Mind of UPSLynx Report Card

[UPSLynx]

Hello everyone,

I've been doing 'Mind' for almost 3 months now. I'm looking for feedback.

As this weekly show is still quite experimental, I'm still getting a feel for what you guys want to see covered in it weekly, and how I want to stylize it.

So far, I'm happy with the show. I think it's fun to do (which is incredibly important), it's pretty easy to do with the exception of things like hitting myself in the face with a stuffed holy hand grenade, and I think it's a good way of connecting the front page with our community.

But I'm always up for suggestions and adjustments.

The main topics I can think of:
1.content
2.interaction
3.style

What do you think about the content? I try to cover what's happening in Icrontic, dab in some news, and then talk about what's happening in my world, my life. It is mind of UPSLynx afterall. Not that the events of my life are of particular interest to any random person no matter how significant, but I consider myself a good storyteller, and my life seems to dance on a thin red line of absurdity and normalcy many months out of the year. Lately though, I've found myself covering more Icrontic news and IC events than anything else. While I think it's good to focus on the news pieces that are being discussed on IC, I don't want that to be the only thing I do on the show. What kind of content are you interested in? What do you want me to cover, to talk about?

Interaction: it's just me, my computer, and a camera. I did a roundtable discussion with Bindlestick and Grimnoc last week, it was received rather well. I'd like to have more 'guest commentary' on the show, still trying to figure out how to do that (probably skype and some sort of capture program). But having other people talk just for the sake of mixing up the talking heads isn't so great. How would you like me to interact with other people? How often should I do it? (every week is probably not possible. I'm far too busy, and coordinating is very difficult).

Style, do you like the look? This isn't an important subject, and it's completely up to my jurisdiction, but I thought I'd throw it out there for people 'in the know' with production and video. I love the current style of Mind. Now that I've got the lighting under control and I'm wearing a mic, I think the presentation is just where I want it. This isn't meant to be an extravagant production. It's a simple, casual webseries. I try to style Mind of UPSLynx after Ze Frank's 'The Show' (http://www.zefrank.com/theshow), a daily webseries he did in 2006. I loved the show, it's quick transitions, unflinching presentation, and extremely quick wit. I want to keep with this format, it's easy, and fun to watch.

Also, best shortening of the name? Just call it 'Mind'? 'MOUPS'? not an easy one to shorten.

Some things I know I need to work on - timeliness. I missed doing an episode at SIGGRAPH with Chris White, Wahay, Bandrik, and all. I didn't do an episode at ICHQ two days ago. I screwed up the episode shot at EPIC09. When I go places, Mind needs to follow me, I need to work harder at that.

Pour it out, I want to hear what you've got.

[Nemikan]

For me, its a nice quick and simple way to catch up on recent news, important Icrontic related events and to enjoy some of the humor amidst the video. Skipping a week isn't a big deal, as it probably takes a good bit of work to make and edit, but weekly is very sweet and I'm excited your able to make one weekly.

As far as my thoughts on the current videos, I'm pretty happy with them but I do have a short attention span with videos. If there is more than say 30 seconds of talking in a row with no clips / sounds / cuts etc... It will probably lose my attention for a bit. The total length of the video... well I do not think they can ever be too long, so I wouldn't worry about that. Too short? Well if there isn't much information for that week, do something random, fun, and humorous.. enjoy it!

Suggestions:
1. Start up a forum post for: this week on mind of ups lynx where Icrontians can post topics (hopefully with links) to help you get an idea of topics for the week along with other ideas. After a while I'm worried you will get burnt out looking and finding all the needed information for the videos.

2. Guests are great, anytime your with another Icrontian or even non-Icrontian get em on the show and talk about something. Its almost like our own talk show ;). Grab a coworker, a friend, or even interview people off the street! Try doing this monthly.

3. Topics: Random topics dealing with your life or just things your interested in are pretty cool. A completely non-related to ic posts, events, and the original reasons for the video make it nice and unique and fun as well. This allows you extra creativity and freedom in making your videos fun, and entertaining.

4. The more random fun jokes and humor in them the better. The fun, brief flashes of text or clips from other things are great and those are what make a video awesome.

[wahay]

More wahay, please. I was supposed to guest spot the SIGGRAPH entry, but you fell asleep. By the way, some guy was taking pics of everyone sleeping, and he got me doing the thumbs-up next to you. Not unlike you and Grimnoc at the hospital.

On a serious note, more Icrontians is a plus.

Also, if you could spend hours of your time on some special effects, like the paintcan doppelganger shenanigan, that would unrealistically rock.

Beyond that, I can't think of any critiques, if you can even refer to this as a critique.

[Gate28]

I have only two complaints.

1) Do it more frequently.

2) The name is kind of misleading. Sure, UPSLynx is the host, but who is the star? It's ICrontic and her community.

