Randy Cassingham's Blog

Posted by Phil, San Antonio, Texas on June 16, 2008:

Pro: Seeing you relate your own story.

Con: Seeing you "looking over my head" to read the story.

Pro: Short and sweet.

Con: Too short. Yes, the previous incarnation was too long, but two or three stories would probably make for a good compromise.

Looking forward to seeing more of you in the future!

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Yeah, I know that I'm not looking at the camera. I hope to build a "teleprompter" in the next few weeks for a more natural look. (Figures I'd need technology to look "natural"!) But they'll continue to be about this length for now. -rc

Posted by Dustin L, California on June 16, 2008:

I like the new format with you reading the story, but I didn't think the old series was too long. In fact, the new one seems a bit short. Maybe I'm an abnormal Gen-Xer because I have an attention span longer than that of a flea.

At any rate, great to see new episodes being produced. Maybe the shorter length can be made up for by greater frequency? ;^D

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Indeed, I do hope to run with them weekly, perhaps (not sure!) taking time off if I'm on the road. -rc

Posted by Tina in Fairfax, VA on June 16, 2008:

I think you should do podcasts. I don't download a lot of videos from the 'net, but I love listening to podcasts while I'm exercising or riding my bike or driving to/from work. Plus, they'd be really cheap and easy to produce using equipment that pretty much comes standard on most computers nowadays. What's not to love?

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Mainly, it's that it's Yet Another Thing To Do. I am, however, considering it. We'll see once Becky gets even more "up to speed" with work around here. -rc

Posted by Barbara, Georgia on June 16, 2008:

That was a good one to start with; how did you keep a straight face?

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Years of practice. When you do it every day, there has to be something "special" to make me laugh. And once I've read it several times, I know what the "special" part is long before I get to it. Of course, that skill makes it possible for me to time the "special" part for you, too, so you can laugh! -rc

Posted by Joe from NY on June 16, 2008:

Great start, and I guess the "looking above the camera" issue has already been addressed, so I'll add some other constructive criticism: sit at a desk, and have the camera framing you along the "rule of thirds" rather than dead center. And depending on your software, you can then put a box in the top corner on the opposite side, rather than cutting to the clips. The background is also a little busy - it's a good idea to convey the true news story concept, but a solid curtain would keep the focus on you. Third, see if you can get a shotgun mic to cut down on the ambient room noise (some quiet simple looped music could help too). Feel free to contact me if you want me to elaborate on anything. Overall, I'm glad to see another project and you obviously have the writing aspect nailed!

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I'm actually using a lav mic, but I think it's a bit hot. Time to tone it down a bit if you think I'm using the mic on the camera! And yeah: I am planning to do something different for the background "real soon now".... -rc

Posted by Jerry, San Francisco on June 17, 2008:

I love the column, but when it comes to the video, you should check your ego at the door and let someone more polished, like Katie, do the delivery. Your delivery couldn't have been more stiff. It was like the old "Sing Along With Mitch" show watching your eyes bounce off of every word on the teleprompter. Either have a few belts and loosen up or let someone else deliver your words and get over it.

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"Ego"? Now there's a switch. -rc

Posted by Dawn, Michigan on June 17, 2008:

Randy, great job for your first video I enjoyed it. And the one minute format is perfect! With anything, there is always room for improvement...You'll do fine! I'm sure you'll receive some very constructive criticism from your readers/now viewers and fans!

Posted by Barry, Atlanta on June 17, 2008:

Jerry in San Francisco is off his rocker, Randy. Ego? You have less ego than you should, considering your vast accomplishments with This Is True, the amazing praise you get from the media and your readers alike, and the simple fact that your first inclination was to have someone else produce your videos in the first place! I know you had readers suggesting that you take them over, because I was one of them. I thought that when I saw the first of the "old" series videos, and the feeling grew as I watched subsequent episodes, and I wrote to tell you so.

I also noticed someone on YouTube wrote that they thought you were nervous. You sure didn't look nervous to me. You looked pretty natural, considering you haven't done this before, and I'm sure you'll get even more comfortable after you've done a few.

So please don't let the jerks who surely couldn't do half as good a job as you are sway you from your path. You have clearly had good instincts over the years. I've been reading you for at least 10 years, and if anything the newsletter is getting better and better.

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Indeed I wasn't nervous -- I rarely am. Thanks for your kind words, Barry, and hey: if the first video is as bad as the naysayers think, then all they can do is improve over time! Which is to say, I'll be continuing them, and sure: as I've said from the start there's room for improvement. But hey: maybe that was just my "ego" talking. *snort* -rc

Posted by Pete from Chicago on June 18, 2008:

I like the short one story format. Much better than the longer version you started out with.

While your delivery was stiff, it was far from bad. You will get the hang of it as time goes on. Anyone who watched "Motorweek" in the 90's knows how bad a broadcaster can be and how much they can improve as time goes on. Cameras and microphones take a long time to get used to. Especially when you have no direct audience feedback.

Posted by Jeremy, Tigard Oregon on June 18, 2008:

I haven't seen the 'old' clips, but the new ones have a good feel to them. Length is just right; clear, concise, and to the point. Delivery is well done, too; just enough wry humor to get the subtle dig in....

Always delivering, Randy, and I'm grateful for it!

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You can follow the link in the first paragraph to see the 'old' series. -rc