Gigolo8's Rambling Nonsense

Lawn Hill Gorge, Australia July 2011

2011-09-29T14:50:00.000+10:00

This is Lawn Hill Gorge in July 2011. Midwinter for other people in the Southern Hemisphere.
As you can tell by some puffing by me this was prior to my first heart attack, and I'm much fitter now!
Enjoy!

Temptations of the Evil Internet!

2010-05-16T11:09:00.001+10:00

Ah filtering. Won't it be lovely. NOT

Bear with me please as I explain my own expereince with people who have been under a form of 'censorship' and what becomes of them.

I grew up as a protestant Anglican in a Town wholly owned by Seventh Day Adventist(SDA) Church. We were 'tolerated' as we were the "Ambulance Family" and early on the SDA's wouldn't even allow for emergency work on the Sabbath(Saturday) from sunset Friday night to sunset Saturday. Almost all, with the few Non-SDA exceptions, other children of the town were never exposed or had limited and severely censored exposure to the evils of drink, drugs, gambling, television-radio, dancing, cinema, short shorts or skirts, advertising and all manner of day to day things we all take in and decide to do or not to do, accept or not accept. We four kids were however exposed to our nearest city, Newcastle NSW, for many of those things and being an ambulance station we were accustomed to drugs having their place along with injuries and births on our front porch or using the house and station as a semi hospital or refuge in times of need. Dad never hid that he drank on social occaissions on his few days off, and even smoked socially. We overheard adults telling adult jokes thinking we were asleep or out of earshot. We mixed with children of other towns, heard people swear and a ton of other things.

The local newsagents moved in and were tolerated too, even though Roman Catholic, as it saved SDA's working on the Holy Sabbath again. And a neighbouring town up valley had a Catholic population too. So we "NON- Seventh Day Adventists" could at least mix with others within a reasonable distance even though in our own town we were often treated as a chronic infection with which others limited all unneccessary contact lest they become tainted.

There were SDA schools, primary and secondary, and a full College for teachers, missionaries and nurses with rules of behaviour last seen elsewhere perhaps prior to World War I. And all was happy in the little happy valley of the Seventh Day Adventists.

An incident on the night of the 17th August 1980 was to change our idyllic little town and our existence forever. A Pastoral student and his young family from our town were camping at Ayres Rock, politicially correctly now referred to as "Uluru". They had two older boys and a lovely baby called 'Azaria'. The family weren't odd or outstanding in any way and the Mother could be seen shopping at the local Co-op Store and around the town. The Father was good at delivering lessons and sermons, tall, blonde but not unusual looking. They occupied a residence on the College Campus grounds up from the river(Dora Creek) which curled and surrounded much of the college/school/factory/dairy area. IN those days we all came and went through those grounds on foot, horse or bicycle, car etc. There was an old peoples' home as well and a very large red brick church at the entrance to the grounds. No security and no need for it. These were times when one never even thought to lock a car or a front or back door of their home. Neighbours knocked and walked in all the time and nobody thought anything of it; and one of the worst affronts was to either NOT offer a cup of tea or to refuse one.

The news broke quickly that Azaria Chamberlain, the youngest of this very average family, had been "taken by a dingo". Within days our sleepy, sheltered little town on the inland side of Lake MacQuarrie was under siege by media, gawkers and all manner of undesirables. Barbed wire fences went up around the SDA grounds through which I'd once walked so freely and without a thought to who owned it. Media hacks with cameras were caught in diving gear crossing the creek in order to attempt to photograph Mrs Lindy Chamberlain in her own back yard. Strangers' cars slowed and cameras popped out and photographed people walking along the main road or windows were wound down and curses and insults thrown at whoever the unfortunate pedestrain happened to be - often me. And of course we were all branded as beign a part of this 'mysterious cult' known as "Seventh Day Adventists".

Cult my arse!

Most people we knew were generally and genuinely pious people who'd moved there in order to practice a very normal religion by christian standards with the slight exception of using Saturday instead of Sunday as their Holy Day. Most preferred not to eat meat although 'kosher' meats were acceptable to their teachings. Some would sneak the odd steak sandwich once in a while and some would be prescribed meat by their own doctors. As a media branded 'Cult' they were rather dull and uninteresting in reality: no child abuse or free love, no multiple wives or strange moonlit ceremonies, no golden books or strange reincarnations of Christ. As I said, they were pretty dull. Being a town almsot wholly controlled by the SDA's of course there was the inherent little bit of hypochrisy, the "going to church to see who 'didn't' go to church" bit. They did charitable works and performed much needed medical procedures and vaccinations in New Guinea from their own airstrip in the town.

This isn't a diatribe on the Chamberlain Case, although I could post one and it'd NOT be flattering to the Australian Media or the Australian Public of the time. This is rather to reveal how the lack of exposure to information, experience, and other items affected a large number of people.

Literally over night, Cooranbong went from a snug little valley town well past it's colonial heyday to being in the Media Worldwide - I hesitate to think what would have happened had their been an internet back then. We were besieged with all manner of people and of course, some had an eye for making a profit from real estate. This all happened to coincide with an unprecedented drought and under council ordinances once a flood plain hadn't flooded for blah years it could be subdivided for housing. Afterall, by the time a flood does horrible damage to lives and property it'll be some other politician's problem.

Strange people with outsiders ways; protestants, more cathholics, even ATHIESTS, began to buy land and build homes. A new freeway went through making it possible for people to commute to and from Sydney by car and then the whole railway line was electrified and upgraded so one could catch a train to Sydney or Newcastle daily for work. What had been prime agricultural dairy and cattle land was being sold up by the remains of the first families of the town and snapped up by developers and all due to the damned drought and news that our town existed. Affluent farms and stations went under and sold up for a matter of cents an acre to be replaced by squat and ugly suburban spread.

And now to the point.

The children and and even adults of the SDA Church had little if any exposure to the temptations of life outside the Valley - in some cases generations had been closetted away in their own little world. These people, were forced into the latter 20th century, like it or not, and there was no keeping it away any longer. Some developed greed over selling and developing land undercutting or outbidding their neighbours. Others went in for growing marijuana(not that some weren't already doing that eh Pastor? but that's another story). Smoking, hard drugs, so-called 'soft' drugs, advertising, fashion, makeup, and SEX all invaded this little town and not one of these people had ever been exposed to the sorts of temptations now thrust upon them.

The sheltered young grabbed everything they could of it, revelling in things they simply had no defence against as they'd never been exposed to these tempations. Drug addiction, teenagers with smokers coughs, pregnancies, binge drinking, teen suicides, the 'need' for material things leading to theft and distrust and so it goes on and on. And all this dumped on a town with no defences, not even a policeman.

I've probably not painted a very good picture here but the fact is my generation of the young people in the town area became statistics of runaways and all manner of modern day ills disproportionate to the size of the group population.

