Turner's Perspective

How effective are video e-mails?

My head wasn't in that space, but it's a good question, Brian.

There's been great debate of what a "good video blog" is - from the Zebra's big stink not long with Greg S. saying it was offensive to people complaining about quality.  If we are to portray ourselves as how we are and not hire a whole complicated team of professional videographers, how can we get videoblogging started without feeling like we are being scrutinized by the whole world?

- what constitutes good vs. bad videoblogging? 

Why do we have confernences when we could just use video or a podcast?

Let me show my ignorance immediately.

I thought video blogging and podcasts were essentially the same thing, instead of reading information, you are watching information. Is there a difference, why would one do one type versus another?

I will be in New York on Wednesday and I'm looking forward to getting a chance to meet you.

Lisa... that's not ignorant. It's a common misconception.

A video blog, vlog or videoblog is just a blog which is done via video. (Wikipedia) It can be an entire blog or just posts in a blog done this way.

A podcast is any media file (audio or video) which is distributed via a syndication feed for playback on portable media. (Wikipedia)

And I look forward to meeting you as well! :) 

Jeff, I'm not sure this falls under your heading, but I just read that our MLS is going to be limiting what can be included as virtual tours and may will not allow youtube etc.  What is the future of videos and the MLS?

What is an appropriate length for a beginner's videoblog?  On average, when do people get bored?

Here's a few questions that I consider initially...

- How do you go about achieving better quality in the shot (file size vs quality of image) - any recommended techniques when creating the files?

- Also I generally have been hosting videos through google video - just because I find their play version more accessible (vs a specific file type like quick time/windows media etc) and also because I don't have to worry about download/streaming rates in hosting. If I wanted to host my own videos (not embed youtube or google) what would be the recommended approach to make it work with quality, download, accessibility?

I'm not sure what kind of questions you are looking for, but those are the ones I hear most frequently.

If I were bald, how could I do a video blog without the shine from my head interfering with the quality?

I just couldn't resist myself. TLW made me do it. I swear.

OK, I'm sorry. On a serious note my question would be the same as Sherry's. How long should a videoblog be?

 

Jeff -- along the same lines at Tutas, How would one use their  say Apple  OS to create  a video blog? and can you post a few sample real estate video blogs?  

Hi Jeff - Appreciate you polling the AR troops for questions and feedback. This is no doubt a deep dark secret, but it sure would be nice to know if the rumor were true that Google will start to index video and graphics someday. Now that would be a sweet deal to have video indexed.

I would like to know what the simplest and most cost effective way to produce a video blog is.  What is easy and effective?

Perhaps you can do a video blog post seminar to train those of us who can't make it!  

My comment was the exact same as Ginger's!  As well, I would like that cost-effective, user-friendly product to be of great quality.  Have the developers thought of working with the MLS systems around the country to allow presentations regarding the property be done via this equipment (created by the independent agents or their providers)?

Thanks for thinking about us and let us know the details of the conference!

Debe in Charlotte, NC

Is the video blog more effective than a written blog?

I know that flash, music, and other extra features are not recommended on websites because of download speed.  Is this the same for the videoblogs & podcasts?

I'm assuming both are very simple.  That is if you're not camera shy!

I guess this means goodbye to early morning / latenight wear whatever I want blogging sessions. Darn!

Have a splendid time in New York!

In comparing the differences between 'home-video' and broadcast quality, which one will consumers be more receptive to? How much additional work (preparation, retakes, editing, publishing, etc.) is required for the average non-technical agent to produce a worthwhile video product, what is the learning curve and what costs are involved (equipment, software, etc.)?

Hi Jeff, my comment was so long, that it turned in to a blog, I'll post it later.  You'll get the Google alert since I'll mention you as the inspiration.  I really feel this is a super important subject in Real Estate.  Unfortunately I won't be in NY for Blogger Connect but I look forward to hearing your comments after the conference.

My question runs along the lines of Bobby Carroll's.  How does and how will indexing work with video blogs and podcasts?  Will it be necessary to post both text and video?

Jeff - you've taught me something already. I thought a podcast was audio and a videoblog was video.

I'd like to know for each of them - audio podcast and video blogcast -

what's the easiest method/software to produce them yourself in a professional fashion and then post them to our website or blog?

I'd also like to know,

How effective is jott or any other call-in program for creating a blog/podcast/videoblog.

Have a great time in New York - I think you should come to CRS Sellabration in Hawaii as well, and attend the first off-continental US ActiveRain gathering ever! 

