The Official ActiveRain Guide

Brad, I'm bookmarking this for future use. First I have to get a camera! And a Closing :+)

Brad, Thanks so much! My flip has been sitting on my counter and then when I read Katerina's post today I didn't want to use it until you had written your blog. Now on Tuesday I can give it a try! Thanks!

Brad,

I echo Sara's sentiments!!! Thanks for another great tutorial!!! Fran

Brad, you send me into Brain Overload my friend!!!  I love your post, but you always keep me working to get better.  Gotta love the Brad!!!  Alright, next post title:  "Add Bling to Your Blog"!!!  I love it!!  I've gotta know how to do this.

Brad....this is a step in the right direction to get photo's of properties taken to place on utube for marketing.  thanks for the direction.

More good stuff, Brad...I can't wait for your next post!  BTW nice background on your blog.

Sara - LOL!~  Yes, having a camera to use this tutorial would be very helpful.  It is written, so come onback anytime you like, you are always welcome here!  :-)

Brad, now all I need is a Video Flip Camera and I will be all set.... thanks aj

Jo - feel free to contact me anytime if you need any additional assistance with your new camera.  I think you'll truly enjoy it, and all that you can do with it.  I hope this post will be helpful for you in getting it all setup and ready to go. :-)

Ray - now I feel bad!!  :-(  I hate when I make people go into Brain overload, but I hate it worse seeing people like Katerina struggle with something that is suppose to be so simple, yet we all can get caught up in the frustrations when we miss a simple step or two.  Technology, it's a love/hate relationship! LOL!~  

As far as the Bling, there is a link under my photo that will take you to a site that will help you do this. Maybe I should write a post about it, I have a couple others ahead of that right now though...   :-) 

Fran - I almost missed your comment there my friend.  Too many hours away, and then too many hours back on the computer, maybe it's time to initiate a shut-down sequence!  Thanks for always coming by and being so faithful with your comments!!  They are very much appreciated!  :-)

Pam - any step in the right direction is a good step!   I'll work on a listing presentation for one of my next video posts.  I know there are many out there already creating this style of presentation for their blogs.  I think Youtube might be getting overloaded with videos very soon...   :-)  Mixpo might be a great alternative if that be the case! 

Kent - thanks!  I'm working on the next one already, so many things to write about with so little time!  Glad you enjoyed the new look of the Blog too!  I appreciate the feedback, both good and corrective.  Thanks! :-)

Brad-Thanks so much for all the help, just got my Flip Video yesterday and this really helps.  As usual, you are upbeat, fun to read, and very helpful.  Thanks. 

AJ - you can win one if you enter the AR Video contest.  Also, I got your message today, I was on the phone with Katerina Gasset for a couple hours so I didn't get to take your call.  I will call you tomorrow though, maybe we can get together for a cup o java sometime this week or next and I can fill you in on the Real Rain and some other stuff going on in our Blogosphere.  :-)

Denise - timing was perfect on this post huh?  Let me know if ypou need any help at all.  You know I'd be happy to assist you if you need it.  Hopefully this post will do the job, but if not, you know where to find me.  :-)

Brad,

contested ended on  Friday, announcing winners tomorrow. Did you not get the memo? :-) 

Brad, thanks for another great tutorial, I know where to look when I need info on my flip now,  this is so much easier than searching every where on the net.  :-)

Bob - I knew that, I guess I had a Brain Fart Overload, or my fingers were on Contest Auto-Pilot...hey....let's have another one, contest that is!!  LOL!~  Sorry, guess I should pay more attention to the memos...   :-)))

David - I have to agree with you.  I have found so much useful information here on AR, why look anywhere else?  I hope this will come in handy in the event you end up picking up one of these little video cameras.  Vey inexpensive and easy to use.  I'm here to help if you need it beyond this post!  :-)))

I see they also have an underwater case to go with the Flip Ultra.  I wish I had that a couple of weeks ago when I was swimming with a sea turtle below me.  I am going to order it!

