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ActiveRain Video Tutorials - A Call For Requests

Open Call For Ideas

It never fails. Each time I post one of my tutorial videos, like this tutorial on Picnik.com or this tutorial on how to embed anything in your ActiveRain posts, I get an email or two asking how to do something else on ActiveRain. It happened again yesterday. So...

I's time for a complete video tutorial library.

I truly enjoy doing them, so don't be shy. As Sue Argue says, everyone starts at the beginning. There are lots of places on ActivRain where you can find written descriptions with photos, but sometimes it's helpful to see it in action.

So, leave your requests here and I'll make a list. Once the list is together, I'll knock them out one at a time and post a complete list of videos for everyone to use in their online learning process. Don't be afraid to request a tutorial on something that's outside of ActiveRain that might help you here... like embedding Trulia Stats, for example.

Go ahead, raise your hand. There are no stupid questions.

jeff signature

blockquote {margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 30px; padding: 10px 0pt 0pt 20px; width:500px; background: transparent url(http://www.realestateshows.com/jeff/quotes.gif) no-repeat scroll left top; font-size: 120%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; color: #356D9E; line-height: 1.2em;} h2 { color:#356D9E!important; font-family:Trebuchet MS,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:20px!important; font-size-adjust:none; font-stretch:normal; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:normal; letter-spacing:0pt; line-height:24px;a margin:9pt 0pt 0px; padding:6px 0pt 0px; } h3 { color:#356D9E!important; font-family:Trebuchet MS,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:20px!important; font-size-adjust:none; font-stretch:normal; font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:normal; letter-spacing:0pt; line-height:24px; margin:9pt 0pt 0px; padding:6px 0pt 0px; } a { color:#356D9E; text-decoration:underline; } p{ margin-top:2px!important;} a:hover { color:#ffffff; text-decoration:none; background:#356D9E; border 1px solid #DDA603 }

Posted by Jeff Turner on 10/04/2007 01:34 AM

Comments (125)

tutorials, jeff turner, activerain, artutorials, activerain community support

Originally posted at: Turner's Perspective: ActiveRain Video Tutorials - A Call For Requests

125 Comments on ActiveRain Video Tutorials - A Call For Requests

OCT

2007

Cool idea Jeff!!! I know I'll be checking them out when they are done.

How do you creat your signature? What font or software did you use?

Jeff,

Thanks for all of your great ideas and intellectual material you have contributed to AR. I am new to AR and I am just so amazed with the talent and contribution people make here. It is great to be a part of AR!

Ernie Cabrera

Jeff - I'll bite

Let's start at the beginning.

How to sign up for AR
How to complete your profile
How to create your blog
How to add links to your blog

I'll also add

How to add your blog to various groups (and make sure those groups are appropriate for your post)
How to post to localism (and why)

That's my start.

Jeff, I saw a network news segment yesterday evening that said spammers are increasingly using online videos to transmit viruses. They specifically referred to YouTube and a few other sources. Any advice on the subject?

How do you add buttons like on Cyndee Haydens and Thesa is Oregon's posts ? So they would link to my Search Ann Arbor Houses site.

Jeff - You are so good about sharing your knowledge of all things technical. You know how to do things that many of us don't even know exist. I'll be looking forward to your videos. Thank you!

Jeff

I love your posts, they are so helpful. How do you get your voice on a post through active rain? and can I put that on my own web page?

Wow Jeff, You must be feeling ambitious this morning!

I'll second Mikes request and I would be delighted to put a video on the sidebar of the newbie group. Of course I would need instructions:)

Jeff,

I have all of the same questions that most everyone has asked!!! So I will just listen from here :0)

Tom Weiss

All... this is a good start. Thank you. Let's see what everyone chimes in with.

Hi Jeff, heres mine: how are you making your blog graphics..like the one here with added written text ??? Inquiring minds want to know!

Jeff, it's OK to hit Mike. I had to do it yesterday.

teacher! teacher!! me! me! pick me!! : )

When you have a longer than usual video - is there a place to upload them that is not youtube (I know they have a max size). I was experimenting with a fun video of a listing (me walking through the house and being goofy....yes I know that's hard to believe) - and now I can't upload it. (It's 144 MB). Any ideas?

I'm with Missy. How do embed those buttons? Where do you get the buttons? Can I embed them on my website too?

" Jeff, it's OK to hit Mike. I had to do it yesterday."

Here's the actual video...

Ines... what format is your video in (dv, mov, mp4, etc) and what size is it (640x480, etc.)

Hey Jeff, I can't think of anything off hand...but I'm bookmarking the post for future reference. :)

I do have a question regarding RES though.

Oh good a Youtube video of Ines!!! Move over Paris hilton...

OMG Jeff, you are getting technical on my - let me see if I can figure it out.

