Category: Updates

Mailing list fiasco

Tonight’s showing had five people, all whom I knew. Don’t get me wrong, private showings are fun, but not *that* fun. What happened was that I sort of decided late that I was going to do one this friday anyway, and then, thanks to my wonderful coding skills, when I sent the mail out last night, it went out blank. Bummer. So everyone had two hours notice, which apparently on a friday, results in no one being able to make it. Good, you all have lives. This was a test.

I’ve fixed the mailing list (I hope) and will plan on announcing showings a week earlier, and get more of a rhythm going.

I also want to start asking people for RSVPs. Maybe if you RSVP you get a free candy or soda or something. I just need to get a better idea of how many people are coming.

Updates

Places to show in Berkeley?

Post author By Bryan
Post date September 27, 2005
No Comments on Places to show in Berkeley?

Do you know of a large dark wall somewhere in Berkeley or the surrounding Bay Area? Our growing size has me pretty addicted to this one spot we’ve been using this summer, so need some help finding a new place to show. Ideas?

Updates

Suggestions wanted: Spreading the mobmov

Post author By Bryan
Post date September 24, 2005
3 Comments on Suggestions wanted: Spreading the mobmov

When we first got press on gizmodo, I got a bunch of e-mails from people interested in setting up their own. No one has followed through, nor bought the kit, nor asked to use the mobmov web site to get the word out. At the same time, i have the sneaking suspicion that I have indeed inspired people to do this themselves. Don’t get me wrong, the mobmov was never about making me any money. For me, it’s always been about having a great time and meeting cool people and I’m happy to carry it on for free.

I originally thought it would be cool to bill mobmov as this subverse/diverse theatre chain that would just pop up anywhere – sort of like the flashmob movement. Is this the kind of thing that people would prefer to have their own name attached to? Or is the recurring fee ($29/yr) unreasonable? Should I just give this out for free so it spreads?

In the end, I just want to get this thing out there to people. How can I best do that?

Events Updates

Another great show

Pretty low turnout this time, but there were two new cars to meet, and two repeat visitors. One car that drove by stopped and watched the movie with us.

Titles are pretty much in place now, and I’m playing Jono‘s new jingle at the beginning. The one thing that was commented on is that we should include some sort of welcome message on the screen or separately projected via a batman-like lamp – so people who drive by are convinced to stay without me having to get out and welcome them. As it is, people generally are surprised when they find out they can join us.

I might want to update the Start title to include a dedicated runner explaining that the movie will start soon so people who arrive late know.

I’d also like to start starting at 8pm to get that ethic of showing up on time. Plus, it was a rather late show as it was.

Updates

Idea: games before show

It’s been suggested that I try out some sort of collaborative game at the beginning – like have people bring laser pointers and race around a maze or something. The problem of course is 1) that people will then have these pesky laser pointers for the rest of the show, 2) would this be fun? How about trivia? Any other ideas? It would be nice to start off with a community thingy like this.

Updates

Last night

Last night was the first showing where we took a vote. We got 100 votes, so I was expecting this massive showing (I was worried!), but it ended up being the same attendence as last time. Whew! The funny thing about it was, no one at the show actually voted for what we watched! This wasn’t a bad thing cause everyone loved the show, but should voting be done at the showing itself somehow, since the only ones we want to vote are those that come? Maybe something cat-cool like the America’s Funniest Home Videos key entry units from the 80’s? And why did so many people vote and then not come?

Updates

New logo, new jingle?

My good friend Jono, the multi-talented artist-man, just made up some artwork and a jingle for the mobmov. What do you think?

Updates

Mobmov mailer mistake

I accidentally closed the window while I was sending out this latest e-mail, so I don’t know how many people actually got the mail. Did anyone not get the announcement? Man, I really need to upgrade this mailing software.

Updates

Voting implemented

I created a new script to allow people to vote for their favorite movie. I hope to open up voting once in awhile to see what people really want to watch. Unfortunately, in the course of testing it, I accidentally e-mailed 350 people with the word “testdtd” (or something like that). Whoops.

Updates

mobmov in a box

I’ve been getting a lot of e-mails from random people all over the world asking to start their own mobmovs. So I was thinking – what if I set up a “kit” which people could buy?

It would include all the components needed to start up your own system, including FM transmitter, cables with proper shielding, DVD player, inverter, etc. Along with all the mobmov titles, animations, banners, etc. And a tutorial on how to set it up, find the right projector, and list some of the tips I’ve learned along the way.

I figure I could buy these components in a fairly large quantity and thus save people a little money, plus all the time involved with figuring it out all themselves of course. I had about 50+ hours invested on the front-end to get it all going and I know in hindsight I would have been happy to buy a kit if someone had offered. Would people be interested in this sort of thing if I made it?