Yesterday we released some big updates to the VOKLE platform that you’ve probably already noticed. This will help you reach more people in your event along with taking interaction to a higher level.

Let’s start with the refreshed Twitter module! You can now tweet directly from a VOKLE event rather than having to be redirected to another window. You can also Retweet and Reply, all inside the chat. Now you can enlist the help of your audience to spread the word about your show!

We’ve also introduced a new way to ‘Invite Your Hero’ to join the your chat, this way you’ll be able to invite some of your favorite personalities to the chat. You can browse through our list of suggested Twitter users by clicking the left or right arrows on the header, or look for a specific user by using the search bar. Then, simply click “Invite!” and tweet away.

We’ve also introduced a new “Ask a Q” button to our chat box that will make it easier for your audience to ask video/text questions — it’s conveniently located next to the “Send” button in the Chat box.

To continue keeping VOKLE conversations fluid, engaging, and abundant — keep up with the question-asking and be sure to tweet out VOKLE to your favorite athletes, musicians, role models, friends, tech-savvy grandparents, and/or whoever else, and get them to easily create and share content.

-The VOKLE Team

Greetings and salutations, good folks and friends of the VOKLE community! My name is Steph, but many people call me Slo — short for Stephanie Lo – and I just recently joined the team at VOKLE. I’m a born and bred Southern Californian with an impenetrable love for summer, sunshine, barbecues, and obnoxious fluorescent colors (see image above).

I was fortunate enough to spend four years in New York City as a student at NYU, where I studied Marketing and Management, dabbled within the realms of Entertainment, Media, & Technology, and ate way too much (or not enough?) chicken and rice from a Halal cart on 53rd and 6th. Some of my hobbies include: going to shows, eating, getting swept up in spontaneous adventures, rhythmic hand-clapping, and fist pumping. I’d like to say that I don’t do all of those at the same time, but that would be a lie.

I’m psyched to embark on my journey here at VOKLE, and look forward to doing whatever I can to help the company continue to push the boundaries of interaction and innovation. It’s hard to put into my own words exactly what it is about VOKLE that is so inspirational to me, but I know it has something to do with the following line from this most recent VOKLE spot, which was inspired by Larry Lessig’s 2007 TED Talk on the “laws that choke creativity.”

“Digital technology is the opportunity for the revival of [lost] vocal cords — culture where people produce for the love of what they’re doing, and not for the money.”

If digital technology is the opportunity for uninhibited communication, then I’m positive VOKLE is the right vehicle to navigate that opportunity, and I’m happy to be along for the ride.

Today we delivered the custom build-a-bear to Cameron, our slogan contest winner. It was created in her likeness by our very own Miss Frankenstein, Jacquie. The bear was a cross between a frog and a pig. Fully clothed in disco attire, with a Snookie wig….and she was beautiful. Watch us surprise Cameron with her beautiful stuffed creation above!

Jacquie and Cameron with their love child (below)…and you can check out more photos here!

We’re huge fans of empowering anyone to embed VOKLE onto their websites, whether it be a single event, or an ongoing series (which we call a Lineup).  Just last week, Jewelmint used both their Lineup embed code AND the individual event embed code. This allowed Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter to promote their new jewelry line through an ‘e-junket’ streamed live across three separate fashion blogs.

Each fashion blogger promoted a unique 30-minute interview on her website, and had exclusive access to Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter. Jewelmint shared the full series with their community by simply placing the Lineup code on their website. The three back-to-back interviews with Kate and Cher have opened new doors for virtual tours across multiple blogs, without the Hosts ever leaving their seat! First jewelry, next….space!

Check out some of the other photos taken from the scene, along with the event (below)

Hey folks!

The time is upon us to finally announce the VOKLE slogan contest winner! There were tons of clever and inspired submissions, but the winner of the highly-coveted Build-a-Bear is Cameron Kashani (a.k.a “camsy”), for her simple slogan that speaks volumes: “Unmute yourself”

Huge congrats to Cameron for coming up with a fantastic slogan, you’ll be receiving a customized Build-A-Bear created by our very own @Jacquiengineer!