Thanks for the FLIP mini-course.  I love the cards you can send out with your FLIP videos!  

New toys are always fun to start with this makes it easier to make it work right away thanks.

Brad, how soon can we get mixpo ? I heard we had to wait until it was ready here. I'd like to get started asap.

Your blog looks amazing !  Can you or someone put out a Official Active Rain post on the problem with not getting emails on comments on our blogs? 

You're reeling me in Brad, I'm anxious to learn more.

Excellent, Brad. But then I expect nothing less. I have been using my digital camera for vide but the Flip is on teh list...nexy closing (less than 30 days). Bookmarked so I can become an expert like you.

Jeff 

Brad - love your new blog skin.  Who knew there were so many doctors and nurses hanging around here.  :p  

 

How in the heck do you do a blog skin?  I haven't been able to figure that one out! 

 

Randy - It would come in very handy when swimming with the sea turtles.  Imagine the video you could create showing all the wonderful things about living in Hawaii.  Glad to hear you're getting one!  Aloha my friend.  :-)))

Susie - thanks, those are really cool, and I see a real use and value in them as well.  :-)

Terry - that is the intention of this post.  Thanks for recognizing that, and if you do hookup with a flip video camera, I hope this'll help get you up and running in just a matter of moments.  I can always assist any member who feels uncomfortable with the process the very first time, happy to do it. :-)

Missy - Bob did a post about Mixpo and mentioned "Getting A Head Start"   Check out his post and let him know if you're ready to go.  I know there are still a couple things we are trying to integrate.  Glad you're excited about it, I am too!  I see many uses and applications where this will benefit your business.  :-)

Missy - the email thing was corrected, at least I thought it was.  Let me check with Bob and Rich to see what's up?

Bob - there's more to come, that's for sure! Glad you're excited to find out more.  :-)

Bookmarked this for when I get my flip -- hopefully, a treat after my next closing! Thanks for a great tutorial

Jeff - thanks for the kudos, I think any camera that can create video is great, the Flip Video is one of the most popular right now.  I think it's the #1 selling video camera under 150.00.  Looking forward to some of your productions.  I know your readers are too!  :-)

Maureen - thanks!!!  :-))  There's actually a subliminal message in my new banner...  It's all about People Helping People.  One of the Best benefits I have seen on ActiveRain.  Every post on this Network (for the most part) is about someone trying to help others.   I plan to change it on a regular basis.  Why?  Because now we can.  I'm still trying some different backgrounds and banners to see what works best for my AR Blog.  :-)

Ron - this is something new that is being talked about and tested here.  I will do a post later covering this in more detail.  Watch for it...    :-)

Tina - hopefully using this video technology will help you get more closings than you ever dreamed of.  It's a great way to market and advertise yourself and your business.  :-)

Brad,

Your always the source for information. Thanks!

Steve

Hi Brad,

I have a Flip Video Camera and you just taught me some new things. For instance, how to use the video's without the software. Great stuff and I love your blog. I am trying my hand at video blogging. I posted my first video blog today.

 Troy

I ordered the Flip Video Camera on Sunday...  I'm counting the minutes until it gets here.  Thanks for all the information, I'm ready to go as soon as it gets here!

Thanks Brad, I have had a FLip camera for sometime now and really haven't done much with it but look at each time I get into my car. I keep it in the car...just in case! Anyway, will get to work with it today. Thanks again. Angelica

Hi Brad, another totally awesome tutorial. I love your graphic illustrations and BTW... great looking blog layout, I'm glad you guys are letting us do the "pimp my blog thing", it gives AR a whole new look.

Had to bookmark this. I will be getting one soon. I love the blog look too btw! 

