review

Review: Nollywood Babylon

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If you make films or any media, if you're interested in film culture beyond the usual geekonomic US-Japan-Bollywood-UK group, then you need to see the movie "Nollywood Babylon."  It's right here at Neftlix and you can read a summary here at IMDB.

If you're still wondering why I'm saying this, as opposed to following my every word unthinkingly, let me sum up the film.

This is a look at the Nigerian film industry, an industry that differs so vastly from ones in other countries (yet is huge), and is such a different look at filmmaking, it's incredibly informative.  It will make you think about media, culture, and technology – if you have an interest in film culture in Africa, that's a plus, but that's just one thing you'll learn about.

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Oddball Review: “Just Enough”

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This is probably one of the strangest book reviews I've done.

"Just Enough: Lessons in Living Green From Traditional Japan" By Azby Brown
ISBN-10: 4770030746
ISBN-13: 978-4770030740

This is a strange book to review, because I'm not really reviewing it as a progeeky career book.  I'm reviewing it as an example of a book that is a product of a very geeky mind and passionate interest.  It may not be a book you want to read – but it's an example of a book you may want to write.

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KinToki-Con: Review Part 2

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After reviewing KinTokicon in general, I wanted to focus specifically on their Progeek activities – and what your con can learn from them.

First of all, the convention right off the bat, first year, made sure they had a professional track.  They noted it specifically, noted the interest in their audience, and divided up events appropriately.  This was a classy and smart move – and it set the stage for future growth.

A lesson to learn here is that to really do a professional track – it helps to kind of just do it.  I also think calling it out gave the con a professional atmoshpere.

Secondly there was a nice mix of pro panels to start.  I think that's also foundational – you want to mix it up, within the limits of your audience's interests.

Third, they did something I want to see more of – they invited a college of art and design to have a table there.  The people were thrilled to be there and got a surprising amount of attention.  As I've said, I've seen this done before – but mostly at larger cons.  They did this from the start.

Toss on these foundational elements to a con already well-run?  Definitely hit one out of the ballpark.  I think they showed a lot of promise for the first year, but these two moves show an inclination toward professionalism I want to see more of.

Well, heck, I plan to be back, so I'll be there encouraging it directly.

– Steven Savage