The Africam Journey

Submitted by Africam on Tue, 07/04/2009 - 11:20am.

Greetings Cammers (long timers and newbie's included),

As this is Africam's first newsletter since its re launch just short of 3 years ago, we thought we should treat you to an authoritive and frank account of our history which we think will make you proud to be associated with what we do. Of course the biggest reason that Africam is still here has to be because of the loyal following we have and would like to believe that is because we deliver something that is unique, refreshing and relevant to our lives and times. This is only the most recent episode of the Africam journey, which actually stretches back 10 years (we just realized that when we lifted our heads out of the bonnet last week) which has seen many a character and events come and go. So then, we hope to give you a concise summary here so that you will be able to feel a part of that journey, knowing the twists and turns our path has taken..

Africam has been a part of many people's lives around the world for over 10 years. From an idea that was born out of a passion to share the African bush live and online, it has been through its highs and lows, delivering tears of happiness and sadness to many. Sightings, births and deaths of our animal co-inhabitants has been experienced daily by a loyal and enquiring worldwide community. It has been a “journey" and like any journey it is filled with struggles and hardships but also new beginnings and great rewards of satisfaction and pride. Africam's journey is now at an exciting new juncture that is breathing a wave of excitement among all of us involved and we would like you to continue to share our journey going forward. So without further adieu, let us try and explain how we got here and how did it all happen (and what happened to all our free time) ?

Africam suffered badly after the internet dot bomb at the turn of the millennium with the body blow finally delivered in the form of 9/11, resulting in investment funds instantly vaporizing and the business being finally wound up. But Africam emerged, Phoenix-like, from the ashes in the form of Campbell Scott (one of the surviving shareholders, a wildlife expert and game lodge veteran) where he acquired full shareholding in early 2006 and re launched with little more than the brand and a basic web site with a core of some very loyal Africam supporters (The Whooper's if our facts are right?), who still had (with early signs of acute addiction) a basic forum and a few 30 second image refreshes. Campbell was immediately joined by Jon Oliver, a South African internet pioneer and together they quickly identified live 24x7 streaming media as the key to a new experience and re-invigorated growth with a completely new internet medium. Paul Penzhorn then joined in late in 2007, bringing marketing and creative expertise to a team that was quickly establishing itself fully capable of meeting the challenges of delivering the first 24x7 live African experience to a world wide audience on the internet. Complimenting, and in fact key to, the team are an invaluable resource we call the ModSquad (you know who you are) who have been there for us over the last 3 years at least to man the front lines and help us develop new services.

Africam management want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have been with us, some of you for just over 10 years!

Africam’s journey has been fuelled by a passion to deliver something unique, fresh and relevant by many people over the years. In theory this appeared easy but soon practical problems became a daily occurrence. Taking full motion video in a remote location with dodgy power and telecommunications, all the way to Los Angeles in less than a second has its challenges. Not to mention tech unsavvy animals who view cables etc as fair game, hectic electrical storms and huge floods for days on end. At the toughest junctures we have sometimes questioned our sanity only to be reinvigorated by the ongoing enthusiasm and passion we can feel and almost touch from the community.

The passion of our viewers, sometime reflected in emails and posts we receive, make the journey worthwhile. We have received heart rendering messages from many people, some incapacitated by physical ailments or just simply life's setbacks, who watch (or just listen to) the cameras , for whom the cams are probably a place of safety and solace. This has resulted in many friendships around the world that have blossomed and is truly an amazing testament to human nature itself.

Africam’s focus since early 2006 has been on live streaming and finding a sustainable business model to allow us to grow. Again Africam were the first to send live streaming pictures out of the African bush to a worldwide audience. We started with the Nkorho camera and with the success of that we then launched the Elephant Plains camera. These have been a great success and we can lay claim to viewing the world’s first Lion kill caught on live streaming camera. We have also seen the Big Five in 6 hours which is really an unbelievable privilege and pays testament to the great camera locations we have. The passion and commitment from the Lodge staff has also been a huge factor in the success of the cams. We suspect we will be seeing more of them if Wesley’s cook out is anything to go by.

We launched our Flamingo Cam in late 2008 and we are very proud to be associated with the “Save the Flamingo” project. We are excited to see the new chicks and we are looking to really giving this camera the publicity its due and the cause it stands for.

