I created the video review last weekend--much to my shock when I saw my belly in the viewfinder. Figuring out how to turn it into something sharable took a bit longer. First I had to find a computer I could hook into (I seem to suffer a USB shortage despite a bunch of slots and a powered USB switch). Second, I had to figure out how to make it work (for a long time, I was getting audio only). Then I had to figure out what application I could not just view the movie on but actually cut out the worst bits (e.g., me walking around from setting up the camera, etc.). So, here's what I finally discovered.

1. The Flip camera has software built-in that needs to be uploaded from the camera to the computer. This handles codec functions, which means I can view the video. This takes a long time.

2. The Flip camera comes with software to make movies. I couldn't figure out how to make this work.

3. Once I loaded the Flip codec, I was able to open the video in Windows Media Player. However, I couldn't find a 'save' button anywhere in the player. (God, I love Vista). So frigging intuitive you can't even save a file.

4. Once it opened in Media Player, though, I was able to open it in Windows Movie Maker. The 'split' function let me cut out the worst bits. The title tool let me add a title. Cool. Save the project, disconnect the camera and I'm good to go, right? Oops. Movie Maker didn't save the files, just the meta-info. So I had to re-install the camera and hey, there it was. I saved it to a 10MB size and clicked on Amazon to upload.

5. Problem. I've already uploaded a written review and Amazon won't let you do more than one review per item. So, there I was, all dressed up with no place to go. I'm now uploading it to YouTube. This is not a great example of filmmaking, you guys. I know that. But it's an experiment. Check it out here oops, video is really soft. I need to figure out how to solve this problem)

How did I do on my goals. Wrote ten pages. Edited 100 pages of Michael Paulson's Deadly Trade. Wrote checks for those BFAB authors who prefer paper checks to PayPal transactions. And messed with video. Pretty good. Karen and I also walked to the library where I had the horror of learning I had an overdue book. I try to be good about this. Returned six, checked out two. A net profit of 4.

I'm going to make SHADOWED MEMORIES by Cathy Richard Dodson the www.BooksForABuck.com book of the day. A woman finds herself torn between two men, with strange memories of other lives attempting to give guidance. An emotional and strong gothic-style romance. The entire eBook is only $3.99. Learn more, read the excerpt, or buy the entire eNovel here: www.booksforabuck.com/rompages/rom_2004/shadowed_memories.html. (Available in HTML, Adobe Acrobat PDF, Palm DOC, Palm Reader, and Microsoft Reader formats. Here's the cover (cover art by Jim Dodson):

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