Okay, so I’ve working to increase the frequency and quality of ToolGuyd review videos. You can check out ToolGuyd’s YouTube channel to see what I’ve done in the past.
I just put together a few quick review videos, and… they could be better. A LOT better. For some of them I took multiple takes, and they’re still not as good as I’d like them to be. The videos will still go up, but I’ll be working on improvements for the future.
Feel free to answer any or all questions. Any feedback or preferences you share will be appreciated. Thank you!
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1. Would you like to see shorter or longer videos?
Right now, ToolGuyd videos tend to be long, perhaps too long, as I tend to be thorough and don’t know when to stop talking. I don’t like the idea of scripting.
By “short,” I mean maybe under 3-minutes, and “long” would be over 3-minutes.
Would you want to see short previews or product summaries as well as longer drawn-out reviews?
2. Do you prefer closeups on the tools, or would you want to see me in the video?
I work in a very small and very busy workspace. In the latest videos, I had to zoom in too much to avoid stuff in the background, and so the tools drifted from view a few times. Either way, I will rearrange things to free up some space.
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3. Would you prefer for tool demonstrations, or tool reviews?
I generally don’t record video of tools as I test them, but could try to fit in some live demos if it’s something you might want to see.
4. What devices do you anticipate watching videos on? (Computer? Tablet? Smartphone?)
I suppose this plays into question 1. An 8-minute video will be a lot for many smartphones to handle.
5. Open-Ended Suggestions
Tell me what you’d like to see, or not see. There are some improvements I KNOW need to be done to bring ToolGuyd video quality up to ToolGuyd written review quality, but maybe you have a tip that I hadn’t considered.
Thanks!
SawdustTX
1. I’m often not patient enough to sit through a long video, so I prefer that you get through the general review, highlights, pros/cons, and recommendation within 2, max 3 minutes. If it then goes on to show more detail, that’s great!
2. A little wider view than you’ve typically used will help give a better idea of scale of the tool, and it wont’ go out fo frame when you move it.
3. Mostly reviews, but a brief demo at the end after the review conclusion would certainly be useful. It’s good to see and hear the tool in use to see how it reacts, does the motor bog down, how do you handle the tool in operation, etc.
4. Computer – I rarely watch video on the tablet or phone. Actually on most modern devices, the length of the video is not an issue. It’s the ability to see smaller details, read captions, etc that is hard on those little screens.
Just my opinions, good luck with your reviews!
Stuart
Thanks!
I did a retake for a couple of videos and managed to cut down the time. One of the 4+ minute ones ended up being 7 seconds longer. Video length is definitely something I need to work on, but I feel it’s hard to do so without making them seem like commercials.
JG
Longer video but general conclusion at the beginning. There is a difference between a genuine review and a preview or just showcasing something. There’s plenty videos showing gear as it comes out of the box and first hour impressions but calling them reviews would be a joke.
Stuart
Unfortunately, I too come across a lot of video “reviews” that start with someone opening a box.
I typically don’t call something a review until I have tested and used it enough to form an opinion and recommendation I can stand by. With some tools that could mean 15 minutes of testing, with others it could means 5 hours, and others 30 days.
What I could try to do is create separate review and “show and tell” structures, but don’t know if there would be enough differences to matter.
Erik Potter
1) I prefer a video length that scales with two things, the cost and complexity of the item. A hammer is simple and generally less expensive and so merits a shorter video. This probably fits more of what you do here. Reviewing a larger set of various tools and on up into power tools may merit a longer review. With more variables and higher cost I’m willing to spend more time researching (and watching a longer video).
2) Focus on the tools. Show me the TwinTec in use, under torque, attaching to fasteners that are being fastened or unfastened. Avoid just putting a lose bolt in a tool and saying it looks like a good fit.
3) Yes, tools in use. I can get tech specs faster from a text article and a table. Video shows me the design and application of those specs in the real world.
4) I have a smart phone but I almost never use it to watch reviews unless I’m say at a store staring at a limited availability special. I prefer sitting at a large screen where I can cross reference efficiently with other web sources. IF you decide to go with more effort on mobile access…make sure people don’t have to navigate an interface designed for large screens to try to get to your information.
