I enjoy Robert Scoble’s blog. However, I often disagree with him; like in his recent blog post, where he writes that traditional blogging is inferior to video blogging. Hardly a surprise, as Robert makes a living from shooting video and posting it all over the Internet.
Scoble’s point?
Robert gives examples to prove his point; including video game blogging and the success Gary Vaynerchuk has enjoyed with his blog’s video. I believe that for certain types of blog, video is extremely effective. Gary Vaynerchuk is a showman, a performer – and he benefits from video the same way he would benefit from TV. Equally, gaming is a very visual medium and again, it works better with video.
The problem with video blogging? Very few people do it right!
I don’t believe that video blogging is a good fit for the vast majority of bloggers. Why? Because so few people seem to be able to do it right! Not everyone looks as good on camera as iJustine or has the production skills that Cali Lewis and Neil had, when they started geekbrief. That’s why we see so many naff videos on YouTube; with people who have no presentation skills, talking over an audio buzz into a cheap webcam. Who knows if their content’s any good – the video’s so poor that no one sticks around long enough to find out!
Traditional blogging is fairer!
However, with traditional blogging, anyone with interesting, valuable content and a nicely designed theme, can give a polished account of themselves. If they also understand the basics of SEO, they can gradually develop a valuable, significant readership too.
Bandwidth issues?
As Leo Laporte has pointed out on many occasions recently, with many ISP’s now capping customer’s bandwidth usage, some people are already starting to think before they download video. Yes, even with the lower capped packages, there should be enough bandwidth available – but it has started to get some people thinking about how much data they download. This is not a huge deal at the moment, but it’s worth considering.
Mix it up
Fortunately, we don’t have to make the choice between video blogging or text blogging. Many blogs make use of both with GREAT success – often linking to 3rd party video content.
For me, the beauty of traditional blogging is that it allows all of us to get our content out there in a fairer way. The average person couldn’t hope to produce a better quality video report than CNN – But they might write a post that’s every bit as valuable or compelling!
Related posts:
I prefer the traditional blog. Since I’m often reading blogs someplace public and not carrying headphones, I find it annoying. Lots more work too for the blog writer!
I hate to use the subjective argument, but in this case it applies significantly in my opinion. Video blogging works great for Gary of course, because he’s fun to watch.
Video professionals would probably be more attracted to video blogs simply because they work with and probably love video.
Writers and authors might prefer the typed word because that’s their passion.
As you said, some people look/act good on video, others don’t. I think it’s really whatever you prefer.
Using the terms superior and inferior in this context is unfair though. Just because Robert prefers video and someone else prefers written doesn’t make one or the other “better”.
Tim,
I take your point. However, in Robert’s original post he asks people to check with compete.com – to see how much better his video-based blog is doing compared to techmeme
Here’s the results by the way:
http://siteanalytics.compete.com/fastcompany.tv+techmeme.com/?metric=uv
Wrong question Jim. Video and Text two different mediums. Video far more powerful for emotional message in a short period of time. But very hard to skillfully create same. Text far more efficient for information, and scanning, and quick. So best for blogging is using text, with a good video now and then! (See http://www.deckerblog.com)
PS: It’s like asking is TV a better medium than radio. Not when you’re driving!
@BertDecker
Bert,
I think the question was good, because a comparison was being made in Robert’s original post.
By the way, the answer to your ‘wrong‘ question is easy. Radio!
Hi,
You miss the point of video-blogging. The idea is to just talk openly to the camera, it’s not a matter of fancy production. The most popular vloggers have just TALKED to the camera. Period. What it calls for is doing it a lot, not just once every blue moon and having something to say in a concise way or telling someone else’s story.
See: Zennie62 on YouTube
Zennie,
I appreciate what you are saying about the most popular bloggers ‘just talking to camera.’ However, if you think that just anyone can do it well, I disagree.
quality content is the key for either video or traditional blogging. if you can captivate a reader’s attention then you basically got what it takes to succeed, so no worries about which is inferior, just make yourself stand out enough from the crowd and the audience will gather around you willingly.
I never tried video blogging, but is in the process of doing a video right now, just gotta work with the tweaks first to make it official.
good post =]
Thanks Pheak!
I can read a speech in less than half the time it takes to listen/watch.
Additionally, it is easier to browse and determine if it’s even worth the time of reading.
These are the biggest advantages of traditional blogging over video/podcasting to me.
Perry,
I agree about the time issue. I scan around 30 blogs a day. If I had to try and scan that same amount of material via video, it would take too long.
If you are going to video blog you need a decent camera, some lighting and a decent microphone. You also need to know about framing, lighting and angles not to mention compelling storytelling. I think that alone make it more challenging then a text blog.
No matter how you slice it — creating interesting content takes creativity. That alone sinks the concept of “everyman as an author.”
Hey Jim – thought provoking post! Some of the technical issues you pointed out above i.e. quality, bandwidth etc., may limit the use to the masses at the moment; however, it’s the advancement and “user-friendliness” of internet technologies today that is driving the masses to participate in social networks. The barriers to entry in video and audio will continue to dissipate and become easier and more convenient for all to participate. It doesn’t always have to be about performing and personality – how about simple communication? Did you ever watch Star Trek? Well, I think video will be easier in the long (short) run for all to participate in social media; and don’t you think video gets you even closer to that person you have high regard for? Social media demands transparency and I think video definitely brings you closer people. Besides, I look forward to your blog posts, your tweets and now am expecting to see the “the real Jim Connolly” on video. Seriously, it would take your presence to another level and I am looking forward to it…
Your friend,
Mark
I have recently added more video blogs using a relatively low quality flim cam. I think I might do a video blog tomm. Thanks for the contrasting post.
As the volume of voices increases, suggesting more “Google Juice” will come from video, the blogosphere is embracing the idea. It is interesting to watch as the quality threshold is lowered. As others have stated, a web cam, mike and computer do not make for a quality presentation. Power to the people may not include great video presentations, but, just to get the message across in a moving format may be enough for many.
I don’t think the picture quality of the video is a big deal. %75 when I’m watching a video online I listen to it in the background while I surf around other sites or write a comment about it.
I think the biggest deal is the personality. People play a video expecting some level of energy and entertainment. I do a lot of video blogging because I like to talk and present my material. I don’t even think i have the best content at times but video lets me relay my passion and excitement for stuff which I think is greater then others.
Also I think a good method is if you make a video write up a quick outline maybe bullets under it on the points you talk about. This will help get your content to people who like video and those who like text.
I prefer traditional blogging. I don’t mind if they use (or spotlight) videos every now and than, but I doubt I’d follow a video only blog.
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