I’m the first to come clean about my biases, and a tip that landed in the NewTeeVee inbox was like a perfect storm. An independent creator, about as far from a major media market as you can be, making thousands of dollars posting videos online — and not just any videos, but videos that use science! Science! I love science.
Long-time techie Ross Vorhees of Wichita, Kan., has to date made $11,080 through MetaCafe’s revenue-sharing program. And in a feel-good twist, the funds help him support his two children, who have developmental disabilities. A little Mr. Wizard, a little MAKE Magazine, he takes ordinary household junk and turns it into stuff that will astound and annoy your neighbors. And if there’s a higher calling for science than annoying your neighbors, I’d like to know what it is.
For you Earth2Tech readers, Vorhees has also posted plenty of alternative energy projects — from homemade biodiesel to recharging dead batteries with an electric drill and heating your home with the power of the sun. For everyone else, the family cat makes plenty of cameos. Yes, it’s kind of like everything that’s awesome about web video rolled into one earnestly endearing package.
Every once in a while it’s nice to be reminded anew that someone with a blog, a video camera, a knack for titles that attract search queries and some time on their hands can make an impact online — no venture capital or Hollywood pedigree necessary. Now if you’ll excuse me, I going to try to improve my crappy American broadband with some wire, tape, screws and a straw.