BACK WHEN I was doing a lot of remixing and audio production I always dreamed about having some kind of ‘brain machine’ that would simply extract whatever rhythms or melodies you were hearing in your head and export them directly to .wav files.

Obviously this is still a ways downstream, but I have no doubt there will be something like it eventually, with odds on Google as the people who figure it out.

Anyway, a few days ago our new associate editor Candice Walsh sent me an invite to try Google Wave, and it reminded me of the brain machine, or at least the spirit of the brain machine concept. If you haven’t heard about it yet, here’s an overview.

The best way I can describe it (admittedly after just messing around), is to compare it to Twitter. You invite people to join in a new “wave” (kind of like a timeline) and everyone can add updates / ideas / photos. The whole thing is then collected in a kind of live document known as a Google “Wave.”

The reason why I compare it to Twitter is that the creation of the wave happens in real-time, and you can actually go back and use a control panel similar to a MP3 player to ‘replay’ it.

This ‘live’ element makes Google Wave particularly interesting for applications like group brainstorms, the kind of thing we do a lot of here at Matador. You can actually ’see’ people typing, which gives a uniquely transparent look at how they work / think. Until they come up with the Brain Machine, I think this is potentially the most exciting aspect of new technology, (and one that should interest writers in particular), the ability to work with other people to create multimedia content in real time.

Also of interest to writers and journalists will be using Wave to create more in-depth back-channel conversations, a form of ‘augmented reality’, during media coverage of events. Earlier this month, freshnetworks blogged about using Google Wave vs. Twitter at conferences, pondering the future of both, and asking if “augmented reality” (a term which honestly seems to fit a stoner’s lexicon better than social media) – will be the next “major influence?”

The one drawback that I see so far is that Google Wave does not seem intuitive at all. Basically most of us are used to thinking linearly when it comes to writing emails, chatting, and using the computer in general. You go from one line to the next. Google Waves are organic, non-linear, more like a map (the Wave engineers were the same who created Google Maps). The conversations can sprout multiple branches, each leading in different directions.

If you’ve received an invite and are having trouble getting started, an excellent resource is Get Started with Google Wave.

Community Connection

Travelers, writers: what experience have you had so far with Google Wave? How do you see being able to use it as a writer?

Let us know in the comments below.

Image above: Remko va Dokkum / Feature image: cambodia4kidsorg

I’ve never lost any critical files myself (knock on wood). Lost a couple emails, maybe some MP3s, sure. But I’ve worked in the IT industry long enough and have had enough users whine to me about losing data to know that it’s common and it’s a major problem. The thing is, we usually only have ourselves to blame.

As Google rolls on with their Earth domination plans, many of us are becoming more and more reliant on their online services. We at Matador use Google Docs to store articles and to collaborate with other writers and editors.

But what would happen if Google just up and died? However unlikely that is to happen, it’s very possible. They don’t have an unblemished record. How about Gmail going down for two hours back in February? And this recent news item: “Google suffers major failure“?

If you’re a heavy Google Apps user, your eyebrows better be raised right now.

So what do I do?

We can’t rely on Google to keep our documents safe. It’s up to us. We need to get a copy of all those files onto our local hard drives and into our control. LifeHacker has some great tips in downloading Google data. I’m gonna share with you the method I used to get my Google Docs down to my computer.

It’s true you can save each file, one-by-one, but unless you have a lot of time on your hands or love monotonous work, you’ll prefer to do it all in one go. This may seem lengthy, but after the initial setup, each backup after will be a two minute job.

First off, get on the Firefox bandwagon

Firefox has some wicked and useful plugins, such as the ones we’re about to install. So, I’ll give you five minutes to download and install Firefox…..okay. Done? Let’s go.

Install the GreaseMonkey plugin

1. You can do this right at the Firefox GreaseMonkey plugin page

2. Click Add to Firefox, then Install. Restart the browser and you should now see a cute lil monkey face in the bottom right corner.

Next, install Google Doc Download (a GreaseMonkey script)

1. Visit the Google Doc Download page

2. Click the Install Now! link, then Install

3. After restarting Google Docs, you’ll notice a new option — Download Your Documents — in your Google Docs control panel:

Not done yet. We need to be able to download all the documents in one fell swoop. Keep reading…

Last, install the DownThemAll! plugin

1. Go to the DownThemAll! plugin page and click Add to Firefox, then Install.

2. Restart Firefox. That easy.

Now the cool bit

You’re now ready to back up your Google Docs. If not already, log into Google Docs.

