Blogs and Video
Once again, I find myself asking questions about what my readers like or don’t like. I see a lot of non-gardening folks going to video for their blogs and promoting the use of video. I’ve been messing about with producing information this way (as have other garden writers) and I have some thoughts but I want to ask you what you think.
I asked some friends (and family) what kinds of video they watch and got two answers. The first was basic how-to stuff they had absolutely no idea about (like how to get dressed in formal Scottish attire). 
And the “funny” videos that friends sent them. Nobody I asked said they went and watched video-opinion or vlog material. Contrary to some in the industry, this kind of thing was a non-starter for my admittedly small sample. But I know that there is a lot of interest in the garden community for video making of all kinds.
As usual, I’m asking my readers what they think. (I find asking the people who read what I produce is a really good way to do things rather than simply following the crowd)
Not the Question
I like how-to videos that are short and to the point. Videos that “show me” how to do something and I know you do as well. That’s not the question – I’m going to keep producing how-to video.
Is the Question
The question is in the kind of Andy Rooney / Rex Murphy video – a blog turned into a video instead of writing the text out – the information or opinion is video-produced. It is not “how-to” – but it may be opinion, it may be product-review, it may be funny (if we’re lucky).
Do you watch that kind of video? Would you like to see me produce those?
Tell Me In This Survey
Here’s a short survey – there are four questions. (answer the question and click the “next” button at the bottom of the question – it will take you to the “next” question)
After you click on the 4th question, you’ll be returned to this page where you can make any comment in the comments section. And I’m delighted of course if you’d comment on what you think about garden video or where we might take this adventure in modern communication.
Thanks for helping me out
[SURVEYS 1]
Do you have a video on bell pepper pruning, or is there a reason to prune. My peppers are growing against each other, very tightly. And the trunks are not growing very tall. Am I doing something wrong??
@Maggie -
Never pruned peppers – if you don’t have good growth, you’re not providing them with enough of the things they need (like water, sunlight, growing temperatures or plant food)
Doug: I think video is a good way to show things but text is still necessary. Very difficult to put details like a formula or dimensions in a video. Some stuff just needs to be available to read again or copy for use in doing whatever the topic was.
Another thing is that just a good photo or picture can be worth a thousand words.
Have a good day,
John
John at JWLWs last blog post..WHATS BLOOMING
Some subjects are better in written form but your videos have been very helpful. For instance, it would be difficult to describe how to pinch back a petunia in text. That video gave me an “AH HA” moment. You seem to be doing fine selecting when it’s better to “show” or when it’s better to “tell”. Besides, your sense of humor shines in your writing.
I also think opinion videos are helpful. Especially if you value the opinion of the video star.
Maries last blog post..Calendula
I thought that there was going to be a follow-up video to the tomatoe staking. I think it was how to train your tomatoes. Or did I miss it somehow? The bamboo pole tripods was such a simple but terrific idea for hanging a net for my sugar snap peas. You are doing a great job on my property, full of compliments all the time! Compost compost compost!!! Fish Emulsion!! Compost Tea!! Corn Gluten!!
Most of all I have learned from you how to relax and enjoy and somewhat lazy about it as well. I stole your line “Do you want your plants to survive or thrive? Thank YOU Doug Green
@John at JWLW – Doug, I agree with John on this, in fact, I didn’t select a choice for video or text preference because I couldn’t decide which I like better…I’d like to have both.
You asked about would I rather a how-to-video or printed version.
Not looking to make you do double work, video is best but sometimes it is good to have a printed version, so it can be printed to take to the job.
Thanks and keep up the great work.
Next didn’t take me anywhere, so I’m commenting here, I hope that is ok. Also when I filled out the comments at the bottom of the email nothing happened when I hit send so now I am pasting in my comment here.
I very much like to watch how-to videos, it is somehow more relaxing than reading, kinda like a treat. I would however also like to get a text portion to go along with the video, (I know that doubles your work). Maybe if we could just get a copy of your “notes” for making the video that would be great.
Thanks Doug. Reading your blog questions on this is kinda like getting a how-to on how other minds think, good for evaluating my thought processes for optimization purposes.
I agree with John. I still have snippits of your writings as far back as April 2001. Technology has made taking still-shots so easy that a 1,000-word photo plus text just about covers it all.
I’ve said it before my dear, I like you just as you are. Oh … and your newsletter/blogs/articles/comments/etc.
@Ken Cole -
Check out this tomato page for last year’s tomato videos on pruning/training/etc. But yes, more to come but it does take time when the stupid tomatoes won’t grow fast enough to be trained. 
Hey Ken – the darn tomatoes have to grow up a bit before I can video them being trained.
I like video just fine, but I prefer it if the video is accompanied by a text summary so I don’t miss the info if I’m not in the mood for video or don’t have time.
Genevieves last blog post..The Last Bookstore in America by Amy Stewart: Video Book Review
Hey Doug – I’ve been doing some gardening videos, and even though I spent a lot of my career producing TV, I’ve learned a lot. First and foremost, that you almost always need to explain more than you can reasonably fit in a video segment. While showing people how to do something, is key to a thorough explanation (pruning for example), you can’t cover the topic in video alone, without the risk of the audience dropping dead from boredom.
People are talking about vooks (video books) and while the thought of beloved novels going that direction makes me want to run screaming, for garden writing, it may be a great new/old idea. Some websites, including yours are already mixing up the best of both worlds. Great writing and information combined with video how tos.
Ok. Now I’ll stop rambling.
Kerry – feel free to ramble all you like – I think your advantage in all of this is your experience with tv production – this indeed gives you an edge over those of us who have little practical experience in this area. It’s certainly the way to explain some kinds of information and you’re right – there’s always “more than you can reasonably fit in” – hence my insistence on the future need for editors in all aspects of serious publishing (maybe that’s serious self-editing but still…) Vooks – there’s a concept popularized by Disney (or should I say bastardized by Disney) in feature films so taking it down to the video level is a general next step. Not that I have the time or technology to sit and watch an entire novel in a video (hence the Disneyfication and editing again).
So – speaking of ramblin…
like most women-i want it all; text and video.
@Pam ahhh – so you’re saying that all women want it all… or you’re saying that all women want text and video and at this point, I’m retreating to my guy-hiding-spot.