They'd led lives only hearing what the church and their parents told them of the world, but never seen it or experienced it. When they were forced to confront it they had no defences to the myriad temptations set before them so left the Church teachings in droves for the fun and adventure[dangers and pitfalls] of the outside world. The church and it's people had built a wall around themselves and kept all worldly things out. It was a happy if deluded little place. They swallowed whole everything the Church told them without doubt or even being offered alternative thoughts or theories. So then when the media prophets told them this or that, many swallowed that whole as well. Censorship of ideas and information simply doesn't work as it leaves people uninformed, unprepared for and vulnerable to the real world. Everything above is true. It all happened.

Cooranbong today is a suburb of the "City of Lake MacQuarrie", which borders Newcastle. There's almost nothing left of the town I knew and grew up in. All victims of progress and the mighty dollar.

Today Mr Rudd, in his religious fervour, has decided that All of Australia is to become a closetted little Cooranbong - to only be told what "they" want us to be told - to only read what "they" want us to read. It's only a small step to the point where we will only be able to think that which "they" wish us to think too. And then one day, the real world will come crashing in - and we're done for.

There'll be no Australia then.

Just Plain Evil

2010-04-06T12:43:00.002+10:00

I recieved the attached video via email today and frankly it disturbs me to the piont of being lost for words.

Please feel free to copy and send it on further for greater discussion on this type of behaviour.

I welcome comments and opinions on this subject here.

Temptations of the Evil Internet!

2010-04-05T13:57:00.001+10:00

Magnetic Island Visit 4th March 2010

2010-03-13T16:53:00.004+10:00

Magnetic Island, the Jewel in the Crown of the Capital of North Queensland, Townsville.

This is only the first of my videos that I hope to make on Magnetic Island as there's much more to see and do there. Known locally as "Maggie" or "The Island" it gains its name from Captain James Cook who was charting this piece of coast within the Great Barrier Reef in early 1770 aboard HM Barque 'Endeavour'. At the time his compass failed and appeared to behave irratically and hence the name, "Magnetic Island".

During World War II, many Allied - in particular US Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen - recuperated from their injuries and stress on the Island. Some stayed. Many have returned for the Victory in the Pacific(VP) celebrations 40 and 50 years later.

Today, there are four of Townsville's suburbs located on the island Picnic Bay, Nelly Bay, Arcadia and Horseshoe Bay. The only magnetism to be found on the island now is that which brings people back again and again once they discover it.

Let the Sunshine in?

2009-11-15T02:35:00.003+10:00

Have we children of the Vietnam War era forgotten the pain to the USA and Australia caused by this heinous war?

Are we wrong again in our efforts against a religious maniac just as we were then up against Ho Chi Min? Are we sacrificing another generation to the ongoing consequences of a War nobody wanted not even fully understands or will understand in the future?

This song and the recent watching of the movie, "Hair" has me thinking. Again I'm no Solomon, no wise old sage with answers. But I do tend to ponder just when the 'right' time to leave the Afghan people to their own devices will be. No, I am not anti-war in total as it seems the only way for some parts of mankind to reach an understanding. But I detest the cost in lives spent and lives ruined. And this doesn't even take into account the widows, widowers and children and likewise of those afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress and all manner of disorders.

Ah well just the meanderings of my mind on the subject. Please feel free to add your input or opinion.

Remembrance Day, Another Year........

2009-11-11T14:28:00.003+10:00

Another year, another Remembrance or Armistice Day...........

But what have we learned? In the 1914-18 War, World War I, the Western Nations of the world sacrificed the young men and some women of a whole generation not only of their own country's people but of colonies and protectorates in a pointless meat grinder.

Today, perhaps not in the same numbers, we are sending our young men and women to foriegn lands for more Wars. Let's not use politically correct titles here, there are opposing sides and weapons on both sides so it's WAR. Is there, or will there be a point? A positive outcome? At least in World War II there was Hitler and the Japanese who were aggressors to be despised and stopped at all costs to prevent their spread. IT wasn't the Countries themeselves the Allies were opposed to but the political philosophy of these two nations that simply HAD to go lest they damage the freedoms of us all. Humankind had a Cancer of philosophy and it was painfully removed from the locations from whence it grew.

Now the terms of War are blurred. No forming and gathering of great armies on either side. Seemingly no national or goegraphic borders to detect the real enemies and to be fought over. The Cancerous philosophies and abuse of religious ideas and ideals is now more widespread with secondary tumours growing in almost every part of the Earth. What do we do this time? In part we're performing the old tradition of giving up our youths to conventional War. But at the same time we're placing protection in Western nations for groups who are being used as fronts for; promoting the cause of; or openly funding the aggressors. This is like keeping a Melanoma as a prized birthmark on your body instead of seeking treatment and taking aggressive action to prevent it's spread.

I'm an advocate of Freedom, and I support peoples' right to religious freedom............ but then, what if a group has a philosophy of not only taking the rest of the peoples' freedoms away, but to desire to kill all those who cherish and exercise those freedoms? I'm not Solomon, I'm no wiser nor more stupid than the next man. I detect we're doing something wrong here though.

So in the interests of the freedom and safety of the majority of people in our countries, should we curtail some freedoms of others who are for now in the minority? Or do we continue as now, protecting the rights of a minority of those who cover and support those who would do us harm and/or are those who would do us harm as though we are oblivious to the danger? Is this not a little suicidal of our current culture NOT to take some measures to curtail the menace to our way of life?

Perhaps you, the reader, have some ideas over this mess. Maybe we learned a little from past Wars, but does it do us any good in this one? Are we now so adverse to a full blown War that we'd rather simply surrender our values and way of life rather than cut out the malaise?

You tell me.

Lest We Forget ALL those who have fallen in the name of our Countries and our Freedom.

DON'T PANIC!

2009-08-06T11:57:00.006+10:00

G'day Reader,

I've left this one for a couple of days deliberately. And as I suspected, some are already doing the usual panicky drama queen act.

The whole story (so far) is in the links provided here:

Police make terror raid across Melbourne
Four men face court over 'terror plot'
Army base arrests expose security flaws

You see these stories rarely are fully told in the first few days. To summarise, some Somali and Lebanese residents here planned a 'raid' on one of our larger Army Bases where they planned to simply walk in and start shooting anyone they can and to keep going till they themselves were in turn killed. Thankfully, the Australian Federal Police(AFP), sort of like the FBI but with a sillier track record and lower pay, rounded up the plotters before any harm could be done. They raided 19 homes but it appears they arrested only four men. IT should be interesting how this is explained.

OK, now on to my meandering rant.