5) I like that you are not afraid to make mention of similar products, particularly those you have discussed in the past and I like that. If that is appropriate for your video review and you have access to a competing or prior generation product a brief head-to-head can be valuable.
Talk to me about how something a tool does feels better, show me when I can see the better features. For example, most mid+ range table saws look the same while cutting most things…but you can show me how a fence or blade adjusts more easily and accurately and I’ll understand it better than most efforts to tell me.
Unboxings have little merit. They are more akin to tool (really packaging) porn. I do respect good packaging but it won’t make me buy an inferior product.
Thanks Stuart.
Erik
Stuart
Sounds good on all parts, thanks for the feedback and suggestions!
Jerry
I agree with the poster who commented that tool reviews should vary in length according to the cost/complexity of what is being reviewed. 2-5 minutes should cover most reviews IMO.
I like to see tools in use, and if there is a specific feature that makes one tool stand out, good or bad, SHOW us, in use, why that is, if you can. I also watch any reviews on the full size PC, to better see the detail.
I would like a very brief summary up front, followed by details why you came to that conclusion, and I am always curious about not only which tool is best, but which is a best value. I know when I am using my own money, value often comes into play. Maybe a best in class, and best value category? Or best at a specific job?
I don’t really feel close ups are that important, except to point out a detail hard to see otherwise. One can get a decent idea how well a tool works just by the body language of the user, in many cases. One aspect that might merit a close shot, would be when holding the tool, to see how well the handle fits the users hand. Otherwise, most of us know what a drill or saw look like, so general close shots really aren’t needed.
I also like to know any intangibles, such as cord length, ease of attachment changes, country of origin, grip surface comfort, the general ‘feel’ of quality or precision, etc. it would only take a moment to mention these things.
I myself often get too wordy, not wanting to miss a detail, but I realize most of the time, less is more, as long as it is explained well.
Stuart
The main problem with showing tools in action is how I can focus on a project or photo/video creation, but not both. Demonstrating tools more often is something I will work on, but they’ll have to be staged to avoid quality and safety issues.
My primary focus will continue to be written reviews and photos, with videos added when possible to be complementary. So things like cord length, country of origin, and more detailed specs and assessments will be in following or associated reviews on ToolGuyd.
Once I figure out how to work in more actual use and demo footage, I’ll look into switching focus from the tools to myself. That’s what I meant about close-ups, whether the preference is for the tool or myself to be the main subject.
My goal for these next two months is to catch up on all the tools I reviewed but haven’t written about yet. In a lot of those cases, I used the tools not thinking about whether the usage would make for great footage, but with the aim to evaluate them as thoroughly as possible. Moving forward I’ll see if I can capture more of the testing process for photos or video.
Thanks for the suggestions and feedback, please keep ’em coming!
Jerry
I guess it wasn’t mentioned yet, but I assume you will have your usual written review here, with a link to the video.
I don’t know how much work it would be for you, but what about short video segments linked within the written review?
Using the table saw example from above, when you write about fence adjustment, if one of the saws has a unique way of doing it, a link to a quick video showing how it is different from the others might be helpful. When talking about ease of folding/unfolding the legs if they come with a stand might be appropriate, if one is notably easier or harder than the rest. I know it would be more work for you, making several short video segments, but it would allow viewers to go right to the video that shows the feature most important to them, rather than the whole video. In today’s ADD world, half a minute can seem like a long tome to wait, to get to what you want to see.
Stuart
What I could/would do instead is embed or link to videos with different starting points. YouTube makes this very easy to do.
SteveR
Stuart–I haven’t seen many of your vids over the past two years, but the ones I have seen could use more action. I’ll assume most of us tune in to see the tool being used/demonstrated; therefore, the more activity, the better to judge HOW it is used, as well as effectiveness in performing the work, ergonomics, etc. You tend to approach your write-ups from an engineering viewpoint (not a bad thing), but a practical usage video helps flesh out the reviews. Check out the Tools in Action videos to see how Dan and Eric do theirs. I assume it will still be just you making the vids (and not your wife in the background, busting your chops). Note, too, that the TIA guys ARE in the vids, actively demonstrating how the tool works, explaining their likes/dislikes. To do that, you need an open workspace with room to use the tool. They also go outside to demonstrate a tool or piece of equipment, if appropriate. Static discussions can only go so far; if you don’t have room at home, can you do the vids at work or in a friend’s garage/workshop?
