Subscribe via RSS
Follow me on Twitter
Add me on Facebook
I’ve been toying with the idea of doing videoblogging for a while now, but I’ve always been a bit camera shy, and I’ve also always questioned the value of video content on blogs. Japh and I were having a discussion about this last night and one of the main things that we both agreed on was that some people do video blogging really well, while others leave quite a lot to be desired. Gary Vaynerchuk always jokes that people can’t match him because they don’t have his charm or charisma, but he seems to be very close to the truth!
So What’s The X-Factor?
We were trying to figure out what the differentiating factor was between people who do really good video blogs, compared to people who try and fail. Perceived credibility was one of the things that came up, based on the size, wealth, and publications of the videobloggers’ businesses -- but the other main thing was presentation style, which is what I want to look at today.
I don’t want to tell you too much, cause this is a test -- so I don’t want to influence the result. What I can tell you is that I’ve done my very first videoblog 3 times over, covering the same content in different presentational styles.
So I’m taking a big risk -- I’m going to put myself out there on my very first video post, and open myself up to public scrutiny. Let the carnage begin!
The Experiment
You have been given one version of the videoblog to watch and review using the survey link underneath -- the survey will open in a new window, and contains a single question, with multiple answers -- it should take you no longer than 30 seconds to complete.
[Update:] Important! Read this!
From the first few comments, I can tell that I haven’t explained this very well! The point of the video blog is not the content – but the style of presentation – I’ve recorded 3 differently presented videos of the exact same content, and google website optimiser is serving a different video/survey to everyone who visits. So the idea is to test the viewer response to different presentational styles. At least one of the videos is intentionally bad, so don’t be afraid to say so if you think that’s the one you saw! Remember that everyone will see a different version.
Now Click The Link Below!
This is now OVER, the results are in!
That’s It!
I’ll wait till I’ve got a conclusive number of responses and then I’ll post again with the results, and reveal which one of the three versions of the video got the best response!
Did You Like This Post?
Very nice point, lol I was asking myself “why didn’t I think of that”. It’s a great point to look at the statistics instead of just complaining like a baby :)
btw comments are disabled on your youtube video
Thanks guys – and I know comments are disabled on the youtube video! YouTube users genuinely frighten the £$%@ out of me!
Well said! there are cases for keeping support and dropping it, my sites are usually simple static brochure sites, so a simple display inline corrects practically everything, but for others the situation is far more difficult. Personal choice based on visitor information should rule your decision, not trend
lol I know what you mean, so many insults fly on youtube, but you’ll get the hang of it eventually, you have to start somewhere :p
Good start :)
One comment – though I’m sure this will become less apparent the more videos you produce and the more relaxed you become – you moved about and fiddled quite bit. My suggestion would be to try and sit still (but relaxed) and possibly focus in on your face more so there’s less distraction.
Other than that all is good.
Nicely done! I thoroughly enjoyed going through after doing the survey and watching the remaining two videos to see the difference.
Cool experiment :)
Very good point the only time when that 5% of ie6 users have to be catered for is when that’s your client.
Thanks Ryan – I think I know which video you saw, as I only fidget in 1 out of the 3 :)
I really enjoy vblogs. It’s interesting to (finally) here some of you guys and gals that I follow everyday!
But man you guys over the pond talk fast! LOL!
Hey John,
I thought it was good. The speed wasn’t bad, the delivery was good, it was clear and concise. I completely agree with you.
The only real issue is the moving camera which was a little off putting.
I personally prefer written posts, however the odd video post every now and again shakes things up a little and keeps things interesting.
Hi John,
I enjoyed watching your debut video, and I thought you came across really well (although you did seem nervous at the start! :-)). The IE6 topic was a really good one, and I totally agree on the argument being based on user statistics etc.
I’ve also filled in the questionnaire to help with your survey results etc.
Question: You appear to be holding a separate plugged in cam. Does your iMac or MacBookPro not have a built in one?
Hi Karl – I’m going to need to clarify the main post a little I think, as lots of people are making similar comments :)
The point of the video blog was not the content – but the style of presentation – I’ve recorded 3 differently presented videos of the exact same content, and google website optimiser is serving a different video/survey to everyone who visits. So the idea is to test the viewer response to different presentational styles. From your comment, I can tell that you watched V3 – V1 and V2 both use a built-in iSight cam on my iMac :)
Well put, I’m sick of hearing “but how does it look in ie6?” as though it’s an absolute prerequisite to going live with a site. That being said, almost every time I walk into a client’s office to demonstrate a new site, they’re running ie6, so I usually end up designing for it.
Spent most of the video laughing at the fact that you’ve balanced a fish tank complete with goldfish on top of a speaker though!
Hi Toby :) A couple of people have mentioned that! His name is Colin, and he enjoys it when I play Pendulum really loud!
win =)
Hey John, if you didn’t use your iSight, can you recommend a webcam that is good? My Mac was the last type made before iSight :(.
Good idea trying several video technqiues :-)
To be honest I quite liked the “rawness” of version #3, but the sunlight seemed to be a bit of an issue because of the movement etc.
I think picking IE6 as an example topic was probably a bit of over powerful one, as it tends to get people excited! lol :-)
Is there any way of viewing versions #1 and #2?
I’ll post all 3 versions and the survey results in the next post :)
Good stuff :-)
Interesting experiment, John. I got Version 1, and I wasn’t crazy about it. You didn’t seem very confident, and the presentation was a bit boring. After watching and submitting my vote on the poll, I found Versions 2 and 3. I definitely enjoyed Version 2 the best, but I think the “ideal” presentation format would be a mix between 2 and 3. I liked how in 3 you did a lot of “eye contact” (if it could be called that), but I am not crazy about the “in your face” feel of it. In version 2 you seemed much more confident and professional than Version 1, but still didn’t get enough of the personal feel that seemed to show up in Version 3.
I look forward to seeing the results, and as I said earlier I think my personal opinion of the best presentation would be a mix between 2 and 3 :)
Thanks Brian, that’s exactly the sort of thing I wanted to hear :)
I like version 2 the best, you’re looking straight at the camera and it feels the most stable to watch.
version 1 you’re distant, and you’re looking over your glasses a lot >.<
version 3 == titanic :p
i agree with a lot of the comments above, but i’ll throw in my vote, too, for number 2. version 3 made me want to close the screen. all it needed was a flashy intro, some nu-metal on the soundtrack, and blinking titles and i would be rushing to the bathroom to vomit.
Awesome, thanks Chris! :)
This is basically the response I was hoping for