People are already criticising the AFP that the accused are here in the first place along with my comment above about 19 homes raided but only four people facing court along with the "why is this the first we've heard of it?" comments. Well of course it's the first we've bloody heard of the plot! If our security forces and agencies are doing their job the first we should hear of these things is once they're foiled! In the meantime we shouldn't be hearing anything at all - "loose lips sink ships" springs to mind, the old World War II Slogan.

This brings me to another point. Like it or not, politicially correct language be buggered, through no fault of our own we're in a type of undeclared War. This War however is like a multi-layered, multiple round, game of Chess and never quite knowing where the Chessboard is located. I'm not going to re-hash how we got into this mess, but we're here, Now. And like in past World Wars, security is everybody's business. Please don't go mistaking it for paranoia. But a degree of observation of things that don't seem quite right and reporting same is the responsibility of us all. In addition, if one observes or knows of a security flaw or risk, don't go gossiping about it! Report it at once to the relevant authority or authorities. Don't go BLABBING! And DON'T spread rumour. Today perhaps we can update the old WWII slogan to "Loose Lips Lose Lives".

And I can hear people now already. This leaves the door open to racists, and anti-multi-culturalists and other ignorant fools to spread their harassment of those different to them. Well yes it does. But that's why we also have tough penalties for people who maliciously report false information. Frankly, I truly believe most people who choose to come to Australia do so for reasons we welcome: to embrace our way of life and help us to grow and prosper. But being realistic, mixed in with the flood of good people there will always be a few bad apples. And sadly, a few bad terrorist apples is all it needs to make a mess and also tarnish the reputation of some immigrants in the eyes of the ignorant.

SO read the papers and view the media with the eye of one who knows they want to sensationalise everything for readership and viewer numbers.

Watch for the decidedly Odd and report it. IF it turns out to be nothing there's nothing lost. If it turns out to be something there may be much to be gained. We're not Nazi-Germany, so nobody will be carted off even though innocent or for merely having an opinion.

NOW for the harsher bit. Those who are legally found to have abused our hospitality through plotting terrorism should at the very least have their Citizenship and or Visas revoked and held as Combatant Prisoners and or Spies. Once they've served the sentence handed down to them, during which they should be 'de-programmed' as with any other cult-member they should immediately be expelled back to whatever hole they came from.

The Returned Services League of Australia(RSL) has a motto that's apt in these days:

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilence"

What is Equality?

2009-08-04T10:31:00.007+10:00

G'day Reader,

I know you're there I can hear the keyboard.

Thanks to those who've sent me opinions and even more information on the subject of the last blog. I do ask though that they be posted, pro or against, to the comments section. Even as an anonymous post if you feel you'll be attacked. I'd like to use my comments area for reasonable debate so post links to information you're quoting too if you wish.

OK, now to the topic. So what is Equality?

Um..... 1=1; 1+1=2?

Looks straight forward doesn't it? The humble Equal sign(=) that we first encounter when we begin learning mathematics in our earliest school years. Basically, it means that each number or thing on each side has the same numerical or other properties as the other. In Human terms it means each is recognised as being a cognizant being with the same Rights.

Let's do the old early school thing again.

Apple = Apple

Hmmm, is there such a thing as two identical Apples? Every mark and shade of red or green without error the same? But we recognise them as 'Equal' as they're both Apples. Let's try the next one.

Apple = Orange

Definitely something wrong here. But in terms of them both being Fruit it's correct. And no smartarse comments about the Fruit pun on the general subject thanks. We know an apple and an orange are two different things but in some ways they're the same and deserve all the rights and privileges of being known as a beneficial Fruit and foodstuff. Now comes the discrimination bit. Some people prefer Apples and some prefer Oranges and some like both. So if I like Oranges, but dislike Apples: Do I have the right to deny that Apples are Fruit or Beneficial to our diet? This is silly and would be ridiculous issue to raise now wouldn't it?

So now if I put this: Man = Man

We'd assume that one Man is equal to another. Right? Yes, Yes, like the fruit there can be differences, even if they're the same Race but they're BOTH Men, Yes?

Now this one: Man = Woman

Hmmm, tough one that. One has babies the other just throws seed. But as they're both human and have that spark, spirit, or soul: we can say Yes, this is Correct. Anyone see where I'm heading here?

Now if Man and Woman are equal, then both have the right to Vote, Work, Pay Taxes, Couple, Marry, have a family and all is well. Yes?

OK, who said NO? DO I have to hide my thoughts and notes to stop people getting ahead of me here?

The knee-jerk reaction to this answer of 'No' would first be to think of one Race denying the Rights of another Race now wouldn't it? A discrimination based on something we can all see obviously making us different. But we know in the question of are they human both Races would come out as "Equal". So who am I talking about here?

No don't go back to previous Blogs looking, I'll show you here.

We currently, in Australia where Man Does NOT equal Man, and even Woman Does NOT Equal Woman with regards to all Human Rights. Hmmm, it's not Race as that would be illegal. Now what could it be that makes these people less deserving of Human Rights? Surely, it must be something Heinous, Illegal perhaps, our outright Nasty!

No, not at all.

In the very Spirit of Equality, they've found themselves attracted to members of the same Gender - OOOOH AAAAH!! How evil?!?!?! PFFT!!!. Yes, they're Gay. Now let's see. What evils do Gay people bring down upon us? Oh yes, there's the recession - Naughty Gays; The breakdown of Families - Bad Gays; Global Warming - Cleverly Devious Science Gays; Poultry stop laying and cows go off their milk - Insidious Veterinary Gays; oh and the classic, Corruption of Our Children - Department of Education Gays.

Did I leave out any of the ludicrous and just plain jaw droppingly silly and insane things of which Gay people are accused? I know we can all make lists and lists from the Fundamentalist Christians, Right Wingers and other general fanatics to laugh at. But some of these ignorant dullards BELIEVE THIS SHIT! Oh and I forgot to mention the Westborough Baptist Church(Sorry to real Baptists), "God Hates Gays". This "Pastor" Phelps makes Rev. Fred Nile look like a one-man Gay Rights Campaigner.

Having watched some additional input and read through some more links, it seems we here in Australia, or at least our Government also "Hate Fags". Seems the posters leave out Lesbians.....

But I'm getting off my point. Here in Oz(Australia), we Pride ourselves on being the "Land of the Fair Go". A land where everyone is free to be who they wish, worship whom they wish, and for that matter indulge in all manner of once criticised forms of life provided they do no true harm.

But it seems we have a legal Paradox now. Although Homosexual Men and Women are equal in many acts of Parliament, they're just not "Quite" as equal as the rest of us due to a single Definition. That definition being the one for "Marriage". Marriage in Australia is defined as being between a "Man and a Woman" and some other waffle as being for the purposes of procreation. Now isn't it interesting that "Family" has been redefined for all intents and purposes to include single parents and the like, but we get stuck on ONE Bloody Definition.