1. Click on All Items to display all documents.

2. Near the bottom, click on Select All so that all your documents are highlighted.

3. Click that shiny new option I mentioned earlier — Download Your Documents — and choose as Microsoft Office Files.

4. A new tab will open up titled Google Docs & Spreadsheets Downloads and will list of all your documents. In Firefox, click Tools > DownThemAll! Tools > DownThemAll!

5. Choose your destination folder in the Save files in part and then click Start!

Now watch in wonder as all of your docs get downloaded into Microsoft Office files.

One last step

This is optional, but since computers are known to crash, a good idea. Now that you have all your docs on your computer, back them up to another medium such as CD, DVD, external hard drive or USB memory stick for safe keeping.

Since this is not an automatic backup process, you’ll have to make it a habit to manually do this every now and again. Obviously, the more often the better, but once is better than none.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Do you have any horror stories of losing precious documents? Or more tips on safeguarding our data?

Please share below!

Photo by Zebra Pares Feature photo bya.saliga

Editing your video

The following services allow you to upload and edit your video, then compress the results for distribution.

Mogulus

Mogulus is more of a roll-your-own TV station than a simple editor. You are able to stream live and on-demand content as well as a “linear” TV-style player. Embed graphics, use news-style tickers, and work with inbuilt-templates or build your own.

Matador TV, anyone?

Photo by Steve Garfield

Jaycut

Jaycut provides one of the smoothest and desktop-like environments for editing video online: it features drag and drop capabilities allowing you to quickly build a timeline from a gallery of several clips. All the normal cropping and editing tools are available, along with a library of title effects.

Jaycut sets itself apart from competitors with its collaborative abilities, and the ability to upload directly from one’s phone might be a killer feature for travellers’ spontaneous shots.

Unlike many competitors, Jaycut allows you to download your file as well as embed it directly from their server.

Jumpcut et al

Upload your videos directly from your computer then crop, re-arrange, add visual and sound effects to complete your masterpiece.

Now owned by Yahoo, Jumpcut also allows you to e-mail clips to your account or import videos from Facebook and Flickr. Although you can embed movies you create here, you cannot download them for further distribution.

Similar tools are Muvee Mix and Rifftrax Cuts.

Converting file formats

You spend ages creating your video, only to find it won’t play on your host’s strange operating system.No worries; several powerful, free online conversion tools are available.

If you have a relatively new computer, there are definite advantages to downloading a conversion programme and making use of that processing power. Older machines and netbooks will struggle with large, processor intensive files.

Photo by Travelin’ Librarian

Zamzar

Zamzar, if you can remember the name, is to online file conversion what chewing gum is to MacGyver: almost certain salvation. With the free (advert-supported) version, you can upload files of up to 1G and choose from many end-formats.

Subscribers are allowed larger uploads, ad-free pages and faster processing time. Zamzar isn’t just good for movies. You can also convert documents, audio and several other file types.

Media Converter

Otherwise, try Media Converter. They not only convert from uploaded files, but will also convert from a URI or rip videos from flash players like YouTube.

Distribution

Now that you’ve crafted your video, you want to share it with as many people as possible. It’s time to upload it to YouTube, right? Well, not really.

Tubemogul
The king of video distribution is undoubtedly Tubemogul, followed by a couple of niche travel sites that Tubemogul doesn’t pick up.

Do one upload, one set of notes, one set of tags, and see your video launched on the following sites:

• AOL Video
• Blip.tv
• Crackle
• Daily Motion
• Google Video
• Graspr
• Howcast
• I2TV
• Imeem
• Metacafe
• MySpace
• Revver
• Sclipo
• StupidVideo
• Veoh
• Webcastr
• Yahoo Video
• YouTube
• Viddler
• Vimeo
• 5min

That’s amazing distribution for one upload. It gets better though: using the Tubemogul dashboard you can track views and comments on many of these systems. It’s a one-stop shop for your video tracking.

It still behooves you to get out into some of these communities and comment, network and build relationships if you want to get some views to your work, though.

Three places Tubemogul doesn’t support are also of interest to travellers:

Facebook

If you play within the blue and white walls of this closed garden, you’re probably going to want to upload your video here to be tagged and enjoyed by your closest friends.

Those of us with limited bandwidth or time use the YouTube Video Box application to embed our videos or simply create links using the “Post a link” feature.