I like both write-ups and practical demos. Everyone invariably forgets to say things in the vids; humans tend to worry about lighting, how does my voice sound, did I mention all the points I intended to make?, etc. A write-up gives you time to reflect and include every point you wanted to make. You don’t need to work from a prepared script on the vids, either; you could have a small cue card nearby that has bullets to remind you of the points you want to make. I’m not sure, but I don’t think Dan and Eric re-shoot many of their reviews; their errors and asides often make the vids more engaging.
It may help to show the packaging, mention the item’s price, tell us what tasks it’s designed to perform, then show as many of those as you reasonably can. It’s nice to get a feel for what the tool does and how it operates, so hands-on demos are a good thing.
As for viewing, I’m old school technologically, so I use a computer to look up everything. I have a smartphone, but my plan has a small data allowance, so I don’t use it to watch vids.
As for length, if you need seven minutes to fully demonstrate a tool, then use that length of time. If you’re not demonstrating a tool throughout its’ range (i.e., if all you’re doing is talking about it), even a two minute vid can drag, so plan accordingly. If we’re not being shown what a tool or piece of equipment does in the video, what’s the point of the video?
Stuart
Dan and Eric’s TIA videos are a great target to shoot for, but I don’t have the space or man hours to accomplish that styling. They make it look easy, but they put in a lot of work.
There are some spaces I visit to test tools and work on projects that cannot be handled in my small multi-purpose workspace, and I’ll see if I can put together a portable video kit that can go along for some informal footage.
mat
Most important thing how easy is the tool to hold over head.
Concord carpenter always lets me know he can hold his tools over his head and I like knowing that 😀
Stuart
To be fair to Rob, this is an important quality for a lot of contractors and remodelers. A heavy and bulky tool that you have to use overhead or at the top of a ladder a lot will mean a more tiring day.
matt
I know I was being serious LOL.. I like his reviews he does a great job.
That just seems to be his signature line which sometimes is pretty funny..
“I just got this new radio look I can hold it over my head”
JeffD
Hand tools: 3-4 minutes. Video drive-by of the tool, specs, physical demonstration, and review.
Power Tools: Same as hand tool but with a longer segment of physical demonstration.
JeffD
Cheesy video I made of the Bosch PS21-2A in action: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BEE12U/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Phil
Nice to see you seeking input on how to format and structure your video. I’ve found most to be informative and helpful in the past. Here’s my recommendations;
1 – I prefer short-format videos for items that might have a small feature set. A couple minutes are all that is generally needed for, say, a knife or simple flashlight. For tools that have several functions, like a hammerdrill, table saw, or something that has lots of “pieces” to it, like an oscillating multi-tool, you need more time to covers the details. No need to go on about tiny, mundane features, but if there’s something hidden that has lots of potential value, special functions, etc, bring those up so people might not miss something cool. Script your videos, this tends to avoid rambling and unneeded pauses as you collect your thoughts on the fly. Doing so moves things along, improves the flow, and you can practice and rewrite as needed to make a more cohesive performance. Avoid going off-script.
2 – Both. Introducing the item you are reviewing with you in the picture at the beginning connects you with the audience, and it scales the item so people get an immediate grasp of the “space” and build familiarity with the item more if it were just being shown by itself. Even if you are reviewing something small like a jigsaw blade, socket, watch or the like, opening the scene with yourself in it is the “friendly” approach. You can skip the intro with self if you are making a very short-form video, or need some form of immediacy if you are making a supplemental video, or a “part two” that gets into more detail in case you feel making a long-form vid would be excessive. This is handy if you want to split an entry between an overall summary first, and greater detail separately, such as using the item in the course of completing a project.