Wish I could be there, Jeff. I expect it will be as good or even better than BLogger Connect in SF in 2007. My questions run along the same lines as above. We'll be interested to hear...

Jeff 

I would like to see our weekly office meetings done on podcast so they can be accessed later by those who can't or choose not to attend.  Do we know any offices that are utilizing this technology?

Wow, I like the question about the future of Video and Podcasting in MLS's. Realcomp already allows video for showcase users.

I would like "what's the easiest method/software to produce them yourself in a professional fashion and then post them to our website or blog?"  Not only easiest, but what is the least expensive equipment or type of equipment needed and should MP3 or MP4 create a better product.

Jeff, It's so hard to believe that I commuted into Manhattan from my home in Bridgeport for ten years, but can't make the trip now.  I'm taking care of my elderly dad and can't get coverage, but have a great time.  I wish I could be there!  Say hi to Richard Nacht, I use his Community Blog software from Blogging Systems for my other blog.

I am looking forward to following this conference through the blogs.  I think all of my questions were already asked.

Good Luck tomorrow...like you need it. 

Jeff - Have a great time in the big apple!

Here's my question:  To vlog effectively do you have to have the total package, interesting look mesmerizing speaking voice and great content?  Is video blogging for really for everyone or do you kind of have to fit the part to make it work for you? 

How liable are you for nude videobloggin?  

 I mean what wonderful thought provoking questions... can't wait to see what you pick

I wish I could be there! I LOVED Connect in San Francisco. The questions above cover topics I want to know about too! Will there be a Vlog of the session???

I want to know who I can hire to take my FlipVideo and turn what I have recorded into a very nicely edited podcast.

Great questions, everyone! Keep 'em coming. You have until I leave my hotel room on Wednesday morning. :)

 

Hi Jeff,  I am so glad to hear that you will be talking about this...I hope you post about it afterward.   I have been considering doing these on my outside blog with Green Product Manufacturers in the Houston area.   So, here are my questions- Some of them repeated.

• What is an effective length?  How much information is too much information?
• What kind of Camera do you recommend?
• Software to Edit?  I think I have Camtasia
• Podcasts for listings?  Effective?
• How do you get a good quality?
• Are these indexed in Google simply by Tags?

I can't think of any others right now, but I might come back and add  to it.  :) 

Jeff, could your panel recommend their best examples of Vlogs or podcasts.  Their top 3 selections would be appreciated to answer most of my questions.  Some podcasts seem to say only "Hey, look what I can do." 

I also would like to see examples of both so ican make a decision if I am going in that direction. I have tried to do a short video from my tablet computer that has a web camera built in and the quality is less than acceptable. What equipment do we need to make it easy to do?

Once you do all the work that goes into making a vlog or podcast, what should you do with it to make sure it has an audience? 

{SVW Hubba} aka Jeff Turner...

I am laughing at Blog Boy's comment. I had nothing to do with that. I swear. Or not :)

On a more serious note:

My question to the panel is: "Should we use humor when we Vlogg?"

Okay. So it's a rhetorical question. But hey...I get points for typing and mouthing off :)

TLW...ROAR!

Equipment that can be used to make a good video blog... without breaking a bank.  

Length of the video.

equipment length is not an issue... completely different post... not here.  ;^ ) 

I am kinda new to video blogs.  Where can I view one?  I do podcasts for my listings but video blog might be better.  Is what I see on YouTube video blogs?  Thanks for the information and sharing your knowledge.

Jeff. Length and quality of the video blog seem to be two big questions. One of my favorite blog subscriptions is Problogger.net.  Darren Rowse regularly posts a video blog that captures both his personality and depth of blogging knowledge. This is an award winning blog and is probably worthy of some examination of the length and production quality of his video blogs.

As with written blogging,  personality matters and different people will be attracted to different voices. One person may be able to hold an audiences attention for 3 minutes; another - 30 seconds.  One person may shine on camera while another fades.  For those of us interested in pursuing video blogging,  it will be interesting to learn the length and quality 'rules of thumb', but to also know ourselves, our stengths and weaknesses.

As for equipment,  a regular camcorder for $300 or so (or even a 30 minute flip video ($119)) to shoot the video blog along with video capture and editing software (such as the Roxio easy media creator suite (about $99 or less)) seems to be perfectly acceptable to create a message.  The avi file can be uploaded for free to google video, youtube etc... which can be embedded and/or screencast.com offers an affordable alternative to hosting video. While professional video quality seems to be important for home tours, it does not yet seem to be necessary on video blogs

I really wish I could be there to hear your panel. Enjoy!

