Re: Live internet show

Yeah, well, there is always that danger that we're going to insult or chase off people asking for help. That's not our intention. We're not doing it to be mean. Well, OK, Bob does, but that's just his way, and behind it is genuine concern for, if not your physical well-being, at least your financial well-being:-) I don't know Bob personally, but one thing I think I know about you, sir, is that you have seen things done very wrong a lot of times, and you'd just as soon help people not repeat the same mistakes you've seen.

Chad, we could do like in the old Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland movies, find some old sheet music and costumes in the barn, etc. and everybody could chime in and recommend you one or two pieces until you had this big Mulligan Stew of a shopping list. And it *might* all fit together and work together. Maybe. But that approach is probably going to hurt you more than help you, because no two people are going to see your project and its needs the same way. Heck, I still don't know exactly what Chad's going for with this project in the first place, from a business/marketing standpoint. I really fear that when you combine the various suggestions, opinions, and strategies, you run a high risk of an expensive mash-up that will not perform as you want and need.

I can say I have been helping a guy with big internet video dreams put together a similar 3-camera production package; Toaster, 2 locked down cams and a manned or remote PTZ cam, lights, audio, a simple 3-unit intercom system, some cheap monitors. It can be a useful exercise, running thru the B&H catalog and adding stuff up, as it gets you familiar, once again, with what things cost. I was thinking I was insane, making up my list of a Toaster and all the other things that need to go along with that, and my "quote" for his shopping list for the bare minimum system I thought could do what he wanted was around $23k. And yep, the very first thing he asked me was why the Tricaster I spec'd was much more money than the one he saw. For one thing, his pick lacked the specific connectivity we needed due to his already buying cameras without guidance and me having to design around poorly chosen but non-returnable components we were already stuck with. It gets better, but that's enough gossip. Also, I'm not charging that guy for my opinions or advice. It's more along the lines of the free advice I would give a relative who wants to edit his home movies. I'm mostly warning him off of the worst directions to go, but not pushing him towards anything much. Though I'm really deeper into it than I should be going without charging. We're still at the stage where he's forming his long-term plan and seeking out the additional financing he's now sure he needs.

I also showed him the quote for the same setup in high-def, but he was already in ventricular fibrillation from the standard-def quote. The reality check was useful though, as it brought him back to a place where I started with him, explaining how we could do smaller, modest, less ambitious baby steps and still get him towards his goal, but on a budget he could afford, and with quality that I might actually sign my name to.

This is the same kind of conversation you will have, Chad, when you hook up with a good VAR or consulting engineer. They have seen it all, they know what works and what can be bent to fit what you need and can afford. But you should not expect them to impart this hard-won wisdom for nothing at all in return. Tell them up front what your budget and resources are like, and what you're trying to achieve, and one of them may take you on at a reduced fee just for the fun of it, or to "pay it forward" for the help they themselves once got from a mentor.

You might not get the answers you want, like from Bob. But also, like Bob's answers, they will be the ones you need.