Is it internet TV, video journalism or the visual musings of a misguided non-talent? Vlogs offer, in the main, fast paced, quick snippets of visual and the added benefit of stopping content if it bores you to tears in the first minute.

Vlogs allow more human stories at an individual level, such as Alive in Baghdad, not the issue that causes the havoc such as war, filling gaps in mainstream television reporting

However, seeing inside the mind of the operator/performer, which can be messy & damn funny! Ask a Ninja is a twisted yet simple comedy acting as a vlog. Same shtick each week, same formula. Don’t believe me? Check the video below!

Convenience is King. Don’t like it? Stop & leave a comment. Like it? Subscribe through an RSS feed . Interaction feeds the beast and bows to the Vlog God.

Ted.com offers higher quality video, including vlogs and lectures. I posted this video from Mena Trott, below, founding mother blogging. It’s by no means a short piece, but damn funny, informative & self-depreciating.

STOMP, the User Generated Content (USG) news website, has a main focus – its readers, who are also its contributors. In its first six months of launching, STOMP attracted nearly 7% of Singapore’s total population as visitors. Often contributor’s stories make front page of The Strait Times and are spread through the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) group.

Readers become a part of the process by sending in stories to  a dedicated mobile number or by email, so no waiting in a phone queue.

Producers edit & rewrite but also check with the contributor, always to their complete satisfaction.

STOMP is about connections. Connecting with their readers through forums, technology & building social networks.

It is so completely about service and something that Western publishing groups should take note of.

Nothing in Australia comes close in content, application, social inclusion or use of technology, especially the mobile phone. With an IFRA award to STOMP, you would think some Aussie media concern would be doing something similar.

STOMP is full of youthful exuberance and incorporates the latest technology, from the use of mobile technology in a singing competition to vlogs & blogs.

There are even classes to educate their contributors in technology applications.

Convergence has been completely incorporated into the site. It creates communities and connects its members. In fact I doubt that there is anything that they have not included as a topic!

Although it is obviously aimed at the youth market, STOMP have found that middle-aged members are on the increase, especially in the citizen journalism section and forum. There is a good mix of youth and experience.

And that gives me some hope for my job prospects …