Video Posts Close the Gap and Increase Authenticity

October 1, 2010 — 72 Comments

[tentblogger-vimeo 15443101]

Challenge Type: Try It!
Time Required: Varied (depending on how long your video post takes, uploading, etc).
Impact: Big. Increasing authenticity can have awesome long-term benefits!

Really real.

I’ve really enjoyed experimenting with video blogging since I historically have not been one, and I really think it’s working (from what I can tell).

As I mentioned in the video, the challenge that we all have as bloggers is how to “close the gap” between who we are online and offline. In other words, how can we provide our audience with the most accurate depiction of who we are so that people get the right impression!

I believe video posts help take this to the next level. We’re talking true authenticity here!

I just want to thank those that have to deal with me as I dip my toe into the video blogging world and if you have any tips and/or tricks that you’ve learned over the years, especially if you’ve been doing it for a long time, I’d love to hear them!

I can always improve, that’s for sure.

So, what’s stopping you from trying to “close the gap” by using video? Consider this a challenge to try a video post! Link them in the comments and share them with each other!

Can’t wait to see them!

John

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I'm passionate about startups, blogging, and human capital. I love what I do and who I get to work with. I am incredibly blessed.


72 responses to Video Posts Close the Gap and Increase Authenticity

  1. I am honestly working on my first video post this weekend. Once the kids are asleep of coarse. Stay tuned for it. Thinking it may be on Romans 12!

  2. Great idea, John! I’ve never done a video post where I was in front of the camera, anyway. I think I’ll try one for Sunday and put it up. A related topic, I notice you use vimeo for your videos. Any reason in particular why? I’m trying to figure out if I should just go with youtube or open a vimeo one. Thoughts?

  3. I wear glasses too and I feel like it’s really distracting when all you see in people’s eyes is the reflection of the monitor! Just wondering if anyone has any ideas other than doing it blind (literally) or wearing contacts (which I can’t do).

    Thanks!

    • Craig, I work with several professional speakers – authors who cut their own videos such as these and one thing those who wear glasses do that seems to work is to simply hold the camera at a slight angle and/or stand facing a wall so the reflection off the glasses picks up a solid (unlit) object.

      Not sure if that will work but worth a try.

    • John Saddington October 2, 2010 at 12:49 PM

      the right light, right?

    • Next time you buy glasses ask for “anti-glare coating” or just pick up a pair for video from somewhere like this and add the coating for $5. http://www.zennioptical.com/ I’ve never bought from them personally, but I’ve heard good things.

      Also, think of your glasses like a mirror. Just have the main light high enough that the reflection falls below the camera.

  4. Haha. This video brought to you in part by Daniel Decker. :)

    Serioulsy, I meant every word in my email. It’s not JUST you are doing video… it’s that you are doing it REAL. You can tell when someone is trying to prop up or just be themselves and every video so far seems to be the real deal. I like it.

    There’s a lot to be said for content that is real. I’m personally tired of overly produced stuff that takes the quirks and the rawness out.

    Now, if I can just coax myself into getting behind the camera as well. :)

  5. I have been shooting video for weeks but I never have the guts to do anything with it. Great post! I accept your challenge and will begin to edit and upload soon.

  6. Posted my first ever video post last week, partly as a response to seeing how well it was working for you on Tentblogger. It was pretty real and raw, not sure the quality was the best, but here it is if anyone wants to check it out.

    http://randykinnick.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/faithless-vs-faithful-a-recap/

  7. oh man, Awesome. I am on my third week of posting a weekly video discussion on filmmaking links. Ok I try to make it too fancy but I am banking on the more personal approach of something professional to not only bring more engagement but also authenticity.

    but I have to say, I feel like a idiot at the front of the camera ;)

  8. This was a really exciting challenge which, even though I was sort of nervous, I embraced. I had been thinking of video blogging for a long time and this sort of pushed me over the edge! Hopefully this is the beginning of something awesome. I am sure I still have much to learn!

    Should Christians Immerse Themselves in Social Media? http://bit.ly/c41Upo

  9. so the question is…how often to use video???

  10. I’ve accepted the challenge :) The video blog post was created using my flip cam. Thanks for pushing us John. Like Randy, it’s very raw with a little motivation: Dream BIG.
    Here’s the link- http://bit.ly/anqx0A

  11. Ok, here I am for the whole world to see! ;)

    Here’s the link: http://bit.ly/aXY2Cb

  12. My fiancee got so excited about my video blog that, to my surprise, she contributed her first video to one of my blogs too!

    Check it out: http://inspirechri.st/2010/10/04/trying-something-new-for-gods-glory/

  13. Hey John,

    If you don’t mind me asking, what are you shooting your videos with? Quality is nice.

    Keep it up, I’m learning a ton. Thanks for all you do.

  14. Love this and have been thinking about doing this myself. Great place to start.

  15. After reading this, I recorded my first video blog ever!

    I talked about finding your fuel when it comes to ministry.

    It just hit my blog today, here is the link if anyone wants to check it out: http://www.blaneyoung.com/2010/10/06/my-first-video-blog-find-your-fuel/

  16. I like this… I’ve done a few chatty blogs, and always get a great response, but the raw feeling unnerves me. dangit.

    Gonna do more vlogging anyway. Thanks for the challenge John!

  17. I’m a bit late to this post. But better late than to have missed it!
    I love it.
    I am going to post a video in the next few weeks..
    Still deciding on the topic!
    Thanks for the inspiration!

  18. Hey, Admin, I am starting my own blog, I was wondering which blog platform you are using? Sorry for the noob question and thanks for you help in advance. I enjoyed your site by the way.

  19. I completely agree. I don’t do many video blogs but your video has encouraged me to do more. I know for a fact that the video I feature on my site is the reason many people have hired me for my services. They feel like they’ve met me and that they feel comfortable with me without even having laid eyes on me. I take your challenge!

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