Anthologize: A Test Drive
(After the jump: Two videos introducing and capturing the test drive.)
Recently, the “One Week, One Tool” project from the Center for History and New Media announced the release of a new tool called “Anthologize.” Free. Open-source. And WordPress-integrated. The internet has been buzzing among the relatively small crowd of digital humanists to who this tool might be relevant. In order to know what it’s like, you gotta have a blog. From WordPress. Not the .com site, but on your own server space. With a significant number of posts. So I’m guessing that there are plenty of people who might be willing to explore this tool a little further if they could see it in action. That’s all this is. One digital humanities scholar. Encountering the tool for the first time. With all it’s potential. And all it’s worts. If anyone asks me if I’d recommend this tool, I can think of dozens of situations for which it would be a powerful solution. And a few for which it’s not so great. So here’s a peek. The PDF export was a complete fail, but I didn’t mind that a bit. I can get that fixed. Or the CHNM. Or really anyone who wants to fix it. As soon as they want to. (Free. Open-source. And WordPress-integrated.) I hope you find it as hopeful as I do. Two parts. My intro. Then the screen-capture. Please comment or forward as you see fit. (There’s a “share” link at the bottom of the post, if that’ll help.)
8 Responses to “Anthologize: A Test Drive”
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Thanks for the dedication, T ;) Great test drive. Now I don’t have to test drive, I can just dive in!
What did you use to make the screencast? I like the picture in picture style.
You’re always soooo supportive, Cheryl. Thanks, as always, my top-notch mentor! (from your Grasshopper)
Thanks for asking, Jodi. (Keep reading; I’ve got a question for you at the end.)
I use Camtasia Studio. I love it. Lots of reasons. Ask if you want more. Specifically, though: records screen at full-resolution with no compression unless you want it; picture-in-picture is a seamless toggle setting; you can resize and/or reposition the PIP anywhere you want it for what ever in-clip-duration you’d like. Knocks: not cheap. (I’m on a Windows 7 machine. I also use Camtasia on my Macbook Pro. 95% as robust, but better hardware/software/youTube integration)
Question for you: I just checked out your website. I love the initial interface. Has the emergence of the iPad (and thus, the lack of “hovering” interaction) compelled you to rethink the design? I ask because I’ve always been a big proponent of that interaction strategy, but I fear now that it’s going to be going away. Thoughts? (and btw, I’ve subscribed now to your blog. Some great posts in there. Can’t wait to keep up with you.) Best. T.
Thanks for the demo/test drive, but I have to ask: what software did you use to record this? It looks really good!
Hey, Steve. Nice to see you here! You probably missed the message above (bad commenting-design, WordPress!), but just to cover the “reply” you deserve:
Using Camtasia Studio (on a Windows 7 machine). I love it. Integrates seamlessly with my webcam (Logitec QuickCam Pro 9000 about $85 at Amazon, but now I’d spend the extra $10 and get the HD version) and external mic (Audio-technica ATR6550…. http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATR-6550-Condenser-Shotgun-Microphone/dp/B002GYPS3M).
More thoughts on Camtasia Studio:(see other reply): Records screen at full-resolution with no compression unless you want it; picture-in-picture is a seamless toggle setting; you can resize and/or reposition the PIP anywhere you want it for what ever in-clip-duration you’d like. Knocks: not cheap. (I’m on a Windows 7 machine. I also use Camtasia on my Macbook Pro. 95% as robust, but better hardware/software/youTube integration).
Although I haven’t used it yet, I know that iMovie on the Macbook Pro I have also has picture-in-picture capabilities, but it’s not nearly as seamless. Camtasia’s is automatic, and an easy toggle.
I can also say that my machine has 8GB RAM, but not a crazy fast processor. I’m pretty sure this would be just fine with less RAM.
I hope you find this info helpful. Let me know if you start working with it on your own. Would love to see your own vids.
See you around. T.
I’ve definitely thought about a redesign. It’s just *way* down my priority list! BTW-it would be nice to have a way to subscribe to comments here.
I didn’t even realize that I didn’t have comment-subscriptions
enabled. What a silly oversight. I’ve installed and enabled them now.
Hope that works for you.
Thanks again for the comments.