Group Video Project – ‘Why I Blog’

Posted By Darren Rowse 26th of March 2008 ProBlogger Site News 0 Comments

OK – so today I want to launch something that I’ve been thinking about for a while now. It’s a little like my previous group writing projects but it’s all about video.

Here’s how it’ll work.

I’m going to name a topic/theme (see it below) and invite everyone and anyone to put together a video on that topic. I’ll then get you to upload it to your favorite video sharing tool and will then share them all on the one post as a mega video mashup exploring the chosen topic.

I know this will mainly appeal to those of you with video capabilities – but then again I guess my previous ‘writing projects’ only ever appealed to those into text – so lets see what happens.

Are you interested in participating?

No – no problem, stay tuned for my next post here at ProBlogger.
Yes – read on for the ‘rules’/guidelines in how to participate.

How to Participate in the Great ProBlogger Group Video Project

1. The Topic – The Topic for this first (and maybe only) Group Video Project is – ‘Why I Blog’.

2. Make a Video – You now have 1 week to put together a video on that topic. Your video can be in any style that you choose – a rant, poetry, music video clip, interview, comedy, drama, song, talking head…. get as creative as you like. It can be at any length you choose it to be. All I ask is that it relates to the topic at hand in some way.

3. Upload your Video – Once you’ve made your video upload it to a video sharing site. It needs to be one that has the ability for the video to be embedded on other sites. YouTube or Revver are two that you might like to choose from.

4. Share Your Video With Us – Once it’s uploaded – you’ll need to share it’s location with me so that I can add it to the final mashup page. To do this simply leave a link to your video on the video sharing site in the comments on this page. Also include the word ‘videoproject’ in your comment so that we can ensure nothing gets filtered as a spam comment. Also include your blog’s URL in your comment so we can point back to it. One Entry per blogger please.

5. Deadline – You have just under a week to get your video submitted. I’ll close submissions on Tuesday 1 April at midday (my time, here in Australia). No it’s not an April Fools thing – just so happens to coincide :-)

6. Mashup Post – Next Wednesday I’ll pull together all of the submitted videos and put them together in one post here at ProBlogger for everyone to enjoy.

7. What You Don’t Have to Do – if the topic isn’t one that is relevant to your blog, don’t feel you have to post it on your blog. I understand that it won’t be relevant to everyone’s audience – so feel free just to make the video and put it on a video sharing site. Also feel under no obligation to link to this project or ProBlogger. While you’re welcome to spread the news of it to your readers/viewers, linking in is not a requirement of entry at all.

My hope with this project is that it’ll be fun, drive a little traffic back to your blogs, that it’ll help us each learn more from one another about the video medium and that it’ll evangelize blogging a little in the process and shed some light on why and how people are using blogging.

About Darren Rowse

Darren Rowse is the founder and editor of ProBlogger Blog Tips and Digital Photography School. Learn more about him here and connect with him on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Comments

Mike King says: 03/26/2008 at 12:28 am

Interesting idea Darren! Personally though, I’m not interested in doing video posts myself since I find that most blog videos are just a waste. I don’t need to see someone to hear what they have to say and if you really are not showing anything (other than yourself) I don’t see the point. I’m an audible learner though so seeing doesn’t add much for me.
Andrew Flusche, Virginia Lawyer says: 03/26/2008 at 12:30 am

I’m really looking forward to this project, Darren. I’ve been wanting to jump into video for a while, and now you gave me the final nudge. And I’ll bet I’m not the only person who will say that!

Thanks!
Kevin @ Change Your Tree says: 03/26/2008 at 12:40 am

Sounds like fun.
Sean says: 03/26/2008 at 12:46 am

Great idea, I definitely will consider participating. My site can use the additional traffic, and it might be fun.

I haven’t done a video post before and actually have it listed in my @ideas.txt I reference daily.
Easton Ellsworth says: 03/26/2008 at 1:00 am

I’m in too.
Lori says: 03/26/2008 at 1:04 am

I was thinking of adding video to my blog anyhow so this may be a good start to get me motivated!
Jamie Harrop says: 03/26/2008 at 1:15 am

videoproject – Here you go, Darren. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV7nB3U4i40 A very quick video about why I blog. I can’t sing or dance, so I went with a basic Webcam talk. Hopefully the topic itself will make the video somewhat interesting. :-) My blog url is in the Web site field. :-)
fortunecookienotes says: 03/26/2008 at 1:22 am

Looks interesting!
LearningNerd says: 03/26/2008 at 1:52 am

I’ve loved your group writing projects, and I was always hoping for something focused on video! I’ve made a bunch of video tutorials (mostly screencasts, like about PHP and MySQL) but I haven’t really played around with creative videos yet.

Is one week really enough though? A video project is more substantial than an article, at least if we’re going to try to make it interesting.

Oh, and is there any kind of length limit? I’m guessing the videos should be fairly short, like just a few minutes long?
Sangesh says: 03/26/2008 at 2:13 am

This sounds quite interesting and fun too. Let’s see what users come up with :)
Wayne says: 03/26/2008 at 2:38 am

Alright, I’ve been debating on doing something with video. Perhaps you’ll see something from me.

