07 June 2008

Virgin Vlogging

Since the first time I saw Jay over at Cynical Bastard vlog, I've been fascinated with it. Not that I want to see myself in video (it's actually hard to watch without being extremely critical) but it seemed to add an even more personal touch to blogging. Now when I read Jays blog I actually "hear" his voice in the printed words, and I get to watch him do really STUPID brave things like standing outside in the rain and hail while tornado sirens blare.

Then Matt-Man over at Bagwine Ruminations started vlogging. Sure he first vlog was a video tour of his living room, but he's been a bit more creative as of late and posted a truly hysterical car vlog with his son Ryno.

I've been seriously toying with the idea of my first vlog for a few weeks. I had concerns about privacy - would a vlog give out too much information? (We all know there are hundreds of folks out in cyber land just waiting for me to flub up and give some hint as to where I am so they can stalk me - right .....)

My greatest concern? It's not like I haven't posted some revealing HNT photos, but I have a lot of control over those. I can take 100 pictures to get what I want. I can crop the "bad" parts of me out of the photo before I post it. I can even add filters to the photo if I really want to obscure the view of parts of me that I don't like. I can't do that with video. I had to decide if I could stand to post this video - as it is - flaws and all (Have I mentioned that I am a bit of a perfectionist? Well, I am, and when you're not perfect that is a really bad thing!)).

I know it sounds silly - one or two of you might even be thinking I'm a goofball - but it is really hard for me to put myself out there like this, which is exactly why I decided to do it!

You'll notice this video is in two parts - my camera will actually record a 12 minute, high resolution video, but YouTube will only upload a 10 minute video - oops! Fortunately, Jay turned me on (hehehehehe) to the virtues of Windows Movie Maker (I didn't even know Rhonda had this in her) and I was able to split this into two parts fairly reasonably. I know this video it titled "Commute", but it's really more about showing a little slice of rural life with a little of me a la mode.


if you are so inclined, go grab a cup of coffee, or a beer, and spend the next 10 minutes with me!!




... do you need a refill?? Here is the second half of the commute!





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30 comments:

Christo Gonzales said...

they are called 'editing' programs for a reason....I try to keep my videos less than three minutes - the crepe video was 7 and I could have cut it down even more...all in all nice glimpse into your commute...you have to ask yourself - 'self, would you sit here for 10 minutes?' I did not...I skimmed through. Just sayin'

Dana said...

DB, actually, *I* would sit here for 10 minutes - I sat through your 7 minute crepe video and didn't think twice about it. I *know* this is too long, and it's really more about a glimpse into me than it is about a commute - but you'd need to watch all 10 minutes to see that. Just sayin' ...

Karen said...

Very cool. I haven't done a vlog in a while, but they are so fun to share. Your voice sounds pretty much how I was expecting.

I am glad you shared that with us! I loved it and I hope you do more.

Acrimony said...

You know, you had me with your little town until you said no Starbucks. You have a Curves but no Starbucks?! What are the little old ladies supposed to do when they are done working out -- hit the 7 aisle grocery store for a slab of steak?! Poor little old ladies with no Starbucks. *giggle*

Schmoop said...

Great video Dana...It wasn't until watching this that I realized that I live in a "metropolis".

By the way, the subtle huskiness of your voice sent me into a tizzy...I think I got spooge all over your dashboard. Sorry. Cheers!!

Dana said...

Karen, do another vlog!! I enjoyed the last one.

Tali, actually, they go to that BP gas station at the flashing light and sit at one of the tables inside - the ones that divide the convenience store from the NAPA, and gossip - really!

Matt-Man, you know, I even cleaned the windows before I started the video - now I've got to get that spooge off!

Osbasso said...

Finally!! Someone who uses their turn signal before actually being halfway through the turn! Gotta work on that whole "full and complete stop" technique though...

You might have inspired me here. I instituted the photo series of going to work for a Labor Day theme for the past two years, but I might just have to do this. Maybe even today!

Jeff B said...

What, no Starbucks? Damn communists.

How cool to put a voice to the woman behind the posts.

Ken said...

That was great! You beat me to it, because ever since I saw Jays hometown vlog I wanted to do one too. Your town is [quote] "quaint" and you have lots of [quote] "little bumpies."
Now I'm going to have to mess with that Windows Movie Maker Thingy when I get the gumption.

You did real good!

Jay said...

Man, the traffic in that town was out of control! LOL

My grandmother lives in a town even smaller than the one you live it. They can be pretty nice places to live since they are so quiet. But, you guys are hurtin for entertainment there. ;-)

boo said...

