MASONIC VIDEOS
by W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"
Some time ago I discussed
"Masonic Podcasts"
which are essentially audio files
available on the Internet and discuss various aspects of the fraternity. This
is actually a novel and economical way of communicating to the Craft. But as
Apple's iPod grew in sophistication, video programs are rapidly becoming more
prevalent and we're starting to see a variety of Masonic related videos surfacing
on the Internet.
Before we discuss content though, let's talk about mechanics. Currently, the
popular file formats for broadcasting video over the Internet are in MPG, WMV,
or RM formats. These can be used by a variety of multimedia programs (including
certain models of the iPod). Fortunately, most of these programs are freeware
and are typically pre-loaded on most computers today (there are also "Pro" versions
representing significant upgrades to the freeware versions, but at a price).
Nonetheless, here are the most popular freeware multimedia programs available
for download:
Apple iTunes
MS Media Player
Real Player
Quicktime - primarily aimed at Mac users.
There are some very interesting Masonic videos freely available on the Internet.
Most are pro-Freemasonry, but there are also some anti-Masonic videos
produced by some real nut-jobs (our old friends the conspiracy theorists). A handful
of Grand Lodges have already begun to jump on the video bandwagon and are using it
to promote the fraternity or to describe a Masonic Home or charity. Here is a sampling:
Grand Lodge of Indiana - has some professional videos describing the fraternity.
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts - their "Ask a Freemason" was the subject of one of my earlier
columns.
Grand Lodge of New York - presentation on the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania - a variety of different offerings
Grand Lodge of Rhode Island - "The Next Great Mason".
These Grand Lodges demonstrate some imaginative uses of this technology and gives us
a glimpse of what is to come in the years ahead.
There are also several outlets for general Masonic videos:
The Lodge Room - some interesting research subjects.
MASONICTV.COM - offers an impressive catalog of videos for sale.
You Tube - perhaps the largest free collection of Masonic videos available (both pro and con)
Keyword: "Freemasonry"
Keyword: "Freemasons"
Keyword: "Masonic"
Traditionalist Masons tend to rebuff such videos, thinking they may reveal some of
our secrets, but these are the same people who also do not like anything Masonic
appearing on the Internet. From what I have seen so far, there is nothing proprietary
being disclosed pertaining to these videos. In fact, I see them as imaginative ways
to help us get our message out to the public which, consequently, promotes awareness
and stimulates membership.
Keep the Faith.
NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not
necessarily represent the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic jurisdiction
or any other Masonic related body. As with all of my Masonic articles herein,
please feel free to reuse them in Masonic publications or re-post them on Masonic
web sites (except Florida). When doing so, please add the following:
Article reprinted with permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com
Please forward me a copy of the publication when it is produced.
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You can also "tune in" to Bro. Tim's audio podcasts at the "Lodgeroom International" (UK):
http://podcast.lodgeroominternational.com/
Copyright © 2007 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
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