YouTube Stars!

Fred - YouTubeStar!

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:31:00 +0000

Fred is Number Four this week on the YouTube Top 100 Weekly Chart! All the kids are subscribing because they love his vids. Since he's so popular with the younger crowd, I decided to let my 10-year-old niece and her friend write this review.

Hi, this is Ashley and Kadeeja. We like Fred. All the kids in our grade watch his videos. We like him because he is stupid but funny at the same time. We like his voice and when he sings.

In Fred Stalks Judy the best part is when Fred takes the photos of himself for Judy.
It was funny because he was doing all of his photos in slow motion also because he was doing weird photo poses. Also another funny part in Fred Stalks Judy was when Fred goes into Judy’s house and then goes into her room and looks at her stuff. So I really liked Fred stalks Judy and thought it was great.

Fred Stalks Judy

Made by: Fred
Rating: 4.62
Views: 3741598
Comments: 24796
Category: Comedy

In Fred Loses His Meds it is funny because he kept saying he needed his meds and was freaking out. Also he went outside when there was a thunderstorm and people were supposed to be inside. But then he went inside screaming and looking for his meds because he said he was addicted to them and he needed them. Then his mother came home and said she took his meds on accident, and then he took his meds and was all better.

Fred Loses His Meds

Made by: Fred
Rating: 4.65
Views: 5608589
Comments: 34904
Category: Comedy

In Fred on May Day it is really funny because he laughs like an evil dude. Also he gives Judy (Fred’s lover) his mom's used underwear. Also it was funny because he sings in each video and trys to hit a high note.

Fred on May Day

Made by: Fred
Rating: 4.63
Views: 3670804
Comments: 22521
Category: Comedy

In Fred Meets Bertha it is really really funny because he said when he was waiting for his mom outside a bar and then gangsters ganged up on Fred and then Fred said hay nobody messes with Fred so back off. Also it is funny because Bertha kissed Fred and Bertha told Fred to do bad things like throw a beer bottle at someone car.

Fred Meets Bertha

Made by: Fred
Rating: 4.57
Views: 1625729
Comments: 16255
Category: Comedy

Take A Bow by Rihanna

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:36:00 +0000

One of the most popular things to do on YouTube is to make a video of yourself singing a popular song. Many YouTubers have covered Rihanna's song, "Take A Bow." I picked out 6 videos of women singing this popular song. Here they are, with no comment from me. They are all great!!! Watch and enjoy!

Rihanna - Take A Bow (Acoustic)

Made by: TiffanyJoAllen
Rating: 4.11
Views: 267195
Comments: 2032
Category: Music

Me singing Take a Bow by Rihanna

Made by: kkv91
Rating: 4.62
Views: 47638
Comments: 999
Category: Music

Take A Bow- Rihanna Cover

Made by: kinagrannis
Rating: 4.89
Views: 49082
Comments: 330
Category: Music

Take A Bow Rihanna Official Cover

Made by: nicolemauricio
Rating: 3.87
Views: 10942
Comments: 103
Category: Comedy

Rihanna - Take A Bow (Cover)

Made by: ChristineHolt
Rating: 4.80
Views: 350
Comments: 55
Category: Music

Take A Bow

Made by: KazMills
Rating: 4.75
Views: 9599
Comments: 320
Category: Music

First Vlogs

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 01:45:00 +0000

Last month (in this post), we discussed several videos made about the state of video blogging on YouTube. People were saying that vlogging has changed - no one makes vids anymore just to talk about their lives. It was said that many YouTubers were now trying to be slick and act differently, just to get views. Many lamented the "old days" of YouTube where people were thought to be more honest, and happy to simply get in front of a cam and talk about their regular ordinary lives. It was fun to watch and listen to regular people tell the world about who they were and what they were doing.

As we said last time, for every veteran vlogger who has been around a while and misses the old days, there is a new person just discovering the fun of making video blogs. Here are four young people who have just recently made their First Vlogs. Please watch their videos, encourage them with nice comments, and subscribe if you like their style!

But first, some News! Last week, everyone was talking about the subscriber shrinkage problem. It seems that many YouTubers were surprised to find that they were losing subscribers. A check of the Top 100 Weekly Chart showed that this was indeed true. Many, but not all, of the top YouTubers had decreases in their number of subscribers from the week before. It has been suggested that YouTube is purging old, unused accounts from it's database. This may account for the observed drop in subscribers. Whatever the cause, it appears to have stopped. Have a look at This Week's Top 100 Chart and you'll see that almost everyone Gained Subscribers this week.

In related Top 100 Chart news, the Fred character, formally of JKLproduction, is up 5 positions to number 11 - with a gain of 27,928 new subscribers! Congrats on that Huge jump in subs! Meanwhile, the veteran vlogger and community supporter, Renetto, has dropped another position to number 86 with a weekly Loss of 23 subs. This is surprising, considering his excellent recent series of videos made from poignant and thoughtful essays originally published at NPR. Maybe people don't like it when Renetto is serious. His wacky videos have done the best. The essays have only 4 to 14 thousand views and his TheTropolis vids have barely above 10 thousand views. What does this say about the members of YouTube and what they want from the site?

Now, on with the videos!

