Here’s my opinion…A lot of online users have conquered using a small camcorder and getting videos online. Some are more polished than others, some more professional, fancier, etc.

Now what do they do? They try to find a way to make their videos better. They can’t or don’t want to get fancier equipment so they think about better content.

What could make the content better? A story.

More and more of the content that I’ve been consuming has been talking about storylines in videos. It’s a natural next step. I think it’s a good thing.

Maybe that’s one of the reason how-to videos are popular. The nature of an instructional video already follows a type of storyline – a prologue, building to the climax, and the conclusion.

Videos that have a point are always better! Do you think about story lines in your videos?

Two videomakers that I like that often use a storyline are Happy Slip and The Long Long Honeymoon. Do you know any videos with great story lines? Please leave a comment with a link so I can watch them too.

Here’s another great article by Christopher Ming Ryan titled 4 Common Video Blogging Mistakes and How To Avoid Them.

Something I want to try [other than stop motion - haven't gotten to that yet] is a time lapse video. Sean from The Long Long Honeymoon uses time lapse a lot and uses it very well.

Just in case you haven’t seen it – Telling Dad did a parody about how much we – bloggers/vloggers – love comments. So true!

Lastly, see if you recognize the voice in this TwitVid about the world’s smartest horse.

Check out how Dave Kaminsky got creative with green screen.

Blogging Basics 101 is a great site by Melanie and she was so kind to recommend me in her list of links about vlogging.

Gussy found this fun movie with Brooke White and Summer Bellasa so I’m going to link to her site instead of the YouTube link. It is a stop motion video and a lot of work went into it! They even wrote the song themselves.

At 5 Minutes for Mom there is a post titled A Guaranteed Method For Improving Your Photography by Tasra Dawson. It’s a great post and while I was reading I realized that her 3 tips could really help serious vloggers as well.

Tasra’s main point is to take a picture every day.

It works for video too. Take a video every day! You might not get a complete video filmed every day, but you can get a clip or two that you can work into a finished video later. You might not use the clip, but you’ll gain experience.

First she says to carry your camera with you everywhere. I’ve said before that it’s good to always take your video camera with you. These days cameras are small and easy to slip in a bag – don’t forget to throw in some extra batteries. You never know what you’ll happen upon or what you’ll think of while out and about – especially if you have kids.

Second she says to begin to see things differently. Once you’re thinking about video you’ll start thinking more like a director or editor. You’ll think about what would make a good story that others would like to watch. You’ll think of what would be a good background, or what would be funny to add to a vlog, or how you’re going to tell your watchers about what happened. I do it, and even my children have picked up on it since they have fun with their camera.

Thirdly she says to get off automatic. If your camera lets you change settings – go for it! Some video cameras do not let you change settings so lets think of this in a slightly different way. Let’s say – get out of your comfort zone. Do you tend to always record your videos in front of your webcam? Try going outside! Do you film a lot in your car? Open the door and get out! Try a close-up or a far away shot. Do a different type of video – if you do a lot of reviews try to sit and talk, if you always sit and talk try a cooking video, etc.

Push yourself and you will grow.

P.S. The points are from her article; the rest is from me. Tasra Dawson also does great videos called Real Women Scrap TV.

I’m pleased to announce that during my live show Friday at 2pm EST on May 28,2010 I will have 3 things to giveaway.

BioGaia Probiotic Straws
They help your children stay healthy so you have more time to make a video.

Zippity Doos Hair Products – all natural hair products that repel lice and work well.
They help your children look nice for their videos and make sure you don’t have to spend time taking care of lice.

Build-a-Bear $10 Gift Card – a way to spend time with your children and give them something to do later while you make or edit a video.

P.S. I’m working on the video reviews but having technical difficulties – which is a nicer way of saying that I’m frustrated out of my mind!

Link Love is early this week to give you lots of time to visit these wonderful sites!

Each of these guest posts is different. When I guest post I do not give them the exact same content as anyone else. It’s my gift to them for allowing me as a guest. Please take some time and check them out. [Psst - these are all great sites that I enjoy.]

1. 1. Kimberley – The Go-To Mom
2. 2. Sarah – Real Life
3. 3. Lynn Terry – Click Newz
4. 4. Janice & Susan – 5 Minutes for Mom
5. 5. Sarah Mae – Like A Warm Cup of Coffee

I was interviewed on 2 podcasts:

1. 1. Tishia Lee - WAHM Talk Radio
2. 2. Angela – Marketers Mojo

Thanks to Blog Energizer, Mommy Reporter, Mom Deal of the Day, Staci Jansma, and Yoly of Cuponeando for helping spread the word about my free report!

If you want to add some vlogging tips to your site I have some free reprint articles at Articles Base. Feel free to email them or post to your blog; just keep them as they are with the author info.

1. 1. The Top Three Questions About Video Blogging
2. 2. Can You Make Any Money Video Blogging?

If I missed someone please let me know so I can add them to the list.

Today during my  live show at 2 pm EST I will be hosting 2 giveaways! Come and chat via text or through your webcam about anything video or vlogging related.

First is something to help keep your children occupied while you vlog – a My Little Pony. They would love for you to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

The second giveaway is something to help your children look nice when you video them – a $25 gift certificate to Likewear. My readers are invited to use the code VLOGGING to get 25% off their non-sale purchase.

The winners will be picked from the audience of my live show at 2pm EST on MomTV.

The live show is over. We had a great time!

Here’s a video contest about declaring your classroom independence. The winner will be picked from the videos with the most views. Grand prize is $1,000.

Next is a mother and her kids illustrating/talking about grapheme-color synesthesia. The daughter associates a color with each letter of the alphabet. Pretty interesting.

Turn Here makes excellent videos. Here’s a post from their site that shows 4 different coffee shops. Check out the way they transition, use b-roll, use close-ups, etc.

Lastly, just a fun video to watch of a momma moose and 2 babies playing in a sprinkler. I’ve never had that big of an animal in my back yard. Wow!

I’m going this year. Mostly because it’s close to me, but there are other reasons. I already started a list of people I want to meet. I will -of course- be taking my video camera.

Here’s a contest for a trip to BlogHer AND a camcorder. Sounds great to me! JVC HD Everio is sponsoring the “Power Your Passion” BlogHer10 Sweepstakes. [Special thanks to Yoly for telling me about it.]

This video has been around for a little while and I think it’s really neat so I wanted to make sure you’ve seen it. A math teacher at Biola University experimented with mixing video and live action. First he did a video for Halloween and then a different one for April Fools.

Here’s 16 Tips For Successful Online Video Marketing from the Social Media Examiner. Great points – I agree!

A special thanks to Mommy Reporter for posting about my webinar!

Lastly, here’s a feel good human interest story about a Little Soldier Girl Welcoming Daddy Home. While you’re watching check out angles, cuts, close-ups etc. and see what you like/don’t like.