cloud security is a hot topic as streaming, processing, editing in the cloud is growing at a brakefast speed, not to leave out AI learning for meta data, closed captioning, transcribing, and DAI (Dynamic Ad Insertion). Keeping information secure is essential.

Below are 30 cloud security companies and the specific services they provide:

1. Microsoft Azure: Provides cloud security services such as identity and access management, threat protection, and security management.

2. Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers security services such as identity and access management, data protection, network security, and compliance.

3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Provides security services such as identity and access management, data encryption, and threat detection.

4. Palo Alto Networks: Offers cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

5. Symantec: Provides cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

6. IBM Cloud: Offers security services such as access management, data protection, and threat intelligence.

7. Cisco Cloud Security: Provides cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

8. McAfee: Offers cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

9. CrowdStrike: Provides cloud security services such as endpoint protection, threat detection, and incident response.

10. Akamai Technologies: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

11. Fortinet: Provides cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

12. Check Point Software: Offers cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

13. Trend Micro: Provides cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

14. F5 Networks: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

15. Zscaler: Provides cloud security services such as web security, DNS security, and cloud firewall.

16. Cloudflare: Offers cloud security services such as DDoS protection, web application firewall, and bot management.

17. Sophos: Provides cloud security services such as endpoint protection, email security, and web security.

18. Rapid7: Offers cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and incident response.

19. Tenable: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

20. Alert Logic: Offers cloud security services such as intrusion detection and prevention, log management, and compliance.

21. Qualys: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

22. Carbon Black: Offers cloud security services such as endpoint protection, threat detection, and incident response.

23. Netskope: Provides cloud security services such as data loss prevention, web security, and cloud access security broker.

24. Bitdefender: Offers cloud security services such as endpoint protection, email security, and cloud security.

25. Barracuda Networks: Provides cloud security services such as email security, web security, and cloud security.

26. CipherCloud: Offers cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

27. FireEye: Provides cloud security services such as threat intelligence, incident response, and forensics.

28. Imperva: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

29. Qualys: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

30. Skyhigh Networks: Offers cloud security services such as cloud access security broker, data protection, and threat detection.

Overall, these cloud security companies provide a range of cloud security services, including identity and access management, data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

101, Agile, Bandwidth, Best Practices, Collaboration, events, gaming, Golf, Life Choices, Mentoring, Project & Production Management, Sports, Streaming, Teamwork, Technology, Training

Top Live Broadcast Providers, Overview: CP Communications, NEP, Broadcast Solutions, Gearhouse Broadcast, & Gravity Media

ο»ΏThere are Many Live Broadcast Event Companies out there, all with their own range of services.  Following is a short overview of some of them.  Feel Free to chime in with others…..

CP Communications is an audiovisual and live event production company that provides services for sports and entertainment events. They specialize in live event production, audio and video equipment rental, and staging and lighting design. The company offers a range of services, including:

1. Live event production – live event production services for sports, music, and entertainment events. This includes production planning, camera coverage, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

2. Audio and video equipment rental -offers a range of audio and video equipment rental services, including cameras, microphones, speakers, and projectors. They also provide on-site technical support for equipment setup and operation.

3. Staging and lighting design – staging and lighting design services for live events, including custom stage design, lighting installation, and video projection mapping.

NEP Group is a leading provider of production services, engineering solutions, and media management for live sports and entertainment events worldwide. NEP Group provides a wide range of services, including:

1. Live event production – production services for sports, music, and entertainment events. This includes production planning, camera coverage, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

2. Remote production – remote production services for sports events, allowing broadcasters to produce live events from a centralized location. This includes remote camera control, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

3. Media management – media management services, including content storage, archiving, and distribution. This includes video editing, metadata tagging, and asset management.

4. Technical support – technical support services for audiovisual equipment and systems, including equipment rental, maintenance, and repair.

Broadcast Solutions is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and media management.

Gearhouse Broadcast is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and equipment rental.

Gravity Media is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and equipment rental. Gravity Media also provides specialized solutions for specific industries, such as esports and motorsports.

The differences between the above competitors include their range of services, geographic coverage, and industry specialization. It is recommended to evaluate the features, capabilities, and pricing of each provider before making a decision.

101, AI, Best Practices, Cloud Editing, Collaboration, Digital Platforms, Mentoring, Moving Forward, Project & Production Management, Technology, Training

Wiki Collab

Wiki collaboration refers to a collaborative process of creating and editing content on a wiki platform. A wiki is a website or online platform that allows users to create and edit content collaboratively. Wiki collaboration can be used in a variety of contexts, including education, research, business, and community building.

Some of the benefits of wiki collaboration include:

1. Collaboration – Wikis promote collaboration among users by allowing them to work together to create and edit content.

2. Easy accessibility – Wikis can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy for users to contribute and access content.

3. Version control – Wikis typically offer version control, which allows users to track changes and revisions to the content.

4. Transparency – Wikis are transparent, meaning that all changes made to the content are visible to all users. This promotes accountability and encourages users to contribute responsibly.

5. Knowledge sharing – Wikis can be used to share knowledge and information with a community of users, which can be beneficial for education, research, and business purposes.

To collaborate on a wiki platform, users typically create an account and log in to access the content. They can then create and edit pages, add images and videos, and collaborate with other users. Some wiki platforms offer features such as discussion forums, chat rooms, and task management tools to help users collaborate more effectively.

There are various wiki platforms available, including:

1. Wikipedia – The world’s largest and most popular wiki platform, Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

2. MediaWiki – An open-source wiki platform that powers Wikipedia and many other wikis.

3. Confluence – A wiki platform designed for business and team collaboration, Confluence offers features such as task management, calendars, and chat rooms.

4. Fandom – A wiki platform for fan communities, Fandom allows users to create and edit pages related to their favorite TV shows, movies, and other interests.

5. DokuWiki – An open-source wiki platform that is easy to use and highly customizable.

Overall, wiki collaboration can be a powerful tool for promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community building. By allowing users to work together to create and edit content, wikis can facilitate the sharing of information and ideas across a wide range of contexts.

Learning, Life Choices, Technology, Training

Short Tutorial: SMB

SMB stands for Server Message Block, which is a protocol for sharing files, printers, and other resources on a network. In Mac Finder, SMB is used to connect to Windows file servers or other network-attached storage devices that use the SMB protocol for sharing files.

When you connect to an SMB server using Mac Finder, you can access files and folders on the server just like you would on your local computer. You can browse the server’s file system, open files, copy files to or from the server, and perform other file management tasks. 

To connect to an SMB server using Mac Finder, you will need to know the server’s name or IP address, as well as a valid username and password with permissions to access the shared files or folders.

Practice this at least 3 times – get your clicks & Muscle Memory In!

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