The Bloggers With The Most To Say
Video Blogging: Do you do it? Do you Love/Hate it? Why? Tips?
Hey, folks. Newb to the site, with only 2 years left of being a "20 something", but I've been loving the things I've been reading and blogs I've been stumbling upon via this community. :)
Awkward intro aside... My questions for you all as posted in the title regard video blogs. Whether you watch or make them, what do you love or hate about them, and why?
I've given regular blogging another spin after years of hiatus, and am again trying to find my "voice" and preferred means of communication as it were. I long thought it was with writing, but I can stifle myself far too easily, and just not write at all, no matter how long I'll think about or deconstruct thoughts on a topic in my mind. So with the advent of the wicked inexpensive flip style cameras, I thought I'd give it a spin.
For those experienced in this method of blogging I'd love some constructive criticism or feedback. :)
My first efforts can be found on my main site at http://www.mikeisonthenets.com
Direct post link: http://j.mp/acJu87
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by nicopolitan on -
I've been thinking of getting into vlogging because of various reasons:
1. I should know what it's like because of the line of work I'm in (that's how I got into blogging!)
2. I'm already going to the VidCon conference this year
3. Some of my best pals here on 20SB are vloggers
I say that a really good place to start is to follow Phampants, pretty much 20SB's personal consultant when it comes to online video and how to navigate that community. He is here: http://phampants.wordpress.com
I gotta run and find my headphones so I can watch your vid, but it's bookmarked for now! :)
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Permalink Reply by Erini CS on -
I've got to ditto Nico here and pimp out Pham.
This dude LIVES vlogging.
Anyway. I'm a former film major... I primarily worked on shorts & spots (in which I've won state/local) awards and then also documentaries (my preferred choice -- won an international award with one).... but I can't get into vlogging. I could handle being an on-air talent for my radio show, but I just can't do the be on film and talk for a bit. I can watch some, but I don't seek them out. If they're over 2:30 or 3 minutes it better be damn entertaining for me to actually stick with it. Anyway, I got a little burnt out on film so I dropped that part of my major... writing was another part and it's something I've felt more confident about.
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Permalink Reply by Talia M on -
I should have just copy and pasted your response. Down to the turn to writing. (You need a break from production, especially when you're dealing with the high stress of under-funded shorts.(
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Permalink Reply by Erini CS on
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I got burnt out on a lot of the hype that comes from working in film. I think it's why I liked documentaries a bit more -- it's a bit more focused on some form of education/educating...
I think if I regret anything, it's not pushing through when I got burnt out on post-production. It's been longer than I'd like working in editing software.
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Permalink Reply by phampants on -
See I LOVE editing. The thing I get exhausted on is everything prior to filming. It's really hard being a one man production crew.
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Permalink Reply by phampants on
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Thanks for the plug Nico & Erini!
Mike, you can see my vlogging on my personal channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/phampants and my collaborative running channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/adorunrun
For me, I really enjoy vlogging because it forces me to expand my creativity. Blogging allows me to manipulate words and make it into something beautiful. Vlogging incorporates words, vocals, lighting, scenery, images, sounds, camera angles and a whole lot more. There are so many factors to consider and play with in order to make it as beautiful as a normal blog post.
It's a challenge and I love it. Some vlogs takes me a few hours. Others, like the one I'm currently working on and will be up next week, will take me weeks and days. For me, vlogging is more than talking to the camera. It's another art form.
Imagine vlogging as exactly like blogging, but you have to sell it more and in less time. Blogs can be long if they're interest. Same goes w/ vlogs, but otherwise you need to stay under the 4 minute rule. A viewer will often notice that you're rambling quicker than a reader. Like any written work, punctuality applies to vlogging.
I can go on and on...
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Permalink Reply by Martin S on -
It seems to be the thing these days...personally, I dont like them. I never watch them, even on blogs that I follow regularly.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Wong on -
Thanks for the input, Martin! If you don't mind elaborating, what is it about them that you don't like? Would you find yourself potentially more apt to watch one if it were focused on a topic like music or tech (think lo-fi DiggNation) versus being relegated to a personal ranting of sorts?
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Permalink Reply by Martin S on
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I think it's just a matter of how I like to receive information. I would rather read about a topic than listen to somebody talk about it in most cases. I can go completely at my own pace, reread certain parts, etc. That being said, content would certainly play a part in whether I would listen to a Vlog.
You know, another part of Vlogs that turns me off is that it just looks and feels unprofessional to me, even more than written posts. It seems like there is a tendency these days for bloggers to market themselves as some kind of guru or expert in a field. It's hard for me to buy that when I am watching you on a poorly-made youtube video in your bedroom while you are wearing your pajamas, know what I mean?
In any case, I know a lot of people love them, but they just don't do it for me. I guess my only suggestion would be that if you decide to do one, take the time to properly choose the location you film at, what you wear, etc. If you are giving a lecture on monetary policy, it's hard to take you seriously when I can see the Hannah Montana poster behind you.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
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