If you need to concentrate the view because of too small a workspace, find another place to do it. Making a series of video reviews works best when in the same “studio space” even if it’s just a corner of your workshop. This builds familiarity. Even if you plan on making a demonstration of the item in a specific area, or “on the job”, the consistent introduction makes for a far more professional result. In doing this, you can occasionally “surprise” the audience by starting off in an unconventional location. “Hi, I’m Stuey, and today I’m going to show you Caterpillar’s latest excavator in action” as the scene zooms out with you standing in front of the machine, that sort of thing.
3 – Either would work, depending on what you are demonstrating. If you are just making people aware of a new product, just go for a demonstration, describe and show the item, give prices and so on. If the item is something you might not be able to demonstrate in action on a project while putting it through its paces, keep it brief. If Bosch sens you a concrete breaker, you don’t necessarily need to bust up your driveway if it’s fine as it is. If possible, put previous similar items in the story in order to compare even if that’s not in your plan. If you still have previous similar items, put them on the side. If you have collected items, such as knives or flashlights, make simple comparisons. Consider making two part videos for things that you are reviewing (see above) if you want things done in-depth and you know it will take time.
4 – I almost never watch videos on my smartphone. I have two big workstations with 27 and 30″ displays, and I prefer to see things there. Tablets are not nearly as restrictive, the same goes for laptop screens. Either beats the hell out of a phone display. Splitting the in-depth part of a review will let those who watch on mobiles get the gist of what you’re presenting, these folk also tend to have short attention spans anyway. This covers all usage scenarios.
5 – Your text reviews have been good, and they’ve gotten better over time. You’ve gone from the guy-with-a-website to true professional presentation, keep up the good work. Invite others to guest or assist in either form of presentation. Why should you do all the work? Also, if you are demonstrating/reviewing an item outside of your realm, a guest with direct experience helps.
Good luck!
Stuart
Thanks for the great suggestions and feedback!
I have been hesitant to do more personal videos for two reasons. Space and environment is a major issue, but I am also concerned that this could give videos a more spokesman-like vibe to them. Still, I’ll see what I can do to work on this.
I have been more receptive to guest contributions lately, but even the best ones require some editing and formatting on my part.
Thank you also for the kind words about the text reviews, I certainly do try my best.
Chris Williams
I like a combo of reviews and demos or comparisons ,long or short thorough is important to me. Perhaps the new fuel and 995 with 2 9/16 self feed comparison would be nice. thanks
Stan
1. I am fine with long or short videos, as you seem to have a generally good idea what to say, do and explain the features of the tools.
2. Video closeups of tools to me is very important, as that allows me to see what the tools actually look like as manufacturers often take horrid generic images that don’t showcase the item well enough.
3. I watch your videos on a computer, it’s easier that way.
Now I’ll probably be one of very few people to request this, but from a buyer’s stand point and even from a seller’s stand point, I think mentioning the country of origin of the tools would be an excellent way to make your videos much more interesting.
I am hardly an average consumer, but when I buy tools, no matter what brand, I won’t buy the tool unless I know that information. I doubt most others do this, but I do, as with me, I work hard for my money and I like to spend this wisely.
I would also like to chime in I also like to hear the part number/model number or serial number so should I want this, I can find this more easily.
I am sure most people also don’t care about this, but this makes finding items much easier. You can spend an hour or more researching a tool or a couple of seconds if you have this information. I don’t know about anyone else, but I rather only spend a couple of seconds.
RKA
1. Not really interested in the short highlight videos. A thorough review is what I’m after. Length depends on a lot of things, but long (10 mins or a little more) isn’t bad as long as it’s loaded with content and you’ve edited out the gaps where you’re setting things up. Even when you’re cutting for example, show a few secs at the beginning, cut the rest and show the result. Obviously the exceptions are when you need to highlight some part of the set up or cut, but I think you understand what I’m saying. Rambling is not preferred, so even though I understand that you don’t like scripting, I can’t help but to think the scripting will only help with brevity. And brevity isn’t necessarily incomplete information.
