(The E-mail That Came Today)
Woodworking Channel Friends -
The Day is Finally Here!
We want to officially welcome you to the launch of The Woodworking Channel!
After many months of hard work, we're finally ready to share this channel with you. We want to welcome woodworkers from all over the world to the world's first 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year network devoted solely to woodworking. This truly is a worldwide launch! We have already received emails from around the globe – Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Uruguay, Denmark, Hungary, Germany, Spain, England, Italy, Japan, and China, and the list goes on. I think we have also heard from every state in the United States as well. (That's six of the seven continents. Antarctica... where are you?!)
FOR WOODWORKERS, BY WOODWORKERS
This channel is for woodworkers by woodworkers, and we want our content to reflect your interests as much as ours. While we have some good ideas, we know you will too. That's why we want to hear from you. We encourage you to take a few weeks, watch when you can, and then send us your thoughts -- let us know what you think we're doing right on the channel, but definitely tell us ways you think we can improve. We know we can't do it all ourselves and after so many months of preparation, frankly, our brains are tired. It's time for you to share in the work! So write in and tell us what you think! Also, tell us the programming you'd like to see more of -- This is your chance to speak directly to the sponsors and content producers and tell them what you want to see!
INTERNET TELEVISION -- WHAT'S NEW AND DIFFERENT
The cool thing about television on the internet is that we're not limited by the traditional framework of cable and network broadcasting. For example, we can create programming that is as long or short as the subject matter requires. We hate instructional and how-to shows that rush through a project just because they feel the need to get everything in by the end of the half-hour (which is really only about 22 minutes, in the first place!).
Broadcasting online allows us to focus on the process rather than the payoff when it comes to new production. Another great thing about internet television is how quickly we can develop new shows. When we come across a great idea, we're able to shoot, edit, and get it playing on the channel immediately. We don't have to wait until next season for a great idea that comes in today.
THE WOODWORKING CHANNEL -- VERSION 1.0
Now a little bit about this version of the channel -- we consider it a 1.0 or first version. We're already working on version 2.0 with more features, upgrades, and great woodworking resources. We're looking at pod-casting, downloadable plans, and ways you can customize your own viewing experience (and for those who have written in to ask... yes, that means Video-On-Demand). After you've had a chance to get to know the channel, please feel free to send us your ideas of features you'd like to see. We don't have all the answers and we don't want to get too far into development without your input.
HOW IT WORKS -- THE MECHANICS
The Woodworking Channel follows a schedule like every other TV channel you have ever seen. We start new shows every half-hour, but unlike conventional television, we don't have commercials during the shows. Our advertising comes through sponsorship and flash ads that run next to the viewer. As a result, we're sometimes left with some down-time at the end of a program. We'll fill those minutes with other great content and then on the half-hour we'll start the next show. On occasion, there may be a few seconds when the screen goes black between shows. Don't worry -- this is part of the process and a new show is on the way! (By the way -- our goal is to collect video segments from our viewers and include them between episodes. For more information check out the Send Your Video secteion on the channel.)
NAVIGATION BUTTONS
Near the viewer, you'll find a series of buttons that allow you to navigate through the features of the channel. These buttons will allow you to find more out about the shows in our line-up, when these shows will air, and what sponsors are supporting the channel and making this resource possible. They're all pretty self explanatory, but we do want to point out a couple of items.
Schedule -- The Schedule button to the left of the video window will allow you to search the program listings for the next 7 days. All times are set for Eastern Standard Time. We also have a neat feature that will synchronize the channel schedule to your the local time on your computer. If this isn't working over the weekend, it should be integrated sometime next week.
Resources -- The Resource button leads you to a directory page that will grow over time. Here you'll find schools, educational facilities, and organizations that can help you get started woodworking, build your skills, or find sources in your area for whatever you need. If you have a suggestion (know of a great school, guild, woodworking club or materials source, etc.) please let us know so we can include it in our listings.
Send Your Video -- In our opinion, the most exciting button is the one marked "Send Your Video" This is where you'll find out how to be on The Woodworking Channel yourself. If you have a great shop tip, jig idea, or hint you've picked up along the way, we encourage you to make a short video and send it in. Even if you don't have a tip, send us a clip telling us who you are, what you like to make in your shop, and where you're from. It's always exciting to hear from woodworkers all over the world and we can't wait to share your ideas and greetings.
The Player Buttons -- The "question mark" button will allow you to access the troubleshooting and help area. If you are having trouble and are not able to resolve your problem with information on this page please email us at
support@thewoodworkingchannel.com
THANKS
In the last few months, it's been incredible to hear from all of you new
friends and supporters of this channel. It's amazing to see just how large and diverse the world's woodworking community is and at the same time learn how small and similar we all are, as well. It seems there are certain values and a character we all share. No matter how many miles, cultures, languages, and countries apart we are, we're always just a phone call, or an email, or now a TV channel away.
All of us at The Woodworking Channel want to say, "Thanks" in advance for your viewership, encouragement, and support. We really mean it when we say this is a channel "by woodworkers, for woodworkers", and we can't wait to hear your thoughts, suggestions, encouragements, and even criticisms. All of them will help us make a better channel.
Finally, we'd like to encourage you to drop a line to our sponsors and tell them what you think. If you like what you see, please be sure to tell them "thanks". It's their support that allows us to bring you the great classic shows and exciting new programs you're enjoying right now.
That's all for now. We hope you enjoy the channel and we look forward to hearing from you soon!
Tune In to The Woodworking Channel
Best Regards,
Reed Smith
President The Woodworking Channel
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