Video killed the radio star...
In my mind and in my car
We can't rewind, we've gone too far
-The Buggles, "Video Killed the Radio Star"
This week's topic - vlogging. Sounds like flogging, and frankly that's pretty much how I feel when being subject to the "talking head" style of blogging. Honestly, it just isn't my thing. (Neither is Twitter, though I admit I've caved in for the purposes of class!) I just can't see the value of talk blogging. Part of what I like about reading blogs and writing this one is the chance to think it out before putting fingers to keyboard, and the chance to skim through to the part(s) that interest you. With vlogging, it just seems like you'd have to watch the whole thing to get to the interesting part, and I don't have time for that.
Though I do admit that I recognize the visual power of video over still pics and, at least sometimes, over the written word. I think back to some of the old videos we took of Jay - where he's learning to roll over, where he's first starting to crawl. It seemed at the time that those memories would stay in my mind forever. Though when I look at them now, it seems so foreign - he's like another kid that I hardly know. For me, memories come in snapshot-style images, rather than video. Even the most significant times in my life are remembered in snippits rather than in a cohesive story.
For me, the written word can convey a tone, an emotion, what's going on inside far better than any video or still picture. So, while there may be room in my blog for more video clips of what's happening in my life, rest assured that you'll never see my mug reading these thoughts to you. It just ain't me.
Posted at 03:21PM Feb 07, 2010 by Jen Foster in General | Comments[7]
I am a fan of the written word, as well. I can read at my own pace and go back and re-read, if needed.
Posted by Lisa on February 07, 2010 at 08:52 PM EST #
I'm so not a fan of video blogs. I *much* prefer written blogs. With written blogs, I can read them whenever, wherever I want to. Videos don't always stream like they should - especially on my blackberry.
Posted by Mindy Marshall on February 08, 2010 at 09:56 PM EST #
But I do love the videos of that cute little boy!
Posted by Mindy Marshall on February 08, 2010 at 09:56 PM EST #
I'm a print fan, too. But I do find that I like the helpfulness of a video within a written blog. As you know, I read way too many craft blogs. When learning crafting techniques, pictures are worth 1,000 words and videos are priceless! I guess they're priceless with cute kids learning to roll over, too!
Posted by Amy Galvan on February 08, 2010 at 11:21 PM EST #
Two great points!
I hadn't considered the impact of video on mobile devices, which can be as slow as dial-up. It's not always as easy to view some of the more complex features of websites via BlackBerry.
But there are certainly training situations where video is far more effective than pages upon pages of written instructions. In attempting to assemble CheezeDoodle's crib & dresser last night, a video would have been QUITE helpful!
Posted by Jen on February 09, 2010 at 02:37 PM EST #
I'm partial to the written word myself. I agree with you one can express things in deeper tone and feeling with the written word. It also leaves room for imagination to take what the author has written and expand in whatever direction the reader might chose. I might view something you describe in great detail with different emotional baggage than you. Anyway love your blog once again, and doing my best to keep the comment volume peaking!
Susie
PS Can u do anything about the math requirements on this site?
Posted by Susie Hoffman on February 10, 2010 at 06:23 AM EST #
I (in my limited technology way) was unaware of vlogging. I have never seen a video blog. But I get all the talking heads I want to see on the evening news. If I am looking for a friendly message or update, I prefer the written word. In fact, I am so old fashioned that I still like cards and letters. I have to admit that email, facebook and blogs are certainly quicker and more up-to the minute, but I just love the written word, in whatever format it migtht appear.
Laura
Posted by laura on February 12, 2010 at 11:50 AM EST #