A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

[weinstro]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

Hi Jeff,

I'm a management consultant by profession and have considerable experience giving presentations and webinars. If / when you are ready, I'd be happy to help with any storyboarding and supporting PowerPoint development. Just drop me a PM if you'd like to pursue this further.

Regards,

Rob

[donprice]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

I haven't read all the posts but I have one question....

Wouldn't you rather do this in sunny Florida over the winter? :D

[bark424]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

I haven't read all the posts but I have one question....

Wouldn't you rather do this in sunny Florida over the winter? :D

...I know his brother would, lol

[SirNickity]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

I'm going to throw in my two cents as a designer newbie trying to grasp all the processes involved: Video is absolutely crucial. I've read a lot of tutorials. I've read a lot of stickies. I've done some stuff, posted my results, and had people make comments. I still don't know if I'm doing anything right.

OTOH, I'm also trying to learn FreeCAD. I installed it, read a starter guide on their website, got hopelessly lost. Some dude put up a series of 8 videos on YouTube, all around 5 minutes long. At the end of it, I was creating models with confidence.

I have always wondered why all these "Speaker Building Bible" threads didn't have copious video links. If someone would visually document the process from concept to implementation, I really feel I would "get it". Or at least, it would give me the visual cues and reference points to understand more of the writing out there.

I thought about doing my own painful, trial-by-fire video series. I have audio equipment and a nice video-capable camera. I have a perfectionist streak and some skill with overlays and editing. I'm not that well versed on the actual speaker design process, so my first attempt would probably illicit a lot of "if you don't know what you're doing, stop trying to tell people how to do it", but maybe after filtering out the insults and getting to the constructive criticism, I can get it closer and closer to useful.

OTOH, Jeff, if you and some of the other veterans around here would take me under your wing, build a sample design from scratch (I don't care what, I'm not looking for free design with a pet project), then view and correct my attempts at producing video guides, then I will be happy to take on the presenter role. I like to share the knowledge I have, and I do well under a mentor.

So maybe that's an option? While the conference thing would be cool, it would be cool for 20 guys, once. Put it up on YouTube, and it's good for a community, for the foreseeable future.

[Tin_Ears]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

Online video can be paused, rewound, watched many times and is accessible to all. Seminars can be very helpful but they just can't do any of those things. If the purpose is for training then a video wins hands-down especially if the intent is to train as many as possible as thoroughly as possible. In all honesty, seminars are nearly always better venues for socializing and networking than anything else. Most folks attend seminars on corporate or government funds... for personal mini vacations.

The "intent" can be flawless in every way but it's the "execution" that produces "results".

Before anyone gripes and calls me an ingrate, I can't attend a seminar and probably won't watch the video(s) either. So I have no dog in this fight. But I do have a very basic understanding of how human beings learn and the logistics of producing and delivering effective learning content to large groups. No, I'm not volunteering because I'm too brain-dead to be of any help.

[WernerM]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

While I would absolutely love a video presentation, since I probably won't have the funds to attend, I also understand if Jeff is just wanting an intimate type of presentation for those who can attend. Maybe someone who attends, or has the knowledge themselves, can do a video presentation of their own later. I for one would be willing to pay $20-$25 for a good video presentation of what Jeff is proposing from start to finish. However, I do wonder how well the voicing portion of the video would work, considering we are limited to whatever speakers we are listening through.

Jeff, let us know what you would like to do and when. If I can afford to I will be there, if not, then I wish you the best of luck and thank you for all you contribute to DIY.

[Jeff B.]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

Hello,
I'm back from my visit to the chilly but beautiful western shores of the Michigan. I just wish it had been a bit warmer. I have read through all of the responses and here's my take on things -

While I appreciate and understand the desire of those who said that videos were a "must" and that they would even be willing to purchase the DVD's, I am afraid that this may be something that is still on the horizon.

I have hosted many church seminars over the years, some of them going all day with lot's of interaction, and I have watched some of the painful videos that were produced from these - even when the seminar went very well. (Those who are familiar with this sort of thing have expressed similar sentiments in their posts too.) The act of trying to capture everything in a video can ruin it for those in attendance while at the same time producing videos that are very poor to watch.

It is my personal belief that good instructional videos need to be scripted and well thought out in advance. What I am considering is an informal, loosely structured gathering that has the ability to move in a number of directions depending on the group's needs and desire. I think this is a good way to discover what material may need to be in a video, but that doesn't mean we should make a video from this gathering. I don't believe everything needs to happen at the same time, and the first time around should be an opportunity to see what works.

Also, this gathering gives me the opportunity to cover a lot of ground in one day with several people, but producing a series of videos, Powerpoint presentations, or screen capture vids with voice-overs may be much more time consuming and more involved than I am ready for at this time. Between my job and my family there is only a small amount of time left for this hobby, so I spend that time doing things I enjoy (after all, it is a hobby). I am not sure making instructional videos is something I am very enthusiastic over at this time. Meeting with friends and designing a speaker together, on the other hand, sounds like a lot of fun.

I will keep everyone posted as things develop and I know the what, when, and where stuff. Thank you all for your input. Hopefully it can develop into all of the things you are wanting it to be, even if that comes in phases.

Jeff B.

[killa]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

Sounds like you have a good grasp on what you want to do. Having fun doing it is the most important thing. From your first post it sounded like you wanted to reduce questions recieved by teaching people. That was the reason I suggested a video be made. But now I understand what your goal is a lot better and I agree a video is not a great Idea.

[howard]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

As with any "gift" we will be happy and thankful with whatever comes to pass. Thank you for thinking of us and being willing to give your time to help us. it is only right that you do it in whatever way is best for you.
Howard

[SirNickity]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

I am not sure making instructional videos is something I am very enthusiastic over at this time.

It IS something I would enjoy doing though. I've learned immeasurable amounts from those who took the time to capture what they know. I'm also interested in the technical process of bringing information to media.

But... I lack even nearly the level of understanding of this subject matter that some of the others here have. If anyone is willing to be the subject coach, I'll do the grunt work.

[1100xxben]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

Jeff, I would be very interested in attending something like this. However, depending on the date, I may not be available to make it. I have another little one on the way here in a month, and I don't really think the wife would be happy with my being that far away shortly before or after she arrives

[Jeff B.]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

Jeff, I would be very interested in attending something like this. However, depending on the date, I may not be available to make it. I have another little one on the way here in a month, and I don't really think the wife would be happy with my being that far away shortly before or after she arrives

Congrats to you and your wife!! I will figure out what looks promising. I doubt it can come together real fast, and I still need to check on a couple of things before I can get rolling. If you can make it when the time comes, wonderful. If you can't, then we all understand. Your family needs to come first.

[PWR RYD]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

I think you have made a wise choice Jeff. The most fun and effective presentations I have given were to smaller groups of technicians where we could interact one-on-one and add/remove material as needed. The larger the group the less wiggle room to customize or tailer fit material to the audience. And with really large groups fielding questions becomes problematic at best. Hence the "hold all questions until the end" requests.

[dustinbagby]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

I also think this is a brilliant idea, and you know I will be there.

In addition, i dont think trying to make a video of it is a great idea either. It needs to be more loose than that, with the ability to go in any direction necessary as many of you have said already.

[Wolf]

Re: A Proposal from Jeff - Need your feedback

Let me know if you need help, Jeff. I would be glad to help as needed, or even provide my own input if required. This is your show, so I'll bu++ out if you tell me to...:-)

Others have asked me privately for this kind of thing at my InDIYana, but feasibility is never an easy thing with everything else going on. I'm sure it will be anticipated highly!
Later,
Wolf