Web page hosts… like ‘em? or hate ‘em?
Monday, September 21, 2009 10:02
So I just saw a Facebook status where an acquaintance was promoting his new friends who create and implement those videos where a person walks out on to your web page and talks to you.
Okay, that was fairly non-judgmental in introducing the issue, right? Now the not so judgmental portion and where I ask for your opinion. Personally, I hate this.
I went to look at the web site of the company he was promoting. I’d been there several years ago (hated it then too), but had not been back since. Wanting to give it an honest shake I tried again. No cigar. Here’s are some reasons why I hate it:
Tacky… I don’t think I’ve seen one of these yet that isn’t tacky.
JBYCDMYS… This is a principle everyone should learn, but especially those of us who work in the media world. Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should. Placing these videos on your home page (and worse subesquent pages) to me is kinda like the craze when web folks were putting all kinds of widgets on web pages. Like the weather on a crafter’s page. Just because they could, not because they had a reason for it being there.
Gimmicky… It kind of says “desparate” to me. Kind of like, “Our site is boring… or not effective… so we’re throwing this video on here to try to fix it.” Oh, and green screen. It’s the latest craze. Clients think they have to have a green screen because it’s the latest cool thing going.
Technically challenging… I have a screaming Internet connection and on even the one on the company that does them’s web site was choking. Bad enough to have it there, but to have it stuttering is worse.
Often redundant… Many times when I’ve seen them, they are only saying what’s on the page, or telling you where you can go on the site and what you’ll find there. Isn’t that what content on the page is for? Isn’t that what good navigation is for? At least write some new and engaging content if you MUST do it.
Talent sucks… At least if you are going to do it, get someone who is REALLY REALLY REALLY good on camera.
Substitue for real content… Folks who are using video effectively on their web sites appear to be doing in a blogging or news this week about our business/topic type format. I feel like people are wanting to be cutting edge with video on their site, but won’t make the commitment to keep it up to date and relevant. The static “host” is a cop out on video for video’s sake.
I’m willing to admit I’m predisposed to my opinion, and may just have not seen the REALLY effective ones out there. So point me to them if you have some you’ve seen that really make it worthwhile. And what’s your opinion? Like ‘em? Hate ‘em?
Clint says:
September 21st, 2009 at 11:02 am
Wow – that was quick. Clearly it bugged you. And as the friend who posted the shout-out to new friends – allow me to elaborate, since, on the web, intent is often missed with simple text. Perhaps me, walking out onto the screen to explain would help.
First, I was thanking them for their hard work and quick, easy-to-work with attitude. Not promoting them specifically. (thanks for hitting ribbleforcongress.com though – that hit appears to have worked… yet you’re not the demographic, which leads me to…)
Second, I’m not a fan either, however, there’s more to it – as I’m just beginning to realize (having learned to step back from my pre-disposed ideas of what anything should be, and take a second look). What we, as developers, designers, content creators, and even creative directors sometimes miss, is the point.
Who will be affected by the site? How will they respond? When personality (big or small, honest, common or whatever) is key, and an introduction is necessary, are there other solutions? Yes. Are those other solutions the only solution? No.
As far as talent is concerned – hiring it out is when I’m most bothered by it. In this case, it would be detrimental, completely missing the point. A point that you, living in CO, is not being targeted at.
As a designer, developer, creative director, and producer… I completely agree with you. As an individual, who is… just that, an individual, I’m learning to see beyond myself and my own preferences, learning to see through the eyes of the end-user, especially when a very specific purpose is intended.
I have my reservations. But I’m not, in the least, hesitant to thank other individuals for their hard work, great attitude, and flexibility. Personal relationships are far more important to me. And now, we’re getting to the point.
Brian Brown says:
September 21st, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I provide these as a service to my clients. They’re one of the few services that I’ve commoditized with a fixed-price schedule because the time spend shooting, keying, and encoding is so predictable. It’s pretty easy money, really.
I think you’re correct in that it’s probably only truly effective on a small range of sites. Do I care, though? Not really.
I do leverage my greenscreen work quite a bit, and am finding ways to make $ with it. A lot of times now I’m just shooting, then keying it, and passing it on to other editors. The latest series I shoot every month is for a local church that’s mimicking the weekly pre-service videos you can find on this site: http://northpoint.org/
I don’t really have an opinion on something that’s making me $, other than the opinion that I’ll do a lot MORE of it if I make more $. And I’ll ride this horse as long as it still runnin’.
admin says:
September 22nd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Thanks for the comments guys.
Clint, the aforementioned acquaintance, I’m not 100% sure I understand all you tried to say. But essentially I came away with a sense that you felt folks other than those of us “in the business” generally liked them.
Brian, I see you are basically saying you don’t want to bite the hand that feeds you and I understand that. No shame in that sentiment.
(Brian, that link is to some church site in Alpharetta GA. Are you really doing video for some place that far away or is there another link?)
I did get the following from another comment stream where my feed RSS populates and the user chose to post feedback over there which doesn’t make it back here:
Dan Shumaker commented on your blog entry
“Well, I guess I’m not more impressed with a site that has page hosts than a well-designed, intuitive site without one. I usually just shrug and click to shut the host up because he/she didn’t ask if I want an intro or help. The expectation when visiting a site is that you can be alone with your thoughts when evaluating a company, product or service. One main reason I shop online is stay away from a salesperson for that very reason. However, one well-appointed example does come to mind – and I’m sorry not to point to a specific site. Having a host for an online training course can help keep a student’s attention better and help them stay on task easier than if only a voice recording was used or just page after page of text. Personally, it helps me remember more content because I learn better in a structured classroom setting. But, like you said, if you’re gonna use one, use a professional.”
I guess I should expect to some degree that those reading a blog about anything media would be in “the business” and therefore have a slightly slanted opinion. That said, anyone out there not have a dog in this hunt?