Video, Video, Video. Open your browser and you open a world of video access … or is that excess?

From in-depth news coverage to roller-skating parrots, the world offers an unlimited supply of video. That's a lot of video! How could one possibly discover what's being produced here in Minnesota, maybe right up the street?

Enter MN Stories, a video-sharing site founded by Chuck Olsen.

You might know Chuck from any number of video and web-related projects in and around the Twin Cities. Most recently, the always-in-motion Mr. Olsen dedicates heart and soul to the Uptake, a nationally acclaimed citizen journalism outlet that was launched to cover the 2008 election process (one that has stretched into 2009 as we Minnesotans patiently(?), at least as of this writing, await the seating of our second senator).

The first iteration of Chuck's MN Stories, launched in 2005, more closely resembled a video blog showcasing mostly Chuck's work. "I always had a vision of a video-sharing site." says Chuck. "The Uptake just took over so much time." Now, as the election hustle and bustle fades, Chuck has time to re-launch his video community vision. A re-launch we happily herald here as part of his first interview on the topic.

The newly rethought and redesigned MN Stories offers easy access to Minnesota video, as well as providing a community for the producers and viewers of that video. "I can post video on YouTube, but who's gonna find me?" was Chuck's driving question. So, think YouTube for Minnesota.

Chuck spent a great deal of time trying to "discover the right software and site design" for what MN Stories has become. This new version offers multiple features to appeal to the Minnesota videophiles it will serve including the ability to set up your own account allowing the storing, tagging and "favoriting" of videos throughout the site.

The site also now offers myriad "channel" designations to make it easier to access the content. There is also tabbing allowing for quick discovery of featured, top-rated and most viewed video. Chuck highlights another feature that will also allow a quick expansion of offerings: "MN Stories allows you to embed videos that you may have posted elsewhere." This eliminates the need to upload a video again.

The site currently has more than 250 videos available. Although much of the community and the content they produce come from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Chuck says the number of videos from outside the metro area is growing. "I'm really happy to have people from outside the Twin Cities."

Of a great priority to Chuck is what he wants MN Stories to be able to provide to the Minnesota nonprofit community. "I want to be able to help these organizations." That includes "teaching them about social media and online video," production and, perhaps most importantly, providing ways to help raise money. "I see a 'donate' button or some easy way to contribute to a nonprofit."

Though this is a labor of love, Chuck notes, "The intent is to make it a sustainable business." He says they're looking at a lot of revenue opportunities, including display advertising, channel sponsorship and the production of a weekly show. Though he explains he's "the content and technical guy," he is looking for some January ad sales along with the benefits of a sales relationship with MinnPost.

In fact, relationships will play a major role in the future of MN Stories. Beyond the nonprofit connections and advertising agreements, Chuck hopes to enlist other organizations in building the many channels. Think a theater driving the Theater+Dance channel, a radio station driving the Music Channel.

Oh, about that weekly show… "Eskimo Witch" will be a MN Stories show featuring "90 percent info-tainment" that will also serve as an outlet for more video. The name? "Originally I thought it was a cool band name." says Chuck. "And I never heard those two words together." How can this show not be worth seeing?

There should be little doubt that Chuck's creativity and enthusiasm will permeate MN Stories. However, he is serious about the community aspect of the site. "I'm here to listen." he explains. "Let's see if we can make it cool."