chrisbrogan.com - Latest Comments in 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

outdoor water fountains — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:30:35 -0000

i do agree with your idea, i can not say any word to express my feeling, thanks

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

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Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

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Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

tyler — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:11:56 -0000

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Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

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Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Marti_L — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 06:42:52 -0000

(Bangs Luddite head against wall of cave)
Short does it for me, because (glances shame-faced at Scarlet D on chest) I am (sniffle) on dialup.

Me and fully half of all Internet users. We're sorry. We live in areas where broadband is not available. We can not watch long videos because it takes hours to download a five-minute clip, and we often lose the connection and have to start over, which really transforms your priorities.

Chris, your book is on its way.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Web Development — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 09:52:54 -0000

These comments and suggestions are really helpful to me.
Thanks,
Web Development

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

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Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Empress_Jo — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 19:44:38 -0000

Having been involved with marketing demos as well as jounalism, etc, I've found that humor or scandal (sadly) is the draw for many people. Additional lures are brain teasers (e.g. how do they do that?), gross content, sex, etc.

I'm not sure what you're looking for as an answer---the alluring tag-line to get viewers or the actual content. Humor works best with me though. Even if it's something I'm interested in I won't forward a video link or search for more of the same if the content isn't entertaining. For example, I enjoy fast, sexy cars---not just boring races around a track, but what makes these cars tick and just how far they can be pushed. I learned about "Top Gear" (a UK based series) and, because of the silly ways they present racing information in their previous videos, I seek out their new videos.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Mark — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 18:58:27 -0000

It's all about content, really. If I am browsing and like a web video, I'll look for similar videos, it's just how I am.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Becky McCray — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:41:01 -0000

Want to improve your video abilities? Check into courses offered at local colleges. Way back in 1990 or so, I took a tv production class that included camera work, editing, etc. The course is still offered in the Mass Comm dept. Talk to the instructor about enrolling in or auditing the course.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

jeffpulver — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 07:11:30 -0000

Already at 60 comments and the Summer is just a few days old. :)

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Laura Athavale Fitton — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:16:39 -0000

Here’s my answer: See my blog for the hypertext version with references, etc. linked: http://gpmb.wordpress.com/2...

I am a total outsider to vlogging. I’m bearish about it, I don’t subscribe to any, I don’t have much interest in watching them. But, I can see where in the right hands, they could catch on. The whys and the audience questions fascinate me.

I think degree of fit with/use of the medium is a significant chunk of what makes the experience suck/not suck for the audience… In no particular order…

* STUDY FILM/TV: Successful vloggers will have come to understand at least some film/TV production history/theory, if only to break the “rules.” Whether they’re native talents or they took time to learn, it’s going to help. Just ‘cuz vlogging’s new, and arguably the film/vid establishment doesn’t “get” it, doesn’t mean there are a hell of a lot of things the establishment DOES get that vloggers NEED TO — a whole raft of qualities that make video watchable. Video can be so completely compelling and addictive. But, the majority of it is not. At all.
* FITTING THE MEDIUM, 1: you don’t need video to:
o understand that someone is talking
o digest a lot of information and new concepts with no visual aids
o experience music
* FITTING THE MEDIUM, 2: you DO need video to:
o even conceive of what really happens when mentos hit diet coke.
o be astonished that someone is walking through the mall/driving down the 101/being interviewed during a commute/etc. WHILE videotaping (and in some cases) broadcasting live via the internet
o see that Millie truly cannot open it
o understand the context, see what the subject is seeing
o (sadly) see that the chick is hot (tho remember there is a lot of radio talent whose stock in trade is perceived sexiness even though they can’t be seen and in many cases are not hot)
o laugh at what the cat/dog/kid just did
o have an emotional response to color/shape/form/movement/scenery
o construct the absurd/make certain humor work. seen the LOLCATS podcast? (the LOLCAST?). the script, written out as text, wouldn’t have been funny at all. audio of the dialog would’ve been cute, but… the actual scenario — people speaking in LOLCAT in an “actual” restaurant in an “actual” situation was frigging hilarious.

