IE Introduces Video Comments: Show Yourself!

We feel Internet Evolution's message boards are one of this site's greatest draws, and we think you agree since you spend so much time hanging out there. But there are always reasons to not rest on our laurels and to spice things up.

Seeing as we have this new, nifty video ThinkerNet -- or what the street kids are calling IETV -- we've been blabbering more than usual. You've all had the benefit of watching our individual heads talk about Google, Microsoft, YouTube, social networking; and you've even heard from industry leaders like Aneesh Chopra and Marissa Mayer. We feel video has been a great addition to the site, a step forward in the name of multimedia.

So it was sort of a no-brainer for us to add yet another component to this site: video comments.

Of course, this whole video comment thing won't work at all unless you (no, not the guy behind you... you) get involved and start posting some on our boards. It's a pretty simple process. Let's walk through it together, shall we?

Step 1: Read an awesome Internet Evolution blog and/or watch an awesome Internet Evolution vblog and formulate your opinion.

Step 2: Use your Webcam, Flip cam, cameraphone, or whatever device you typically use to capture video of yourself (the footage from which you upload to YouTube and display on all the major holidays and at family reunions -- it's OK, we do it, too).

Step 3: Click "Post a Message" on the boards for your blog of choice, as you would normally.

Step 4: Enter a subject line, and click "Video Comment," circled in red below. Upload your amazing -- but short -- video where it says "Select the video you want to post." Then hit post.

Step 5: Enter a dire state of anxiety-driven panic waiting for your talking face to hit the boards of the world-famous site, Internet Evolution. OH MY GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE?!

Step 6: Calm down. Jeez. Get over yourself! It's just a B2B site.

Once your video uploads, it may take a minute for it to successfully appear. So if when you hit play you're prompted with a message that says the video is unavailable, do not believe it! Just give it a few minutes and hit play again. You should see your lovely face in no time.

For an example, here's a video comment I posted on yesterday's Cyber Monday editor's blog:

We hope you'll use this new feature. (Start now! Tell us what you think of video commenting via a video comment on this board!) Why? Well, we're tired of hearing ourselves talk, for starters, and as much as we enjoy watching you chat with us and each other, we'd love to hear and see you as well.

We're looking forward to discovering how video commenting can create even more engagement on Internet Evolution. Of course, all video comments should be totally work appropriate (SFW, as the kids say). Props like cat posters, cute babies, and funny hats are welcome (but not required!) in all footage.

So, on that note, get your ears ready. Things might get loud.

— Nicole Ferraro, Site Editor, Internet Evolution