I took the video with the little magic Kodak and uploaded it to my computer as a quicktime video....I only see the size under properties......man I feel dumb now.

Ines... ok, so it's mpeg video at 640 x 480 at 30 frames per second. You need to compress it a bit before you upload. Export the movie from quicktime to mpeg 4 at 15 fps and it will cut the size roughly in half. You may need Quicktime Pro for this, but it's cheap.

Go to File>Export>Movie to MPEG-4>options>15fps

Give that a try and then see what size it is. There may be some other tools you could download on the PC side to compress your video before uploading. YouTube is going to compress it further anyway.

Michelle... this particular blog graphic I edited in Adobe Illustrator, from a vector graphic that I downloaded from Shutterstock.com. We subscribe to their service here at RES. :)

Stephanie... I'll give you a call.

(Mike, Shhh! We're trespassing -- but that CRACKED ME UP!!!!)

Sarah... no, you're hijacking! ;)

(I was really trying not too, but that was funny right there!)

Sarah... perhaps we need a video tutorial on how to hijack posts?

LOL

Jeff, It would just be a picture of Sweetness kicking Mikes a$$.

I cant wait to see the collection of "how to" video's! I would like to learn anything simple about making graphic to add to posts.

Bob - I have tears running down my face I'm laughing so hard!

I'll get you and that little dog Toto Too!

Yup, Definitely hijacked!

Bob... that was lame. This is a hijacker graphic.

Now, that said, I am not trying to go along with this attempt to hijack a post that was meant to do some good!

Bring on the suggestions, people!

And don't forget this oldy but goody:

I am officially hijacking your post.

This was created back in the day when you could edit HTML in a comment. They put an end to that quick. :)

Bob .... *Sigh* What's a girl gotta do to lose a "sweet" title???

(But I'm loving that little doggie! Does that make me sweet?)

Jeff - Your continued sharing and the amount of help you provide us is impressive.

Chicks with scars are never called Sweet.

Jeff, That is more ominous!

Mike, I'm sorry Sarah whooped your a$$ and made you cry...it's this whole sweetness thing...she's really trying to shake it.

Oh Sorry Jeff...

Do you know how to move your Wordpress.com Blog to wordpress.org? I have bluehost now and don't want it to go down for long.

(pst...everyone that should keep him busy for a while)

Jeff - first I want to tell you that your instructions sound like this....."blah, blah, blah blah blah"

seriously! I will try it and will let you know how it goes.

As for the hijack.......I think this post is gone!

Bob... go into the control panel for .com and click on Manage, then Export. Select all for the authors and then Download Export file. Then go to your self hosted site and do the same thing, only this time click on import and go find the file that .com exported. It will bring in posts, comments fields and categories. It will not bring in any other sidebar elements, blogroll, etc. That you'll have to recreate manually.

So, Ines, what I hear you saying is that you'd like a video of how to compress a video? :)

I can't believe you got your post back and the answer is YESSSSs! that would be awesome. I'm a quick lerner but you have to be gentle. : )

Ines... if I stammer and stumble for a second, forgive me. :) Do I really have it back?

You did it with grace Jeff....but I'm afraid you lost it again. How's Rocky by the way?

Ines... I'll get it back. Rocky is emotionally exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. She called at 7pm PST, which is 5am tomorrow in Kenya. The day starts early and ends late. She is in service heaven. Her voice is tired, but there is real joy in it, if you know what I mean. It's not hype, not excited chatter, just pure peaceful joy.

That's awesome to hear - what an emotional roller coaster! I cannot even imagine the look in those little kids when they get their new underwear. How are you holding up? (I told you you lost it).

I'm great! My mom is here from West Virginia helping out, so that allows me to get things done for work. The extra car pooling, homework and bedtime duties are not hard, they just take more focus without Rocky here. The kids miss her and, obviously, so do I. :) You gotta work with the inspiration that comes to you!

Now give me my post back!

OK - OK ....you can have it back! (I know it's tough, but you will never forget this - a lot of us have a great deal of admiration for you guys)

OCT

2007

How to find an RSS feed code.

Duane Hosek in the Black Hills of South Dakota

Jeff, awesome idea! I'm looking forward to it. Thanks.

I really like thiskinda stff. I am going to try it and it loos like saving it as a draft is important.

Thanks Jeff I will be watching for them.

Note to Bob: Are you just trying to get me to show you my scars??

Sorry Jeff. Carry on.

Jeff, You're awesome! I can't wait to 'see' how to do things the right way here.

Jeff, two things: First, how does one get "authority" on Technorati? Secondly, and this is embarrassing to admit, but how to make videos that zoom in and out of a property and how to take a video from the camera to the blog page. Thanks so much!

Jeff, I need to know how many licks it really does take to get to the center of a tootsie pop. I know I'm not the only one that wonders. I'm just brave enough to ask.

