Do You Care That Bluesky Is Now "Open For Everyone" ?

I saw that Bluesky is now open to everyone and dropping the “invite-only" tag. Good for them. Good for everyone. . .I guess. I gotta ask, though. Do any of you even care?

Image via Adobe Firefly AI*

What IS Bluesky?

A better question that do you care that Bluesky is now open to everyone. Do any of you know what Bluesky is? If you don’t know, I’ll try to explain what it is in everyday people, terms. In short, it’s another social media app. In even shorter short, it’s a spinoff of X (which used to be known as Twitter.) With Bluesky dropping its “invite-only” option, this is considered to be big news- to some.

I say “to some” because what’s happening with social media continues to be a dadgum enigma to me. Why? Well first there’s Elon Musk. He now owns Twitter, rebrands it as X, pisses off millions of people with how the platform is run and not particularly in that order. Next there’s Facebook which is yelled at by our US government “leadership” for not being “safe for children” or for “promoting violence” among other controversial topics. Then there’s TikTok seen as a US security threat by many because of its ties with the Chinese government.

Granted, I just listed off a couple of bullet points regarding some of the social media platforms out there today, but what’s confusing to me is the fact that these platforms are STILL BEING UTILIZED REGULARLY. Be it by everyday people like myself, brands, or by robots or online scammers. And the online scammers are there because there’s still enough everyday people there to take their bait. So regarding the likes of Bluesky, Threads and Mastodon (Activity Pub), do any of these platforms stand a chance in gaining more relevancy? Sure Bluesky has millions of user accounts? But can we find Apple on Bluesky? Or can we find legit accounts of CNN, the NFL or FIFA on Bluesky? Better yet, is Beyonce or Taylor Swift on Bluesky? I’ll answer for you. . .that’s a big ol’ NOPE. And yes I’m asking about Bluesky, but what about Threads? Are these folks active there? Don’t get me started on Mastodon.

For the record, I’m on all of the previously mentioned platforms. Each platform has a different audience for me. I’m an everyday person like many people, but I’m a lil’ different considering I’ve had an ok online presence and have been able to truly engage with people around the globe. Especially as someone that pays their bills as a content creator. But I don’t know if Bluesky becoming a prominent social platform is in the cards. I’m not saying they’re going to go away, but if mainstream people and companies like Samsung, Beyonce, or Taylor Swift are not going to be on the platform and regularly use it, it’s just going to be a place for a couple million nerdy accounts. Then again, some of those mainstream accounts are leaving the other “big” social platforms supposedly. Sheesh. I don’t know. It’s all confusing to me. What are your thoughts? Be sure to mention them below or share your thoughts with me on the podcast.

Thank you for buying me a beer, ordering a photo print or doing your Amazon shopping*via my affiliate portal.

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.

My Thoughts On Paying Content Creators

So yesterday I put up a video regarding content creators being (fairly) paid. I’ve gotten quite a bit of feedback or comments about the topic. Mostly from creators. I have to say, I’m curious to hear more from the non-creators out there regarding this. What’s your experience? Check out the video below and feel free to comment.

Be well, everyone. Do something nice for yourself and do something nice for someone else. Also, be sure to check subscribe to the podcast and check out my gallery for prints. THANKS.

Image credit Ant Pruitt all rights reserved

Monday (Work)Flow

It’s been an interesting and sometimes frustrating month or so with regards to finding job or gig opportunities. Each day I spend a little time on job boards or job services such as Indeed looking for something that will be a good fit for me.

stock image from Envato Elements

I say “little time” because I’m definitely leaning into being fully independent and self-employed as a creator, but it’s tough sledding at the moment. This isn’t pre-2019 when I was on the east coast and had a book of business. This is five years later in a new area and a new TIMEZONE. I’m starting over, essentially. Two or three years ago, I tried starting over, but became super frustrated as I was nickeled and dimed so much by potential clients “highly interested” in my expertise, but they didn’t want to pay my rates. I was even stiffed on a job by a client. So I decided to only focus on my duties at TWiT as well as focus on my son’s high school career regarding content I created. I was fine with that because it worked.

Now, I find myself looking at promising roles as well as some roles that should be reported to authorities because the salary offered is too low to live on. This further cements my mindset of being an independent creator. Which means, I need to build my book of business contacts. So if you know of someone looking for photo, video or post-production help, give ‘em my name - Ant Pruitt. I’m easy to find only with that search term, fortunately. And yes, I’ll travel for some gigs.

While I wait on all those referrals to come in, I’ll keep at it on my side looking at opportunities be it part time or full time or client-building. I have two calls on the books for prospective clients this week in an effort to do some contract creative work. Particularly, user generated content (UGC). I’m looking forward that, but can’t (and won’t) stop there. I look forward to it because of the freedom I can potentially have to use my creative vision. I’ve found the service, Backstage, to be interesting and useful. Granted I’ve not signed anyone from the service just yet, I do like being able to see various roles in the creator space. I applied for a camera assistant gig for a film production happening here in the city. This would be a nice short gig on this road of independent creating.