Steve - thank you, but I'm only one of the many resources available here on AR, there are so many awesome members who share so much great information, it's hard to keep up with all the wonderful contributions here.  I know that you know what I mean!  :-)

Troy, come back and give me a link so we can all check it out.  Can't wait to see your video, you got me all excited now!!  :-)

Debbie - let me know if you need any assistance with it.  I think you'll love your new tool that can definitely help you advertise and grow your business.  :-)

Angelica - find what ever reason is causing you to let it sit in the car and not use it, and eliminate that thought from your MIND! LOL!~  You may be looking at one of the greatest tools you can use for your business right now.  Try to replace any thoughts that might be causing procrastination, with all the thoughts of how you could use the camera to increase market share and business. The Neighborhood, Events, Travel, The Odd & Peculiar, testimonies, interviews, the list can go on and on. Be creative and have fun, it will come through....  :-)

Marti - I was so impressed with yours, Brad's, and Bob's, that I just couldn't resist. I just through this together to see how it all worked, now I need to polish it up with a "tight and awesome banner" and a background that just screams "WOW!!!!"  I am always open to any suggestions and ideas, especially coming from an expert like you my friend!  :-)  I'm still toying with some ideas, and would love any that you might care to share.  You know my number and where to find me, I'd love to brainstorm with ya...    :-)

Christy - I think you'll be glad you did.  Thanks for the comp on the new diggs here.  Still trying some different things, maybe changing it daily or weekly will keep people coming back to check it out. LOL!~~  The next change on here should be lot's of fun...    :-)

Well I guess I wasn't one of the lucky ones so I can't use it...oh well I have my own little camera that works just fine:)

Hi Brad,

Thanks for your interest in my blog.

Here's a link to watch my video blog.

My Video Blog

Troy

Neal - are you having a pitty party????  LOL!~  ....just kidding.  Your video camera will work just fine.  Just start posting using whatever video camera you have.  We're all Looking forward to seeing whatever you put up.  Try to keep it "G" rated ok?  This is a family environment here......    :-))))))))

Troy - Very Cool! :-) I checked it out, I am familiar with HelloWorld.  I like the Blog template layout, but I know they charge a fee too.  Did you use a Flip Video for your recording or was that a webcam?  Just curious... LMK!  :-)

I bookmarked this to rad after I get the Flip brand camera when I win the video contest... 

;^ )

And I'm looking forward to Mixpo! 

Hi Brad,

Yes, helloWorld charges a monthly fee of $9.95 for all the video capabilities. Not much, and worth it to me. I'm having a ball with it. I plan on using it to make additional income also. I'm going to start looking for small businesses who would like to video advertise online. Things like that. I'm also going to do some video resume work for those interested.

I used the webcam for the blog. I do have a great example of the Flip Camera though. I used it recently to record a rebound and basket by my son playing basketball. You can see it, which is also posted on helloWorld at:

My Son's B-Ball Game Vid

You can see that the camera doesn't do a bad job of videoing. Close up is the way to use this tool.

Troy

great post..........thanks

Brad, that sounds so easy that I am now re-thinking my idea to use the camcorder.  It has been a timely processes to say the least.  After all tie (and frustration) equates to money saved in some sense. 

Brad... check your Yahoo email acct., I just sent you something. Also... Re "I need to polish it up with a "tight and awesome banner" and a background that just screams "WOW!!!"... When I have some free time I'll be working on some hot blog backgrounds and headers that the Rain community can use & customize.

Your blog looks awesome Brad...I didn't recognize you at all..  I can't get my header image in... I have been trying and trying...

I got the flip too...  The snow is amost gone here... the landscaping around our area still has a LONG way to go before it is "camera ready!!"

Great post as usual...

Lane - good luck on that contest, more on mixpo coming for sure!!  :-)

Troy - I agree, the Flip is best used for those up close and personal videos. I'll check out you post of the "rebound" shortly. Thanks for sharing it, good luck with all your helloworld endeavors too!  :-)

Steve - time is money these days, even tying our shoes adds up over the years...I wear loafers now! LOL!!~  :-)

Marti -I'm on my way to the mail box right now in great anticipation and filled with excitement!!  Back in a bit! :-)

I know this is off-topic, but how did you make the changes to your blogs appearance?  Looks great!