2. Do you prefer closeups on the tools, or would you want to see me in the video?
I think the answer is both. There is something odd about a review from a voice or a pair of hands. The video is more relatable with a face. But there are times when you want the detail to illustrate something. Particularly when the tool is in use. Again, this goes back to crafty editing to pull all the pieces together. That means multiple takes. I actually hate it when a review points out some small detail and then tells me I have to trust them since I can’t see it on the video very well (out of focus, not a close up, lousy review).
3. Would you prefer for tool demonstrations, or tool reviews?
Both. Definitely your take on the tool itself. The demo takes up more time, but if it speaks to your point, show it.
4. What devices do you anticipate watching videos on? (Computer? Tablet? Smartphone?)
Tablet. Smartphone is too small and I don’t have enough bandwidth unless I’m on wireless, so I typically don’t use the phone for videos (yet). Computer is fixed to my desk and I’m not, so it’s not my preferred choice. That leaves the tablet as my best compromise. It’s near me at any given point, it gets used for a lot of research, and the screen is just big enough for it to work if I expand the video to fill the screen. But if the review doesn’t have close ups when needed, I get aggravated and move on.
5. Open-Ended Suggestions
Mostly, I really hate it when I look at a 5+ minute video, and within the first 30 seconds I get the feeling the person making the video didn’t edit out the dead space to compress the video. I want the information, but I want it delivered as quickly as possible. It can still be long, but pack it with content. I’ve said this under #1 above, but it bears worth repeating, because this is the number 1 reason I click back and find another source of information pertaining to the tool I’m researching.
Good luck! Done well, it’s hard to imagine this will take second place to the written reviews. They both require a good investment in time.
Caleb
Personally I greatly prefer reading text to watching videos. Compared to most people I am a fast reader so videos slow me down a lot. I can also read in environments in which it is not appropriate to watch a video. If I find a link to something that does not include a text along with videos I am very likely to avoid that site in the future.
That being said, there are some skills that cannot be transmitted very efficiently via text so that would be an exception. When videos are used they are more effective if kept short and used to supplement text.
Many of the videos that I have seen online are done incredibly poorly and include huge amounts of dead air. If they are edited correctly, they can be a great help, but so many are done so poorly that it has influenced me to be even more wary of wasting my time on most online videos. A lot of people try to record the exact same way that they would show a friend a new tool. The difference is that you friend can hold it and ask questions whereas that is not possible on a video. A presentation is not the same thing as show and tell.
I would recommend watching some videos on sites like cnet and see how they do it.
1. Would you like to see shorter or longer videos?
Definitely short. If it is long I am not likely to watch it even I am an seriously researching a product. A 1-2 minute is an ideal length for most reviews. Longer videos are justified if there is a good reason for it, but should be rare.
2. Do you prefer closeups on the tools, or would you want to see me in the video?
Mostly the tools, but it can be good to do the intro and recap in front of the camera, especially on longer videos. That would add more production time which can be a challenge when doing this all by yourself.
3. Would you prefer for tool demonstrations, or tool reviews?
I would prefer a demo in the video and the full review in the text.
4. What devices do you anticipate watching videos on? (Computer? Tablet? Smartphone?)
If I were to watch them it would be mostly tablet though occasionally computer. I am generally not able to watch videos when I am at the computer but can squeeze it in sometimes.
5. Open-Ended Suggestions
I did watch a short amount of a couple of your videos on the page that you posted earlier today. Here are a couple points of specific critiques that are not criticisms but can hopefully help you in your future endeavors.
A lot of your words ran together and the tone variations made it a bit hard to follow. It is good to have some tonal variety, but raising the tone at the end of every statement makes you sound like you are questioning what you are saying. A deeper tone of voice may be helpful as well if possible. Though not identical, speaking on a recording is very similar to a live audience. A couple of keys are to make sure that you are enunciating very clearly and to speak a lot slower that you think you should. It should almost feel like you are speaking so slowly that the audience thinks that you are insulting their intelligence. You will actually be speaking much faster than that, close to normal speech patterns. You nerves and adrenaline will make your brain go super alert and it will feel much slower than it actually is. For some people it may not be quite the same on a video as in front of a live audience, but it is similar for most people. I hope this helps.