I wanted to get some conversation started (I know there probably have been a few already going on) about 2014. I'm going to mainly use this to organize my thoughts in several different categories. So, here is what 2014 is looking like for me:
Hardware/Gear Upgrades
This year I'm going to get a 4k monitor. I'd like to get at least something that is 32" (maybe 27") and can do 60hz at 4k and 120 or 144hz at 1080p. If I can get a 4k monitor with gsync... well, even better (thought I'm not expecting to find that).
I'm also going to grab some studio monitors and a sub. I'm leaning toward Roland, Audioengine (A5+), and Yamaha. If you have any suggestions let me know. I need the flattest response curve possible.
I have the worst phone ever. It only works if I use speaker phone, it is not LTE, and it is not Android 4+. However, I do not have plans to upgrade. I do have plans to move away from Sprint. Sprint feels like a hole that I continually throw money into, so that has to go.
I am upgrading my gear some. I ordered a couple of Chrome backpacks (one for the camera and one for the laptop). Those should make life a little easier. The Chrome Niko will make it way easier to work at events and such. We will be strapping on a few extra pouches as well, so the strap will act like a bandoleer full of batteries, small lights, etc.
As for the camera, I'm happy with the Panasonic GH3K and don't plan to upgrade for Tek Syndicate videos. I do have one eye open for a camera that will be better for real movies/documentaries. I want something that shoots raw, is very small, and is full frame (or better). I love depth of field, and the GH3K doesn't give me much... It's better for the Tek Syndicate videos, but not for artistic stuff.
I have also been looking at anamorphic lenses, but I'm not sure if people will like them for product videos and such. They might only be good for movies, etc.
Next, since we are traveling a lot I am thinking about selling the 17" laptop and getting a 14" one with similar specs. I'll sacrifice 15% of the speed if II can get a smaller product. I love to travel lightly.
Travel
We are going to hit up a few events this year. We will be at PAX East, PAX Prime, Computex, and maybe Gamescom (among others). We will also be at CES (next week).
Traveling for work can be exhausting because you shoot videos all day then edit all night... There is also a ton of partying/schmoozing. Unfortunately, the schmoozing seems to be important in this business. I doubt I'll do much of it, but it is nice to meet certain people. Anyway, some think going to PAX is a vacation. It's not. I am way more exhausted after PAX than before. Also, I do love to travel. I am thinking about swinging by Japan or checking out China before returning from Computex. I would take the camera with me and upload some travel videos from the road. Let me know if you would watch them. I think I will regret going half way across the world just to spend all my time in a convention center. Also, when we go to Germany, it would be amazing to check out Switzerland. I also have some secret schemes that involve the Alps... We shall see what happens there.
The Site & The Community
We have to improve the site this year. The content needs to be organized differently and we need to add several features. We have discussed this a lot and I won't repeat it here. Just expect changes/improvements.
We are also big enough now that people are wanting to sponsor us. I will take some sponsorships (though I have already turned several down). I want to make sure that anything we do benefits the community. So, if I am ever in doubt I will post something on the forum... like, "Hey, this company wants to give us money to put a commercial into The Tek or something... with that money we can hire an intern/travel to X event, etc. Let me know what you think of them and if you are cool with this."
The users and the community are way more important to me than the sponsors. The sponsors only matter to me if they can help better the community in some way. Sometimes that means that their money could be put to good use and sometimes that means that their products are great for us all. At any rate, this site is here for the community.
Videos & Streaming
I am going to be trying to hire one or two people this year. First, we need a creative type to handle camera stuff, audio, and editing. We will be testing some people out soon. It would also be great to have an intern to take care of some of the minutia. Sometimes I feel like I'm going to drown in the little BS and all I really want to do is make videos, play games, travel, and hang out with everyone. The Tek Support will really help with all of this. So, thanks to those that are signed up now. I do not see that money as extra income for me. I see it as money to pay additional people and money to make better videos.
After some of the stress goes away I will be dusting off a few screenplays. I might even write a new one (finally). We also have some documentary ideas... but I would probably hire some outside help for those. I think we are much better with a film crew. Trying to be in front of the camera and behind the camera at the same time is getting very old.
The Tek... It needs to be shorter and tighter. I like the banter, but I think most people tune out at 20-30 minutes. I'll see what we can do about making it more concise. I'll release the Rant:30 segments separately when I think they can stand alone as a separate video.
We will be doing more hand-held stuff and more spur of the moment stuff. This does not mean we will be doing fluff and we will not be dumbing things down. I just want to get out from behind the desk and goof off a bit more.
I'd like to hear your ideas for videos/segments, etc. I'd love to do more narrative stuff, but I'm not sure we have the time for that just yet. Also, I'm sure Wendell, Qain, and Pistol have some good ideas too. We will all go over it while also looking at the video analytics (as a guide for what works best).
Life
I'm a slightly private person. This is mainly because I believe we all need to have our private lives and I believe we all should respect each other. I won't be answering any personal questions (as usual). I deleted my Linkedin account and might delete my FB account. I will keep Twitter though.
So, here are some generic personal things that I plan to do this year... I plan to read several books, buy some more free weights (maybe even make a weight room), hike a bit more, and maybe get a Groenendael or a Groenendael mix.
That's it for now. What's this year looking like for you?