#VEDA (Vlog Every Day in August)
#VEDA began on YouTube as Vlog Every Day in April. Late in July of 2010, I was watching the vlogs of a #VEDA participant, and without thinking too much about it, I said on twitter, “I’m thinking about vlogging every day in August.” AshleyD said, “you totally should,” and Pham said, “I have been considering something similar.” That’s how we began.
The Why
It is hard to explain the magic of #VEDA, but it is a really great way to make new friends on the internet. Vlogging is a surprisingly good way of getting to know people, so vlogging every day for a month with an awesome group results in an amazing and supportive community. You have to experience this magic for yourself.
Other good reasons to participate: If you have been wanting to start vlogging, this is the best way to do it, because you have a built in audience. If you need the sense of accomplishment that comes with committing to something and following through, this is a fun way to do that with a group. If you want to improve your vlogging skills, making 31 videos in 31 days is like taking an intensive course. If you have been looking for a new way to express yourself (maybe you’re blogged out), vlogging is a entirely different kind of medium.
The Who
Ashley (me) and Nico organize this #VEDA community. We are mostly bloggers who vlog. Our home base is We Blog, We Vlog. We are kind and awesome, so if you meet that description as well, then you’ll probably fit in.
How to Participate
1. Sign up (opening mid-July).
2. Subscribe to the YouTube channels of everyone in the participants list (consider following them on twitter and subscribing to their blogs as well).
3. Check the calendar for daily topics (the calendar is a work in progress).
4. On August 1st, start making a video every day and do not stop until August is over.
5. Try to watch and comment on as many of the other participant’s videos as you can. This is the part that makes VEDA fun and meaningful.
FAQ
Q: Is #VEDA happening again this year?
A: Yes. Every August forever.
Q: Can I participate?
A: Yes. Please! There is a core group of us who have become close, but new people joined in last year, and we would love to have you this year. Our arms are wide open.
Q: When will more information be posted?
A: You can expect to start hearing about #VEDA in mid-July. You will be asked to sign up, and then we will brainstorm topic ideas as a group. Topics will be finalized and added to the calendar in late-July.
Q: Are there any rules?
A: The only rule is that you have to vlog every day. (But see Vlogging Tips below for further guidelines.)
Q: What if I miss a day?
A: Keep going. The point is to make a vlog every day, but don’t quit if you miss a day. Remember, you’ll get as much out of it as you put into it.
Q: Can I make videos in advance?
A: No. You should always make your video that day. It’s part of the challenge. We will all have video-making obstacles to work with this August.
Q: Do I have to use YouTube?
A: We super highly suggest it, because the YouTube subscription feature makes it so much easier to follow everyone.
Q: What do I do if I have problems with YouTube/my video/life.
A: You could ask Ashley or Nico. Or you might start by asking on twitter to see if another VEDAer has the answer.
Q: Who chooses the topics?
A: You can add your suggestions to the google doc (you’ll have access soon). We will be choosing the suggestions we think will work best and adding them to the calendar. If you have particularly strong feelings about a topic, you can make your case.
Q: What if I don’t like one of the topics?
A: The topics are just suggestions. You are always welcome to go off topic.
Q: What do I get if I win (make a video every day in August)?
A: The respect of a Captain. Probably some new friends. Likely, a meaningful experience.
Q: Who is the Captain? Why is she called Captain? Who is the Robot and why is he called Robot?
A: Ashley (@writetoreach) is Captain. She doesn’t exactly remember, but thinks it had something to do with the number of Ashleys who participated in #VEDA the first year. Nico (@nicopolitan) is Robot and he is called a Robot because he is a robot.
Q: What’s this business about loving people’s faces?
A: Well, it started during #winetoreach, but it just makes sense, because we will be seeing a lot of each other’s faces in August.
Q: I am looking forward to participating in #VEDA, but that’s months away! What can I do in the meantime?
A: Check We Blog, We Vlog for vlogging events. Start vlogging on your own! Start a collab channel. Eat pizza.
Tips for Vlogging
1. Keep your videos under 4 minutes.
2. Have some idea of what you’re going to say before you start.
3. Look at the camera. Talk to the camera like you’re talking to us.
4. Try to limit background noise and other distractions.
5. Don’t worry too much about being interesting. Just be honest and as much yourself as you can (while awkwardly talking to a camera).
6. iMovie and Windows Movie Maker are both pretty simple. If you’re interested in trying your hand at editing, search for tutorials on YouTube.
7. If you’re having technical problems, ask for help.
Helpful Posts
#VEDA 2010
#VEDA 2011
Why You Should Vlog
Suggestion from Nico on what to vlog about.