Written on March 26th, 2008 at 12:03 am by Darren Rowse
Group Video Project - ‘Why I Blog’
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.


62 Responses to “Group Video Project - ‘Why I Blog’”
Mike King
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 12:40 am
Sounds like fun.
Sean
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 1:00 am
I’m in too.
Lori
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 1:22 am
Looks interesting!
LearningNerd
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 2:13 am
This sounds quite interesting and fun too. Let’s see what users come up with :)
Wayne
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 2:39 am
This seems like an awesome Idea. I hope to get my video up as soon as I can.
May
March 26th, 2008 3:30 am
Sounds fun… I will attempt it for sure, but I’m not so great with video tech (yet).
FSK
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 4:36 am
I’m in for sure.
Leo Piccioli
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 5:17 am
Groovy…I am in..
Wayne Tully
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 6:48 am
videoproject
my video entry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzgM43_R90A
my blog
http://www.45n5.com
Soultravelers3
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 9:17 am
I’m absolutely in - gotta use this camera for something! I’ll see what I can pull together
Iantrepreneur
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 11:34 am
Good idea. You are always very innovative and on the cutting edge.
Armen
March 26th, 2008 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
March 26th, 2008 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
March 27th, 2008 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
March 27th, 2008 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
March 27th, 2008 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
March 28th, 2008 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
March 28th, 2008 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
March 29th, 2008 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
March 29th, 2008 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
March 29th, 2008 6:28 am
Here is a link to my video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSYREXXmzXA
http://www.marketleveragenews.com
Lori
March 29th, 2008 8:00 am
Here’s my video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRAj2ObLyaU
Blog url:
http://bloggingcents.com/
Maddie Grant
March 29th, 2008 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
March 29th, 2008 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
March 29th, 2008 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)
March 29th, 2008 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
March 30th, 2008 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
March 30th, 2008 2:59 am
my video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-mPg6YdJtM
my blog : http://www.elezend.com
Amanda Marie Roberts
March 30th, 2008 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
March 30th, 2008 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
March 30th, 2008 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)
March 30th, 2008 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
March 30th, 2008 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
March 31st, 2008 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
March 31st, 2008 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
Hailsky
March 31st, 2008 2:26 pm
this video project was sweet
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XLZBJRxWczs
Rushit Shah
March 31st, 2008 5:14 pm
This sounds great. This may be the biggest hit for john and shoemoney.
reg
rushitshah.com
http://www.rushtishah.com
Sundar Rajan G S
March 31st, 2008 5:45 pm
hi…
this about my blog - coffee with sundar.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7079816228643256660
Regards
Sundar Rajan G S
Tags: videoproject video project
Sara Ch.
March 31st, 2008 7:11 pm
This is a very cool idea. And, as I have seen other people mention, it finally got me motivated to set up my audio/video equipment.
Video Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_hdqI9XegU
Blog Link: http://www.pajamaprofessional.com
Thanks!
Sara
Mark
April 1st, 2008 2:04 am
Hi Darren here is my entry hope you like it
Videoproject:
You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFt8xxKd6vg
Blog url : http://www.losethattyre.co.uk/
Joe Cheray
April 1st, 2008 2:37 am
Ok I am in hope I get this in under the wire I will come back and post my video ASAP.
Vic
April 1st, 2008 3:39 am
Videoproject Submission:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei9w1a-eeR0
Blog: http://www.bloggerunleashed.com
Joe Cheray
April 1st, 2008 4:26 am
Video Project Submission can be found at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjTbjaYD2Xw
My blog can be found at: http://wildheartsworks.com
Robin Good
April 1st, 2008 9:03 am
Videoproject Submission:
Hi Darren, here Robin from sunny Rome Italy. I thought of jumping in as well and sharing a bit of my own reason of why I blog. I think that given more time you could really create an interesting gallery.
YouTube URL - Why Do I Blog:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Lln1BiL6J5k
Andrew Flusche
April 1st, 2008 10:23 am
videoproject
Whoops! I put the wrong YouTube URL in my comment.
Here is the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azhK0z5pLqk
Here is my blog
http://www.andrewflusche.com
Rhett Soveran - Epiblogger
April 1st, 2008 12:12 pm
Here is Epiblogger’s (http://www.epiblogger.net) videoproject answering the question of Why I Blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVpYFjO9Smk
Thanks for the oppurtunity.
Darren Rowse
April 1st, 2008 2:43 pm
THANKS EVERYONE for participating. I’m closing off submissions now (it’s almost 3pm here so I gave an extra few hours). If you did make one and it’s not listed feel free to shoot me an email using my contact form.
Will post the mashup later today or tomorrow - a bit of work to do to get it ready.