Video hosts are merely tools. TV, theaters and portable video devices like iPods are also merely tools. A tool has no meaning until someone puts it to use. The tool can be used for good, or harm.
Here's a quick example. Video editing software is merely a movie making tool too but it took the film industry over a decade to figure out that movies didn't have to be edited on an Avid video editing system. That movies could in fact, be edited on ANY video editing system.
Don't let what I call thought stagnation happen to you and the way you trust video hosts. Anyone can use a video host for almost any reason. It's up to you to attach meaning and relevance to each video you watch online.
Just becuase a video "looks like a duck and walks like a duck" does NOT mean it's a duck. Video, just like print, TV and the movies, can carry hidden agendas, and messages. And I'm not saying all intentionally hidden messages are sinister. But I am saying you'll be unknowingly imprinted with these messages unless you are aware of them. What does it take to be aware? Just question every filmmakers intent and the their messages. It's actually pretty enlightening and easy to do.
Below is an article written by a couple of people who did more than simply question the intent of a novice videomaker:
Where Did That Video Come From?
"The (omitted) video represents a less well-known side of YouTube. As its popularity has exploded, the public video-sharing site has drawn marketers looking to build buzz for new music releases and summer blockbusters. Now, it's being tapped by political operatives, public relations experts and ad agencies to sway opinions. Ogilvy & Mather, for example, says it plans to post amatuer-looking videos on Web sites to spark word-of-mouth buzz about Foster's beer."
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That's a wrap! Say it with video!
Nerissa Oden www.TheVideoQueen.com
