Sneak Peek: Wed June 5, 2024
Added 2024-06-05 14:03:09 +0000 UTCOK so this terrible event that happened in Redwood City isn't actually part of today's video (which has been up on Nebula for a few days). But if you didn't see it in Monday's news, 104 units that were under construction went up in a blaze. And when you watch today's video you're going to realize 104 units is...a pretty high proportion of the amount of housing that gets built in Redwood City in any given year. Actually, it's a high proportion of the housing that gets built in just about ANY Bay Area city in any given year.
So, my format is generally 12-24 minutes, and there's no way to talk about the housing crisis in any sort of nuanced way in that abbreviated a form. My "solution" to this is generally to choose a specific lens through which to view an issue (usually by developing some sort of performance measure), and then just discuss it through that lens, acknowledging unanswered questions along the way. That's what I did in today's video.
Here's a question for you all, though: I've been toying with the idea of doing something longer-form -- maybe an hour or even two. Of course this would be a bit of an undertaking, and I'd have to go on hiatus for a month or two to do it. What do you all think? Would you be interested in a longer format video where I could treat a subject much more comprehensively? (I don't have any single subject in mind -- I actually have several things on my list that I've shied away from because they don't fit the 12-24 minute format.)
Also...working on this video got me REALLY thinking about the housing crisis. People spend such a large proportion of their incomes on shelter right now. Some parts of our economy seem to be back to functioning reasonably post-pandemic, but the housing situation right now honestly feels like a massive wealth transfer from people who are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck to...people who bought their homes a long time ago. (Oversimplifying, I know.) Do you see any glimmers of hope as far as adding housing supply in your own city? I know there are good stories out there.
Also, if you're going to Durham on Monday June 10, I'll see you then! Happy Wednesday.
Comments
We would support you trying whatever makes sense to you. Thanks for the news. Do you think the fire is NIMBY at its worst?
Lorraine and Baxter Williams
2024-08-04 03:58:13 +0000 UTCJust joining up, so a bit late... if I am being completely honest I am skeptical of longer format. Rarely do I watch something longer format that I wouldn't have enjoyed more/learned the same shorter. Not a cool thing so say, but I like your videos and want to give my feedback.... Your shorter videos have much more impact on how I think/how informed I am than by all but the rarest and greatest of long form. As another commenter suggested, it would need to be a "generation-shifting film" to equal the impact you are making now. But I am almost always wrong, so you could view this as a thumbs up to do the opposite. :-) Omit needless frames!.... ?
Henry Mueller
2024-06-17 16:55:18 +0000 UTC
