So What's Changed?

I haven't gone away, or lost interest. I'm just continuing to learn and evolve, as you are, and as the web is.

I have learned, for example, that if there is a group of people who are specifically interested in how to use the best free software, it's very difficult to connect with them.  I can find lots of people interested in a particular application, but that doesn't mean they will want to know about other categories of software. Creating an audience and converting it to a loyal following requires a continuing interest in what we're offering.  In point of fact, I would like to get a little more compensation for my work than I have, and that means gaining a contingent of people who frequently return to the site.

Introducing FlipInFocus.com

I do have some people following what I'm doing here, and I want to share with you want I'm up to.  I'm working on a new website about what I think of as 'the people's camcorders,' which is the way I think of Flip camcorders. The site is called FlipInFocus, and provides screencasts, articles, tips, discussion, and more -- all about the Flip.  What Mainstream-Guides and FlipInFocus share is a passion for value.  Here, we talk about getting the most out of free software.  There, we talk about getting the most from a kind of camcorder that is a very high-value proposition. 

Flip's HD models are under $200.  You can edit the video with free editors and get superb results, and we show you how.  We introduce you to the best ways to share your video with friends and family. A Flip will fit in your pocket, which means you use it more frequently, and in ways you never thought of using a camcorder.  We show you how to make videos that your friends and family will actually want to watch, with a minimum of effort and expense.  If you really get into it, we will be talking about developing your script, free or low-cost effects, good camera technique, and much more.

We're trying to earn an income from the site in several different ways:

  1. Some content is free.  For some, a membership is required.  A lifetime membership costs $14.95.  That also gets you free classified advertising to sell or trade your video-related gear, the ability to participate in our forums, special discounts on our DVD's, and other benefits.
  2. We have advertising on the site -- all items we have hand-picked for quality and value.  If you click on one of our ads to buy something, we get a small commission.
  3. The video tutorials on the site (and others soon to follow) are being packaged into a DVD.  Some bonus material will be added. Those DVD's will be sold on the site, and on Amazon. If you buy one, you get not only the DVD, but lifetime membership in FlipInFocus.
  4. We will be creating new sites that focus on other camcorders or software, and we will publish material that is of general interest to all video enthusiasts.

Here are some ways you can find out about and support the work we're doing:

We continue with our interest in Mainstream-Guides

We definitely have seen lots of new, free apps -- many of which we use -- that we would be writing about on this site if we had the time.  I'll try to blog about some of those, once in a while.  Beyond that, we'll see.  Let me know what you think.  We appreciate your loyalty and continuing interest.