Africam management have been working hard at securing advertising deals and building up solid relationships with networks. We know that all these changes and new ads have caused initial viewing problems and headaches but it has been a necessary step and we will all start to bear fruit from this hard labor.

Where to from here?

Well, we know the ads rankle your sense of free spirit, we know that the downtime when Telkom (our telecommunications company in South Africa) decide to play horrid and we know that when we loose power u loose a thrill.

We will fix all that and more.

Firstly the ads – we have taken probably maximum liberty here and piled them on. The reason has really been two fold. Firstly and most obviously to get revenue in to cover the costs of getting you the service we do, and the second has really been to experiment with different formats and styles. The really good news is that more and more quality advertisers are realizing the value that Africam delivers and thus are willing to pay higher rates. This means that at some point we can stop focusing on the the quantity of ads we are delivering and instead on quality and relevance. I think already you will be seeing more and more of our ads are convergent with our natural theme.

As live streaming has become a viable business model we have been talking to other parties about how we can take Africam to the next level. Africam is the most recognized brand when it comes to live streaming wildlife on the internet and companies want to be associated with the brand and be part of the journey with us. We have just launched our Twitter Alert along with a new look forum and viewer profiles with the ability to upload videos and pictures. Essentially we are incorporating social networking features, the idea being to create more connections amongst new and existing community members. These initiatives have had a very positive response and we will be building on their successes.

There are many more things we are looking to do in the future. More cameras, more features on the website and an ads free subscription with extra value, to name a few. These are really exciting times and we will keep you updated with every move we make.

The Africam journey has brought us to our next check point, which is now. Although the road has been full of ups and downs, we are now very excited about the next chapters of this journey. Importantly, this is not just Africam’s journey but one that we walk together with our viewers. Together we believe we are on the cusp of a truly unique endeavor - by bringing the the African experience to a keyboard near you, real time, all the time.

Here’s to another 10 years and a wonderful journey together.

The Africam team.

Africam's blog
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It has been an epic

It has been an epic adventure. Be assured many of us are here to support you in any way we can. You enrich lives daily. Thank you for keeping us informed.

Submitted by donnabac on Wed, 08/04/2009 - 7:26pm.

just reading all this - wow-

just reading all this - wow- it a great addition for africam members

BARRY

Submitted by krukab on Wed, 08/04/2009 - 8:10am.

I remember the first time I

I remember the first time I found Africam and sat on the edge of my seat

going on the drive at night. I have spent many a night since then

and was so happy to find you back. I can't believe it has been 10 years.

Ten wonderful years Thank You.

Submitted by JMJMAA on Wed, 08/04/2009 - 2:23pm.

Oh Wow!!!what a fantastic

Oh Wow!!!

what a fantastic idea .......... a newsletter

thank you so much, not only for all the work it took to get this far but for continuing even when you feel no one understands or appreciates all the effort it takes ....... sorry for all the complaints when things were in flux, definitely worth all those growls and cranks to have the cams back and functioning so well

I became hooked over a year ago, when a friend told me about the site, they had been watching since the beginning.

I have never seen a game drive on Africams, other than the highlight reels, but I so enjoyed the live cooking adventure ........... that was fantastic and educational .......... :)

Thank you all

Submitted by antytara on Wed, 08/04/2009 - 5:59pm.

Thanks so much for my first

Thanks so much for my first Newsletter, which gave me the background and history to Africam's own adventures in camming.

I'd be interested in an ads-free subscription service, should you decide to run one in the future. As an ex-Northern Rhodesian, where, in truth, I saw only great insects, birds, and snakes, your webcam fills in all of the game viewing experiences that never happened! Could you also promote the lodges' tariffs and amenities more, perhaps? It's not immediately easy to find out about them and I'm determined that I'll stay with you some time, before I'm too creaky to do so. Could you also get more advertising from South African Airlines and all of the many organisations which thrive mostly due to the outside world's interest in South African Wildlife? We get Susman's biltong and other SA goods here, in fact, just down the road from me in East Sussex (UK), so how about a link-up with South African companies based overseas, too? Maybe a super prize to win a few nights at Nkorho Lodge, etc.?? Whatever - you've provided a fascinating and also educational service, and long may you continue to thrive and enthrall.

Submitted by Jon Horley on Thu, 09/04/2009 - 7:30am.

