As the uninitiated are still trying to figure out what a blog is,
the interplay between Internet users and technology continues to move
forward. There is an
even newer form of communication that's starting to take off: Vlogs.
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Before
Vlogs: A Bit
About Blogs
For the
record, a blog is an online diary (sometimes called a live journal) where writers post
their thoughts about anything from last night's date to their extreme
political views. Bloggers as they have come to be known, have become
very influential because they typically link to other blogs with
similar themes, get facts behind the scenes that other media don't
provide, and generate instant dialogue and discussion of the
topics. |
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Blogs have
become so popular and read by so many people that even analysts who
frequently comment on large corporations write their own. While they
don't reveal insider information, they can be influential by voicing a
professional opinion on the next "big thing" in a given
industry or area of expertise.
The media
are afraid of blogs because they are powerful tools that can release
news without anyone's editing and censorship. They can also make or
break a political campaign as the "dirt" can be published
and easily accessed by millions.
What
is a Vlog?
While few things in life are as powerful as the written word, we are
visual creatures and love to watch. Reading is active and tiring so
it's only logical that the passive form of blogging - vlogging is
taking off.
The term
"vlog" is short for "video blog" (and just for the
record, blog is short for web log or weblog). A Vlog is a
video version of a blog. The set-up is generally the same where
you have a blog website that is customized to your needs. However,
instead of writing long paragraphs of content, there is a video of you
discussing your daily happenings, the news, or whatever topic. It can
be as random as a blog.
The content
of the video can also be videos of anything other than the person who
is vlogging. Some vloggers wish to remain anonymous and so they go
around taking videos of their surroundings. These are eventually
uploaded to their computers and there you have it.
The video
itself usually has a photo to click on so you know what you are going
to see. The text part of the blog typically has a brief description or
eye catching headline, and feedback form for people to comment on the
video.
VideoBlog
Production
Videoblogs are
more difficult to produce as they typically require more technology
and of course time. Writing a blog can take a couple of minutes but
producing a short video is clearly more taxing on one's resources.
That is probably one of the reasons videoblogging has not taken off in
the same manner as blogging.
Enter the
Videoblog Directory
Vlogs can only be popular if people can find them. As with blogging,
vloggers need to be listed in the right places to get traffic and
visitors to see and experience what they have to offer. What good is a
vlog if no one sees yours? There are now a number of videoblogging
directories for all tastes.
Types of
Videoblogging
Being listed in a videoblogger directory is becoming increasingly important to
get more traffic to one's vlog site. In many cases, there are niche
vlogs such as travel vlogs, singles and dating vlogs, and generally funny videoblogs.
The
Future of Vlogs and Vlogging
In October 2005, Apple released the Video iPod meaning that vlog-type
recordings will most likely grow at an incredible rate in 2006 and
beyond. Videoblogs are clearly becoming increasingly popular as
technology advances and merges various formats. The term "moblog"
has been coined to refer to the mobile blog (such as cell phones, PDAs,
etc).
BrianX
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