Marti my friend, no email in the yahoo bird bath, let me know, I left you a message too!  Thanks cool dude!! :-)

Kim - let me know if you need some help. There are some revisions being made right now, you might want to hold off for a day or two. I just got word.  Glad to hear you'll be "Flipping" out once the weather permits.  Thanks for the comps on the Blog, looking forward to checking yours out too!  :-)))

Joe - the changes are an experiment that is being worked on right now.  There will be more information shortly about how you can customize your blog too. We are working out a few of the details to simplify this for other members. Hang tight my friend, help is on it's way very soon....    :-))

Going to bookmark this post for the future. Have not gotten a video cam like you are referring to yet, but investigating them.

Brad,

You have a way of presenting tools and tutorials in a very palatable format.  I can ditch the antacids when I read your posts.  Thank you.

Brad - Here's a challenge for you. I have the Flip Ultra, with 60 minutes of storage. I don't think 60 minutes will take long to fill up with random videos. I am going out of the country for a week and don't have room to take my laptop. Is there any way that you can think of to get the video off the camera and onto a thumb drive?

Bob and Carolin - any video camera will work.  Just use one that you're comfortable with, Mixpo works with most the video formats, the flip is nice because it's small and portable, easy to use, and has pretty good quality.  Plus I think the price is right!  :-)

Rebecca - that is very kind of you to say.  I personally rely on the tums method for the types of posts you may be referring to. LOL!~ Thanks!  :-)

Vicki - great question.  Will you have access to any computer at all? If so, you can drag and drop your videos onto any computer, copy them to your thumb drive (they have the 4 gig drives available now) clear off the videos from the camera, and shoot a total of 3 hours of video.  That's the only thing I can think of right now at this hour when my fingers are exhausted and my screen is blurry!  LOL!~ :-))

Brad,  OK, I love hearing about all these awesome tech things you have going on...but where is Brad?  I miss hearing about your adventures and your newfound brother!  Can you throw us a bone every once in a while and add a little of the "old brad"???????

Tina in Virginia

Tina - I don't miss some of the adventures I've had this year, but I hear you loud and clear.  The old Brad is still here, just adapting to a new role and finding my way.  I will be posting more "Adventures" and an update about my brother after I meet him on the 20th this month. We are meeting at a place in Petaluma called "Beyond The Glory", a sportsbar (what an appropriate name) so I will be posting all about it.  Thanks for the push, hopefully you'll join us tomorrow night when AR goes "LIVE" on the TBWS Late Night show.  There will be many bones coming soon...I promise.  

I think my 11 year old son wants to do a post this week. Something very special happened with him and Dad tonight. Watch for that bone, it will be a good one!  Thanks Tina, I need friends like you to keep me on track! :) 

Brad- I am so glad you posted this. Thanks for sharing the flop and what happened with my experience by missing just one simple step! I love the camera and I am looking for things to film. I just let Nestor watch them right on the Flip software. I am working on the Mixpo thing this weekend to get these two videos up. You are such a big help and I so appreciate it! 

Katerina - I took my son to see his favorite Rock Star in the World last night and used the flip to shoot some video of him playing guitar. OMG!!!  The audio on it is incredible! I really mean INCREDIBLE!!  I will be doing a post to share with members later, in fact I think my son (11) wants to Blog about it. He's still in AWE and star struck!  Got to meet him, shake his hand, get an autograph, bought the new CD....and I got the awesome Video with unbelievable audio.  Too many people though...no room for the tripod!  I broke my own rules..  LOL!~  :-)

Nice video tips here Big BA. Video is definitely taking over the Internet by storm. Agents need to jump in or get out of the way.

