The Sports Editor at the Whitman Pioneer has started to become somewhat interested in videotaping events and posting the content online. We’re thinking of videotaping some volleyball, basketball, soccer, and tennis games next year and then posting the content with the articles when they publish as well as on a separate video page.
However, the problem is that currently our tech staff consists of one, me. I try to balance getting all of the web stuff done while also helping staff develop ideas they have that need someone tech-savvy. Since video editing takes time and people what do you think is more important: videos in conjunction with articles or videos as stand-alone pieces (almost more like a separate section to the online site)? To put it another way: if you could only put the resources into one avenue would you work to videotape a few sporting events and lectures a year that would otherwise go untaped or conduct video interviews with people as part of current articles?
I want to hear ideas because I honestly don’t know what’s more important. What have you guys and gals out there done? What would you rather see as a reader? Sound off below.
Comments
I think sporting events and lectures are two separate things. Video from sporting events, especially small liberal arts colleges, would be more engaging if it were should interviews or clips of the highlights. With lectures, however, I could foresee instances in which the community might want to see the entire thing. You could even mash up the two by doing an interview with the speaker at the end as the teaser for the entire lecture.
I think it’s hard to generalize and say, “just do this type over that type.”
I would recommend looking for the best and most compelling storytelling opportunities. Sometimes that may be game highlights or it may be a video to complement a story. Or it could be a video that just stands alone as it’s own story.
I’d also say try a bit of everything that makes sense for the Pio and see what kind of video users prefer.