Good news! I finally made another gummy bear video! I hadn't performed the potassium chlorate plus gummy bear experiment myself yet for the camera, so enlisted the assistance of a high school chemistry teacher. Gummy burning fun at 1:00 and 3:35!

Here it is:

I also made a quick video using my computer recommending a group of books for future cosmetic chemists! 

I'm looking for more inspiration for videos, not so much for ideas on topics as I have plenty of those, but ideas on marketing and creating them, and possibly collaborations. I am also thinking about the best way to share science in this format. I will soon be attending an unconference at the Perimeter Institute in Canada (maybe I'll get to wave at Stephen Hawking!) on just this topic, called BrainSTEM. We will be discussing many issues related to creating new media with science themes. 

I also have a Scientific American press pass to get into VidCon 2012, whis is a conference/convention that is a celebration of youtube culture. They are expecting about 6,000 attendees this year, only their third year in existence! My goal is to make connections, to understand this culture and to SEARCH FOR SCIENCE AND TECH! I will share my experience on all venues of social media, in video interviews, and through Scientific American and this website!

As with everyone these days, budgets are tight and my travel to conference budget is exhausted this year. I would love your assistance. It has been suggested to me to use the power of social media to get me to VidCon and share it more widely with all of you! 

So, at the risk of causing my dad, who'd die before asking for a handout (and I guess he did!) to roll over in his grave (sorry, Dad), I am asking for donations to help me out with travel. I will need a plane ticket (I've noticed those run about $350 as of now), accommodations (not sure how much exactly, it depends on how long I stay, but I expect anywhere from $300-$400, if not more) and food, of course.

I personally guarantee I will use all donations wisely and do my best to return them all if for some reason I cannot attend.

I've been thinking of ways to say "Thank You", and here's what I'm willing to do:

I will thank all participants who include their name on this website and in social media. If you send me an address, I will mail a handwritten thank you as well.

For those who donate $25 or above, I will do my best to find your favorite youtuber at vidcon 2012 and get their autograph or snap a photo of them with my iphone for you!

For those who donate between $50-$100, I will mention you in a special "bulk" thank you video and share with the viewing public. I am willing to read a very short science statement (two-three tweets long) from you in the video (maybe announcing your website or project). Warning, these are subject to my approval. I won't be espousing topics of dubious scientific merit. My scientific reputation is worth keeping safe!

If you donate over $100, I will make a video just for you (or someone you love) that highlights science events that happened the year you were born or whatever year you are interested in.

I am open to suggestions of other ways to say thank you, and please be reasonable.

To Donate, find the PayPal Donate button at the top of my home page and then you know what to do. If you don't especially like using PayPal, contact me through this website and other arrangements can be made!

 If I am so fortunate as receive donations in excess of what I need, I will use the remaining funds for future projects which includes filming with a famous make-up artist about the science of make-up in NYC.  

Thank you so very much for your consideration in helping me find science in the world of YouTube!

Kindly,

Joanne