I’ve been thinking of entering this arena with my blogs. Just getting to the point of starting and recording the first one is the biggest hurdle, which after doing once, I think will be a lot easier.

Hey so I’m not the only one with a beard? (it’s true you kinda have this Dave Grohl look hehe)

branding, branding, branding

I dislike guest blogging. But I think its better to just create you own brand like you said.

The thing with video is it demands far more time from the visitor – they can’t skim an article; with a video they have to sit and watch it all if they are to get to the content.

If videos are to be used, I think they should be accompanied with textual transcripts for those who have neither the time nor the inclination to watch videos.

- Martin Reed

I haven’t read the other comments so it may already have been mentioned, but I would suggest running it more as a conversation.

Both of you guys started at the camera the whole time as if you didn’t care what the other was saying
Looking at the speaker and the occasional nod would help the messages get through even better.

But other than that very professional – I can’t believe you two don’t have much public speaking experience…

It’s definitely a branding plus and a good way to get more comfortable in uncomfortable situations which will help your business objectives a lot

You’ve made me want to give it a shot myself (as soon as I get myself a decent video camera).

Definitely helps add a more personal touch to your blog efforts. There are quite a few constructive points of critique above which I was going to touch on, but they’ve already been made.

Keep it up.

Obviously on the scale of things, video podcasting is not a huge risk. However, the rewards for a risk such as this I think are worth mentioning. Possible rewards include adding another sense of familiarity to my blog, thus further branding myself and creating a more memorable persona to people. Another reward would be inspiring someone else to start video podcasting.

That being said, I am just a huge fan of doing things DIFFERENT. How do we stand out if we don’t try to be different? Video podcasting is a just another way that I can differentiate myself from other bloggers out there. The initial risk involved of looking like a video-podcasting newb will pay off over time if it helps increase my readership. Plus, the possibility that this could help (in any slight way) video podcasting become more mainstream in the blogosphere is very promising as well.

You talk about taking risks. What are the risks associated with video podcasting? Most of us have webcams/microphones/camera phones and can use free software to edit them, as well as youtube to host them.

Personal embarrassment aside, what else is a risk? Time it takes?

If not, it could be VERY worthwhile to produce a few videos to get the message out.

Keep it up, i can’t wait to see the next!

Well firstly what a great way to answer Mark’s original question of whether Guest Blogging was worth the effort or not. Your video was very good (and professional) and it highlights the fact as you mentioned that we all need to stand out – heck I just ordered Purple Cow yesterday – can’t wait to read it .

It may be obvious but on my comments on Mark’s post, I totally forgot about the fact that guest bloggers want to make a good impression.

In the blogosphere, we regularly only get a visitor to land on our site and for them to have a few seconds to make a decision whether they stick on that page or move on. We’ve all gotta try and get the best reaction possible and entice readers onto your site. Therefore, guest posters are more likely to put effort into their guest posts, despite the obvious plugs, as they could gain something more beneficial than a backlink – a new community.

Can’t wait for the next videos Nate – great work!

Also, I agree with the “sheep blogs” comment. I mean look at the massive amount of blogs that are almost an exact copy of John Chow’s blog. Not only do they also talk about making money online, they have the exact same theme that he does.

I think my blog stands out a lot more, now that I have a sweet theme

Part of what I think is so damn cool about blogging is the instant feedback I can receive on something. This is just another example of me turning to my community for great advice. Being that I have known many of you for several months now, it is especially cool that I am able to consistently receive open and honest feedback regarding new experiments such as this.

On another note, this recent video podcast (as quickly put together as it was) did seem to accomplish one other thing I was hoping it to, and that is making all of you feel like you “know me” slightly better. It is one thing for you to have been reading my articles for the past several months, but from that standpoint, you don’t have any other solid proof I am who I say I am – but through video podcasting, another level of “familiarity” can be established thanks to seeing and hearing me in a video format.

Keep up the feedback coming, everyone. I really appreciate it. Once again, we strongly encourage anyone to make their own video podcast to add that extra level of familiarity to your blog! Thanks, guys!