[Nemikan]

2) The name is kind of misleading. Sure, UPSLynx is the host, but who is the star? It's ICrontic and her community.

I would disagree, yes it is about the community, but its like a talkshow web video. Its Lynx giving a run down on the community, it being "his" its named in that light. He goes over IC events and the community, but it is still his thoughts, his MIND.

[DogDragon]

ICrontic and her community.

I don't think so ICrontic (her) :scratch: ICrontic have to be Him
just look. Events ICrontic always trying to have a good time:rockon:,
if it was a Her ..... I don't think I want to go there.:D
This is going to start something :) But let start a different
thread for that, this one is Lynx's.
Sorry Lynx

Now for your show I would like to see more, but understand
the amount of time it takes. So thanks for taking that time you do.
Guess are interesting and you alone are good so maybe a mix
of them. (One time with, one or two without).
Keep having fun, we see the good time and it make our day a
little better.
What to talk about? ICrontic is a great place to start, there's always
something happening. Little News ( gaming and tech),and News
from the community(what members are doing) it's all there.
Keep your off the wall stuff, it may be off topic but fun.
Yep check list checked you got it all just keep running with it.
Ok that's my two cents:D

[Thrax]

The only "criticism" (if you could call it that) that I have is content:

You tend to focus very, very heavily on gaming, and tech mostly falls by the wayside. I know this is because gaming is your area of expertise, but if we could find some way to boost the presence of tech, that would be awesome.

Now, all that aside: Bobby, Mind of UPSLynx is awesome. I look forward to it every week. Keep up the damn good work.

[Nate_LapT]

You've done everything right so far in a webisode series so far.
Keep it fresh.
I dont see this as an IC show, but a show with an Icrontican host.
Guest stars are fun, but you have to work harder for things to go right.

Large part of your audience are from here, but we aren't the sole audience.

The short clips, doing it quick with random bits to the point. Perfection.

[Koreish]

I don't think so ICrontic (her) :scratch: ICrontic have to be Him


It's a her. That's why there are so many men lurking around here.

Lynx, no complaints keep up the good work.

[Annes]

I'm totally lez for Icrontic.

[GnomeWizardd]

here u go, STOP FREAKING OUT that i am gonna show up to a event, Nobody cares about me! lol

[UPSLynx]

here u go, STOP FREAKING OUT that i am gonna show up to a event, Nobody cares about me! lol

I only emphasize this because you said you'd be at EPIC09, then kenkeled out ;D

Thank you for the feedback so far everyone, PLEASE keep it coming.

Now to address:

N00bikan - Episodes will stay around 6 mins long. I'll try to cut in 'bits' as often as possible, as I know what you mean, many people loose attention span quickly on the internet. I've considered a 'topical' forum post to have everyone contribute ideas, but it would become messy, and eventually lose the point of the show. If people know what to expect, it becomes less interesting. It's easy for me to know what to talk about, I'm in the community constantly, I know what people are discussing.

And more humor and ridiculous bits are ALWAYS in the cards.

Wahay - more time bending VFX will happen, I'm sure. I love creating as you love watching it. It's my sickness. Each episode takes about 3-4 hours to produce from script to editing, but the grenade shot took me close to 4 hours alone just to shoot and edit that bit.

I am also extremely disappointed in myself for missing a SIGGRAPH episode. Pissed beyond words. I wanted to shoot with you guys and Chris White, and I missed it. There is no excuse, no matter what I was dealing with, and I must work harder at being timely.

Gate - more frequently, as in more than one per week, or being more consistant? There's no way I can do more than one a week, but I DO need to get back on top of having the show done by friday of each week. post SIGGRAPH, things have been nuts. Also, Icrontic is the star, but the concept of the show is what's going on in my mind (and that's a runaway train, trust me). I want the show to be less news topical, and more of me discussing trends and things that are happening, and hopefully spur discussion among the community.

Dogdragon - :thumbup:vimp:

Thrax - the gaming focus. This was something I meant to mention in the OP. I focus on gaming, because I write for gaming, I know much about whats going on. I definitely need to cover more of the tech going-ons. It's easy for me to go gaming, so I will certainly work on that. If you have any particular hot topics that you've written on tech, feel free to recommend them any week you have them. I typically glance over tech articles, but don't dig into them heavily unless it pertains to me and what I do.

Nate, Koreish - :thumbup:vimp:

Annes - :wtf:

Now, all that being said, the newest episode of MIND will be up soon, hopefully. I've been having issues all day trying to get it uploaded - it keeps failing about half way through. I think the issue lies with my laptop, not Viddler, so it'll probably have to wait until I get home from work tonight.

[GnomeWizardd]

hey moving from Fl to PA is a good reason to miss it

[fatcat]

And more humor and ridiculous bits are ALWAYS in the cards.

o.O

:p

[Thrax]

Right, like I said, gaming is your focus and what you rock at, so your focus for Mind of... goes with that. :) Not a huge deal, I'm just a hardware nerd.