*teehee*

Where's Carney? LOL

I'd love one on how to sign up for a domain name then redirect it to somewhere else (like a RES flyer or RES listing page - for example).

Maureen, I would like this too. Someone actually just wrote about this last night that I saw, I think it was Stephanie the Ecobroker. Jeff, check that one out if you have time and it would be great to put that one on your list as a lesson for those interested.

Thanks Jeff!! I have been using all the things you talk about. I check them all out and try them not all of them work for me but thanks for telling me about them.

Thanks Jeff. Love the tips. keep 'em coming.

Chris - I'm not a licker....I'm a biter.....would love to know that one too

LOL

Great Idea! You do not get paid enough!!

Just had to say, I am so glad I came back to catch up.. Ines is a bad Girl :0) I like it!!

Tom Weiss

Hi Jeff,how can I keep my mini mohawk straight and even in front and all the way down the back? I only have one mirror. and it's lopsided thanks!!
(sorry, i couldn't resist)

Ines, you need a video converter to shrink that file,. going from a .mov to a .wmv will do the trick. :)

hhmm, i love a 'hackberry'

blah blah blah again!! nice mohawk nicky picky

i'm a newbie....so thanks so much for the direction you've provided.

Love this post - you are so GIVING in your time to share so much valuable information for us - THANK YOU.

I think mine is fairly easy - but I haven't taken a ton of time to research it. Sometimes I write a post that I would like to print to share with clients. When I do, it is all broken up into pieces - print screen is too small to read.... any ideas?

A definate bookmarked post - thanks, Jeff.

this is my official acknowledgment that I have read your post. :)

Ok, I have one now.

Is there a place to make pie charts to copy and paste in to a blog? I have tried converting a .doc into a jpeg and cropping it but it distorts the image.

Jeff, I clicked every word in your response...but No Video came up... Hmm.. What you were saying sounded like Blah, blah import, blah blah...mohawk..blah blah..

Where's the darn play button? The Post is called Video Tutorials...haven't seen a darn video yet!!! Other than this one

I'd like to know how to add that little welcome mat to my blog.

It welcomes visitors from whatever state. It's cool!

really like the photo slide show of the AR people. and still have not taken the time to use RES, which is still on a do-list... but am looking forward to it.

JEff, you've been consistent in putting really useful tips into your blogs. I'll look forward to seeing your video tutorials.

Jeff,always helping and making bloggers keep up with the latest. Hopefully, some of the Carnival Contestants are here learning!!!

Bookmarked, reading and waiting. :)

Thanks, Jeff

Jeff,

Where can I find a freeware file converter to convert .exe files to a file supported on Youtube?

By the way, if you are Linkedin you can display AR on your profile in new "unofficial group"

http://www.linkedin.com/e/gis/35968/55A65A7B7B1D

Thanks in advance!

Bob in Redding

I'm so new I'm not sure what to ask you to add to the list, so I will just wait for the list and reap the benefits from others requests. Do you ever sleep?

Is there a way to convert a gif file to jpeg? Thanks for all your help and knowledge.

Jeff, this is a wonderful idea. Thanks for offering to take this on. I'll let you know if I come up with anything new.

OCT

2007

Always some smart butt .. side tracker... highjacker... in every GOOD POST! Take it as a compliment and MANY here on the rain appreciate you, including myself!

Do we have to worry about video virus issues. A new report recently said this was becoming a problem.

I'll be keeping my eye out for these! Thank you!

I've got a request! Where did you get that awesome director's clapper thing...and, more importantly, can you tell me the name of the font that you used on the clapper dealy-do?

You are really great with this digital photo stuff Jeff. I wish I could make neat graphics. Instead...I just cruise the stockphoto sites... Boring!

Mine's already been asked. Only you would put out a call for more work. And freebies at that! You're incredible.

Jeff - I am dying to know (in simple terms) how to add text to front and credits to back of videos so when you upload your contact info in included. Never could get the free Movie on PC to work - video please :-)

Also if it's a wish list - heard you can add a banner to bottom - like URL while video is playing. I bought Sony Movie Vegas but feel like Ines (so far it's just blah, blah, blah)

Jeff I just love you giving us Christmas in October!!!

I did purchase an FLV producer and can upload my videos to sites like WellcomeMat (since the except .FLV files in 1/10th the time) or my own host server - I wish Youtube excepted FLV - any way around that? Looking forward to your compression tips to load to Youtube faster.

Missy Caulk - I already posted how to do the buttons - It's easy and I'll email it to you and can even do a quick blog if it helps!!

P.S. Thanks for your help yesterday - making huge progress. I'll let you see it when it's done. Great feedback :-)

OCT

2007

All... I am reading all of these but just can't find the time to answer each one at this moment. I'm trying to get four boys ready for a wedding, one is the ring bearer, and with Rocky in Africa, that takes a bit more concentration on my part than it normally would. I'm an OK Dad, but my Mom skills need some work. Thank goodness my Mom is here or I'd never get anything done. :)

Are you starting to feel like this Mom Jeff

take 2 asprin and it will be better!