In her own words, Jacquie promises to deliver a “…BUILD-A-BEAR MODELED AFTER OUR ILLUSTRIOUS WINNER…” She noted: “…Since we’re fresh out of teddy bears up in hurr, I’ll most likely have to fetch my supplies by climbing up into one of those skankoid stuffed animal machines with the mechanical claws, presumably leaving tens and tens of sobbing toddlers in my wake when they see that I’ve pilfered the most bad ass toys in the history of the universe…”

There were many great slogans, and here are some that deserve an honorable mention.

Ed Baker: “Social video, social internet.”

Julia Taylor: “Break the silence.”

Kelly: “This is what Al Gore had in mind when he invented the internet.”

We have something special for everyone who participated in the contest, stay tuned next week for details!

Hi folks, my name is Rochelle and I’m giving a quick introduction since I’ll be a new contributor to the VOKLE Blog. I’ve just returned to the USA after a 14-month stint in Asia, where I taught English to crazy Thai children and pet tigers (yeah, that picture is real). That wild year aside, I have a fairly ordinary background.

Back in college I made the somewhat questionable decision to major in English, because I loved words yet didn’t understand the meaning of the term “employable.” I worked on my school newspaper for several years, and I decided that my career would in some way involve gathering and sharing information.

I’m at VOKLE now because I believe in the power of limitless expression through online media. In a classroom, a teacher can impart knowledge on a smaller, more personal scale. Through a newspaper, a reporter can articulate community concerns on print. With Vokle there’s no classroom, no paper, no limitations except your imagination. So here goes…

Most of my favorite people in the world are online. We’ve reached an age where it’s no longer taboo to admit such a thing; it’s expected that you are connected to the internet, expanding your horizons through knowledge and friendship with the rest of the world, no matter how near or far. We no longer have the obstacle of distance in the way of seeing the faces of our friends. It’s a simple click of a button to share a smile, an idea, a way of life. There are an uncountable number of voices reaching out, waiting for your voice to reach back to their own.

Having been a community member of Vokle for about 9 months now, I have had the opportunity to add many new faces to the group of people that I call friend. I have been granted access to marketing gurus, musicians, actors, music lovers, ecologists, educators, authors, philosphers, photographers. I have met many people, like myself, who hunger for a connection that builds insight and kinship through shared interest, and even perhaps through differences of opinions debated through mutual respect and a willingness to learn from even that. All of these things make us better, more well rounded  members of humanity. How stale would it be if we were all the same, with the same ideas?

In that spirit, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to some of my favorite faces  of Vokle. These may be people who have made me think on a whole new level, or may have made me laugh harder than I had in a long time. They may be people that are my favorite Vokle event hosts, or people that I may wish would be on Vokle more than they currently are. Whatever the case, they are people whom I feel have given me something that I think the world needs more of. They may even be a person that you could call friend, too.

Without further ado, I would like to introduce miss Alicia Ontiveros of #EcoChat!
–

Em: Hi, Alicia; thank you for taking the time to talk with us today! I have really enjoyed getting to know you on Vokle and Facebook. I first met you on your #EcoChat event in April, [http://www.ecochatonline.com/2010/04/video-ecochat-wrap-up-walk-on-green.html] the Walk On The Green Side with Cafe Magazine episode. I was very impressed with the content the guest speakers provided, as well as the resources given. I have continued to enjoy your weekly broadcasts that have discussed sustainability with Jean Russell, toxic chemicals in cosmetics and body products with MojoSpa, the discussion on the BP oil spill with Kent Taylor and Bruce Becker, the organic farming discussion with Dorothee Royal of OrganicNation.TV, and of course, your Open Forum events.

What was the pivotal point in your life that compelled you to go green not only in your own life, but to speak publicly about the importance of caring for our planet and ourselves? Have you given any further thought to starting a program in your area to bring this important information to schools?