[Nate_LapT]

Here's a crappy idea, skype Thrax into the show :P

[Lincoln]

You've got a great thing going here. My #1 suggestion (since you're asking) is to pick up the pace a little and tighten it up. Try setting a hard time limit and cutting down your content to fit the time slot. Tightening content inevitably leads to even better content, both in writing and video. :)

[QCH]

EXCEPT when he's improvising a lot. I think he should shoot for X minutes. Y minutes of meaty material and know he can go over and not exceed X. Then fill with funny pictures, faces, whatever for Z minutes where Z is the minutes need to make Y+Z=X.

So in other words, what Matt said but not limiting Lynx to cut or script his piece.

[Snarkasm]

I think I'm with Linc - the only qualms I've had recently is how much empty, silent time there's been in them recently. I think your original did a really good job - you've put a lot more ums and silent spots just sitting there lately, and it drags it down a bit.

[Nate_LapT]

I like his silent pauses, its the facial expressions during those pauses that works the video. if it was a podcast sure, video you have to take it all in. Um's in general are bad but overall they arnt distracting

[UPSLynx]

Snarkasm - forgive me if I'm totally missing it (which is easy to do when you edit work) but I'm almost certain I've removed almost all 'ums' in recent episodes. And not in Post, but I script the show and practice the read a few times before shooting, so I don't say any 'ums' in the shoot. I could be wrong. But the first two episdoes have a TON of 'ums' and confusion, where as the recent ones may have one or two.

But I do agree that I can tighten it up. My camera shoots for a maximum of 6 minutes at a time, which is the length of the show, so I have a maximum time limit that I must adhere to, or else I dump footage and shoot some more. I think 6 minutes is a perfect time per episode. Long enough to have meaty content, but short enought to keep attention span. Also, it allows elbow room.

What do you guys think about 6 minutes on average as the TRT?

I will work on tightening it up. At least, perhaps, I could start editing out the pauses. I've never viewed the pauses as bad, personally. I've heard many times that in methods of public speaking, do not be afraid of silence. It's a better alternative than 'ums'. But if it hurts the pace of the show, I'll work harder to remove that and keep the cart rolling.

Thanks again for the feedback everyone, it's invaluable. Keep it coming if you've got it.

[fatcat]

I personally don't mind how long they are, because I know there will be some lulz thrown in at any moment.

[rolleggroll]

Real talk: I think you need to film some ladies.

[Winfrey]

Real talk: I think you need to film some ladies.

I second this.

[UPSLynx]

Real talk: I think you need to film some ladies.

I third this.



...crap.

[Shorty]

Basically, it's rubbish and just some yankee wittering ;D

Now in truth. I really enjoy it. It's snappy, funny and you don't drift off too much. Thrax is correct, it has a gaming focus but I am sure you can expand that once you have a little more confidence. One thing I do notice is that you can occasionly look a little nervous.

But keep it up dude. It's AWESOME.

[Nate_LapT]

I think he is doing everything right.
One thing I have learned in online media, even though you are tailoring the show to your audience, it is still your show. If you listen to every viewer, you will hate what you end up with, though the little things do take to heart and work on.

Instance, gaming, thats what you cover so thats the topic. Something comes up you want to throw in, there you go, new topic.

[Thrax]

A recommendation: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MCZJ78?ie=UTF8&tag=icrontic-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002MCZJ78

720p/30 FPS webcam. :) You've upgraded audio, now time to GO FOR THE GOLD! I'm sure HD webcaming would make for way easier recording, and you wouldn't be limited for time as with your current camera.

[poofie]

i really enjoyed this episode, and not just because there was a pic of me in it.

although that didn't hurt.

i love the mix of news and lulz, and if you go back and compare it to the first episode you can really see an improvement. keep up the good work!

[UPSLynx]

^5 everyone.

Thrax - I'm currently looking at camera upgrade options. I'd rather not go webcam, as I really just need a replacement for my point and shoot sony. I need a nicer cam that I could take places, like SIGGRAPH and E3, a webcam would constrain me.

New Sony point and shoots have an HD-like functionality. It's not full HD, but it's perfect for a web series like this.

For example, my madcatz fightstick mod video (http://gaming.icrontic.com/articles/mod-madcatz-se-fightstick) was shot on my sister's new Cybershot with the HD mode enabled. There's quite a visual difference between the two. Of course, that Madcatz video is compressed more because it's twice the length of MIND

Basically, it's rubbish and just some yankee wittering
:sawed: pwned! Don't you have some tea to drink? :cool:

Interesting that you'd note I look a little nervous at times. I'm totally comfortable shooting this show (especially since it's just me starring at a camera). I'm a rather high-strung person, so I guess some of that just hits naturally. Hmm. I'll look into this.