This is a guest post by Ryan Hanzel of Writers Addict.
I was at TheInfoPreneur.net watching one of the fantastic videos James has released. I started thinking how later on I could apply videos to my own blog which then lead me to pondering how much more of an impact a video post will make to my readers. What were the differences and which is more effective.
So I will share with you from my own experience as a reader what I think on the subject from my own experience. No in depth research or university research statistics. Just my own brainstormed comparison.
Video Blogging
I like video posts because it is easier on my eyes. I have a lot of different blogs in my reader and after reading a certain amount my eyes start to get tired. Once that happens my content reading and retention will slow down greatly. I sometimes misinterpret the material and will have to reread that specific section.
So when there is a video post released I will click them immediately and allow them to load while reading other blogs content. In between every other written post I will play the video blog so I can give my eyes a chance to rest for some more material.
Video blogging also allows me to see who the author really is, his habits, and his intentions with his content. It is easy to misinterpret written content but a little harder (not saying impossible) while he explains it and how it is presented. You can really see where he pulls the content from and how passionate he is about it.
Written Blogs
Sometimes there is so much information to keep track of in a post. If you are really using the post to benefit you then you may want to take some notes from it. Granted you can do this with a video blog but I find it easier to either print it out or highlight what you think is relevant or copy and paste segments into notepad for later. I think it is more time consuming to continuously rewind a video while taking notes.
When you really want to sit there and express the material that has spawned deep down inside you but have trouble finding the right approach and words to describe it. You can write it out slowly while taking the time to think about it and make any necessary changes. Maybe the ideas are there but you are having trouble filling in the meet of the post, save a draft and work on it later. You can do this with video posts also only with editing or prewriting a script. When I see a constantly edited video I start to wonder what is going on in between takes, what was edited out? That is what goes through my mind.
Conclusion
Either way I think both forms of blogging has its advantages and disadvantages. Some material that you want to release is best displayed in words while others are explained visually. I think having a good mix of each is healthy for a blog. Though doing one or the other is not unhealthy but could limit the type of readers you attract.
This is all my own opinion and I am eager to hear what you think. How it benefits you and what do you prefer?
Ryan Hanzel
Writers Addict
I don’t care too much for video post myself. I’m probably missing some good stuff at times because of this though. I will say that the way you break it down while reading in your reader, letting it load etc.. gives me an idea of trying to watch more vids. Other wise I’m pretty much a reader.
I do think like you, I think that from my experience I have little knowledge on the benefits of both but I hope to get some vids on my blog soon and am anxious to see the results.
Nice job Ryan
.-= Lees Shizzle´s last blog ..Bullet Proof Internet Lifestyle What is It? The Bald Face Truth =-.
Lee,
Thanks man! My experience is a bit limited on the subject but I like to compare things a lot. Also my habits of how I read my blog also directly reflect my slow internet connection that I have. I appreciate the comment man
.-= Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Just keep at it =-.
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for guest posting.
I have been thinking about putting some videos in the blog for several weeks. Just something to elaborate the post, a little music or something. It seems to be the ‘in’ thing just now with bloggers, where before they were content with just the writing and an image.
Times are changing, even in the blogsphere.
Maria/Lee,
I can’t wait to see what you both have in store. I am going over some ideas myself but I will wait until I return back home to do them. Privacy is hard to come by on a boat.
.-= Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Just keep at it =-.
What kind of videos would you put in your blog Lee, ones featuring you or from youtube?
I like videos more since I started using them myself really. Sometimes it’s the best way to convey information (especially software tutorials, at least if my 3D peeps are to be believed), others its great for showing passion and love of a subject.
Still a reader at heart, and videos take more time because you actually have to focus on them or you miss things. Possibly that’s a good thing too though.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Guest Post: Mary Poppins Guide to Life =-.
Thanks for stopping by Heather! I like seeing videos on other blogs just because it really shows you how bad that person wants to get his message out to the world.
.-= Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Don’t get worked up =-.
It’s true really, you can see that especially with James’ vids.
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Guest Post: Mary Poppins Guide to Life =-.
Thanks Heather
I love videos, but creating them not talking just inspiring. I have felt the same way, reading is great but watching someone come alive is better. I have only loaded on video (special tab for it) but working on one right now. check it out.
Butterfly,
Cool I will be checking them out!
.-= Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Don’t get worked up =-.
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Ryan,
A great look at the two types of posts. Whilst I can see the pros and cons for both I’m still undecided. I have used videos on my blog; videos from You Tube and other video sites. I’ve not yet got round to producing my own.
Thanks for sharing this.
Regards
Paul
.-= Paul´s last blog ..Special People =-.
Paul,
Thanks for commenting! I like them for bringing balance to how I read my blogs but actually making a video I am thinking of ideas for farther down the road. I want to do it but I need to wait until I get back to my home.
If you ever do decide to produce your own I think you will do great man.
.-= Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Don’t get worked up =-.
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Hi Maria,
I can see the advantages and disadvantages of both. For some indepth topics, I prefer to read them as that’s the way I retain information. Videos, for me, are usually quick and nice to watch, but the information is not retained as it would be if I was reading it.
Also, I think there is a slippery slope once you start providing videos on your sites. Because they can be quick and off-the-cuff, it can seem like that’s all the blogger provides after a while. They become lazy and don’t provide the quality and thought-ful written articles, which may have brought you to the site in the first place. Having a good mixture of video, audio, and written materials will suit the majority of your readers. As a personal choice, I’m staying with the written word for any articles that I write, but will provide more Youtube motivational and inspiring videos.
Karen,
Great perspective on video/written blogging. I am glad you stick to your guns whether it involves writing or video content on your own blog. Some blogs are meant to be written and some recorded or both. As long as you show your readers the passion in what you write your blog will shine. Thanks for stopping by Karen I really enjoy your comments
.-= Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..Don’t get worked up =-.
Thats a really good point Karen about “it can seem like that’s all the blogger provides after a while. They become lazy and don’t provide the quality and thought-ful written articles, which may have brought you to the site in the first place. ” I think you would have to find the right balance for each without losing your readers.
I’m a reader and I find its true that you retain more information by reading rather than seeing. ( Although I may be proved wrong on this ) but they can also work in unison and compliment each other. I guess it all depends on what the content is about and weather one can do without the other.
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Great colaboration guys, and thanks for the mention.
I think a combination of both is a good idea in most cases. You have found on this post that some like them, some don’t and an important note Karen made is that some only do one or the other.
For me I wanted to start producing videos to cater for the people who wanted them, I still produce written content, sometimes standalone sometimes with a video added and do purely video posts too. Back up to 3 posts (video and written) a day at the moment.
Videos are really easy to produce, but a a lot of people like them so I think as long as you find the right mix, which I think the site has at the minute then it’s a good idea.
The other thing it does is it allows you to show who you are and what you are about.
James,
I don’t know how you do it but your on your way doing 3 posts a day. It is all about making sure your content is easily related to your readers. Keep it up man.
.-= Ryan Hanzel´s last blog ..A fresh direction =-.
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