So ok, Mr KRudd, Prime Monster of The COMMONWEALTH of Australia, let's not call it Marriage if changing a word or two simply is too hard. Let's have Civil Unions like the UK. No? Hmmm, well why not Mr KRudd? Could it be that you're every bit as antiquated, superstitious and Bigotted as "Pastor" Phelps underneath? Yes? Well that explains a lot. You know Mr KRudd, there are and were more Australians in favour of Gay Marriage that voted for you and in general than there are or were in favour of saying "Sorry" the the Australian Aborigines. Oh I see, you know that but you're still on yoru ego trip of having been elected in the first place and you'll do as You like not what the people want. I'll remember Mr KRudd, and shout it loud and long leading up to the next election too, ya jack bastard!

Dear MrKrudd, I'd support a Bill where you and other conservative members of your Party were checked into Hospital, at taxpayers expense, to have your Head surgically removed from your Arse!

OK, back to me talking to you the reader. Frankly, I find this whole Gay Marriage issue SHOULD be a storm in a teacup. An issue where we simply change the odd word or two in the country's legislation and everyone is then legally equal. Add to that, I don't want my Grandchildren thinking how aweful we were in this generation for making up lies and silly reasons in order to discriminate against people and infringe on their Rights as Human Beings. I sincerely hope, that by the time my own Grandchildren, or even my younger children get to voting age that this WILL BE a NON-ISSUE and simply remembered as a bad time where we were in the Wrong.

GIVE EQUALITY TO US ALL!

Rudd's Backs Away From Gay Marriage

2009-08-02T09:16:00.007+10:00

G'day Reader,

Anyone out there? Ah well, I'm gunna rant on this topic anyway.

Prime Monster KRudd has done it again. During his campaign for election his Party, Labor, lead many people I know personally as well as those making statements in the news that true Equality for same-sex couples would be not only a priority but would be one of his governments first acts. And that includes, Gay Marriage.

This subject particularly catches my attention now as I've recently had my eldest Daughter marry, and now my wife and I are helping friends with setting up for their same-sex wedding.

Bemoan and ridicule me all you like for my support of Gay Marriage if you wish, but I was taught as I grew up that we all have a Soul. All those Souls are equal, whether male or female. So it's no stretch of logic at all to accept two Souls of the same gender wishing to become partners for life as spouses. I hate the word Spouse, but the language hasn't kept up with the times so its the only word that describes both male-male and female-female partners in a Gay marriage.

More of my justification of my support?

Homosexual men and women have been around as long as humans have been around. If one accepts Evolutionary Theory it was probably around in our prehistoric ancestral forms as well. We see it in nature all the time, and if this is so, for the "Believers" then it is God's Will that some animals AND PEOPLE be homosexual. Just the same, hermaphrodites happen. So following the same logical thread, surely some people are born into the wrong gendered body and so with our technology today we can help them to be and feel like the gender they believe themselves to be. But that one is for another day.

For now, I wish to say to the naysayers on Gay Marriage/Committment/Civil Unions/[Add politically correct bullshit pseudonym] that if homosexuality is a Sin then it's a Sin on those who Practice it and no skin off your nose. However the same Teachings of the Bible say, 'Judge not lest ye be Judged' so it's not anyone else's place to criticise. Christ himself never went around condemning everyone but merely set an example to be followed. Thus he left it up to each individuals choice to simply live the best life they could while mortal. Criticism and condemnation of homosexuality in the Bible is more a product of the times and culture than anything else as nowhere is "God" or "Christ" quoted as saying ANYTHING on the subject. Historically, fundamentalist christians(deliberate lower class c) seem to be among the only people who can't seem to embrace homosexuals and homosexuality as being normal. Fair enough the Greeks and their predecessors worshipped all sorts of odd and strange demigods, but they also thrived for centuries and their culture was enhanced by simply accepting all the people within their culture. For goodness sake, even Alexander the Great is a known historical figure who preferred the company of the same gender for both commeradery and sex.

Haven't we, as supposedly well educated and civilised western human beings, evolved far enough and learned enough yet that we can accept and embrace ALL people within our communities? Do we still have to hang on to ridiculous superstitions and out-dated predjudices fuelled by false information and 'stories'? It's time to use your Brain! That wondrously incredible organ inside your brain box and forget the propaganda of generations of bigots and the ignorant. DO your own research, think for yourselves and stand up for some other human beings who are being denied the freedoms heterosexuals enjoy every day. The simple surety of a union of two people in the hopes it will last a lifetime and be as happy in old age as it is when young.

I promised myself to keep this short, but for those of you who voted for Mr Krudd: had you bothered to look up his biography, you'd have known he has a hardline, right-wing christian background. I tried to warn people, but of course 'political advertising' tells the Truth doesn't it? For those too stupid, lazy or ignorant to actually look into who you are voting for and find out their and their party's history, you got what you deserve.

[Read the link attached to the heading for the news article upon which this rant is based]

Wedding Video Part III

2009-05-31T19:23:00.001+10:00

Wedding Part III
The Wedding of Shanon Mark Ewing and Christine Elizabeth Lee Baker on 10th May, 2009. Seaview Hotel, The Strand, Townsville.

Wedding Video Part II

2009-05-30T22:40:00.001+10:00

The second part of the Wedding

Wedding Video Part I

2009-05-30T21:32:00.001+10:00

Yup, my baby girl, eldest of five girls married. Funny thing is I don't really feel any older but she grew up quickly. Almost 22 and now a wife. Well enjoy the video and yes, I did tear up.

Flood Victims Offer Aid to Victorian Fire Victims

2009-02-10T17:54:00.002+10:00

G'day Reader,

Once in a while you stumble across a story so heart-warming that it beggars belief. But, having lived and worked with the people of the areas affected by our current flooding, I shouldn't really br surprised.

Below is shown an article I came across while perusing the news. In a nutshell, 36 local councils in Queensland have been declared disaster areas due to our Wet Season, two cyclone breakups, and a persistent monsoonal low pressure trough over the whole Northern part of the state. And the victims of this water onslaught wish to give their aid to the victims of the fires in Victoria.

Posted here is the link to the original article:

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/5311372/flood-victims-boost-bushfire-appeal/

Posted below are the words of the article itself:

"Flood victims to boost bushfire appeal
February 10, 2009, 5:56 pm

Victims of the North Queensland's devastating floods are planning to hand over their aid cheques to the Victorian bushfire disaster appeal.

Vast areas of the state's north remain inundated with almost 3,000 homes damaged in the Ingham area alone, a legacy of ex-cyclone Ellie.

As the mopping-up operation got underway now that the floodwaters are starting to recede, the federal minister in charge of the flood operation, Dr Craig Emerson, toured the area on Tuesday.

And he was clearly touched by how many of the residents he met were talking about the Victorian bushfires.

