Blogging vs Vlogging

I haven’t written here in quite a while, and this blog is now little over a year old. To make it clear, I don’t plan on writing regular posts on here. Why? That will be explained further on. Now on with blogging and vlogging.

Lets start by defining both words.

Blogging is the form of written communication. People who practice this activity write in a personal web journal called a blog. Blogs are divided into posts which are entries displayed in reverse chronological order.

Vlogging is short for Video Blogging. It is a form of blogging for which the medium is video.  Vlogging is a very popular category in YouTube.

Simple enough to understand right? The major difference is that blogging is text-based and vlogging is based on video (as the name already tells us). But, which is better? Well let me start of by saying vlogging can be used to complement a blog or it can be used alone. The same goes for blogging, many video bloggers or vloggers (what you call people who vlog) use blogs to sometime write and further expand the topic(s) explored in their vlog.

Honestly, I think it comes down to personal preference. I personally prefer video blogging, and this take me to another section of this post. Why? Why do I prefer vlogging over blogging?

I think that while vlogging you have a better opportunity to express yourself fully. You can talk like you’re in a normal conversation with your friends. When your blogging you have to pay attention to making your post attractive to the reader. Punctuation, pictures, all those things. I’m not saying you don’t need these things when you vlog, because you do need to have good lighting, good video quality and a good enough voice tone. Without those things your viewer will stop watching the video. You need to establish eye contact with your viewer (this means look to your camera lens!). The thing with vlogging is that you feel more complete, more free, it’s taking the interaction with your audience to a whole other level.

And that’s why I don’t blog frequently. I’ve started video blogging and I’m incredibly in love with it. At first it will feel awkward and you’ll ask yourself, ”Why am I sitting here talking to a camera?”, but once you get past that initial stage of awkwardness you’ll start feeling the love. It doesnt matter if you have 5 viewers, 10, 100, or 10,000, even if you have 0 viewers and you like what you’re doing, keep doing it! People will find you eventually and you’ll start building a community around your videos. See what you can improve on and improve, become one of the best at vlogging. Certainly, I’m not, I don’t have more than 8 viewers, but I follow the tips I gave you, I’ve been vlogging for less than a month.

If you’re really interested in vlogging, here are some helpful videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2lY0T5cA0s -How to vlog, Vlogbrothers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtvKLtMnH4U -How to vlog, Myles Dyer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDvqMOncvpE&feature=relmfu -Have confidence issues? But want to vlog?, Myles Dyer

Just like if you want to become a musician you have to listen to music, or if you want to be a writer you have to read, if you want to vlog you have to watch good video blogs. I’ll provide you with a list of my favourite YouTube vloggers with links to their channels right here:

Charlieissocoollike (Charlie McDonnell) - http://www.youtube.com/user/charlieissocoollike?blend=1&ob=4

Vlogbrothers (Hank Green & John Green) - http://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers?feature=watch

thatzak - http://www.youtube.com/user/thatzak?blend=1&ob=4

Your Average Adam - http://www.youtube.com/user/YourAverageAdam

Nerimon ( Alex Day) - http://www.youtube.com/user/nerimon

NerdzRL (Daily Vlogs)- http://www.youtube.com/user/NerdzRL?blend=1&ob=video-mustangbase

Shaytards (Daily Vlogs) - http://www.youtube.com/user/shaytards?blend=1&ob=4

Now, when you search “How to Vlog”, there will be people who tell you to not use a webcam or cheap cameras. Don’t listen to those people. Vloggers start small and work their way up. Imagine buying a $400 or more camera and end up not enjoying vlogging. It will be a complete waste of money.

“Skill is honed by lack, and there’s no reason to have a sword made out of Valerian steel if your just learning how to wield a knife.”

- Hank Green.  More about that on the first helpful video I linked.

You can also do both vlogging and blogging at the same time. Like I mentioned before, they can compliment each other. Notice in the different channels I listed, there are 2 that are “Daily Vlogs”. I think the name explains itself quite clearly. If you’re interested in that you can watch them to get examples and learn. I don’t do daily vlogs because my life is currently not interesting enough to share with the world. Although when I go to college I plan to try them out.

