David Lee King

social media | emerging trends | libraries

Making a Video is Easy!

By

I was in a video-making mood last week, and created a couple of short videos. This one was really the second one … but I think I’ll share it first.

This is something I’ve said before. Video is extremely easy to make and share in today’s Youtube and smartphone driven world. Point a camera at your head and start sharing. It really IS that simple.

And … you, dear reader, most likely have a fine video camera in your purse or pocket (or book bag, or messenger bag, or in your hand, or ….).

It’s your smartphone. I also sometimes carry around a small point and shoot camera (that’s what I used to make this video). Still fits in my bag/pocket/etc!

So – what’s stopping you from creating videos for your customers, or your family and friends?

Make a video already – and share it! I’d love to see what you do 🙂

(oh, and subscribe to my Youtube channel please!)

Book Review for Vlog Like a Boss

By

I recently read the book Vlog Like a Boss: How to Kill It Online with Video Blogging by Amy Schmittauer. You can find out more about Amy at her website and at her YouTube channel.

And yes – it’s a book about making video … so I HAD to do a video book review, right?

Vlog Like a Boss is a good book! Amy covers quite a bit of ground about making vlogs.

But here’s the thing – this book is:

  •  Not about equipment. That part’s easy today – Have a smartphone? Done. You probably have a better camera than my super 8 camera from the 90’s.
  • Not about editing tips and tricks, or how to get a professional, polished “look” (though there are some useful tips and tricks in the book).

What the heck is Vlog Like a Boss about then?

  • It’s a video blogging pep talk. She shares her story. Her journey about vlogging.
  • Amy talks about making her first video, the impact it had, and how she grew from there.
  • The book is also about making CONTENT. Amy talks about knowing why you want to make videos, setting goals that point back to that why, and knowing your audience.
  • She also discusses creating a persona, and focusing your video on that persona. Cool idea.

She also breaks down topic planning for videos in chapter 6, and has some great ideas for topic brainstorming. Really practical stuff.

So – go read the book – good stuff!

Video on the Web Presentation

By

I just finished doing a SirsiDynix Institute webcast presentation, titled Video on the Web: A Primer. Always a fun time – SDI does a great job with these webcast presentations.

I said I would link to some videos on my blog, so here goes:

My own videoblog, for starters: David Lee King’s Videoblog

Rocketboom

Arlington Heights Memorial Library:

Allen County Public Library:

Orange County Public Library:

Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library:

And finally, those Video Search Engines I mentioned:

In a week or so, the webcast will be online – I’ll make sure to link to it here. enjoy!

SXSWi2008, Day 2: Quit Your Day Job and Vlog

By

Zadi Diaz, Bre Pettis, Lisa Donovan (Lisa Nova on YouTube), Lindesy Campbell

lots of people taking video of people in this session

People who have made videoblogging their day job – topic of panel

Telling their stories:

Lisa Donovan:

  • started a small production company
  • lots of corporate stuff
  • they wanted to be more creative in their down time
  • this was about 2 years ago – they discovered youtube
  • started posting videos…
  • her videos have been watched 40 million times
  • They use the resources they have – no money involved – just time, primarily
  • she was picked up on MadTV 2 months after she started doing the youtube stuff

Zadi Diaz:

  • EpicFU – internet culture show
  • her background editor is in publishing and acting
  • she started vlogging to keep in touch with her family, then discovered other vloggers
  • hooked up with rocketboom
  • show started as JetSet – recently changed the name
  • the British Council is a fan of her show, and they’ve invited her over to do something
  • EPIC-FU IS their job
  • (aside) Steve Garfield just walked around the room, vlogging the session)

Bre Pettis:

  • got started as an art teacher
  • 2004 – he started doing online video
  • he mentioned the library! Loves the 700 section in the library
  • started making DIY videos
  • 2006 – started doing DIY videos once a week

Lindsey Campbell:

  • MOBLOGIC.TV
  • she’s an actor (translation – she was acting, singing, and temping in NYC)
  • saw an ad for a web hosting for a financial show thing and auditioned for it
  • she did wallstrip – acquired by CBS Interactive last year
  • “the internet IS TV”

Some people tell them it’s too bad they haven’t made it on TV or film

They are just a little bit ahead of traditional media, and traditional media types are starting to contact them and ask questions – sort of like what I do in libraries

Bre’s suggestions

  • don’t make people wait even a second – cut everything to the edge
  • Make friends with musicians
  • publish often
  • own your IP
  • take acting classes
  • take care of your teeth

Zadi

  • start where you are
  • don’t quit your day job – just start there – make a show with the people around you

Campbell – email your heroes – they might help you

q – what’s the justification for being in the web space with trad media companies that bought video?
– they wanted to be in the space
– it’s experimentation

building a community – they want to feel like they’re participating with you, hanging out with you, connect with you – the web offers that connection point