Ryan - that is the truth. We just can't stop the evolution of video technology.  Scary to think where it's going and what will be next.  :-)

Okay Brad, I'm convinced about this Flip Video. Like you, I have a video and needed reinforcement as to why I needed another. With all of the plugs here on the Rain, I'm going to get one - today!!! Wallmart has them for $150 which seems to be the going rate. I'll be referring to this and to your other post as to how to upload it to Mixpo...;-)

Teri - that's great, once you get it, let me know if you need any assistance at all.  I'd be happy to help you out anytime!  :-)

Brad, got it. I'll be giving it a try soon....also got a little six inch tripod. ;-)  BELIEVE ME, I will let you know if I have any problems, but your tutorial seems clear enough.

Then, I need to know how to twitter. I am signed up......but want to share with the world what I'm doing at any given time. ;-)

What color is your's?  I got a lime green one! Too bad they don't make them in red. I opted for the 60 minute 'cause it was the same price as the 30 minute. I'll keep in touch. ;-)

 

Teri - There are a few really cool twitter tools, let me know after you get your video going, I'll get you a couple links to some twitter stuff that is very cool.  I have a sunset on my twitter home page.  I use the widget on AR, I use Twhirl for my desktop and cell phone, and I am just now checking oiut twitterloacal.net for mobile twits.  One thing at a time, I know how easy it is to get buried with this stuff!  LOL!~

Brad, I cannot see where to sign up on Mixpo...I'm anxious to figure out how to work that puppy. My videos came up fine on my 'puter.

AND I have my twitter - somewhat - going. I think you're on it too...at least I see your photo. ;-) Let me know if there's anything else I need to know. ;-0

Thanks,

Teri - I will be putting up a post today with all the details.  You can always call me if you'd like me to walk you through the process as well.  Thanks Teri!  B-)

I have the flip now...and I have to get a little adaptor so the video will fit in the dell....

just another thing to get.

Mara hawks told me about this flip and I love it. My first shot was of my dogs.

Popefan...

 

teamatthebeach.com

Lynne - You can pick up an adapter for USB at any computer store or Best Buy. I just got one that has four inputs into one, cost about 29.00.  Now I can plug all my USB plugins into a single port.  You're going to love your FLIP video. Keep it in your purse or pocket, you just never know when you'll catch that awesome moment on video.  :-)

Brad,

Thanks for helping so much on AR and blogging in general. I was interested in moving up another notch on the techno ladder. Are most bloggers using this Flip Camera or just any camcorder for their videos?

I have never done much until now even with regular camera. I happened to buy a digital camera a few years ago, just to say I have one. Had to go find it to do the little bit on AR that I have done.

With no experience to base a purchase decision, is the Flip camera a good choice to give quality and ease to a slow witted beginner?

I would like to use this tool for consumer, affiliate, and staff training - a step up above or in conjuction with power point.

Thanks,

Richard

Richard - you can pretty much use any video camera you'd like. The flip is very portable, easy to use, and very popular right now.  I think its a great starter Video camera and it will have many uses and come in very handy for you and your business as well as your personal stuff. No big manual, not a lot to learn, just point, press a button, and you're recording.  You'll love it!  :-)

Thanks for the tutorials Brad.  I'm saving this for when I get my new Flip.

Kathy - when you do get your flip video camera, be sure to go through the complete setup on your computer before anything else. If you need help or have any questions, let me know.  There are a couple steps you don't want to miss. :-)

Is there a way to adjust the volume of the music? I find when I speak the volume is really loud and the audience can't hear me speak.

 

Tracy - there is a volume control on the right side of your screen, you'll need to click on the Blue video in the timeline first, then look to the side of the player, you will see a volume control slider. It was great talking to you this week, let me know if you need any additional help, love to help you out if I can.  :-)

Brad,  you always have some awesome information.  I want to start using video to market my services.  I think it is the wave of the future.  I met a Real Estate agent from North Carolina whos said he has doubled his income since introducing video to his business.

Thomas - let me know what I can do to help you get started.  You Better listen to that agent in NC. I really don't think they were pulling your leg with that one!  :-)

Brad, I just got a camera that Jeff Turner recommended and it is great.  It does take videos as well but I'm still at the "I'm intimidated" stage.  I will try it and if I need help I may be emailing you!  I assume this camera suffices and I don't need a flip?  FYI, I don't get email notifications of comments so may not know if you respond to this!