I suggest you start out with YouTube. Leave a comment with your channel’s link and lets see if we can start a network of new vlogs. Subscribe to each other and jump-start your community!

: )

-Johny

Why hello. Didn’t see you there!

Honestly, I wasn’t really aware that November was already here. I can remember last year like it was yesterday. Time flies doesn’t it?

But besides the fact that we get old rather rapidly, at least we can say that the happiest time of the year is almost here. Christmas! Just a couple of days ago I started feeling the different atmosphere. I feel as if a giant balloon full of joy exploded over my head and filled me up with all these happy things. My life has gotten so colorful and happy.

I really hope all of you start feeling as good as me. And happy early Christmas from me to you!

On a side note, I’m thinking of getting into photography as a hobby. So as soon as I start taking decent pictures I’ll start posting them here. I’ll probably open a page on this blog dedicated only to them but I’ll probably have to wait until Christmas to get a decent DSLR camera.

I’d appreciate it if you could leave some tips for beginners in the comments. Thanks!

: )

~Johny

Just wanted to say

Well today has been an inexplicably happy day. I woke up really early to practice on my new bass guitar. After that I went to the movies with 2 of my best friends. I know you probably don’t care about reading about my life, but I felt like writing this.

I feel as if I where in a completetly different different dimension.

And this is a story about yesterday, yet it says “today”. Or maybe it was today, or maybe last week. You will never really know.

: )

~Johny

Why I love The Beatles || 15 O

First of all, I’m going to start by saying The Beatles are the best band ever and will remain like that for years to come (and by that I mean forever).  When and if we get visited by extraterrestrials some day I really hope we show them The Beatles before anything else.

Now, why are The Beatles special to me? I will be answering that question right here.

When I first discovered The Beatles and heard them for the first time I was blown away. I instantly felt in a state of inner peace. After that I started sharing their music with my friends and I managed to “recruit”  brand new Beatles Fans.

For a while I was slightly creeped out by the Paul is Dead Hoax. My mind didn’t stop racing for a very long time. But that’s probably one of the things that made my very first weeks as a Beatles fan really enjoyable. Endless discussions, comparing photos, examining album covers to see if all the clues were actually there, I had a lot of fun.

Whenever I feel sad, I listen to a song by The Beatles and I’ll cheer up instantly. Feeling extremely happy? I listen to a song by The Beatles and that magnifies my happiness by 1001%. Listen closely to a Beatles song and you’ll find that they are filled with wisdom and very helpful tips. Simple things like ‘Let it be” can make a difference in one’s mood.

Note: Please support the Global Occupation tomorrow (15th of October). 

On October 15th people from all over the world will take to the streets and squares.

From America to Asia, from Africa to Europe, people are rising up to claim their rights and demand a true democracy. Now it is time for all of us to join in a global non violent protest.

The ruling powers work for the benefit of just a few, ignoring the will of the vast majority and the human and environmental price we all have to pay. This intolerable situation must end.

United in one voice, we will let politicians, and the financial elites they serve, know it is up to us, the people, to decide our future. We are not goods in the hands of politicians and bankers who do not represent us.

On October 15th, we will meet on the streets to initiate the global change we want. We will peacefully demonstrate, talk and organize until we make it happen.

It’s time for us to unite. It’s time for them to listen.

People of the world, rise up on October 15th!

http://15october.net/

: )

~Johny

My favourite animal: Owls

I love owls because of their ghostly appearance. In my opinion, owls are one of the most beautiful creatures on this planet. Owls are also part of a lot of different cultures from around the world, including Greek and Roman Mythology, aswell as English Folklore.

 ”Owls have been both feared and venerated, despised and admired, considered wise and foolish, and associated with witchcraft and medicine, the weather, birth and death.”

Owls are always surrounded  mystery and are often related to darkness. But to me, looking at owl pictures, videos, or even looking at them at the zoo just relaxes me and normally leaves me feeling warm and relieved.

But of all Owls, the Australian Masked Owl (a type of barn owl) is my favorite (closely followed by the Snowy Owl). Heres is a picture:

In case any doubt remains, that guy up there is an Australian Masked Owl.