Now, where did I put that green screen….
Justin says: 03/26/2008 at 2:39 am

This seems like an awesome Idea. I hope to get my video up as soon as I can.
May says: 03/26/2008 at 3:30 am

Sounds fun… I will attempt it for sure, but I’m not so great with video tech (yet).
FSK says: 03/26/2008 at 3:31 am

Can you make a “how to vlog” post?

I’m considering vlogging, but I’m not sure how to start.

I have the following questions:

– What type of camera should I buy? What’s the best type of camera in each price range? (I.e., if my budget is $200-$300, can I get something decent, or do I need to spend more.)

– What type of video editing software should I use?

– How do I add things like subtitles and charts to my vlog?

– To where should I upload my video? YouTube? Others?
Cindy Szponder says: 03/26/2008 at 4:32 am

What a wonderful idea. I’ve been wanting to get some more experience at making videos–eventually ones I can place on my blog. The fun part will be deciding what format to use. It’ll be fun to see what others have to say and how they produce their videos.

I look forward to hearing what others say about “Why I Blog.”

Until the 1st!
alex harris - alexdesigns.com says: 03/26/2008 at 4:36 am

I’m in for sure.
Leo Piccioli says: 03/26/2008 at 4:53 am

Hi, not only am I interested… I have already prepared the videoproject (some months in advance)… Only that it is in Spanish!!!

in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoiHXoCqQq0 I explain why I blog at http://officenet.blogspot.com

Maybe we can add subtitles to it, what do you think?
Jim Kukral says: 03/26/2008 at 5:05 am

Wow, I’m first with the video entry?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-e49LFyPJI

videoproject

http://www.jimkukral.com
Pixel Head says: 03/26/2008 at 5:17 am

Groovy…I am in..
Wayne Tully says: 03/26/2008 at 6:09 am

Since I am new here in this blog community, I will have a go at a video, as this is my next step in learning to use a video in anything ever, I’m sure once I do it, I’ll be a video making junkie forever!!
MakeMoneyOnlinePro says: 03/26/2008 at 6:21 am

How long does the video has to be or how short? I guess there are people that just like to talk and talk and talk :)

I know i don’t
Time is Money!
45n5 says: 03/26/2008 at 6:48 am

videoproject

my video entry

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzgM43_R90A

my blog

http://www.45n5.com
Soultravelers3 says: 03/26/2008 at 8:13 am

Video Project….cool!

We recently made this video which clearly answers the question as to why we blog:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn9rDTZj-m4

We are a family on a unique, open-ended trip around the world on a very small budget, loving the freedom of the lifestyle and sharing the journey with others including teachers, schools and homeschoolers.

http://www.soultravelers3.com

We are not that computer literate & have had to learn as we go about everything, including blogs. That is why I follow you here and on twitter! I pass on all that I can as we learn & we are about to relaunch our site so it works better.

I have not even been typing that long & we were amazed when National Geographic Traveler called us ” one of the best family travel blogs in cyberspace”!

We are excited about vlogging & the endless opportunities with it. We have 8 up and plan to do many more now. This was our first and took 18 months to make. lol! It is tricky to do it all on the move, but exciting too. The title is a send off on “where the hell is matt” as our daughter’s nick name is Mozart.

Thanks for this great idea and opportunity!
Jeff - ScienceSays.net says: 03/26/2008 at 9:17 am

I’m absolutely in – gotta use this camera for something! I’ll see what I can pull together
Iantrepreneur says: 03/26/2008 at 10:23 am

darren great work here – as always I like participating in one of your group projects

videoproject

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OauisJE9RZY

blog url

http://www.ianfernando.com
Alex Hammer says: 03/26/2008 at 11:34 am

Good idea. You are always very innovative and on the cutting edge.
Armen says: 03/26/2008 at 12:12 pm

I’m not sure if I’ll link to it buddy, but I might participate nonetheless.

Great idea.
Jen-o-topia in TN says: 03/26/2008 at 12:32 pm

Darren, thanks for this very cool idea! I have never tried this, but I sure the heck will try ~ and if I succeed I will post my results. If I do not succeed I may post them anyway! There will be chickens in it, will that garner any brownie points??
Collin - Feed Flare says: 03/27/2008 at 7:22 am

Video Porject

Hey Darren, great post and I am in for sure. Here is my You Tube Video link – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW0dkckAHBE

And my website is at http://www.feedflare.ca

Sorry if it looks a bit dark, I was trying out a new spot in my house to make the video’s from.
Cindy Szponder says: 03/27/2008 at 8:23 am

VideoProject–Here’s my contribution.

