trees are people too

As sent to Adrian today:

I have gone from feeling really inspired and excited about this to a bit concerned and deflated. I am not sure if I am missing the point? Our discussions would indicate I am not on the right track, or not communicating my idea clearly. Not specific enough? To me the concept of a manifesto seems quite open, as long as it states a belief and a proposal – is this correct?

The basic gist of my manifesto is that video gives us the power to replay and reflect on our lives (no matter how inane), and as such we must record (map) as much of it as possible to discover the exceptional and learn from it. This is what inspires me about vernacular video.

(Consider ‘maps’ as stories and ‘mapping’ as story telling, of sorts).

The Lifemap Manifesto: Mapping directions through video

or

A Manifesto for Emergent Lifemapping

(Everyone)
1. Everyone, as many as possible, will be involved – we endeavor to collect as many stories as possible. There is no discrimination, no bias.

2. There are no prerequisites for involvement – all you need is a digital video recording device.

3. As video becomes more affordable and accessible, more and more people will become involved, increasing quantity and quality.

(Everywhere)
4. We must map (record) everywhere – where/what you choose to record is only limited by you.

5. These maps (stories) are public. Their digital format allows them to be replayed, projected everywhere, in any context.

6. As such, these maps will be disseminated as far and wide as possible, via the internet. Every computer screen, phone, ipod etc is a potential screen. We aim to reach as many people as possible, everywhere, to infiltrate all life.

(Everyday)
7. Through this use by everyone, everywhere, video will strengthen its vernacular qualities. It will become an everyday language, universal.

8. By capturing the everyday we will capture the exceptional.

9. By collecting and curating them in an online public space we will be able to identify (using clickthroughs, views etc) what is considered exceptional/important.

(Finally…)
10. Defining the exceptional will allow us to map new directions, new ideas in response to these stories. From this reflection we can learn.

In my head it makes sense, even excites me, but I am not getting the same response (lol). I await feedback…