"They know they've been through trying times here but there's a lot of sympathy and support for the Victorian bushfire victims," Dr Emerson told AAP.

"Indeed some of the people who are getting assistance here are going to give it to the bushfire victims, which I think is a wonderful tribute to the Australian spirit."

Hinchinbrook Shire Council spokesman Dan Hoban also said that as council and emergency workers inspected damaged homes much of the talk among residents was about the bushfires.

"People are saying that as soon as they get themselves together they are going to help Victoria," Mr Hoban said.

More than 1,200 people, many of whom have been isolated until Tuesday, have sought assistance from the recovery centre in Ingham over the past two days.

All kinds of debris, including things like couches and even washing machines, have been found on Ingham's roads by council officers assessing the damage to infrastructure.

After peaking at 12.2m twice in one week, the Herbert River at Ingham has fallen to 9.55 metres and was expected to dip below eight metres by midnight on Tuesday.

Army trucks are streaming in to help with the recovery with two Australian Defence Force Black Hawk helicopters on hand.

The council is distributing bottles of disinfectant to residents to help reduce health risks associated with mould that is expected to grow inside many houses that were flooded.

The weather bureau is predicting more showers for Thursday and Friday but this was not expected to raise water levels again.

In Brisbane, state parliament returned for the first time for the year and question time was suspended to allow MPs to speak on the flooding and Victorian bushfires.

Premier Anna Bligh said Queenslanders would stand by those facing a long recovery from both the fires what had taken at least 173 lives - and the flooding, which had claimed seven lives since November.

"There has been so much pain associated with these disasters that many of us will marvel at how much the human heart can bear," Ms Bligh said.

"Our own hearts reach out to those whose lives have been torn apart."

Two-thirds of Queensland remains flooded, with 36 councils declared disaster zones.

Defence Force aircraft are still dropping off thousands of ration packs to flood-bound areas.

Gulf of Carpentaria communities such as Normanton and Karumba expect to be isolated for another two months.

The federal government on Tuesday made available Queensland's $1.3 billion share of housing funds in the second stimulus package for flood relief.

And some of the $14.7 billion set aside under the Building the Revolution program will go to repair and upgrade schools."

I find I neverwould have thought I'd see the day such charity would be expressed in this day and age. Please show this article around as a sign people still can do great and good things.

To offer assistance in any form, please go to the Australian Red Cross site here:
http://www.redcross.org.au/

OR the Salvation Army, Australia site here:
http://www.salvos.org.au/

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T09:46:00.001+10:00

Just a wish from me to you!

The YOUtube Experience. (III)

2008-12-19T00:54:00.002+10:00

G'day Reader,

And so now we are in that time of year for celebration, family, warm Christmas feelings, and of course a little reflection ..........

One thing I've noted in many YouTubers is that some 'appear' not to recognise the other users of the site as 'real people'. To try and explain, many users of the site seem to think of other users as some form of interractive entity with no genuine feelings like their own. So I suppose I am saying that I've come across many YouTubers, although they see and hear others, seem to be very lacking in empathy; orthat part of their psyche has not matured enough to recognise that other internet users who show themselves on video are as feeling and have the same or similar needs and wants as they themselves do. Of course, I realise this is opinion so feel free to disagree [I love a good debate]. I also enjoy debating such subjects and IF proved wrong will change or at least modify my opinion.

With the above as a preamble, I don't think I am on my own by recognising that those we 'meet' and/or befriend on sites like YouTube are just like me. Cultures may be different, as can be races and creeds. The thing is we're all after the same needs and wants regardless of how we go about persuing them. And we all bleed red, cry clear tears and feel pain - just as we all feel joy.

So although I've now jumped to my current experiences on Youtube, I do wish to share some of how I am thinking of my experiences with the site and so it belongs here on this blog.

With Christmas almost upon us and New Years coming soon after I find I'm in a somewhat reflective mood overall but also with regard to YouTube. We began 2008 still getting used to the loss of TheDispatcher/TheBoringDispatcher aka Roger. He was known for his onscreen vicious tongue and biting responses to comments. BUT, in reality that was just one aspect of the man. And it made his passing a tiny bit easier and harder knowing he'd been so happy in his last days. Early in the New Year of 2008 we lost LordSardonic. He was a remarkable New Zealander young man, finishing school and looking to his future with a donor kidney in place. One could say the world was about to finally become his oyster. He spoke openly and frankly about his life as a person with renal failure. He shared his hopes, his fears but also his optomism with all. And then suddenly due to renal complications he passed away. Too soon after, I lost my Friend SickNick. Nick had battled addiction to herione for many years and was both aged and matured in some ways beyond his years. But with all that, he still shared a voracity for living few of us I feel could emulate. In Nick's case we communicated often and I was quite harsh with him in a 'tough love' sort of way if and when he ever faultered or felt he wished to fall backwards. In the end, his life with us on this earth was ended by an overdose.

And so this year I've been more absent from YouTube than in my first two years. My genuine feelings of loss for people like Nick; my sense of sadness over Roger and Anthony made me very contemplative about the real people I was communicating with every day on the site. Although genuinely saddened, it wasn't depression. It was more of a recognition of all of our mortality and how fragile any of our existences can be. And Yes, even now I still almost expect my Yahoo to go off telling me Nick wishes to speak to me - maybe it's just wishful thinking.

So why have I told you all of this? Do I have some profound gem of wisdom to share regarding people we meet on the internet? Shall I make some drear statement of loss and remorse?No. I'm no wiser than anyone else - but I do hope I learn from my contact with others and my mistakes.

What's important in the coming weeks is that we, in the spirit of Auld Lang Syne, let go of the pain and regrets of the past. Learn our lessons; remember the good; release the bad. Blank our slate and make one simple resolution for the New Year and for each we're lucky enough to see: "I'll do better this New Year"

(to be continued)

The YOUtube Experience. (II)

2008-12-19T00:10:00.002+10:00

Before I go on, I need to add here that my memory isn't the best. What I do remember is true, but I may leave bits out or get the order they happened a little wrong.

So, I suppose it could be said that I didn't initially expect to meet many people and was on the site purely for the novelty of having a video on a website. Sounds rather naive now I know. But as people did indeed seem to, through whatever psychological phenomenon was in play, naturally move into my small niche or sphere of contact I was to find many who I know, in real life, would be friends but with whom for the time being I would and will have to remain online friends. And with those individuals I share more of the 'real me' than I do on the videos. That's not to say my 'on camera' presence isn't real. It's more that early on I decided I would only share as much of my real life on video as I chose. Matters such as my children and immediate family and the like weren't for 'public consumption'.