And some “applications” of what fitting the medium means:

* Baseball actually kind of sucks on TV — just not that much happening most of the time. Even though the video gives you more than just the “call,” and you can’t replace the thrill and tension of waiting to see if it leaves the park, a well-called game is pretty darn good listening. It can actually draw in ALL of my attention much more sometimes than a game on TV can. Sure, there are huge benefits to watching the big plays, but you really have to be a fan to get excited about the visual aspect of every single pitch.
* Learn from YouTube hits, but also, before YouTube there was Wayne’s World. There’s actually a lot — good and bad — to be learned from public access TV. They tape those damned town meetings and who the f___ cares? Put a camera in someone’s hand and go to the part of town where the development is proposed and show me how it looks now, then cut to the artist’s rendering. That’s more productive digital democracy.
* A videocamera in the finest concert hall with the best orchestra playing an incredible symphony pretty much blows. Fantasia does not. Why?

Whether the goal is entertainment, digital democracy, professional development, adult education, hacks and tips to just make life better; better storytelling makes a more effective experience for the audience (or the people formerly known as the audience)

Really, it’s a lot of what presenters struggle with. A lot of what is hated about powerpoint is the bigger/more general problem of poor use of any given medium. (OK, that and scant or misguided preparation.)

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

mike ambs — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:50:29 -0000

Not sure. I like to think there is no step-by-step for creating media that grabs people... sometimes a vlog stands out because it's creative, or sometimes it stands out because it's personal... or well-polished... different... honest... et cetera :) But yea, basically, I just don't know.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

radar masukami — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:57:52 -0000

something that i don't see mentioned here, but seems obvious to me, is that attention grabbing mojo comes in part due to perceived motivation. the more i think you are sitting around conversing with others on how to grab me, generally speaking, the less interested i am. seriously.

everyone here talks of camera work and ideas, and those are important, but the best ideas and content most often come from folks who are not trying to sell you something.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Jim Shireman — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:04:28 -0000

In terms of a serial or on-going set of content, I think it's about finding the balance between being modularly satisfying enough to not piss me off and tantalizing me enough to want to come back for more.

A little gratification and payoff or at least the hint of it goes a long way.

I believe slimy marketing types refer to that as "correctly baiting the hook".

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Will Rutherford — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:47:18 -0000

Humor goes a LONG way.

So does bullsh!t.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Justin Kownacki — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:37:22 -0000

Option A: A subject that people are ALREADY passionate about.

Option B: Characters that people GROW to care about.

Option C: Information that you CANNOT FIND elsewhere.

Option D: An EMOTIONAL impact.

Option E: A good punchline.

Obviously, every one of these criteria is subjective. But a video doesn't become "viral" without one of the above elements.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Infomaniac/Ellen — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 08:38:23 -0000

I have been mulling this question over for a couple of days and still can't come up with one distinct answer because it depends on what I am looking for and where my head/heart is at for that given moment.

If I need something to make me laugh then I seek out viral videos, funny pet flicks and the like. Many times those videos are unscripted and unedited, just lucky in capturing the moment.

If the video is providing me with information then more factors come into play such as the personality of the presenter(s), video & sound quality, and final editing. Just as with a feature film I think editing can make or break a videocast.

Lastly, when it comes to watching live, streaming video my favorites are where there are two people bantering back and forth on topics, where their personalities complement each other. One person live streams can be interesting if the chatroom is active but like many I don't find it interesting to watch someone stare at their screen through their webcam.

Having said all that I have been experimenting with live streaming video and video blogging and have had no idea what I am doing. The comments provided by everyone have given me things to think about.

I think anyone looking at doing a video blog, like myself, needs to experiment a bit and see if their personality is "video worthy." Personality is definitely key for vlogs.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Erica — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 08:31:30 -0000

People in Marketing and Social Media get this request all the time - "I want you to make a viral video for our company". But the truth is - that rarely works. Videos become viral because they are unique and strike a cord with their viewers.

Anyone who has seen The Dramatic Praire Dog video knows that a video doesn't have to be a work of art - or even all that interesting to go viral in the first place.

