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Omer Ben Yehuda

Vlogs

Updated: Sep 15


A camera on a table

Not so long ago (several years ago), we were exposed to a new type of internet-based media: the blog, i.e. a shared internet log. This revolutionary media was used (and still is) as a "dear diary" for internet users of all shapes and sizes. Anyone who wanted, opened up a blog about any subject and wrote about it. These blogs, which were anything but personal, dealt (and still deal) with a specific subject chosen by the writer ('professionally' known as a 'blogger') and were open to internet users to read and catch up at all times.


The Blogs meant a real revolution. In no time, countless journals on any subject were opened, subjects including journalism, business, humor, fashion and marketing. Another genre dealt with the most personal lives of the contributing individuals. These blogs were so popular (and still are) and therefore became a force influencing public opinion (at least the high quality blogs) and a driving business force.


Nevertheless it seems that this hip tool has become outdated. Nowadays, we have Vlogs, which are video blogs. The essence is similar, the only difference being that the blog doesn't use only written content rather uses video and webcams as the journal's central content, and the content written in it is usually complimentary and is used as metadata and background material.


The Vlog is joining its 'older brother' the blog rapidly. Websites are being set up constantly . The cause for this phenomenon is clear: appetite comes with eating; the high exposure that made the possible answered an existing need, yet simultaneously enhanced it. The exposure to ext journals was partial and evolutionary development was inevitable. It began with audio logs which enabled, besides the written text, to hear the blogger. Yet these blogs were only an intermediate phase before the leap towards the Vlog which enables full, nearly uncensored exposure (for example, http://stevegarfield.blogs.com/videoblog).


Another factor which made Vlogs popular was the introductions of Apple's IPod, which included features such as saving audio & video files suitable (and intended) for Vlogging. The Vlog is obviously not void of disadvantages and complications. Even if we set aside the moral problems and the risk of media-addiction (especially by teens), there is a technological problem which has yet to be solved. The Vlog is a video, and as such includes very little written information, which makes incorporating its content into a search engines a difficult task. If there's no written text, there's not much to search for.

The solution used in the meanwhile is a use of metadata and complimentary content, but this is a limited solution since the really interesting content is stored in the actual video files. It is safe to say that if this media is proven profitable and worthwhile as the blog, advanced search possibilities will be developed for it in no time.


The interesting question is: what next? where are we heading? Mlogs (Mind-reading blogs)?


 

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