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Scoble on Tech at Fast Company
Scoble is doing a video column at Fast Company called Scoble on Tech. Interesting format: Scoble and Ed Sussman from Fast Company are chatting on video. There’s pretty high production value—it’s edited down so that you see each person when they talk and there are out takes to sites they talk about and graphics.
I just heard about it from Brad Baldwin while we were meeting about Podcamp SLC (Jan 26—more later). I watched the show on Open Social and learned some things. There’s definitely meat here.
Still, I’m not convinced that lots of people are going to take the time to regularly watch video. Do you watch much video online (besides the funny YouTube videos people send you in email, I mean)? Really? Doing something like Scoble on Tech is considerably more expensive than an audio podcast. I’m reticent to make that kind of time commitment without a compelling reason.
Posted by windley on November 29, 2007 3:34 PM
Comment from Jason Etheridge at November 29, 2007 4:53 PM
You're right about video, at least as far as I'm concerned. Even though my iPod touch (an Australian's iPhone substitute!) is an excellent platform for viewing video, I just don't seem to ever get around to watching video on it.
Audio podcasts are the perfect background for almost any task that doesn't require active cognitive engagement--I listen to podcasts at every such opportunity, usually 2-3 hours a day--but video (as you imply) means you have to be sitting in front of it and not doing anything else. Too much like TV (which I haven't watched in years) for my taste!
Comment from Brendan Keefe at November 29, 2007 10:04 PM
Video is a nice option. I'm a big fan of BloggingHeads.tv, and I usually "watch" the video instead of grabbing the audio feed. I used the quote marks around watch because I don't usually stare at the screen -- I leave it on in a corner while doing other things, and glance up if the tone of voice makes me wonder what the facial expression of the speaker or listener will be.
Given the states of broadband and video compression these days, video can add something, and streaming video as opposed to streaming audio presents no meaningful difference. For a podcast that wanted to demonstrate something, I could well imagine how video could add a lot.
However, for conversations, like those in Technometria, I agree with you, Phil. Audio gives 99% of the value.
Finally, I'm not currently one for listening to podcasts via portable players, but I always think a smart site that offers video should also offer just the audio track as well.
Comment from Hal Smith at November 30, 2007 11:08 AM
Video takes too much bandwidth for me. I now live in Costa Rica where Internet access is problematical. I have to work to get audio downloads. But I usually download some of your stuff and Tech Nation.
By the way, I bought your book. Good stuff! All we need is some enlightened companies to use it. As you know, personal data is often simply regarded as another way to make more money.
Comment from Kris@supernerdio.com at December 13, 2007 10:11 AM
I have to agree with both of you. But there are probably folks out there who will watch.
Comment from Andrew666 at December 13, 2007 10:17 AM
I don't even watch the silly you tube stuff very often
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