Progressing slowly for FiOS -- really boring stuff

[tenaya]

I took the computer to my computer guru yesterday to have it cleaned. It has been a year since he'd seen it. I'd gone to a computer fair and had this built for doing vids. Have I done any vids on it? No. But now that I've seen a song edited, I think I'm finally feeling brave enough to play with the program, but I digress. Twice the computer has broken due to too much dust clogging stuff and causing parts to get too hot and fail. So, before we hit that point again, I thought a little preemptive cleaning. He also replaced two fans that were getting noisy (both a layer of grime on them.) And the DVD burner suddenly was sticking. The DVD that was in it had some sticky goo on the bottom side of it. Apparently, the player was beginning to leak something so we got that replaced, too. So, it turned out to be a wise choice even though I hate squeezing behind the computer furniture.

Interestingly, a speaker fell off the desk once it was all back together and the speakers started making a high pitched whine, AND the wireless keyboard and mouse quit functioning. So I crawled back there only to find everything was fine but I unpluged/repluged everything again and voila, we're back in business. But gawd, I hate doing crap like this.

I took the opportunity to clean and vacuum and that upset Brindle, causing him to nipped us because that area is his and we messed with his territory. At least it's behind me for tonight and this puppy is working again. Success!

Now, I just have to set up the new tivo and throw out a bunch of VHS tapes and fill the cupboard with DVDs that are piled around the TV set. :(

Comments

[littleheaven70.livejournal.com]

Oh, do tell! What program are you using? Will this be your first vid? I can thoroughly recommend joining the vidding LJ community - a very supportive and knowledgeable bunch. Hubby just got a Mac Pro with Final Cut express and they've been helping us out with some questions. We've both only ever used PC's.

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

Premiere Pro 1.5 is what I'd bought but I've not used it yet. I've a friend who let me do a few steps on her program so now that's I've seen how it works I feel like I can finally open the program.

I'd done four SG vids under the name kelpie productions; I doubt you've seen them. And I did two Highlander vids. All previous vids were done using two VCRs.

The SG vids songs were The White Rabbit (team,) She's Not There (Daniel het vid,) The Water Carrier (Daniel) and Swim in the Ocean (team.)

I used to get the vidding yahoo list but it sort of stole my confidence. There seemed to be a lot of "this is the right way to make vids." I think they'd be a great resource for specific questions though.

[littleheaven70.livejournal.com]

I've heard Premiere is a little bit challenging to get to grips with. It's great that you have a friend who knows what she's doing and can guide you. I use Sony Vegas and it's pretty intuitive, thank goodness, or I'd be in real trouble!

There's definitely an accepted convention of do's and don't's for vidding, though I'm not sure who decided on them, LOL. I tend to follow a few simple rules - no stray frames, no talky face if I can possibly avoid it, no super-long clips unless they contain a mass of internal motion, and no mixed aspect ratios (one of my early sins). I have a really good beta who is SO much better than me that I wonder if I'll ever measure up, but it's great for the learning process.

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

I think there are some good general rules to avoid some things that will be noticeable to the viewer but it's such a creative thing. When I was reading the list, I felt it was so restrictive I felt hopeless that I'd ever make something to measure up. Fanfic isn't that regimented, thank goodness! And there are some vids that are worshiped by the in crowd and I really don't see the attraction. Of course, some are really amazing so there you go. *g*

[littleheaven70.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. Some of the best vids deliberately break "the rules" because it just works within the context of that vid. I've watched vids that people rave about and just not felt a thing. For me it's about an emotional connection between the music and visuals, and not who has the best effects.

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

Yep, the rule breakers can be good. And if they're flawed, at least they tried something different or at least honored their vision.

The magic that occurs in the vidder's head is where it's at. The song, the vision, the love for the character or show--even a flawed, roughly made vid can communicate the love. I got turned off by the high expectation of effects and technique and perfection.

[littleheaven70.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you can have the shiniest effects ever, and no passion or heart to the vid. I love vids with clean, simple, well-timed cuts. That's why when I did Flagpole Sitta, I shunned all the overlays and flashies and whatnot. All I did was hard or soft crossfades, adjusted the brightness and used a bit of crop and zoom for added motion and pacing. I didn't think it needed anything else.

[sheepsclothing.livejournal.com]

What's Fios?
I'm glad that you're computer is all shiny and new now. You should buy some music...hint, hint!
I'd like to go to Escapade now please.8-)

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

Verizon's Fiber Optic service. Really fast internet, the phone will be one price no matter how much we let Bunny talk *g* and we're getting rid of the satellite for their TV service. All for $120/month. We'll save close to $100 per month!

Yes, I am getting more interested in buy some sort of ipod. Ipod or Itouch...? I'm looking at your itunes gift card. *g*

ME Talk!

[(Anonymous)]

I'm so jealous! Of course, I had to check the availability of FiOS in Hell...and of course we don't get it; have I mentioned lately how much I hate Vegas?

When are you and spotty off to Escapade? Say, "Hey!" to everyone for me.

Oops, gotta go; meeting time.

WebMistress Bunny

Re: ME Talk!

[tenaya.livejournal.com]

And one would think that with Vegas being so new, it would be a baseline service.

Yep, tomorrow spotty and I will have 4 days at a beachside hotel with sun and surf. Between that and naughty talk...well, life is good. Wish you were there too.

Re: ME Talk!

[(Anonymous)]

Not with Vegas being in the evil clutches of Cocks, er Cox, cable!

Have a wonderful time...and think of me once in a while. Sob.

WebMistress Bunny