I woke up on the morning of August 22nd, 2007.
I looked through the window.
What was that...?! It was just a glimpse but unmistakable.
I saw it. The word, "Kill".
I'm normally loathe to follow the crowd into a scene. But I was compelled. I had to see what the commotion was about.
My god! It had just happened! Already there were 36 people milling about. They were all talking and commenting about what was in front of them.
Talking and commenting...
Then I smiled.
They were commenting... and posting.
That Jeff. He did it again. A compelling topic with lively debate.
Jeff Turner's recent post "Will Video Kill the Virtual Tour?" is generating some great dialog. Realtors, stagers, video tour vendors, virtual tour vendors, are weighing in on the merits of video and virtual tours. Jeff's hypothesis: Video will not kill good virtual tours. And he poses three key reasons: Quality; Cost; Ease and Flexibility. (Okay, wasn't that technically four key reasons? 'Doesn't matter, he's on a roll.)
And before you start thinking so, let me dispel any thought about me being Jeff's secret publicist. I'm not.
The topic's relevance to my line of work as an instructional and content designer using web video to make my points is what pulled me in. That and my interest in great dialog. To me, that means well-reasoned and even-keeled debate with minimal finger-pointing and no burning agendas. I didn't say "no agendas." Just not the burning kinds that exclude all others in championing one position. You know the type. It's refreshing not to see that with so many comments. (Ninety-four at last count. And in the first day.)
Some of my favorites:
"...sometimes "us video folks" just don't get it. We must make a clear value proposition with video that outweighs the fully burdened cost of video... We think that we have an idea where the value proposition is. Until then, I believe that this post is perhaps the wakeup call that our industry needs..." (source) | I don't think video will EVER kill the virtual tour. I also think that a simple slideshow or even photographs is an absolute necessity on any listing... A video tour takes it a step further for those who are seriously interested in the property and want to see more, but I think it first starts with good photos...It's definitely NOT for everybody, nor is it for every listing. But I think it's definitely an alternative presentation... one that is far more captivating then photos can ever be. But, just as there are a lot of bad photos out there, there is a lot of bad real estate video out there - and I'm sure more is coming!...(source) |
"I think of one particular importance that could be showcased with video is the ability to show the personality of the actual real estate agent -- done properly this could be very beneficial (or detrimental). A big benefit of blogging over a plain website is the ability to show off some personality instead of a dry website...." (source) | "...I actually really like a product call Real Estate Shows. Have you ever heard of them...?) (source) Blogger's note: Jeff is is the President, COO and Founder of RealEstateShows.com. :-) |
For the record: My take on it? As I commented in the thread,
"...I personally prefer video for the flexibility I think it gives me to control pace and range of emotion... I think videos, virtual tours, and still photos are all different tools... (But,) Like real estate, each has value when used for a particular purpose.... the highest and best use for each media is its most profitable (ROI), physically possible (skill; equipment; ability), and legally permissible use. Using each tool with these principles in mind can make a pretty compelling value proposition to a client...."
I'm looking forward to "part 2," as Jeff has promised there would be one. I'm hoping to see more discussion about whether or not others see where we might sometimes confuse the technology with the purpose. What I mean is, often I see video technology being used in video tours where the content isn't too far removed from panning/narrated still shots. If that were the case, why not just use a virtual tour? A better story can be told with Stills using a good VT tool. But, now tell a dynamic, rolling story about the property, its neighborhood, its history, the community...
I'd be interested in seeing more examples where video is used to tell more of a compelling back story of both the property and its community, rather than panning/narrative "static videos" of the property, square footage, bathrooms, bedrooms... The power of the video is in the flexibility it has in telling a story (or multiple stories) with a wider range of emotive content in the same space. (Thoughts...?)
Mel
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