Back then I was among the first to stumble upon people like Terry who later was to be known as Zipster, Myles who is Blade376 and now very popular in the UK, Nate who as Blunty3000 was a much 'smaller' youtuber before the partnership program and so many others like Boh3m3 (Ben) who once they became highly subscribed had less and less time for individual other youtubers no matter how long they'd known them. I could list so many. Hugh of Hughsnews was a particular favorite as from the outset I knew he had a certain something. It may sound strange, but there's a little vicarious pride to be had from having known and in some cases helped some youtubers who've gone on to have so much fun and/or success. However, I've also seen so much potential come and go for whatever reasons which at times can be a little sad.I can remember the excitement and incredulity of my first hundred susbcribers as I'd never set out to gain such recognition, simply make some videos, have some fun and perhaps meet a couple of nice enough people. But with the notice I'd began to attract back then it caused me to enter the prey area of the trolls and haters. And my time came soon enough. A nasty, immature little stunt taking one of my own videos and recutting it and the audio to make it sound like I was a child molester. I've learned much since then on haters and trolls and their methods. And in the case mentioned here I was bouyed up by good friends like Wayne and Min coming to my defence. The offending channel, I believe, is still on youtube oddly enough and he still has a chip on his shoulder as he periodically has a jab expecting me to react.

On HatersI feel a brief pause should be made here to share a tiny bit of hard-learned knowledge on haters and trolls.Although we all get them and will continue to get brief visits from them once we've gained some notice on YouTube, there are some times for which they should be watched. Like pack predators they enjoy going for the lame, the weak and the not yet matured. The lame would be when someone, regardless of the size of their presence on youtube, inadvisably shares intimate distressing information. The weak and not yet matured refers to those who've not yet surrounded themselves with good people and have just reached the point of being noticable, e.g., say around their first hundred subscribers. So it's at these times we should watch out for our friends and contacts on youtube, prepared to offer encouragement, advice and consolation - or sometimes just an ear to gnaw on.

It still is beyond me what gratification 'haters' and 'trolls' get from their cruel antics. They seemingly at times are cruel simply for the sake of being cruel which makes no sense at all. Attention seeking? Simply bad mannered? Shallow? Perhaps all these things and we could go on and on trying to find the "why". The thing is there are some common threads. When the person being preyed upon is in a weak position, with a small group of online contacts and freinds, the absolute worst thing they can do is react or give more attention to a hater. This seems to simply feed them energy or goad them on to meaner and crueller acts and, like blood in the water, attracts even more predators to the feeding frenzy. Once you have a larger following and/or group of friends and contacts 'sometimes' one can have some fun goading these morons - but be warned, tugging a tiger's tail might seem funny......... till he turns and bites you. And once in a while, you can actually turn a hater and gain a new friend - no names here but it's happened twice to me by talking to them rather than the kneejerk reaction of exchanging insults.Haters and trolls also delight in going through all your videos and written introductions and then, it would appear, share this information with each other and put it together in order to try and find a weak spot or a nerve on which to prey. So BE CAREFUL what you share openly on youtube or indeed the internet in it's entirety. Some trolls can turn into genuine cyber-stalkers, don't give them anything to help them along.But on a lighter note, always remember, your first hater shows you're well on your way to being noticed on youtube - so even their dark cloud has a silver lining.

(To be Continued)

The YOUtube Experience.

2008-11-04T08:51:00.004+10:00

G'day Reader,

I first came across youtube in [I think early to mid] 2005 after clicking on a link I 'think'.

I believe I did at some stage set up an ambiguous account, although the name has long since been forgotten, in order to make the odd encouraging comment. Thinking back, it was an odd and 'clunky' website back then. But it was something new and seemed to have some potential. I know the idea attracted me, but I was just one of thousands of "lookers" then - this was long before anyone ever talked about MILLIONS of members and videos. As for the 'clunkiness' of the site, it's about the only recognisable thing left by comparison with back then - well we all know that every time they 'fix' something or 'add' something the site engineers buggar up twice as many other things that then require fixing themselves.

I began to think though that if all these other people could make a silly video acting the fool or simply talking, so could I. And so I made one. I wasn't satisfied with the previous name so openned a new page using a 20 year old nickname I'd been given and which had stuck for some time after that - a sort of reminder of happy youthful days where things were less serious and there was less responsibility but a lot more fun. And then I promptly chickened out.

Then an Aussie fellow held a competition for who had the best "Girlfriend" or woman in their life so I posted for that and posted my 'which hat?' video as well at about the same time. Strangely, I actually won the competition in a tie with a fellow from Germany[thanks Andreas] who in my early days as a youtube video maker was a huge source of advice, information and inspiration. Of course, once the bug bit, I was hooked! And I never cared if people watched my videos or not - it was just fun making them and being able to put them on a website.

Then something odd happened. People actually started looking at my abyssmal attempts at video making. Very early on they even started making requests! I still have my first subscriber too, although he's rarely on the site any longer. Aussies were few and far between back then, and the site was VERY much dominated by Americans - even moreso than now. In fact, finding Aussies was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. In a way this made me feel safe to do anything I pleased with my channel as who the hell would ever know?

I know very early on I decided to only make videos I wished to make - that is, subjects in which I had some interest or on which I had something to say. Requests are fine, but only for getting ideas and afterall, I was doing this thing for MY fun so to me it was a success whether people watched or not. But then MORE people began to gravitate toward me, leaving me completely bewildered and not a little amazed as so many other people were making such professional looking videos and had such an on camera presence. No, this isn't false modesty - I simply never joined youtube for more than a giggle or a laugh and never even dreamed my channel would grow as it has.

(to be continued)

Crocodile Imports for your Enjoyment and Terror!

2008-10-30T08:27:00.004+10:00

G'day Reader,

To my (is it shock? amazement? dismay? well one of those), I saw this mornings byline and headline in the Townsville Bulletin (affectionately known as The Bullsheet).

And here it is:"The EPA can't catch a monster croc stalking Maggie Island as a result of a failed experiment dubbed...

CROCS IN SPACE."

So it appears the EPA itself brought the Crocodile to a populated area to test new tracking equipment and habitat. The experiment failed and since then the Crocodile, true to it's nature, has proved too elusive to recapture.

Now I may be a little alarmist myself on this matter. But I do have a question. WHO THE HELL thought it was a good idea to test a tracking device on a dangerous animal in an area of human habitation????

To summarise, the 'Crocs in Space' program relocated a Crocodile, now dubbed "Wighty", nine weeks ago from Injinoo, high on Cape York, to Magnetic Island to see if it would 'establish a new home' in the area. And although it had a tracking device attached this has apparently failed. So even before the first sightings a few weeks ago the reptile was skulking about the island's highly used beaches for over 6 weeks. I do wonder if during that time people were missing any pets? Closures of various beaches since the sightings and latest revelations has cost businesses and tourist operators on the island countless thousands a day!

Then the Environment Minister, in what can only be said is a moronic statement, put forth with, "This crocodile is not considered to be a problem crocodile". On reading this I had one of those rare but perplexing "What the F***!" moments, to say the least.