Ok, enough rambling. Be well, people. Thanks for the support and for telling folks about me. Don’t forget to check out the podcast. I’m digging into that production and it’s going to grow up into something great. It’s on my YouTube channel too.

Everyday People Doing Everyday S***, New Episode Coming Soon

The podcast I started a couple years ago is coming back. I still desire to be “on-air” from time to time and have been looking for work opportunities to do so. On the other hand, I can easily be “on-air” right here in my home studio. So when you have a minute, make sure you subscribe to or follow Everyday People Doing Everyday Shit podcast in your favorite podcast app. The show is definitely available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, but should still be searchable in whatever your app of choice is. At the moment, the show is audio-only. Part of me would like to bring in a video element, but we’ll see. I’d have to make some changes in the studio to accommodate. Thanks for subscribing and telling others.

My Bad

Quick note. My bad. My apologies, y’all.

Style Bot Powered by Samsung at CES 2024

Most of us knew AI would be the dadgum talk of pretty much all of CES. And I passed on most products touting it. But I did stop and look at this startup which is backed by Samsung. It made me think of my son and his fashion sense. It’s not unusual for me to see him in the mirror trying to figure out what he’s going to wear for the day. This AI mirror from Style Bot looked fairly intuitive. I like the idea that it uses YOUR data input as well as trending styles to figure out what works best for you. I saw a couple of other things I thought were worth sharing. That’ll come later. Thanks for being here.

First Camera For Creators: Canon R8

I get asked frequently about cameras. Mostly, I’m asked “what camera should I buy?” I always respond with “what’s your budget?” That’s what matters for most people. Sure, there are other qualifiers that matter. Ideally, that’s a question asked by someone looking for their very first camera body. But in some instances, it comes from someone that has an “old” camera looking to upgrade. Makes sense. Camera tech has vastly improved over the years. Today, the masses are learning that creativity really is for ANYONE. If you want to capture images or video and publish it online, YOU CAN. What’s great is there are many cameras and various price points one can utilize as well as specified camera bodies for the task. For example, the Canon R8* is one I’d recommend for SERIOUS, aspiring creators.

Canon R8 - Image credit: Ant Pruitt

While at CES 2024, I had one booth in particular that I HAD to see and that’s the folks at Canon. No, I’m no Canon Explorer of Light, but I do feel nothing but love and support from the team at Canon. While at the booth, I wanted to get my hands on the R8 mirrorless camera. I’ve played with several camera bodies from Canon, but this one has gotten away from me. I was interested because it is a full-frame mirrorless body that’s priced just right for aspiring creators at $1500.

Sticker shock?

I know some of you have sticker shock when I toss out $1500. Don’t fret, it’s worthy of that price point if you’re someone that’s SERIOUSLY wanting to shoot more quality photos and videos for your own personal brand. The full frame sensor will be much better in low light situations. The sensor tech in general will offer great autofocus performance and 24-megapixels offering crispy images and vibrant colors. (Note: I’m not against APS-C sensors, don’t start an argument with me over that)

Previously, I thought the R7* would be a better camera for aspiring creators looking to get both quality video and images. The R7 is a nice camera, but in my experience, I couldn’t lean on it for all of my photo needs. It was totally fine for portraits, but it wouldn’t keep up with me when trying to capture images of fast moving objects or people. As you know, I shoot photos of my son in action. You can learn more about the R7 here where I discussed it on TWiT TV.

Back to the R8. In my hands, the camera felt great. Lightweight, solid build and great ergonomics. Weather sealing on it isn’t pro grade, so don’t take it out in rain storms. Don’t take it to your favorite sandy beach, either.

Spec wise, you can capture 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. In addition to that high framerate, you can shoot in Canon Log3. Canon Log3 is an awesome gamma for video editors looking for flexibility in color grading footage. I’ve been shooting video for a long time and prefer Canon Log2 over Log3, but I respect what Log3 is doing for creators getting their feet wet in the space. It is easier to get into color grading with it. Also, you can shoot video for longer than 30 minutes with this camera. Most video cameras have a mandated lockdown on recording time. Look it up.

I hope to get my hands on an R8* for a more extended look, so make sure you’re following me here or on social media. I wanna see what I can do with it myself. But on paper, it’s looking like a great option for a serious content creator that wants to get started until they upgrade to the likes of the R6* or R5*.

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.

MUST Haves For Attending CES

Whether you’re an enthusiast or a first-time tech contributor, CES is one of the top events of your year. But, some things should be considered before making your first trip to Las Vegas for the massive tradeshow. Here are my top must-haves for your first CES trip, or any CES trip. No particular order, I might add.