Geeks especially like unique things to latch on to and call all their own. We like to cultivate our own brand of "cool". That's why we have things link memes in the first place ;)

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

eaon pritchard — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 04:16:01 -0000

havent read all the comments so apologies if theres duplication.
My own reasons are generally
a - if the content is something im interested in
or
b - someones sent me it

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

richpalmer — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 23:50:08 -0000

Video content, audio content, magazine articles, books, etc. All SUBJECTIVE. I am engaged by that which engages me. There is no formula. There is no method that wins over another. I like what I like.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Brian — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 21:15:47 -0000

These comments and suggestions are helpful to me as I explore the potential for video. Thanks Chris, and everybody.

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Michelle Wolverton / chelpixie — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 21:12:54 -0000

Cliche as it is, it's always about connection for me. If I connect with the subject *that* grabs me by the throat. If it makes me laugh. If it makes me cry. If it makes me sit down and say wow three or four times afterwards? If it motivates me to do MORE, to do better. Then I want to find out more about the subject or the person behind the video.

One fine example of that is Mitch Joel's personal branding session at PodCamp Toronto. I watched that and was blown away that I immediately grabbed his RSS feed and subscribed to 6POS. Even listening to the old shows as I come across time to do so.

Inspired by one video. Because his passion was apparent, his message was clear and his content is something that I needed to learn and focus on.

However, there is no one answer, each person is grabbed by something different. So, who do you want to attract?

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

goldiekatsu — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 19:43:34 -0000

Ok, I'm not sure how much I have to add here but here we go. What makes the difference is awareness.

People watch and share videos for different reasons. Maybe it is an interest they have, maybe it was a clever way of presenting things, maybe it just made them feel strongly good/bad/angry/involved/impassioned. Are you aware of what it is about your video that would make someone interested?

By being aware of what people are focused on, or what people in the group you are aiming at are focused on you can get a feel for what will draw them in.

When filming awareness of what effect you are looking for and and what you are putting on the screen can make a difference in the effectiveness of your video. Quick cuts from different angles gives energy, but might not be so great for a romantic love scene. Pets might draw viewers in but if you want people to focus on the speaker having a dog playing in the background isn't going to help.) And be aware of what is on the whole picture (that's why backdrops can be great) The place I first became aware of this was taking photos. I would be focused on what my subject was, but not on the surroundings - then I would look at the picture and go "Oh look, a curtain rod in the middle of the lines of that menorah, ok that picture is useless"

Awareness of the components craft of making video/film can change the quality of your picture. Lights, the sound, the ambient noise, expected noise (foley). And you can fake it a lot of the time. I know my lighting is usually awful, but I can get a half decent 3 point lighting with two clip on lights from Costco and a two part reflective sunshade. This isn't to say I wouldn't like the Lowel light kit that is on my wish list, but it is a step up with the material I have. Foley editing can be fun - we made a short that had a fight scene where a guy's neck is broken, a paper bag being crunched at the right time had everyone grabbing their necks. Knowing what you want can get you half way to having what you want within your budget.

Are you aware of the resources you have, people who would love to help? People with natural talents in the areas you could use help with. That can up the level.

Being aware of the energy and passion of the person in front of the camera is also going to make a difference. When I was doing the live broadcast of making challah the third part (which I forgot to record) had a lot of dead space. I couldn't figure out what was different until I thought about it - I was running out of energy, and it showed on the screen. I suppose this could translate into an awareness of your health. Better health means more endurance and more energy to work with. But I knew you were already aware of that.

It's important to be aware of if you are having fun, and if not why? Sometimes there are tasks that just have to be done, but sometimes something is being gone about the wrong way. (Like the word order of the previous sentence?)

By being aware of your strengths and weaknesses you can take advantage of them, and know where you can grow. This also plays into the above on knowing your resources. We all have our budget of camera, lights, location, people to throw on camera, time, editing software, etc. But you can use your limitations to foster creativity - what you have provides parameters for what you can focus on creating right now and can encourage you to make it the best. Think about the difference between a laser and a flashlight - both are light - but a laser has focus and can be used to cut.

Another thing to be aware of is that it is more important to do and improve than to wait until you have it all down. Don't get caught up in analysis paralysis. Robert Rodriguez says that everyone has 10 bad movies in them, so feel free to get them out of your system. They can be your best teachers if you are aware of what you are seeing in them.

Now I think I'd best go apply this advice to myself :-)