Wiki Geek Brief

So, I have an idea and I want to see if anyone is game. Here goes…

Researching and writing The Brief usually takes us half a day or more. Shooting takes about 30 minutes and post production (editing, graphics, compression and uploading) takes about three hours. Check the Twitter transcripts. It’s pretty well documented.

This week, we’re slammed because we have an unscheduled trip to New York on Thursday and Cali has a speaking gig on Wednesday.

What’s the likelihood some friends of the brief would like to submit some stories to wiki {at} geekbrief {dot} com? We’re talking completely written stories with an attached product graphic or screenshot and links to sources so we know we’re not plagiarizing.

It seems like a fun experiment. If you’re interested in playing along, write a story about a gadget, Web application, game or piece of software. Length should be about five sentences long (keep the brief in Geek Brief). Include graphics or screenshots and links to your sources. Send it via email to wiki {at} geekbrief {dot} com.

You’ll be putting words in Cali’s mouth, so gold stars go to writers who are funny and still wholesome. Cali will edit you just like she edits me, but you’ll get the credit on the show and links in the shownotes on GeekBrief.TV.

One time, I worked at a non-profit organization where I had the opportunity to write a speech for Laura Bush. Hearing your words come out of someone else’s mouth is magical.

Ultimately, this experiment could lead to writing work for a future Geek Brief Gadget Blog…I’m just saying!

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24 Responses to “Wiki Geek Brief”

  1. CVBruce says:

    I would help, but my daughter says I’m not funny. I don’t even get eye-rolls, or groans.

  2. RhodesTer says:

    I’d be happy to give it a shot! I’ve been looking for writing opportunities, and so far they don’t seem to be under rocks.

  3. RhodesTer says:

    CVBRUCE.. don’t let that stop you.. daughters NEVER think you’re funny. That’s their job.

  4. Tony C. Hall says:

    Yeah I am game. I have a slowish work week and this sounds fun.

  5. Tod Pardon says:

    I’m funny! But then again, I don’t have a daughter. But I do have a son and we can make mighty rude sounds together.

  6. Josh says:

    Neal,
    This sounds like a great idea and I’m sure it will work out for the brief! I should have some time tomorrow afternoon to try to put something together. I was curious tho, what is your deadline for the writing? I don’t want to miss out.

  7. VenessaP says:

    Fantastic idea guys. Podcast by collaboration and shared interest.

  8. Michael says:

    Well since your podcast is one which generates revenue, one would hope you would appropriately remunerate your contributors for being producers of the show.

  9. Jacobshm says:

    I’m in!
    Oh wait, I cant write to save my life. I seriously hope some of you guys are good at that.

  10. Dan says:

    This is an awesome idea! I hate you! J/K, I just really yhink this sounds like fun, but I am really busy right now. Oh well, bring on the caffeine! I will definitely send something.

  11. Conlan says:

    You may end up spending more time going through these emails than you would have spent doing it yourselves. In any case, sounds like fun.

  12. Rick Yaeger says:

    My first submission is on its way.

  13. Okay, I’m in. I can’t promise I won’t come up empty, but I want to help.

  14. Great idea! At the speed I write, I’ll have a submission to you guys in about 3 months. ;)

  15. Lindsay says:

    @ Neal, such a cool idea! I’m struggling to write something. I just can’t handle the pressure. I’m not sure that I can be witty on demand ;)

  16. John says:

    Great idea! I’d love to help but since I get my gadget news from you guys, I don’t have any new gadgets or topics to contribute… I’ll keep my eyes open though.

  17. Ed says:

    I think I could give it a shot!

  18. Lindsay says:

    @ Neal, I woke up with a fresh start and I am going for it! I am super excited about the prospect of contributing a story/stories to the Brief.

  19. IanM says:

    Sorry to be a negative voice but I’m not so sure about this. I appreciate you and Cali work really hard and it must be tough to do a daily show but it’s *your* Brief: you have to do it.

    GeekBrief’s uniqueness and excellence comes from your writing and production. Whatever you might humbly think, your writing style comes out on screen. Change the former and you *could* damage the Brief. In the end, and I mean no offence to the other commenters above, I think you’ll just spend as much time, if not more, trawling through a bunch of dross, as you would researching and writing the Brief yourselves.

    This is an over-simplication for effect but I really don’t think you’ll both get the same satisfaction if Cali’s just the dumb presenter reading a script and you’re just the dumb cameraman recording and editing it, where would the fun be in that?!

    And now to be unfairly harsh… you are now being paid (I assume) by Podshow: your viewers (the GIA) aren’t. There will be many agents willing to do this because you have a very loyal audience but wouldn’t you or wouldn’t you end up feeling that you were taking advantage of them?

    But then perhaps there’s a compromise or spectrum between employing researchers and writers, paying for content on a piece rate or getting it for free.

    Food for thought…

  20. Brian McNitt says:

    Done! In your inbox. :)

  21. Jeff McCord says:

    IanM-

    You have a point, but keep in mind those people (aka me) that would NEVER have a shot at doing something fun, cool and publicly like this. That’s what makes Neal and Cali so different from other successful “tech celebs” – they truly enjoy helping others and getting their fans involved and I truly think that is their niche.

    I think we have plenty of trust that Cali and Neal won’t let “trash/garbage” into their podcast…

    Just my 2 cents.

    Jeff

  22. We Key says:

    I think this is a great idea, and you could open it up even more. Imagine if there was an actual wiki page where people could submit leads, then others could follow up with draft stories, and others could add some final polish. Of course Cali and Neal would have final editorial approval, but this lowers the barriers to entry and should attract more contributions.

  23. Pat Meier says:

    Are you coming to CES? If so, please join us for the Lunch at Piero’s new product and technology showcase January 7 and 8, 11:30 to 2pm at Piero’s Restaurant in Las Vegas directly across from the convention center. See the debut of the new Alex E-Reader from Spring Design, a fabulous section of iPhone apps, processors, displays, drive, mobile, network, web, gadget, digital photo products and many more, plus a delicious buffet lunch. You must register at http://www.lunchat.com/mediaregistration.html.

    If you already RSVPd but haven’t received a confirmation, please contact me at patmeier@lunchat.com.

    Hope you can make it!

    Cheers

    Pat

    Pat

    Pat Meier-Johnson

    Watch our blog for updates about our sponsors: Lunch at Piero’s

    355 Convention Center Drive at Paradise Blvd. Las Vegas

    Thursday and Friday, January 7 and 8, 2010, 11:30 to 2pm

    Follow us: @LunchatEvents

    415.389.1700

  24. Pat Meier says:

    The invitation to the CES Press event was ONLY FOR NEAL. Please do not respond if you are not him. Posted accidentally in comments. Thank you

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