Image by Ant Pruitt

Plan EARLY

CES is massive event taking place at multiple locations. Part of your planning needs to include:

• Where to lodge

• What/who you want to see

• Weather forecast

Again, with CES being a massive event covering massive locations, look at where you want to spend your time sleeping while at the event. Most of CES is held near the central strip at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), but there are other events at casino’s such as the Venetian and Mandalay Bay. For my first couple of times at CES, I would stay at Palace Station because it was economical. Then later, I’ve found that staying at “old ‘Vegas” down on Fremont street was even BETTER from an economic standpoint. The rates were great and the rooms were great. Particularly the Golden Nugget or The D. Sure, sometimes you can find good deals at places like Planet Hollywood or Cosmopolitan which are on the central strip. Just check the web and your travel options. Some will yell at you for staying on Fremont street which is about a 15-minute drive from most CES locations. This is fine. Just watch your schedule. Plus, there are CES-sponsored SHUTTLES going from the LVCC to Fremont street at no cost to you as an attendee.

Regarding your schedule or agenda, CES offers a lot of resources on the website to help you figure out who’s in town as an exhibitor. Figure out where they are, then come up with a plan that works best for you.

At the end of the day when the show floor closes, you’re on your own for entertainment or other work-related tasks you may have. For many, this means roaming the strip. Be mindful of the forecast before hand. It can be nice and mild during the day, but then the night time may turn into a frigid wind tunnel on the boulevard. Be prepared.

Quality Shoes

Did I say CES was a massive tradeshow? With that said, you’ll need quality shoes while you’re at CES. No one ever told me this, but I sort of assumed it my first time around. Personally, I pack multiple pairs of sneakers. If you can pack multiple pairs of shoes, do so. If you don’t have quality sneakers, get some before hand. You’ll spend all day walking around the show on concrete flooring. Some of it is carpeted, but it’s not like home carpeting that has an extra layer of padding. It’s just thrown on top of the concrete to reduce sound reverb and for the look. Your feet, knees and back will thank you if you wear quality shoes for the event. This year I packed a couple pair of Atoms*. This company won me (and my family) over during the last couple of years because the shoes are high quality and by far the most comfortable shoes I wear. They even paid my #hardhead to model some of their shoes.

Money, Money, Money

You’ll need money when in ‘Vegas. You’ll need to eat, you’ll need to pay for your rides to and from the different venues if you don’t go with any of the CES-sponsored shuttles (note that the free shuttles don’t always go where I need to go, but goes to most places most will want to go). You’ll need money for incidents. If you want to gamble, you’ll need money for that. Just be prepared. I’ve been fortunate to not have to spend a lot while at CES, if you’re registered as part of the press/media, you can get free breakfast snacks, free lunches and in some instances free dinners. So if you’re able to register as a member of the press/media, do it. Doesn’t cost you anything and your CES ticket is comped.

Patience

You will NEED PATIENCE. CES is going to be loaded with thousands of people attending for their first time. So they’ll be lost, confused or unsure about things. This can make lines for badges, hotel check-ins and more be a little slower. Also, you could do your very best to plan your schedule on how to see the companies you’re interested, but get held up due to traffic or due to the company having another person in the booth asking way too many useless questions. So, be patient. Don’t be a jerk.

I know CES isn’t for everybody, but I do suggest people interested in “seeing the future” first hand to give it a shot. I enjoy seeing the companies large and small. Even the companies that are so small, they could only afford a booth at the back of the venue in the corner. Some crazy stuff back there, but sometimes, some fascinating stuff.

Be well, y’all. Continue to Create and Dominate, but also, do something nice for yourself and for someone else.

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.

What To Expect at CES 2024

CES is here and some of you care, most of you don’t care, most of the world really cares. For those that don’t know, CES is a massive trade show that happens each year in January at Las Vegas. Thousands of companies large and small come here to show off their products to corporate buyers and consumers alike. For the tech nerd, it’s a pretty cool event to attend. You can get hands-on time with some of your favorite tech items of the previous year that you may not have had access to. Or, you can get a glimpse of new releases for the current year or even concept products. It’s not just laptops, headphones, or even smartphones. It’s all that, everything in between and then some. Cars, agriculture equipment, smart home tech, TVs, circuit boards, doo-hickies to neatly wrap your mic cables around. Seriously. EVERYTHING.

I’ve always enjoyed CES. As a matter of fact, this year I was reminded that my very first time to Las Vegas and CES was ten years ago. It was an incredible experience and opened a lot of doors for me professionally. Gina Smith and team brought me, Mat Lee and others out to cover the event. I remember taking this picture in the central hall because it really encapsulated what I always imagined CES would look like. I’m forever grateful for that trip out here.

