possible ideas after brainstorming and discussing things with thing crew (Wolfgang, Brian and Walter + separatly with Ricardo):
- Building on TheThing SERVICES
- video conferencing (filed work would require one dedicated + one assistant persone... but would bring in money for little work)
- server-side applications (adding value to the existing services by inplementing DIY webpages, Wiki or news-log style template/setup, flash media server for dynamic flash websites... would require a work of at least one programmer from outside and assistance of intern, for documenting new features... one time setup with occasional upgrade for advanced features)
- video database (primarly for the field of performance arts... would need content person to work part time as well as video editing/compressing techician)
- education - know-how transfer to newly founded media initatives/labs/providers (money could be secured through academic sources maybe or Soros media program in US)
- Building on TheThing BRAND
- multi-functional expert residents (not just artists)
- pruposed Jaromil and Luka Frelih
- website redesign/recoding of BBS
- possibly replace with customised interface of code provided from everything2.com...know the guy, really friendly and dedicated person... also code would than be easily upgradable and compatible with other systems that would enable mirrorring, syndication, easy backup and MUCH MORE FOR YOUR HOME!
Things to look into:
- building Thing network by bilateral partnerships (Roma - content, PVL - tech-dev/services, ... ? Berlin, Hmburg) ... This could be of big value to present the THING as global "thing" :)
- promoting the thing as global web service provider for net scene (without loosing it's NYart scene content/links/public-image
- partnership with local gallery/club space for "regular" monthly programs, even if these would be just webcast or screenings of net video unrelated to TheTHING ? Maybe setting up a NetMedia Juxebox machine which would be feeded by ThrTHING editors ?
- merging with some content providers (individuals or even organisations like Rhizome) ?
Pricing policy thoughts:
- basic services for free to non-profit/artistic projects (open for donations/funding), with visable banner/link/iframe on frontpage
- advanced features for low monthly fee (up to 50$)
- ad-hoc problem solving or customising for BIG $