Kelly

Jeff, thanks for this great opportunity.  My concern echoes that of many others here.  It's about quality and the possibility of creating our videos ourselves without sacrificing said quality or having to spend mega moola for a professional video.  

Wonderful questions.  I look forward to your feedback!

Jeff, I am jealous that I can't attend this one...hope you have as great time as we did in SF.

My question is the same as Sharon's and I would like to add that you (in your spare time) do a quick example of both for all those that are visual people.

Also, will RealEstateShows be able to handle these?

Don't do anything I wouldn't do while in the Big Apple but do have FUN!

I need a book on the topic for both. I love the "for dummies" books. I bought the blogging for dummies. 

I am with Ginger - what's the most effective and easiest way of getting into video blogging?  How do you start?  Also, how long should the spots be? 

Have fun Jeff!  Wish I was there in New York to learn from the panel.  Maybe there should be a Video Blog capturing it?  :-)

Do you have times and dates for the conference?

Video e-mails , how effective? Do video clips on pages make for higher google rankings? Basic equipment needed to effectively do video tours, or e-mails.

All... thank you. I will check once more before heading to the conference and pick the question or questions to be included. Great stuff!

I haven't done a check on this myself, yet..

But I was wondering if indeed Podcasting and video blogging will soon be merged and mean the same thing. (they can both be syndicated)

I mean most PDA's running windows mobile will soon be able to play podcasts and streaming video files aka flash video that Youtube uses and / or Windows media (wmv)? via an appropriate RSS reader?

I think a derivative of Podcasting/video blogging will be peer-to-peer videocasting .

This would be helpful between remote locations where a real estate agent on site can send a delayed live video cast of a property to a client either back home or across state borders.

This in fact can be accomplished today via MMS on a cell phone right?

I mean, take a few pictures with your cam phone, maybe even a 1 minute video clip on the cellphone while "voicing over" a commentary and send an MMS in near realtime to a client.

What's your thoughts on this flavor of Pod/Video blogging?

Regards

Clyde

>.Ps. A related article on my blog here. 

 

Okay- I am not totally stupid; only after an afternoon of AR do I feel that way...I've just come thru a "stop,drop & roll" from a D-I-V-O-R-C-E and BOY! did I fall behind. Nuff wahh-wahhing....Here's my epiphany.....instead of print, print, printing a bunch of papers that few clients read, why shouldn't I youtube myself/ post onto AR and get my message out to those who are TRULY interested???Wouldn't it assist my business/ my blog/ my points/ my googlesque-nes if people could be told just to log onto my website?  Just think of the trees I could put my arms around then! Not only would it be beneficial to me, the earth, my clients, but it would also allow me to absorb technological advances and use them to the people that are going to be calling me:  The people looking for homes to buy or sell! Just think- I could have a video of me sitting in a living room telling people what I'm going to be asking for at the pre-listing appointment.  I could take it further with regard to "contract to close."  Talk about educating the public....."THE MORE  YOU KNOW, THE BETTER DECISION YOU CAN MAKE FOR YOURSELF!"

 I'd LOVE to know who is doing this..what kind of responses have you had, was it worth it, etc.

Let me hear the RAIN!

Well, Rick & Ines took my question  :)   I really would like to hear others' take on that topic though!

Hey JT..

 Youv'e got some good questions here and a lot of content to cover on this topic. 

I guess my question speaks to the consumers appetite for either video content or written content. 

With written content one can easily skim over an article and quickly determine its relevance.   A reader can get the jist of written blog at a glance.  You cant do with video, you have to watch the whole thing.  Even if you fast forward, your likely to skip an important concept whereas you're less likely to skip something of relevance when it is written.

So how does VLOG compare to a written blog when keeping peoples attention focused?  While I like the VLOG concept, I think that a written blog is much more effecient for the mind to process.

What are your thoughts?

If you get a chance, check out this new real estate marketplace website called UniFersal.com

Hi Jeff,

It's John Hurbon from Tierra Antigua - Tucson,Az

What size files are most ideal for videoblogging podcasting and what respective formats are most user friendly.  I have Pinnacle 10.5 and VideoSpin, can I use these to create vb and pc?

So much to learn-so little time--lol--great blog as always.