Student Blogs

Videos are Bad at Blogging

“We need to think beyond the blogging box and become really engaged with what we are doing, because we could create something that will attract viewers.”-Steven Hodson, Mashable

I look at blogs like I eat a McDonald’s cheeseburger: one bite, throw away the wrapper. Most money-making-tons-of-hits blogs are great at giving the reader bite sized information initially, then allowing them to re-read for the detailed stuff. But before you feel the need to have your bloggers bullet point, embolded headings, write small paragraphs and use italicization let’s talk about why Student Blogs are different.

The Difference

The typical student blog reader is reading for the experience. They’re not coming to each page needing tips on gardening or pet grooming; they want to feel like they’re at your institution. The difference between the mainstream blogosphere and Higher-Ed student blogs is in what the readers are looking for. The mainstream reader needs the gist first and the details second. Readers of student blogs need details immediately.

Video Application

You may find articles like this one that suggest that video may be bad for blogs because of the time commitment a reader must make. The great thing about the Student Blog is that readers come to the site ready to invest some time.

Viral Videos usually succeed if they are highly instructional or have the “i’ve never seen anything like that before in my life “quality.” Sure, your log videos may not be viral smash hits, but they will be experiential and that is what’s important.

The Rules

• Video content posted in a blog can be anything you want it to be, because your blog readers are ready to take the time to watch your stuff.
• Video content posted elsewhere should be instructional or entertaining.

Check out that Mashable article and subscribe to their feed. They post some great stuff about web communications.

© 2008 Tim Cox.