Image: Ant Pruitt

Anyway, what to expect at CES this year? Easy, pretty much the same marketing gibberish from 2023 around the world of AI. I swear, EVERY SINGLE EMAIL I’ve gotten from marketing and PR departments about attending CES has had them pitching some form of AI within the first three sentences. Some of it sounds “ok,” and some of it sounds cringy. They should have lead with the second paragraph in this email. . . .

Let me be straight with you, as I always am, I’m pretty tired of talking bout AI. Most of the time when AI is discussed it’s around some gloom and doom or it’s “flowers and sunshine.” There’s hardly any coverage of the middle ground. Quite frankly, the middle ground is rather interesting and worthy of discussion. I spoke previously about AI on Marina Franklin’s podcast. As a comedian and creator, she had great concerns about AI. And I get that. But not all AI is bad, just as not all AI is good. Far as what’s been pitched to me in all these emails from marketing teams, it’s mostly content that makes me ask why is AI even needed for that. “We’re announcing an AI-driven soaker hose for your garden.” Is there something wrong with the timers used on current soaker hoses?

In a bit of better/useful announcements, I did see that Withings launched a new product. I’ve dealt with Withings before as they make smart watches and other smart tech such as scales to aide in fitness tracking. They’ve announced what they’re calling a “multiscope” to assist with home health checkups. Granted, you should always lean on a medical professional, but this BeamO tool can be used for getting vital signs and more.

Image via Withings

I know there will be more than AI discussed at CES, so I still look forward to what’s to come. Samsung announced it’s using AI to upscale what’s seen on your favorite broadcast to almost 8K. I need to see it to believe it. Granted, upscaling AI tools that are currently in place are pretty dadgum good. One of my favorites is Upscayl. But to see upscaling done on-the-fly with a live broadcast (of MOVING frames) will be fascinating. I’ll see if I can get my eyes on it.

I decided to take the trip to Las Vegas and attend CES this year after not being here the last two years. But, this will be a different approach. Usually, when I come to CES it is a GRIND. I’m running around the floor trying to gather images, video, audio, notes to get content created almost on-the-fly. Not this time. I’m here to do my best to shake some hands and do a mental/physical reboot.

Real talk, I need work. I’ve applied for several jobs and gigs. I’ll continue to do so. But I came here because of the relationships. And I’m grateful for the relationships I was able to create over the years at previous CES events. It opened doors. Relationships such as Canon. Real talk, I’m pretty much a NOBODY, but Canon has been REALLY SUPPORTIVE of me for YEARS. I look forward to shooting some street photography with my Canon camera.* So yeah, I’m here to find myself something that will contribute to paying my day-to-day bills and supporting my family’s needs. Then, I’m gonna lay low and just chill out. Maybe go take some pictures here and there, but I’m NOT going to go 200mph like I used to out here. Only about 25mph. My body has been wrecked recently. From having finally catching COVID a couple weeks ago to digestive issues and overall “not quite right” feeling. It’s time to chillout. Side note, be mindful of those “something’s not quite right” moments. I noticed something wasn’t right when I was in the gym. I felt fine, but the lifts I performed were much harder than usual. My body was wrecked and I needed to sit my ass down.

I didn’t tell anyone I was coming to CES because that leads to “hey let’s meet up at ABC or at XYZ and chat.” Granted, it’s nice to see some of the folks I’ve met over the years in person at this annual event, but that usually equated to a LOT of running around and a pretty flooded calendar for me. I have two things on my calendar that I set for myself as MUST DO events. That’s it. I’ll catch up with my man Tom Merritt while here. I’ve already scheduled an appearance on his show next month. That cat has been so supportive of me and other creators of color over the years doing what he can to help provide a bigger megaphone if you will. Nothing but love for him.

But anyway, those are my thoughts and plans for CES 2024. For the rest of the day, I’ll continue to roam the convention center checking out everything get set up up the official open on January 9, 2024. Pretty crazy seeing this perspective. Be well, folks. Do something nice for yourself because you deserve it. Do something nice for someone else. Even if it’s just offering an ear to allow someone to vent for a minute. And, if there’s a creator out there you enjoy, but sure to let them know and share their content with the masses. Not that stupid video of some idiots fighting in Walmart. Share creator’s works to everyone and donate to their funds if you can. It helps.

#CreateAndDominate

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.

Getting The Shot

I recently shot the family holiday photo and asked if anyone would be interested in a breakdown on how the shot was captured. Below you’ll find the list of items I mentioned in the video that may be helpful for you in your shot planning. Thanks for watching.

Dazne Light Kit*

Stella Pro CLX 10*

A-Clamps*

Platypod*

Gels*

*Affiliate link used. Affiliate links allow me to earn a small commission as a content creator if you purchase items using the affiliate link. Thank you for your support.