A CLOSER LOOK
These are all pictures that when I took them I considered them to be just pictures of ordinary things, but the more closely I look at them, the less ordinary they become.
Digital media is perfectly suited to observe the ordinary because it is run by the ordinary. For example when you get onto youtube to watch a few videos you don’t expect to sit down and watch a film directed by Stephen Spielberg, or any real prestigious director. Instead you sit down to see what “ordinary” everyday people are posting. Everyday normal people like you and me have posted some of the greatest most popular youtube videos. Digital media has helped give a voice to those who would otherwise be voiceless. It has opened up so many doors for people to share what they appreciate. It has helped them share those things that are most important to them. In short digital media has opened up another door for people to express themselves.
An example of this is our very own Parker Hadley. I think he has demonstrated this perfectly through his constant youtube videos that get a lot more hits than you would imagine. In his videos parker observes the ordinary and expounds on it. I watched one of his latest videos where he took a bunch of cliché “Mormon terms” and pointed them out to the public at how ridiculous they are. Not only was it funny, but it also serves as a perfect example of how someone can observe the ordinary and turn it into something really awesome and fun.
Digital media is a wonderful way for people to communicate what they are feeling, what they are interested in, and what they feel the general public should also know. And though I said this earlier digital media really has brought many opportunities to share personal experiences, insights, and appreciations with those who would’ve both never had the chance to share, and those who would’ve never had the opportunity to learn. Digital media, it’s awesome.
I was a little worried when you said you mentioned my name in your post, but those fears were quickly eased. First of all, thanks so much! What you said in this post (before and after talking about me) is so true though. I am an avid fan of YouTube, and STRONGLY believe people can build a reputation and career from it alone.
ReplyDeleteI personally would rather watch 100 three minute YouTube videos then a full length movie (most of the time). There is so many unique, yet ordinary things that people do, and want to share every day. With social media becoming such a large market as of late, it's a 1000 times easier to do this. I think to myself, "Why not do it? I love doing it, and in the long run it will benefit myself and hopefully affect other people."
I love Parker Hadley so i really respect that you wrote about him. I agree that he is an amazing example of story telling. and how cool will it be when he gets famous and we can say that we knew him?? and I can say he was my PARTNER for 112! He has such a way with words and such a wonderful presence over youtube. And his one video has almost what... 70,000 hits? If that doesnt say storytelling at its finest i dont know what does.
ReplyDeleteI also liked your photos. They were very ordinary indeed but still so complex. Great job i think you nailed this blog post
OH yes! Boy o boy do I agree. I look back on ordinary things I do, that I took a photo of. Although my memory fades, the photo helps me remember, go figure. I went to France when I was in 7th grade. I remember very little now from the trip, but the photos I do have from the trip that I keep around me, in my bedroom, in my house, etc, those bits are much more memorable, literally. DM helps streamline and socialize these processes. They become public and intimate.
ReplyDeleteI really love digital media and youtube videos made by the average joe. You're right about how we don't expect to see something made by a great director on a site that so many "beginners" tend to use, but that's the best part! Anyone can share what they are up to in such an ordinary. It was interesting for me to go back to my youtube channel and view the few videos I have posted from my high school years. What amazed me was my motivations behind posting what I did. Another thing that amazed me was how at a young age I was posting things despite how simple and ordinary they are. They are videos that don't blow anything out of the water but they do capture my memories which are very dear to me (thus the ode to memories in my last blog post). Thinking about what all these average have done boggles me and makes me love them as ordinary people who may not be that ordinary at all! Thanks for posting!
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