Oh Dana! Your little town reminds me of so many little towns I've stopped in. I'm so jealous of your one stoplight and no Starbucks. Let me come live in your closet, and I'll bring my espresso machine and make us all drinks.

Anonymous said...

We don't have a Starbucks where I live. You have to hit the big city 15 minutes away for that.

I found your video absolutely mesmerizing. So, yeah, I totally sat here for 10 minutes and watched the little glimpse into your world. I thought it was pretty damn cool!

I loved your house! Wow. How gorgeous.

Do more of these, k. ;)

Dana said...

Os, I lived in California for three years, that's how I learned to stop! I'd love to see you on video, although I think I might have a pretty good idea of what to expect. We'll see.

Jeff, Cool Beans is FAR better than Starbucks - they even know my name!

Micky, I was surprised at how easy Movie Maker was!

Dana said...

Jay, you should see it when a train comes through!! And we always have cow tipping and corn field romping to keep us entertained. Oh, and there's a street dance on Friday!

Boo(duh), come on out of the closet! I'll share my room with you!

FF, I think our nearest Starbucks is about 20 minutes away. I'll likely do these on occasion, but will definitely make it shorter next time!

Ken said...

We just recently got a Blahbucks next to the interstate! Oh Well, it should make the property value rise a little. LOL

Leighann said...

Yep, looks very Illinois *giggle*

Your home is beautiful, if you ever feel like giving it away, I'll take it!

Since I live IN an industrial area, I was right at home during your commute. ;)

As American as Apple Pie said...

I love your little town! It reminds me of the town I grew up in...although MUCH larger (pop. 750) and the town we lived in b4 moving to NC (pop 1500).

Soooo nice to hear your voice. I agree with Matt-man...the huskiness is very stimulating. My favorite part was parking with you. Was it good for you too? *wink*

Tell DB to bite you. I was enthralled the entire 10 mins and would watch again.

Hope you have a great vacation!

Jay said...

Hey, we have a street dance every Friday night here too! Fridays on the square! Non-stop partying and good times baby! haha

Dana said...

Leighann, you can have it as long as you take the husband that resides in it as well!

Apple, when I watched the video I wondered if anyone would pick up on the "parking with me" comment - leave it to you Apple!

Jay, wanna dance??

Anonymous said...

It says the videos are no longer available! Bummer. My coffee is getting cold...

Dana said...

PP, they should be back up and running now! Made a change to the security that made them go away, but they're back ...

Anonymous said...

Got 'em. Maybe I have no life, but I had no problem sitting through 10 minutes. *shrugs*

Reminds me a lot of our small town... we only have one stop light as well and no Starbucks. You lucky gal, you have a Curves in town. I have to drive to the town south of us for my workouts. I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing.

Rick Rockhill said...

hey there- new visitor to your blog...just wanted to check out your site. Nice meeting you-oh and I enjoyed the drive to work!
-rick

Unknown said...

Thanks, Dana, for the video tour. Perhaps I shall take up vlogging.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Cool Dana...thanks for sharing and it is nice to know you use your turn signals...here in TN, the natives do not believe in them...

Unknown said...

I was fascinated! Glimpsing a town I've never been to and probably never will be is totally cool.

Okay, are you TN? Cause girl, it has been un normally windy, and hot and humid.

I LOVE how you said, "There's the police station. It doesn't take them long to get to our house. Trust me on that one." LOL LOL

Thanks. I really enjoyed this!

justsomeguy said...

As bina said, I found the "police station" comment funny as hell. ;)
And I live in a town very comparable to yours, just with 2 more stoplights. I think at last count, we were up to about 2900. And I think I know at least 2800 of them! LOL.
I did the Labor Day "Drive to Work" HNT that Os was talking about. I may have to try it vlog style, with editing, of course. 55 miles one-way? DB would have plenty to complain about on that one.

M said...

Our grocery store has 10, I can relate!!

tt said...

Wow...you just came to life for me in that 10 minutes. didn't seem like 10 minutes at all. Seriously!!! I'll go riding with you any day...Maybe we could go to the grocery store...I love small town stores. Our town has a whopping 4000 people in it now. Woo-hoo..we have a Piggly Wiggly :)

Why is it that in hearing your voice and how you speak and pronounce words that you became more real to me? Like you said about jay..I can 'hear' you now. I love it.
More please...and I say go as long as you'd like. I'm just sayin.. ;)

Knight said...

Love it Dana! You have a great voice. I've been attempting to vlog for a bit now but have not bothered to figure out the editing software yet. Hearing someones voice always ads to the way you read their blog. I'm so glad you did this.