"Current use and distribution of ultimate footage is primarily for the purpose of entertainment. Where it is used for learning or coaching, the communication surrounding the video remains closed to a select few who can physically attend a viewing. New technology allows for the same video to be shared via the Internet across broadband or via CD on individual desktop computers. I propose to create annotated videos – known as “videopapers” that will offer an example of how authors may comment on ultimate videos and then share their comments (and the videos) with a larger audience. The conversation can be supported with links to online discussion groups. This project seeks to grant players around the world a chance to read experienced commentary on every skill in the game – from throwing a forehand to teaching a team how to play junk defense – and then respond with comments of their own."

From the fall 2003 UPA newsletter article:

"I have been working to create ultimate “videopapers.” A videopaper is a multimedia creation consisting of video, text, and slide images. At its most basic, it is a way to annotate video. The purpose of the ultimate videopaper is to allow the author to comment on the video, creating links between their commentary and specific sections of the video that they feel best illustrate the points they are making – about strategy, individual plays, players, and so on. The videopaper also allows the author to display still images, or slides, beneath the video in order to freeze the film on a certain moment. The text section of the video paper is written in HTML, the same as any web page on the Internet. I have inserted links to Rec.Sport.Disc in my videopapers, so that everyone may post their own commentary – in response to or independent of my own.

The greatest challenge has been finding the right footage. Ninety percent of the value of a videopaper is the video. I wanted to show enough of the field to be able to comment not only on the thrower and the dump (and perhaps the marker), but on the receivers and team positioning, as well. Another challenge has been designing for collaborative discussion. This will be part of the iterative creative process and will evolve with time. As I get feedback from discussion participants, I will get a better idea of what works best in facilitating their discussions.

I have also been exploring different methods for dissemination of the videopaper. I am working on putting this up on a server, but this is not – technically speaking – a sure thing. The other option is to distribute CDs by mail as “shareware” for people to copy to their hard drives and pass along to friends. We are currently working on version 3 of the software, which we hope will include the ability to download a complete videopaper directly from a server. Some of the difficulties surrounding dissemination will go away as the technology improves – increasing bandwidth, for example.

Ultimately, I think the usefulness of the videopaper as a tool for discussion will determine its relevance to the ultimate community."

For more information about the UPA Innovation Grant Program, go to http://www.upa.org/grants/