Review of commandN

Launched on June 13, 2005, CommandN is the result of the collaboration of four Toronto-based bloggers – Amber MacArthur, Mike Lazazzera, Jeff MacArthur, and Brian McKechnie. Each brings his/her own specialty, like television news experience, a computer science degree, and Final Cut Pro certification, to weekly episodes that highlight and discuss all things web and tech.

Episodes runs roughly ten minutes long and are divided into several reliably informative segments split between the four reliably informative vloggers. Each installment is usually introduced by one of the interview subjects (which, depending on the episode, may or may not be a puppet) and proceed to Amber, Mike, Jeff, and Brian’s segments, shot with just a camera, a mic, and some lighting when necessary – it usually is necessary since shows are filmed on locations ranging from storefronts to parking lots.

“Headlines” recaps the top technology news from the previous week. “Webpicks” suggests the websites that currently have the creator excited. “Techtips” is a how-to or preview. Product reviews follow in “Hotstuff.” “Insite” provides web development suggestions. The “Spotlight” is a profile of or interview with someone making those headlines. And finally, viewers’ questions are answered in “Inbox.”

If you’re not already checking out sites like Digg or Slashdot daily, this vlog could provide just enough for your tech fix. Take episode 71, for instance, which discusses everything from censor-free software for countries with limited to no access to websites deemed explicit by their respective governments, to suggestions on audio podcasting, and the history of buttons.

All of these are in addition to the show’s usual tech news, interviews, and recommendations. The sheer amount of genuinely stimulating original content here is what separates this vlog from the typical techie lot.