Originally published January 6 2006
Internet spawns vlogging: Short video diaries
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Vloggers cover a range of topics, from quirky news to everyday life. The main advancements in the evolution of vlogging are due to inexpensive cameras, programs and simple software as well as the advent of the video iPod.
In new vlogs uploaded this week, you could take a spin through teeming Mumbai in an auto-rickshaw, drop in on the life of young Filipina vlogger Karen Avila or watch a woman simply tending a kettle in her New York flat.
Vlogs are an offshoot of "blogs", or weblogs -- diaries posted on the Internet which sparked a new wave of "citizen journalism" -- and their audio equivalent, podcasting.
It draws on the utopian dreams of pioneers who envisage a network of citizen journalists across the globe, liberated from the "we know what's best for you" patronage of established media firms.
"People are interested in seeing more of real people - they are kind of getting sick of the very flashy content and want something more down to Earth," said Amanda Congdon, co-writer and anchor of Rocketboom, a wildly successful New York-based vlog.
"Sometimes writers say video blogs are boring because they are not like TV shows," Garfield mused as he filmed the couple with a camera held at arm's length.
The vlogging craze hints at the coming convergence of the Internet and TV, and the soon-to-dawn day when programmes will be offered a la carte as Web downloads rather than when a media firm chooses to broadcast them.
It comes as established media companies -- newspapers as well as broadcast giants -- are starting to post podcasts, videocasts and video news reports alongside written content.
Some vloggers glimpsed the true potential of the medium after last December's Asian tsunami disaster, when home videos, many made by tourists, were all over mainstream TV stations and many were uploaded to the Web.
Other possible marketing models for vloggers include advertising, merchandising and licensing.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml