busker

Vlog the Impaler

I knew I'd hit pay dirt if I kept Clint Sharp's clever page in my sights.

That's how I came across Chuck Olsen's classy and articulate blogumentary - and boy, does CO know clear and imaginative formatting - thanks to which I'm now firmly hooked on anything Steve Garfield puts out.

Just off the top of my head, here's what makes his output such pleasurable fun to read 'n' heed:

• Enthusiasm!
• Humor, including the driest and funniest in self-depreciation
• Fluid camera work and real eye for the good angle
• Expert mic placing for absolute clarity
• The V in v-log.! ^5 SG for his judicious silences. It takes a real man to know when to lose the gab and let the shot speak for itself.
• Well-prepared script, tight editing, perfect sound bites.
• I hadn't thought of this next bit til I saw how right Steve gets it: even before playing each video, Steve's first-rate text intro perfectly complements the visual pleasures to come.
• Discipline and planning is the new anarchy: see his Gnomedex for how to make sense of these morass meetings.
• Phooey to "Average Joe" and "The Donald" - give me the Carol & Steve show any time.
  • Non-stick BBQ gizmos?
  • Madame assigned to rain-soaked burger duties?
  • No question about it - here's the beef.
• Invidious to single out any one interview, but I love how Steve crafts his interview with the talented and self-effacing Temah Nelson. All her work's good but Cat's Cradle (b&w line drawing top left) is utterly beguiling and worth the whole exercise.