Brad, I just read Laura Monroe's blog w/a link to this. I put together my first "movie" last week and couldn't believe how time consuming it was. I stopped here at the office to pick up the Flip to try another and read all of these Great Tips! Thank you!!

Diane - I'll respond anyway. You can use any video camera you like.  The flip is convenient and easy to use, but any camera that takes video at a decent quality will work.  Resolution and audio components are the most important.  If you need help, you knwo where to find Jeff and I.   :-)

Connie - Laura is a sweetheart, I just saw her post a couple days ago and loved the convertor software she mentioned.  Downloaded it to my PC and MAC, just haven't had the chance to use it yet.  Video can be time consuming, but once you get the hang of it, have the editing tools in place and understand the basic elements of a quality or even viral video, it will take you less and less time.  You can feel free to contact me anytime if I can be of any assistance. Have a GREAT weekend.  :-)

thanks for the post and info

Brad, thank you for responding. We uploaded the "movie" to youtube and haven't had a chance to put it on the mls but I noticed that the quality of the film isn't as good on youtube as on my computer. Did I do something wrong?

Connie - you didn't do anything wrong, youtube probably just reduced the quality as they hve so many videos going up every day. You might want to check out the high quality of the new ActiveRain video, it had the best quality and HD options.  I did a comparison on my Blog and showed 6 of the video hosting sites so members could compare. Youtube and Google video were the least desired as far as quality and upload times. :-)

Brad:  I bought myself of FLIP Ultra.   I got everything installed on my son's computer as he has VISTA.  My main desktop computer runs on Windows 2000.   I was so aggravated that FLIP can't talk to WIndows 2000.......grrrrrrr  

I am going to read more of your posts about getting the videos on AR/Blogs.  Via YouTube or Mixpo?  I am gonna go learn.

Christine - next thing, you're probably going to write a post that "It's All Brad Andersohn's Fault!" lol~  :-)
I have an idea, why don't you do a post with a video of your Kitty?  Then test it on all platforms to see which will work best. I am using it on both my MAC and my PC with Windows Vista, no problems so far.  Let me know if I can help. 

Brad  I have a question

my computer will not reconize my flip video any more , I think when I was installing the new firmware I screw up and erase the drivers ,when i  plug the camera , it is not there by my computer screm , how can I get those drivers back .. camera is working fine I just can get the camera connected to the computers thanks Jorge

Jorge - when you plug the camera into your usb port, make sure to re-install the software that comes on the camera. If that does not work or fix the problem, go to their site and re download the drivers you mention. The installation from the camera and it's application should correct any firmware issues you may be having. Let me know ok?  :-)

My friend Tara put together this cool video over at Wellcomemat, so I thought I'd share it with readers here. The basics on the Flip Video.

 

 

 

Excellent tutorial, Brad!  I have one of these nifty little cameras but haven't been pleased with the results enough to use it in our business.  The one thing I didn't see in your article was that (at least my camera) only works on XP (not Vista).  I'm sure there's a plug-in somewhere but can't find it...

Kris - thanks.  I use it on Windows Vista and on a MAC, it seems to work just fine on both. Maybe there is a file or plugin you need to install.  My camera came with software built in that installed on Vista but I had to run in manually.  Try googling it and see what you find.  :-)

Can anyone help me on the close up on the camera, i am trying to get a close up on my Ds, but it ends up being really blurry, can anyone help. 

Cheezwhiz - close ups suck with the Flip.  The best I have seen is about 2 ft. Any closer than that and it gets really blurry.  The better the light, the better the close up but anything closer than 2 feet always turns out bad in my honest opinion.

Brad, have you checked out the Vado HD. I think it actually is better for Real Estate. I did a post on it today and why I chose it over the Flip HD cameras.

Norma - I'll definitely check it out, thanks.

Brad,

Thanks for this instruction. A video camera is on my short list. It's even shorter now.