Video Project

Before the snow arrived, Liz, Philip, Rachel, and I met at the library to begin (and end, as it turned out) our video project. We received a key to a small room where we would not be disturbing other patrons. Initially, Liz and Philip did research on two dating websites, creating profiles on eharmony.com and match.com. Rachel and I filmed and asked questions about their thoughts on the process, and how online matches compared to meeting someone in person. The latter hearkens back to Rheingold's thoughts that youths are especially inclined to meet/communicate online.

I was impressed with the video and sound quality that the digital cameras produced. While they could not support a lengthy recording, they worked well for our short project. We uploaded clips as we went along in order to open up more free space. I have experience from editing movies in high school, and I must say that iMovie was much smoother and faster than the program we'd had, which often croaked and crashed. We had about eight minutes of footage. Some carefully cutting and rearranging put us at five minutes exactly. The entire process of research, filming, and editing took nearly three hours. However, it was a relief to know that the project was finished and safely uploaded onto iTunes.

Although the project was a positive experience, I'm not really sure how it was necessary to our Cyberspace experience other than as another way to use iTunes. I'm also not sure of how in-depth of a movie can be made within three to five minutes. After our first interview with Liz, we had about one minute of uncut footage already.

Then again, perhaps we're learning to write, talk, and now physically present ourselves online.