Washblog

That sort of loose application of the rules come along with this stern warning at the beginning of every TVW podcast (the embed code ironically isn't working here).

Like the concerns with CSPAN, I think the copyright issue is relevant to TVW as well. But, I also understand that TVW is private non-profit and can copyright their work. That said, that state puts up a lot of money to TVW ($3 million proposed in 2005 by Gregoire just for digital equipment), maybe we can connect that funding somehow to some looser fair use rules for TVW content.

But, I'd just be happy with them moving their current web based system to one where we can share and embed their stuff. Its so cool, I just want to share.

Here's my letter to TVW:

Dear Ms. Zehnder

I am a long time viwer and now listener (through your podcasts) of TVW. It is an important resource to the state of Washington and I am glad our legislature and the people of TVW have recognized the important role it plays in the public life of all Washingtonians.

That said, I think TVW can do more.

The recent growth of so called "social media," such as blogs and flash-based web movies (such as Google Video) that can be embedded into websites has done a great deal to] involve citizens in politics. I think TVW should take advantage of the great strides in technology that allow media to be shared.

TVW should open its content to the public. Let us use it to further the conversations that are happening in blogs, on emails lists and among citizens. TVW has been an asset because it brings us into the meetings that many of us never have been able to attend before. Now, we can share those meetings with our neighbors and friends, and to use the vast resources of TVW to help shape our conversations.

Thanks,
Emmett O'Connell
Olympia, WA