IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT THE VIDEO SYSTEM: PLEASE READ

Although we have not recieved any official notice from Jvideo, It has become obvious that either Jvideo is no longer maintaining
It's "free" server or no longer accepting uploads to it. We have had as many as 8 user videos at a time stuck in the conversion
queue for a few days during their normal business hours and the queue is not being tended to. As stated, of this writing
we have not had any contact wiith Jvideo, and probably will not concerning our current and future status with them.

The first step I took this evening was to shut down the video upload system to Jvideo. If you try to upload a video through
that button you will be told you "Do not have permission to this feature" This is not an error, It is turned off. I don't want any of
our users uploading their videos and thinking they will show up. It's apparent they won't.

So far our video library is still intact and available to the members of SSP. For how long I have no idea. A word to the wise.
If Jvideo is in the process of closing down it's free service it will eventually be turned off. Please make sure if you have your
videos on your hard drive, back them up to a cd or flash drive.  SSP, as stated in our Video Policy written at the start of our
relationship with Jvideo says "Videos are not stored or maintained on this website.  We contract with a video provider to
convert, store, and stream videos to our site visitors and members.  Six String Planet has no control of, or access to,
our provider's backend.  If their services are down or interrupted videos will not play on this website until services are
restored."  Honestly I hate to have to mention that, but just a reminder that we can not access your library videos. Rest
assure that all the Official SSP video libraries are backed up. That means our lessons, special events, lngs(all episodes) ect.
As all of these developments unfold, we will share any information with our members and keep you infomed about our
decissions. For now, maybe you want to cruise through the video section and view a few of your favorites.

Over the next few days there will most likely be changes to the "community" page as we set up the NEW video system.
In all likelyhood the "latest video" module on the right side will dissappear. When it does you will still be able to access the
video library through the Video button on the top navigation bar(in blue) Also the Chat rooms maybe moved to or disabled.
We need to do this to open up some room to expand the "activity Stream" which will house the new video/commenting area.
So don't be surprised if things are shifted around for a little bit.

UPLOADING YOUR VIDEOS
You can access the new video system and upload videos till your hearts content. I will walk you through the new process
I will say that once you do the initial set-up, uploading to ssp will be much easier.

*First* The new video system works like this. You create an account on (I will use YouTube as my examples) Youtube.
This is were your videos will actually be stored. It will be up to you to manage your youtube channel. You then just need
the "url" (this is the link that looks  something like this http://www.youtube.com/user/yourname/item/, NOT the
"embedding code"( the longer one). You just add your video by placing that link in the proper box and click.

STEP 1  Creating your Channel
It's up to you which video sharing service you want to use. For most of our memebers Youtube will do fine.

*REMINDER* Youtube is banning videos that contain the "real" track in the video. Those of us who like using
backing tracks in our videos run the risk of our videos getting BANNED. It's pretty hit or miss as to what does and
what doesn't. Those who are loading solo perfomances and band videos so far seem to be ok. I will start a thread in the
forum to discus this issue if you like.

1.When you create your channel keep this in mind. You will be able to search a memebers videos now on SSP which will
take a person you your own channel..it will be your video home, be creative.
2.If you want to use YouTube, but avoid the hassles of a very badly moderated site ie:flammers, make your channel
Private,
Disable comments
Don't add tags or search words to your videos.
You will be provided with a url(web address) for each of your videos, they are unique, on y/t there are usually at the right of your
video in the top 1/3 of the screen at your description...use use "Ctrl C" to copy it.

STEP 2  Uploading to SSP
Once you have your channel the rest is a piece of cake.
From the "Home page" of Sixstringplanet  go to "Community"  in the tabs on top of the activity stream you will see
home   profile   friends   applications   inbox
mouse over "applications" to get the drop down box. In there you will see
My Applications
Browse
Groups
Photos
Videos

Click on Videos...below the Header "My Videos" you will see 4 link buttons
All videos...shows all the videos that have been linked to SSP(aka: our new library)
My Videos...takes you to your channel
Search...allows you to search users by name, title or channel
Add Video....this is were you place your link you got from your video use "Ctrl V" to paste.
*Note* you will see a screen first that tells you the different video sites that you can use click Next.
This is the Link Video screen, you paste your url code into the box, pick a catagory(Memeber vids is now General)
and choose who may see it. click "Link Video" and your done, a small "description page will pop up for you to add a 
description of your video.

COMMENTING
For as long as our old Jvideo Library is alive you can comment on them as you always have.
The new commenting is based on the activity stream. You will know a new video has been loaded as it is announced
in that stream. you can click and comment right from the stream. If you miss the stream about a new video you can go
to All videos as descriped above and view all the videos to catch up. There is also a random thumbnail rotation in 
the new video section. If you "disabled comments" on your Youtube channel SSP will be the only place that someone
can comment on your video. We will absolutely not tolerate people who migrate here from Y/T just to comment.

I apologize for the inconvience this may cause you. It was not intended by us to change our video system and honestly I really wish
we didn't have to. But things happen and it looks like the internet is positioning itself to monitarize. The new system will be easier 
in many repects and open doors for alot of folks here. Thank you for helping us move forward.