Dear Africam Crew,I've just

Dear Africam Crew,

I've just finished reading the first issue of the African Boma Newsletter. I am awestruck at the changes and challenges you have met with and overcome to bring us this amazing site. I am a daily visitor, and like everyone else, am so very grateful for the opportunity to witness raw nature in such amazing beauty. It is my dream to visit Africa and see this beauty with my own eyes, but due to physical disabilities, very likely will not be able to realize my dream. So for now, I will visit each day and night, and open this wondrous window to another world.

Thank you all for the wonderful work you do, and for the amazing experiences you bring to me.

Peace & Love

Kalahari Angel

PS, I loved the video of Chef Wes and the dancers!! Thanks again!

Submitted by Kalahari Angel on Thu, 09/04/2009 - 11:05am.

2009-04-09Thanks for the

2009-04-09

Thanks for the newsletter...it is really informative. I have only been a member for a couple of years, but have told many of my friends about this wonderuful site...including several school teachers who incorporate into their classroom studies. It is an amazing site, and especially wonderful for people like me who don't have the opportunity to travel, but can now experience Africa's wildlife as it occurs. I open this site every day, and am very patient when the cameras are down for any reason...I just look forward to the return of my animal friends...esp the warthog family! Thank you so much and I really hope this site continues for many years to come. Sincerely, Shelley Lewis, Austin, Texas USA

Submitted by Shellewis19 on Thu, 09/04/2009 - 7:09pm.

2009-04-09Thanks for the

2009-04-09

Submitted by Shellewis19 on Thu, 09/04/2009 - 7:09pm.

2009-04-10Hi just wanted 2

2009-04-10

Hi just wanted 2 say how much I love your site, watch almost everyday now for 1yr. When I can't watch I always feel I have missed something good.

Thanks keep up the good work!!

P.S. I loved chef Wes, missed the dancer's look forward 2 much more.

Sheila Odom

Submitted by tweetypie on Fri, 10/04/2009 - 10:33am.

Hi to Campbell, Jon and

Hi to Campbell, Jon and Paul

Wow I remember the refresh cam days so well I used to log in as stickinsect in those days, I was so happy in 2006 to rediscover the new Africam. Unfortunately I have become more addicted than before. My work has also often suffered because of your wonderful cams. I have enjoyed your various events and most recently the cook out which was a pile of fun. I have made some wonderful like minded friends here too. I would like to wish you everything of the best for the future and can not wait to see what you have up your sleeve.

To the mods thank you too for all the work you have done and Barry for the great work compiling the Africam books so much information.

I hope to enjoy this site for many more years to come.

Kind regards

Janine

Submitted by Janine on Fri, 10/04/2009 - 2:00pm.

Já se také připojuji k

Já se také připojuji k poděkování všem kdo pracují na tom to velice krásném projektu.

Clikejte na reklamu ať podpoříte ten to projekt.

Ješťe jednou děkuji,dobrá práce.

Přeji mnoho dalších úspěchů.

Submitted by Josef53 on Fri, 10/04/2009 - 2:59pm.

Thank you for the wonderful

Thank you for the wonderful newsletter. I can remember the excitement I felt when I first found the cam.
Congratulations on the path you took as your journey, and letting us come along for the ride.

Submitted by Lea on Fri, 10/04/2009 - 6:15pm.

Good morning from

Good morning from Scotland.

Just back from Easter holiday to find your newsletter. It is super thank you. The story of Africam was brilliant and very informative. It is great getting the background of the africam after all these years of watching.

I know I am a watcher and not much of a voice on the website but I thoroughly enjoy watching and listening. I have the site minimised on my computer so I can hear the sounds all the time and then if you hear anything you can go in for a look. I am sure I miss some wonderful moments doing it this way but I have also seen some wonderful moments.

I love african animals with a passion and was lucky enough to go three years ago to kenya and I am hoping to go back soon. Your camera just helps fill in the longing to be there and helps keep the dream alive that one day I will get back.

Thank you all so very much for the wonderful job you do in keeping us all watching and wish you very many years of success and prosperity in this endeavour.

Keep up the fab work.

Love LCamp.

Submitted by LCAMP on Tue, 14/04/2009 - 2:06am.

I have always loved this

I have always loved this site. This has always my reference when it comes to topics about animals.

Submitted by forevernewwoman on Wed, 23/09/2009 - 6:54am.