Kevin Strong-Holte

News Reporter

It receives over 2 billion views per day. It is the most powerful form of video sharing knownto human kind, and Mesa State wants to get in on the action.

The YouTube Initiative is taking the world’s cinema and giving it a space here at Mesa State where students can not only share their cinematographic uploads, but their thoughts, ideas, and experiences as well.

Although core technical foundations are already in order, the face of the project is still being formed. The committee has looked at the newly remodeled KMSA website as well as web sites from other universities’ student-oriented developments for inspiration and understanding of what not only draws people in, but keeps them coming back.

“It should be like a community,” said mass communications student and YouTube Initiative member James Redmond.

“For example, right now we are trying to forge a connection between the Bishop and Main campuses to create a dialogue. Two people conversing is much more interesting than when only one mind is at work.”

The YouTube Initiative is exploring ideas of how to create a cyberzone feel like an integrated part of the Mesa State community.

“Who should be the face of YouTube? Not me,” said Mike Mansheim, Director of Marketing and Publications. “Personally, I don’t think a bald guy with a big beard is what students first think of.”

In the advisory meeting held last Wednesday, ideas of starting a video contest to find Mr. or Ms. eMaverick were brought up.

“It will be a demanding position,” Redmond said. “Not only does the student need to know how to present, they have to enjoy it, too. They can’t just be a face, they have to be a personality.”

But first things first: content. Although the system is not yet digital and still a bit cumbersome, student video is in full effect. Weekly prizes will awarded for the “best” submission, and every video submitted will have the opportunity to be voted the best of the semester, and best of the year (for which a 32GB iPad is up for grabs). The first deadline is Nov. 15 at 5 p.m.

For those lacking video technology, visit Lowell Heiny Hall, room 205 as soon as possible. Camcorders became available for check-out last Wednesday and are in limited supply. Videos may be submitted under one name or as a team, with distribution of prizes being awarded accordingly. More information can be found at http://www.mesastate.edu/webmaster/video.html.

kstrongho@mesastate.edu