Travelistic

A small but growing video site aimed specifically at travellers. At present it’s got fewer than 10,000 videos so you have the potential to become a leading user of the site. Limited by its niche, it’s a perfect place for us Matadorians to share our passion for travel.

Flickr

Better known for its photo sharing prowess, flickr now handles video, too. Video can supplement your photo stream and it can be a great distribution point if you have already built a solid number of contacts within the service.

Other resources

Many more video resources are available through Mashable’s video toolbox of 150+ resources.

Published in June 2007, some of these links are rather out of date. I would be remiss if I didn’t point you towards Make Internet TV’s great site for people dabbling their toes into online video. Their simple step-by-step guide walks you through each step of the process, from equipment to promotion.

Community Connection:

Keep an eye out for Craig’s upcoming ebook on travel blogging and multimedia podcasting, to be released through Indie Travel Guides in the middle of 2009.

WordPress’s new theme directory doesn’t yet give good results when searching for “travel,” so here are 20 great WordPress themes for travel blogs.

Polaroid

Hit them right between the eyes with a massive, Polaroid style photo of your eternal holiday. It’s easy to change and randomize what images appear so you can keep things fresh.

Get this theme

Fontella

While great for featuring your latest posts with big, glossy pics, Fontella does make you dig into the site for more updates and information.

Get this theme

Discovery

Call me modern, but a handheld GPS says a lot more about travel than a 17th century compass. You, however, can unleash your inner Indiana Jones with the discovery theme.

Get this theme

Victoria

I love the way Victoria breaks up “blog” and “feature” posts straight out of the box. This is a great theme for someone looking to do narrative travelogue as well as write informational or magazine style features.

Get this theme

Cutline 3c

The three column cutline theme is simple and SEO friendly. It doesn’t take a lot of work to maintain and, although a little basic, does a good job of keeping everything in fine order.

Get this theme

I feel dirty

Covered with paint splashes and scribbles, this theme allows your inner artist to hack away on the WordPress page. Its design is clear and easy to navigate… if you can stop the pages from peeling away.

Get this theme

Oriental

Oriental’s bright red and yellows with lovely cherry blossom line art make this a graceful theme for your Asian adventure. Mosaic-style blocks give lift and texture to a simple layout.

Get this theme

Foliage Mod

This green and grungy template introduces a little play into your theme with a cool pull-down menu and grassy effects.
Get this theme

Best Travel

It’s a little cliche, but nothing says “I’m on a beautiful, tropical beach and you’re not” quite like Best Travel. Bright orange highlights give life to a potentially dull theme.

Get this theme

Open Air

Light and spry, the Open Air theme allows you to showcase a stunning landscape photo with semi-transparent information panes hovering above it.

Get this theme

Travelog

Great design: selotaped photos, hand-scribbled RSS button. I like its raw and cluttered effect. So will your visitors.

Get this theme

Adventure

I’m a sucker for passport stamps…and now I can have one on my blog! Get your very own border control-vetted travel theme.

Get this theme

Dilectio

Colourful yet stylish, Dilectio gives a clean, uncluttered feel and smooth relaxing lines.

Get this theme

Bluebird

Minimalistic, straight-forward and blue. This light and airy theme features a stylish, singing bluebird: perfect for forest lovers and addicted tweeters.

Get this theme

Travelogue

It’s been through a few transitions, but the Travelogue theme is still a great way to showcase your trip. With stamped cardboard effects, it gives a Get Smart-era feel to your travels.

Get this theme

Nature Nouveau

A vine creeps up the side of the page to explode in a floral display at the top. With relaxing colours, this theme captures a carefree, work-less lifestyle like few others.

Get this theme

Photo and video themes:

Nautilus

Let your images do all the talking. Nautilus is a sharp, clean design with some clever touches.

Get this theme

Nishita

Nishita’s logical layout and photocentric force makes for another great photo theme. If a picture’s worth a thousand words, this baby’s going to serve you well.

Get this theme

Photo WP

An “on-black” photo theme which will reward vibrant colours. It’s built from the ground up to make it easy for photographers to become bloggers! Thanks to Flickr integration, it shouldn’t take too long to get things firing from the world’s internet cafes.

Get this theme

Revolution TV

Going to vlog your way around the world? The hottest new theme for WordPress video blogs is undoubtedly Revolution TV, which puts your video content right at the front of what’s happening.

Get this theme

Community Connection

Want to start your own WordPress travel blog? Check out Craig’s instructions on setting up a WordPress Travel Blog account or wait for the upcoming instructions on creating your own self-hosted WordPress install.