So now I ask: How is it that one tells the difference between a 'problem crocodile' and a presumably 'friendly crocodile'?

I suggest that one of each be placed in the Minister's Office with the Minister and his advisors: for six months; till they figure out which crocodile is which; OR till the crocodiles have both eaten their fill.

What do you think?

Cheers

Geoff

What about the Croc?

2008-10-30T08:22:00.003+10:00

G'day Reader,

Well I've never come across a Yeti, nor come too close to a Yowie.

But why go seeking a possibly mythical creature when we have actual monsters in our midst?
And this leads me the the current kafuffle occurring on and just off our sandy shores.

Magnetic Island is being haunted by a 'Rogue Croc'.

This crocodile has been seen and photographed a number of times by tourists and locals alike and appears to be trying to stake a claim to the area as his own territory. "He", and no I've not 'sexed him' is now known as 'Wighty' and is estimated to be roughly 3.5 metres (11'6" plus). So two average adults, one standing on the other's shoulders would be about the animals length.

Now a crocodile of that size is more than a wee bit dangerous, and he's by no means 'BIG'. It's reached the point where people on the island and the immediate shore facing the island have been advised to stay indoors at night, avoid walking in the dark, keep pets and children indoors and various beaches are closed depending on sightings. Of course the intrepid EPA(Aussie version of the Environmental Protection Agency) as been called in along with Parks and Wildlife specialists to capture the cheeky reptile.

And they did.......... once.

Only to lose him again.

And so the saga continues, with the half of the community who've lived here some years laughing their heads off and the 'newcomers' panicking at the thought of a crocodile within the city at all(four suburbs are located on Magnetic Island), even though they may be over 20 kilometres(12.5 miles) from his sightings. Part of the reason we long term residents are laughing is that if these people are panicked by a Crocodile 20km away - perhaps we shouldn't tell them that they almost infest Ross River which cuts right through the whole city - hmmm, yes I think that's wisest. So it's just between you dear reader and me - keep it under your hat.

And remember, NEVER smile at a crocodile.

Cheers
Geoff

Hey Haters!

2008-08-19T10:42:00.001+10:00

A truly inspired piece of video aimed squarely at the bigots and foolish haters on YouTube!
Give is a listen it's great fun!

Pinkie Pride for GAY PRIDE MONTH

2008-06-25T07:22:00.001+10:00

Tobie2 put forward the idea of holding out one hand with the pinkie finger only raised as a sign of solidarity between GLBT people and their supporters. This lead to an influx of video responses doing just that which has now been turned into this video.
And Yes, I'm in it too!
Enjoy!

Geoff

Aboriginal Culture on the Internet - YouTube

2008-06-16T12:24:00.002+10:00

G'day Reader,

I know you aren't all YouTubers, but I made a discovery today that both saddened and also somewhat shamed me.

I was sent a video by a friend on YouTube of an Aboriginal interpretation of the theme from Zorba The Greek. It's very entertaining and fun, and can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-MucVWo-Pw

I administer and Australian Content Group on YouTube which can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/group/Australia1

Watching the video prompted me to look for more Aboriginal content both cultural and contemporary on the site. I found that most videos of Aboriginal Dance, Culture, Music, and folklore were submitted by tourists from overseas. I would go as far as to say less than one in 25 videos was submitted by a resident of Australia.

I find this a very sad portrayal of how our own fellow Australians, the Aborigines, are once again being swept under the carpet by the rest of us and forgotten about. Even such a positive thing as their culture and modern day achievements simply are missing from YouTube completely.
I then tried to think of how many actual aborigines I know on the YouTube Site.

ONE!

Now I don't know about areas where others Aussies who may read this may live, not having travelled extensively in some years, but here where I live Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are a significant part of the community. I have and have had workmates, neighbours and friends who are Aboriginal. The best Company Sergeant-Major(CSM) I had in the Army was an Aborigine from the Northern Territory. Formerly, as a paramedic, I was privileged and sometimes disturbed to see Aboriginal people all over North Queensland from all socio-economic backgrounds and had many aquaintances an yes, patients too - who were aboriginal.

SO where are the Aboriginal People on a global website which has it's own Australian Sub-Site? Can it truly even BE an Australian site without a segment of our own community as intrinsically Australian as our own Aborigines?

Think on it

Geoff
aka Gigolo8 on YouTube.

Pimpatuber-Vlog

2008-06-15T12:43:00.001+10:00

Pimpatuber-Vlog
Help yourself while helping someone else! Pimp a fellow YouTuber! An impromptu explanation of the idea behind the Pimp-a-tuber-thon

Ken Tanaka presents-The Youtube Addict Music Video

2008-06-03T17:19:00.001+10:00

Ah how true it is!
Please enjoy!

Tattoo Confusion

2008-05-06T10:47:00.001+10:00

G'day Reader,

When I made my Naked Vlog, I used a still of my wife's tattoo with my name showing. It seems some people believed I had that tattoo on me - seriously, who tattoos their own name on themelves? SO to clarify, I've made this short video showing MY tattoo with my wife's name, "Sharon" showing on an unfurled banner. Above the name banner is the Australian Flag with sprigs of the National Flower, the Golden Wattle. Please enjoy it and try gettin Naked! LOL
Cheers
Geoff

NAKED VLOG

2008-05-06T10:40:00.001+10:00

G'day Reader,

In recent times YouTube and YouTubers seem to have become overly serious and obsessed with subjects of politics and internal disputes.
At this time the Naked Vlog Tagging started and has been like a breath of fresh air to the whole community, lightening the mood of the site in general.
I was tagged by Johnno aka Shawnsheep and Raoul aka EasyRaoul and very pleased to have been too. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed making this video and evenlook forward to making more on some of our wonderful beaches and pieces of coastline. And it's a first where the nudism shown on my profile coincides with my YouTube interests hehehe.
Enjoy the video and Stay Naked!

Geoff

Georges' Anzac Day Song, an Aussie tribute.

2008-05-06T10:31:00.001+10:00

A wonderful tribute to our Vietnam ANZAC Veterans from a raltively unknown Australian composer and performer. Let's hope we hear far more from this man.
Cheers
Geoff

Making Come ANZAC Day 2008

2008-04-28T09:27:00.002+10:00

G'day Reader,

OK, so we all know that making a video doesn't always go strictly to plan. In this case, the plan to spend an hour or so at the Townsville War Cemetery turned out to be something a little unplanned instead. To explain, here's what was left on the Cutting Room Floor.

Cheers

Geoff
aka Gigolo8

Come ANZAC Day 2008

2008-04-24T18:39:00.002+10:00

G'day Reader,

Well 25th April is the 93rd anniversary of the ANZACs landing at Gallipoli. This year I'm having a fairly quiet one. But it's still worth getting the message out to all of their sacrifice and the sacrifice of those who have followed in their footsteps from all our armed forces.SO here's my little contribution for ANZAC Day 2008.

