OK, so this kid puts up a video of himself ranting about the future of YouTube and asking a question:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=z7JgtjeIsuY
Then,
Lots of other folks put up some similar videos of themselves answering the question:
http://youtube.com/results?search_query=%22Re%3A+%22We%22Tube%22%22&search=Search
Now my curiosity here is that this is a new form of conversation. But it is a conversation to which we have no textual access. There is no transcript. The text of what the people have said is not searchable (by google or anywhere else).
When someone posts a video to YouTube and gets comments, that is most emphatically not a conversation. It is an item and responses. But, this kid posted a video that is explicitly a beginning to and a call for conversation.
Is anyone considering the consequences of media formats on the searchability of our cultural artifacts?
Paul,
Clearly the limitations of videos are several. Not all styles and media of communication are suited for every possible need; some are better for certain needs and not for others.
About your (rhetorical?) question now…
Is anyone considering the consequences of media formats on the searchability of our cultural artifacts?
Yes, I’ve always thought that there is nothing we gain without losing something else. The absolute searchability of written communications is good for sociologists, hypertext enhancements, deep analysis, easy intelligent searches, but not good e.g. for purely emotional expressiveness, news-coverage (on site), music communications, etc.
The euphoria about YouTube can blind us to the plain fact that video is also limited. At present, it is not searchable (a very serious drawback). On the other hand, perhaps precisely the fact it’s not searchable means that for some people it seems more free of surveillance (if this is their main concern).
You can’t get something for nothing. There is no free lunch. Even something offered free of charge can cost a LOT, in terms of one thing, which is NOT unlimited: TIME (in our mortal lives).
I hope you can use these thoughts. They costed you nothing… but your TIME! 🙂