Here is my YouTube Link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-G8f6Bp1m8

My blog can be found at:

http://www.CindySzponder.com

This was a fun idea–thanks.
Cindy
Pixel Head says: 03/27/2008 at 9:07 am

I wrote a post on my blog
http://pixelheadonline.com/blog/index.php/2008/03/26/why-do-i-blog/

and here is the Viddler Video link where it is hosted.
http://www.viddler.com/PixelHead/videos/126/

Can’t wait to see the mashup.
Pixel Head says: 03/28/2008 at 1:01 am

Oops sorry about the lack of sound on the video…made several others, and finally got one with sound that is not terrible.
http://www.viddler.com/PixelHead/videos/129/
Alexis says: 03/28/2008 at 7:31 am

Hey, that’s a great idea.
I’m thinking about an improvement: Why not making some money with your video at the same time?
There are a lot of programs around to make money from your videos, each not-so-big player is trying to get new fresh content to beat up the number one (say Youtube), and even that one is going on the route of sharing the revenues. For example, you can embed your video with Revver (which will add an ad to it), and then post it on another video sharing site that will share its revenues with you. That way, you get two times more revenues from the same video! I’ve compiled a list of programs that pay you for that on http://www.ilikesharingvideos.com/making-money/en/ so you can get a better idea of what I’m talking about (btw, I’m not affiliated with any of them).
I hope it will help.
Fat Lazy Guy says: 03/29/2008 at 2:28 am

Videoproject

Awesome idea! Really inspiring. I took a slightly different route with it. Anyway, here’s my entry into the video project:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skzxOYs1V6M

And if you need my blog address it’s:

http://thefatlazyguyslog.blogspot.com/

Cheers.
Zac Johnson says: 03/29/2008 at 2:47 am

Hey Darren,

Awesome videoproject idea. You inspired me to finally make my first video blog post.

Why I Blog
http://zacjohnson.com/why-i-blog/

YouTube Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFMRdFm-Lls
Debby Banning says: 03/29/2008 at 6:28 am

Here is a link to my video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSYREXXmzXA

http://www.marketleveragenews.com
Lori says: 03/29/2008 at 8:00 am

Here’s my video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRAj2ObLyaU

Blog url:
http://bloggingcents.com/
Maddie Grant says: 03/29/2008 at 9:53 am

“Why I Blog” videoproject
link to my vid – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4DpRB8XuYY
link to my blog – http://diaryofareluctantblogger.blogspot.com/
The Story Lady says: 03/29/2008 at 11:49 am

Hey I’ve done it!

Video is all over including YouTube
http://youtube.com/watch?v=djV-7whIKgk

And my blog is Viral Storytelling with The Story Lady
http://Heroization.com/blog/
Thanks!
Ronda
Bob Younce at the Writing Journey says: 03/29/2008 at 2:09 pm

Well, Darren, you’ve inspired me. This is my first video project (or “videoproject” so as not to get filtered), so please be gentle, everyone!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qATD2ieA6bM
Jerry Dawg (AKA: Jim and Rene) says: 03/29/2008 at 3:47 pm

Introducing the tripawds videoproject …

YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogje_TDhfnk

Blog:
http://www.tripawds.com/progress/

Thanks for sharing this fun project! We hope you enjoy this twist on the stereotypical talking head vlog post. Can’t wait to see the results …
Syed Balkhi says: 03/30/2008 at 1:01 am

Alright Darren, Here you go with my video

Why Do I Blog?

http://www.balkhis.com/random-blurbs/why-do-i-blog/

Youtube Video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=5eVoGe2F_Do
elezend says: 03/30/2008 at 2:59 am

my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-mPg6YdJtM

my blog : http://www.elezend.com
Amanda Marie Roberts says: 03/30/2008 at 11:07 am

Thanks for this information! I can’t wait to participate in this videoproject. My link is below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmRhc3z0Pmg
Brad says: 03/30/2008 at 12:32 pm

My entry to the videoproject

Video: http://www.bradjasper.com/archives/2008/03/29/why-do-i-blog/

Blog: http://www.bradjasper.com
Travis Reynolds says: 03/30/2008 at 5:08 pm

Here is why I blog: http://youtube.com/watch?v=IhrFG_PS6oc

and my blog is http://www.TravisReynolds.com

I only wish that I could do something cool, but I didn’t have time to think and make one in a week, so thats all I could come up with

Hope you all enjoy!
Karen (Karooch from Scraps of Mind) says: 03/30/2008 at 8:35 pm

Here is my less than perfect video.

This is the first one I have ever made. So thanks Darren for giving me the nudge to do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iamo-KfU10A
Jay Deragon says: 03/30/2008 at 9:57 pm

There is another service worth considering for this proect. go look at http://www.goyodeo.com A free video production and distribution system different and better than YouTube and they are building a system for people to start their own “broadcast network, channels of self produced video content and/or simply a single video and it lays over your blog, profile or web page anywhere and everywhere.

I’ll submitt a video using their system
Agent 001 says: 03/31/2008 at 7:08 am

Awesome project. Videoproject is done.

Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRYM13xYRMQ

My Blog http://greatestreviews.blogspot.com

I am sorry if it offend you.But its just for fun so enjoy it.Please do leave your comments on my video and blog to help me improve.
chrispian says: 03/31/2008 at 11:47 am

Not sure I like being on video but I’ve been wanting to do it anyway so this was as good a start as any.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTtbcnnTKwA

My blog: http://www.chrispian.com
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