Cheers

Geoff

Tribute to Australian Vietnam Diggers

2008-02-18T12:48:00.004+10:00

G'day Reader,
Yeah I know, I was just a pup when Vietnam was all over the telelvision. When our Aussie Diggers and US Forces were there. Being so young, when Australia's involvement was over it even felt strange. Anyway, I found this video post from a fairly new contributor to YouTube and found it seemed to come from the heart and now I share it with you, my Blog Friends.

IN addition this is inline with my wishing to promote all forms of Australian talent.

I do hope you've enjoyed this post.

Cheers

Geoff

Blog Information Profile for Gigolo8

My Attitude

2008-02-18T08:25:00.001+10:00

Free Comments & Graphics

Sleep Well, Roger - TheBoringDispatcher

2008-02-11T22:47:00.001+10:00

It seems we've lost a Member of our YouTube community. I believe Tim on this (Please take note ChristopherMast - to fake something like this isn't Tim's Style). Even though Roger and I were not friends and even at times had harsh words - he was too young to pass away. What I can say is that the little of Roger I knew, usually knew where YouTube rubbish stopped and real life began and tended to respect the difference. For all the 'debates' there were also meaningful and enjoyable discussions and I hope I will remember them and Roger in the future as well as I do at this moment.
And Roger, please mind you manners in heaven, they're a bit stricter there than on youtube.
Rest Well.

(Adults Only) Oklahoma Prison Rodeo Commits Criminal Animal Abuse

2008-01-17T22:28:00.001+10:00

Please do not allow the young or overly sensetive view this video.
I doubt I've ever been so moved by a video showing animals. As I write this my eyes are STILL watering at the sheer terror and pain of the animals involved in the farce of a rodeo. True Stockmen (cowboys) would never have such disregard for the suffering of a beast in their care. With behaviour such as that shown in the video here, is it any wonder the term "Cowboy" is so often used in other prefessions as a derisive one meaning reckless to the point of causing danger to others and themselves. I've written enough here as the video and narration speaks for itself.
I know my Good U.S. Friends will react to this and see that it cases to occur.

Cheers

Geoff

Renettolution?

2008-01-15T05:09:00.000+10:00

G'day Reader,

OK, so I'm a YouTube user. No big surprises there.
And over time whether due to a new hobby getting old or just perhaps due to some changes, I've begun to become disillusioned and a little discomforted by the site. It's no one thing, but something is playing at the edges of my conciousness. Trying to place disparate pieces together of a puzzle to form a picture that I know must be there, although sometimes the pieces seem to be from totally different images.

Is it the original partner program with all it's promises to the average user?

Is it the vying and jockeying for position and the hell for leather no holds barred grab for views and subscribers being committed in some permitted but still sneaky ways by certain YouTubers large and small?

The new Partner Program? The advent and spread of YouTuber meets and the sometime negative fallout between some former online friends?

A combination of some or al of the above?

I honestly just don't know.

But now here we have Renetto. Love him or hate him he's been a face on YouTube for a long time, relatively speaking. And what is Renetto, aka Paul Robinet, saying? Revolution? Potentially the site being handed back to the users to run? Or is there a new site in the making where it will operate the way so many of us formerly believed YouTube was going to operate?

Of course, these days, few things ever turn out to be as great as their publicity says - and many had dreams of a utopian youtubia where all would have a voice and prosper, and possibly even be paid. So what did we get instead? A few luck souls were chosen and granted undisclosed but reputedly great benefits as the first profit sharing partners on YouTube. These people were feted and transported to YouTube gatherings and even important meetings at the site's corporate headquarters. Many believed they'd be treated in a similar manner once they achieved star status on YouTube. How naive. This was an introductory, one time only offer to the lucky few firsts who were required to keep confidential any earnings they recieved although small slips have been made. What is fairly reliably reported is that the initial partners were paid per view meaning although a miniscule amount for one view those who recieved thousands of views reaped a sizably multiplied reward. In addition the outings and promotion of the site through virtually guaranteed featuring on the front page of the global site. From this we can at least assume that there would be some thousands of US dollars per year paid to these people. But of course, those who believed there wasn't a price to be paid for this must surely have been missing the day brains were handed out.
And so we move through the introduction of national sub-sites of YouTube and on to the announcement that ALL can be partners, provided they live in the United States or Canada. And that there it is envisioned that there will be an international roll-out of the open partner program to other countries. Although many of us have approached YouTube through various means it seems they're not willing to put out a timetable, even subject to change, of when this roll-out will even begin - let alone when it will be complete. But what of the new partners?
Are they paid per view? Will they recieve the preferential treatment and be paraded around to the masses of adoring YouTubers subsidised or even paid for by YouTube?
I think not. Unlike the rumoured per view payments recieved by the initial partners, new partners are reported to only be paid for clicks on ads. This then reduces their potential earnings markedly. And so, on to the perks and fringe benefits. Have any new partners been jetted off to YouTube Corporate HQ for secret strategy meetings? Or have they been shown off like prize bulls at meets at YouTube expense?
No.

Simple answer really. The new open partner program is a pale reflection of that which was shown to us all in the treatement of those few lucky first partners. And there is further speculation that we were granted our own nations' YouTube sites in order to pay people at varying rates dependent on revenues gained in their countries. Now this would mean that although in my case, 90% of my subscribers and viewers are in the US and UK I'd only recieve a share of earnings from ads clicked from my country. This even though once signed up as a partner YouTube can place ads relevant to each country on their other sites showing my videos and keep ALL the revenue from clicks on those ads. To illustrate: If an American watched my video he would see an ad for an American product or service, and should he then click on it all revenue for that click goes to YouTube as I am not an American. I would only gain a share of revenue if an Australian watched my video and clicked on an ad for an Australian product or service. In this way, YouTube maximises it's income by minimising it's profit sharing by deliniating earnings along national borders.
And all the while, YouTube staff think they are so very, very clever at having duped the vast majority of us yet again. I do hope the initial partners are proud of assisting in this no doubt legal but morally suspect campaign to keep people watching and joining with the hopes of money at the end.
And for those of you who say, 'it's a free site'. Is it really? Simply to get on the site we have to have a recent generation computer and broadband access to view it. Those of us who've taken the plunge and 'broadcast ourselves' as the old logo said, at the very least have a webcam and editting software. In many cases, we who upload videos have invested in more and better software, cameras to go mobile and even backdrops and other video making props. So with all this outlay of cash for the site, just how 'free' is it?

Well I've bored you all enough for now and hopefully made one of you at least think.

Till next time, BUGGARORF

Geoff

Can you say G'day?

2007-12-05T14:04:00.000+10:00