The written word is facing new challenges from YouTube and Google, but there’s other innovative approaches:

Story Tools – an extensive catalog and review of Mixer Tools, Slideshow tools, Timeline tools, Comic-building tools, Collage tools, etc.

• See the 50-samples of different ways to show the same video using these different services. Great time-saver!

Voice Thread – Extremely sophisticated. Creates online, embedded flash shows. “A collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to leave comments in 5 ways, including doodling.” I opened an account here (kxmccallum).

One True Media – phenomenal special effects, online Flash video creations, etc. $30/YEAR FOR PREMIUM, which is required for text overlays.

Rock You is the ultimately cool: “The Best Slideshow Ever! Add music, videos, themes, movie posters, instant posting, and more!”

Slide.com – sophisticated! Slideshows,  Guestbook – “where you and your friends can socialize using video comments, photos and more!”

http://www.bubbleshare.com/ – Builds photo-stories (like Flickr). Overlay comic balloons, etc. Not terribly impressive. Unlimited storage.