Alicia: I decided to “go green” after traveling to Mexico for Christmas in 2008. I had been reading the book A World Without Us by Alan Weisman and was horrified to learn about how modern, industrialized civilizations of the world are jeopardizing the health of the planet. After observing so many beautiful areas of Mexico, I made my new year’s resolution to start making a difference. I created a local blog (EcoChicago) to document the transformation of my own lifestyle and educate my community about green resources in Chicago.

After a year of blogging, I decided to expand my outreach to communities across the country, so I made another new year’s resolution (ha, ha) and founded EcoChat in January 2010. EcoChat is a live, interactive web show where people can ask questions and connect with green leaders in real time. I believe live web events are going to gain in popularity in the next five years, so I’m excited about forging a green space using this medium.

As far as bringing eco education to schools, I’m interested in exploring ways I can help people who are already fighting for this cause. I would love to travel around Chicago-area schools to educate young people about living consciously. Hopefully, I can get involved with an organization this fall. It’s on my to-do list!

Em: Tell us about Cinefile [http://www.cinefile.com/], another passion in your life. How long have you been interested in film, and what is it that you do at Cinefile? If there is one film out there that you could claim as your own creation, what would it be, and why; what would you change about it, if anything?

Alicia: I have a degree in broadcast journalism and I’ve helped produce documentaries airing on cable television networks including The History Channel and National Geographic, so my interest in film stems from my love of non-fiction storytelling.

Cinefile is a social networking website for movie lovers and movie industry professionals. At Cinefile I produce short web videos about the film industry. For example, I just finished a piece about how independent filmmakers are using social media to promote and distribute their films online. I also host a web series called “Movie Lover in Theatres” where I let our viewers know about the best new releases. Cinefile is a space where independent minds can thrive, and that’s what I appreciate about it the most.

If I were to claim one film out there as my own it would be Avatar so I could rake in all the profit and use it to clean up the BP oil spill. Ok, I jest. I really don’t have a film in mind that I’d like to claim as my own, but I do admire the people who take risks to tell meaningful stories, and I try to support them any way I can.

Em: What does your ideal utopian world look like, regarding things like politics, the economy, and society in general?

Alicia: In my utopian society money and politics wouldn’t exist (and no one would miss them), all power would be generated from renewable resources, and my boyfriend wouldn’t be allergic to eggs.

Em: How did you first hear of Vokle?

Alicia: I was perusing The Huffington Post one day when I noticed a Vokle event embedded on their website. I was just about to launch my first EcoChat, so I tweeted about how impressed I was with the Vokle platform. Shant invited to give me a tutorial about how to set up my own show and after that I was hooked! I’m a certified Vokle junkie.

Em: Thanks again for talking with us today, Alicia! I’m really glad that you’re a part of the Vokle community; #EcoChat is one of my favorite events every week. I always find it inspriring and informative, as well as having a fun host! Do you have any parting comments that you would like to share?

Alicia: Thank you, Em, for being an EcoChat fan. I love connecting with my viewers and using their input to improve the show. I appreciate the opportunity to share more of my story with you and the Vokle community. One day, Vokle will rule the world!
–

Please be sure to tune in to #EcoChat Monday nights at 9pm Eastern / 6pm Pacific to catch Alicia, and take action in doing your part for our world!

Check out Jeff (Programming Director at Radio23) and his EPIC, FUN, EDUCATIONAL, INSPIRING, PASSIONATE, INTENSE (insert more adjectives here) 6-hour broadcast for community members and fellow broadcasters. Oh yes, and by hour 4, Jeff may have completely lost a bolt! Scroll to 4:50, definitely one of my favorite moments during the entire broadcast! Informative and awesome broadcast, you’re a trooper Jeff! =)

Jeff Simmons (of Radio23) has an epic 6-hour broadcast!

Be part of the underground movement and follow Radio23 on twitter: http://twitter.com/radio23

Winner of this competition gets ultimate bragging rights!