Do you have a favorite animal? Tell us in the comments!

; )

~Johny

A post with words

Well, over the summer I have become more of a nerd than what I ever was (and I am proud!). Before I start, let me say this post will contain sentences, words and letters. You may also find punctuation marks (do not feed).

Well as I was saying, I’ve become more of a nerd than what I ever was (I don’t think I’ve mentioned the fact that I consider myself a nerd in my previous posts, sorry about that). I discovered a massive community of people like myself called the…

And as the image above clearly says, we are made of AWESOME. The Nerdfighters are a community of people who work to rid the world of its suck. We come from different cultures and nationalities but we all have our nerdiness and desire to fight this world’s suck.

Also, as you all know, the Harry Potter series has come to an end this summer. I enjoyed the last movie very much and I felt really sad when I realised it was all over. But if you’re a Potter fan and are looking forward to more of this series you can check out the new online reading experience called Pottermore by clickinghere.

Over the last 7 days, a contest was taking place to see if you could be one of the lucky million people to get into Pottermore early (the contest is now over). The contest consisted on solving a Potter related clue, after solving the clue you were taken to a website where you had to find the Magic Quill (more information on the Magic Quill here). After you found the Quill, you were taken to finish your registration process, receive a confirmation e-mail, and finally validate your account securing a possible spot in the first few to get into Pottermore. One million Harry Potter fans managed to get in (including myself).

I got in on Day 2. Did you get in? Comment below telling me on what day! Didn’t manage to get in? Comment below saying so aswell!

Pottermore will be open to all on October. Early access accounts will start receiving welcome e-mails starting next week and ending on September 30th.

Don’t Forget to be Awesome, Nerdfighters!

; D

~Johny

Planet J Writing Process

Everyday I stress out on what to write here at Planet J. I try to make a post every single day, but that is almost impossible. Today while I had a drive through town, i decided to write about my writing process. A ritual the I go through everytime I want to write something here.

1. I turn on some relaxing and creative music. This includes Owl City, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, bands that haven’t started yet, and music I have gathered from my various trips to other dimensions.

2. Look at cool paintings and pictures.

3. Write random stuff on a notebook and draw.

4. Do the “What if” excersice. This means that I read something on the internet or a book and then create a whole new ending.

5. Stare at a blank Markerboard to spark creativity.

And after all these steps, and others that i cant remember, sometimes I just can’t come up with what to post. Some times I do but the post isn’t as good as I want it to be. (Probably like this one ).

: )

~Johny

Summers Here (or almost here)

Summer.

One of the most magical times of the year. Kids are out of school, family time, the beach, vacation. But what is it that amkes summer such a wonderful time? Well the answer is simple. Theres two answers:

1. Increased friendly alien visitations
2. More posts on Planet J

Thats right, folks! Planet J is back and better than ever! I aqpoligize for not posting in the last couple of months. I was in another dimension with my newly found “other dimensionaly” alien friends.

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Happy-Magic-Summer from Planet J and it’s citizens!

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: )

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~Johny

Quick Post

RocketSnail Games has re-opened. A new game is on it’s way for Web, Ipod, Xbox 360, PS3 and the new mobile PSP. More information here: http://rocketsnail.com/ .

~Johny

Winter at home

Winter. Kids go on winter break, and play in the snow. But sadly, that is now over and we’re all going to school or to work.

Fist of all, where I live there is no difference between winter and summer. Can you guess where I live?

“The tropical island of Puerto Rico, where you can find local exotic hideaways, miles of white sandy beaches, mountains and valleys, and many other natural wonders. In addition to the natural splendors you will find yourself surrounded by warm and friendly people.”

Here, winter is very different, there’s no snow, and temperatures never go under 80º . Although in the Mountain area, temperatures can fall to at least 60º.

I have NEVER in my life touched snow and it has been my dream to play in the snow since I was really young. If I ever get the chance to finally play in the snow, I’ll unleash my inner 4-year-old and have the most fun I’ve ever had!

Here are some more pictures about Puerto Rico:

Also, as of this Thursday, I probably won’t be able to post daily. So don’t think I stopped blogging.

: )

~Johny