OCT

2007

Almost. :)

I have too many questions to ask. I will just wait for your response to the above.Thank you for sharing with us.I jave learned a lot from your posts.

OCT

2007

lol - This reminds me how Sarah Cooper was always posting blogs with ideas for real estate shows and then it turned into an actual business relationship. AR might just have to go ahead and put you on the payroll :)

OCT

2007

I clicked your face among the 500 plus that are on line right now to see what you were up to. That was half an hour ago, and I've only skimmed the 90 plus comments. Have to come back. Seriously, thanks for taking on a project like this. I've learned more in the past three months from you and Cheryl Johnson than I have in the past decade. You're the best!

Mike in Tucson

Gita... it won't be long.

Angie... I'm not sure they can afford me. :)

Mike... thanks. I'm actually up late working on the AR Video Tutorial Series logo animation. I thought this needed some special treatment. Thank you!

OCT

2007

Hi Jeff,

We just wanted you to know that we "LOVE" your Real Estate shows product and use it as much as possible. Hope all worked out with you and Bill yesterday with that issue. Let us know if there is anything else we can do to help!

Hi Jeff,
I'll be back with specific questions later. Is there a limit per person? :0)

OCT

2007

Well, since you're asking? Here's one that has many of us stumped! How do you add java script (widgets etc) to a wordpress Blog? I can do it on Blogger.com I think they have it restricted, but if anyone knows or could do it, you'd be the man! You better get through these other 96 students first, I'll be patient! You should do like Gena said and take two aspirin, and then you might want to break up the fight in the classroom between Sarah and EXTRA-ACTIVE Mike!! LOL! Thanks Jeff!!

Hi Brad, i know Jeff won't mind if i make a suggesstion. He knows i'm a geek at heart. I'm not sure what code you're trying to put into a wordpresss, but i just tested putting in a widget (from widgetbox.com) with no problem.

did it via presentation tab, sidebar widgets tab, added a 'text box' widget and pasted the widget code into the bottom half.

may depend on the widget you want to use..

Brad, which one of your 100's of widgets are you trying to put into wordpress?

got the library one to work,.. sent you an email to leave Jeff's blog alone :)

Thanks for the call Nick, I appreciate your time and help today. It takes a "customer service" oriented person to do what you did!! Your are "customer service" at it's best!! :-)

OCT

2007

What a great idea and a great way to give back to the community that has given so much.

Thanks!

Nick and Brad... it was great to watch your interaction from the sidelines!

Todd.. I couldn't agree more.

Hey Jeff, Brad is a great guy. It was a pleasure to meet him on the phone.. hopefully my input helped. I appreciate the 'customer service' comment,.. just wanna help out if i can.

Jeff, you're idea of this post is fantastic. I can see why your so loved.

hope today, the 17th, is a GREAT DAY Jeff. :)

Jeff,

This is an awsome idea, if you run your company with the same enthusiasm you should be able to move on in the next few years. ;}

A question was asked about pasting a word document into a blog with photos. Perhaps you can help.

http://activerain.com/action/question/view_question_consumer?question_id=3940

OCT

2007

Nick... it was!

Gary... thank you. As for the word document, the reason it won't work is that there will be no internet links to the photos in the word document. The photos need to have a url just like the page does. So, you can't just copy and paste a word document. You need to replace the photo positions with photo locations on the web.

Great idea! i don't haxe a clue How to post Excel market reports in color.

Ginger... can you send me one via email?

OCT

2007

Hi Jeff, do you happen to know a site that can host PDF docs as a link to put in blogs...like plats, surveys, disclosures?

Stephanie... whoever is hosting http://www.youragentsteph.com/ should be able to provide you with an FTP location that you can upload files to. However, there are many free sites for file hosting. Here are three. I can't attest to their quality, since I always use my own FTP.

http://www.mediafire.com/

http://www.filecrunch.com/

http://www.filefactory.com/

Jeff, you are a lifesaver!!! Thanks!

My pleasure.

NOV

2007

I would like to figure out how to add a Subscribe To My Blog button at the bottom of my posts. I think my clients would use it. I assume there are a number of issues I don't understand about it.

OCT

2008

Jeff,

I got a couple but my first request would be to do one on how to jaz up your blog background. I see all these cool back grounds and I have no idea how to do it.

By the way, I am a newb here at AR and I have told myself to just sit and watch your tutorials -- it calms my need to run because all this is so overwhelming!

Thank you and Blessings!

OCT

2008

Today is my first day learning about blogs - I have watched several of your videos already and they are full of really good information - and they are easy to understand. Thank you for your time and energy!! I have a question - how do you put things on the right side of your (my)page?