48:064: Alternative Forms
October 3, 2006

Assignment: Videoblogging Case Studies

Presentation and Short Paper (Each worth 15 points)

In addition to the remaining videoblog posts and readings in this course, you are asked to choose a videoblog you have come across during the semester, either in class or on your own, and create a case study of its development, process, and current aims and style. You will then present your case study to the class, with examples from the videoblog, during 30-minute presentations to be scheduled at a later date. You will also include a 3 page, typed, double spaced paper in which you sum up your findings about your chosen videoblog.

Case Study Components:

What should your case study include? Here are suggestions:

A history and background of the videoblog/videoblogger. How did this person get into videoblogging? What were their initial goals or interests? How long has he or she been videoblogging?
How the videoblog has evolved—in style, content, goals, breadth? What genre does it fit into, if any? Use your own observations as well as your discussion with the videoblogger to explore this question.
The videoblogger’s process. How do they approach their videos? How often do they post? What keeps them going? Why are they invested in videoblogging? Where do they see videoblogging going in the future?
Technical concerns. What hardware/software do they use? Where do they host their videos? What role does technology play in the creation of their videos?
Money. Do they vlog for profit? For any kind of income? What has their experience been like in “monetizing” videoblogging? What role do finances play in their videoblogging practice?
Other questions/interests of your own devising.

Yes, you will be expected to contact and correspond with your chosen videoblogger, so don’t put off this project—keep in mind that many of these folks videoblog in their free time, so be respectful of giving them some lead time in responding to you.

Grading Criteria:

Thoroughness—Your case study should cover all relevant aspects of the vlog.
Original thought and research—A demonstration of your own original research and point of view in your presentation. In other words, you don’t just repeat the above questions; you generate your own and show that you have thought carefully about your selected videoblog and viewed its offerings comprehensively.
Engagement with course—Your case study should demonstrate that you’ve thought about how your chosen videoblog relates to other issues under discussion in this course, and you should make explicit connections to material we’ve covered so far.
Contribution to videoblogging—You should discuss why your chosen videoblog is significant in the vlogosphere. Why did you choose it, and why should we know about it?
Additional efforts—Your presentation may require additional reading and research outside your correspondence with the videoblogger; if so, be sure to include a bibliography.
Spelling and grammar count. Your paper should be well written, persuasively presented, and scholarly.
Interactive presentation—Your presentation should include a few carefully chosen video posts that illustrate your points about the videoblog. You may also choose to discuss and showcase aspects of the vlog or website design.

Due: Presentations will begin October 19th and continue with two each Thursday until all are completed.