Video Databases


There is a tremendous amount of information available on video. Go to any video rental store and you can see what is commercially available to the general public. In addition, a tremendous amount of footage exists in the archives of television networks, including, for example, the important news events of the world in the last 30 years, interviews of important leaders in every field, or studies of animals in the wild. However, don't imagine that those who possess these archives are especially good at finding what they have. To find what one needs in any archive, one must have that information classified by content--by an understanding of what information it contains-- rather than by characterizing its title or area in some way. This kind of classification is necessary for everyone, not just students.

Imagine if all the video material that exists were available to any student who wished to view it. The idea sounds impossible but it isn't. It is merely massively difficult. Nevertheless, it is important to begin the effort.

Children who have grown up on television are more receptive to video than to print. And, in many ways, video is more powerful than print. While print authors can analyze a subject very effectively, nothing compares to seeing it for yourself. The trick is not only to make what someone wants to see easily accessible, but also to offer natural follow ups, alternatives, contradictions, different viewpoints, and so on, to what has been viewed.


Next Story Making a Database Accessible

Outline Where am I in the content of the book?


Give Me An Example

Give Me Alternatives

What Is Next?

What Led To This?

What Should Be Avoided

What Can Be Done?

Give Me Details

Give Me Background


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