First up, is Lucy. Lucy likes Harry Potter, skiing, acting, singing, and... orange juice! On her profile, she says she is an upbeat person, an honors kid, an optimist and a good friend. Lucy made her first video, about Harry Potter, just 2 weeks ago. Here she is with her first vlog, uploaded May 26th. Yes, she IS an upbeat person!

first REAL vlog!

Made by: OMGitsLucy814
Rating: 5.00
Views: 65
Comments: 5
Category: People & Blogs

Next, here's Lucie. Lucie lives in the UK and likes 80s music. She talks in this vid about the upcoming Avril Lavigne concert she will be attending (she went, and talks about it in vlog 3). Lucie also talks about school (it's almost over!) and the art exhibition coming up. The vid, from May 27th, is slightly fuzzy and the audio is a little tinny, but Lucie was kind enough to provide subtitles so we could follow along! The word is, Lucie has a new cam in her future!

Vlog no.1 [Avril Lavigne & Pcad.]

Made by: EllieBee148
Rating: 5.00
Views: 88
Comments: 2
Category: People & Blogs

Now, watch Franny. She just joined YouTube in April and made this first vlog on May 29th, from her bathroom! Her goal was to introduce herself and get 20 video views - she got over 100 so far. Franny likes to wear different clothes and vary her makeup and hair, but despite her screen name, that doesn't make her skitzo! She likes music and YouTube, and says she intends to make more videos. Here is her first effort, enjoy!

First YouTube Vlog! yay?

Made by: schizofrannya
Rating: 5.00
Views: 112
Comments: 5
Category: People & Blogs

Finally, we have Zoe. Zoe lives in the UK and loves music and... Philosophy! Wow, she's only 13, how interesting! Zoe joined YouTube last October and made her first video 3 months back. She went fishing and caught a Pike. This is her first vlog, made on May 29th. She mentions her love of music, writing, reading, YouTube - and of course Philosophy. :) Zoe says she's "a bit different to anyone usually this age," watch and see!

Intro.. Take II (:

Made by: JellyBeanQueenX
Rating: 5.00
Views: 94
Comments: 7
Category: People & Blogs

Memorial Day 2008

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Mon, 26 May 2008 05:15:00 +0000

Happy Memorial Day! In the USA, we take this day to remember all the men and women of the miltary who have lost their lives. They made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could live in freedom. Here are three videos - 2 about Memorial Day and one about children who need our help - without comment by me this time! Just watch and consider the message. Thanks!

Memorial Day Tribute

Made by: TiffanyJoAllen
Rating: 4.85
Views: 4148
Comments: 281
Category: Music

Happy Memorial Day

Made by: Juststircrazy
Rating: 5.00
Views: 98
Comments: 8
Category: Entertainment

LOVE MESSAGE (Collab)

Made by: YTsHaDoWkNiGhT
Rating: 5.00
Views: 131
Comments: 19
Category: Nonprofits & Activism

Vloggers discuss vlogging

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Mon, 19 May 2008 03:45:00 +0000

Recently, K80blog made a video discussing the state of the vlogging community on YouTube. She said that YouTube has become a bit boring and has lost it's edge. People seem to be playing it safe and not taking risks. Katie said that she came here to express her opinions, stay honest and to make the most of her channel. She challenged the community to keep YouTube interesting. So far, there have been 75 Response Videos to her vid. Here is her video. After that, there are two response videos and then a video from a new and interesting vlogger!

To My Fellow Vloggers

Made by: K80Blog
Rating: 4.55
Views: 80076
Comments: 1045
Category: People & Blogs

Paperlilies remembers the earlier days of YouTube when it was interesting to watch people talk honestly about their real lives. She agrees that YouTube has become dull and that people are less honest. In her case, Bryony has to limit what she can say due to deals she is considering as a result of her previously honest and popular videos.

A vlog about youtube videos

Made by: Paperlilies
Rating: 4.46
Views: 14149
Comments: 328
Category: People & Blogs

Tlg847 is always good at providing perspective on YouTube issues and larger cultural trends as well. Here, Tom talks about horse racing and how the sport has become "big event" motivated. People are drawn to spectacle. But the mundane was once interesting on YouTube as people were newly able to peek into lives of ordinary people. He finishes by observing that poets have always been able to make something special of the mundane - and reads a poem to illustrate his point.

Ordinary & Extra-ordinary

Made by: tlg847
Rating: 4.92
Views: 958
Comments: 44
Category: People & Blogs

YouTube has only been around for a couple of years. Some people have already made interesting and entertaining videos that have created a following. They have many subscribers, and may have also used their YouTube success in other mediums such as TV and Music and the Arts. Stevie Ryan (LittleLoca) hosted a TV show, HotForWords has been on Bill O'Reilly's show (and will be on it again soon!), Esmee Denters was signed by Justin Timberlake's company, Paperlilies has sold paintings on eBay.

But for every person who has already "been there, done that" on YouTube, there is someone new, just starting out, just becoming popular. One such person is JustStirCrazy. Audra is 24 and lives on the West Coast. She has had some real life drama; she was in the military and survived a bomb blast in Iraq. She also has an equally attractive twin sister named Dael Anne who has been in a few of her vids. Audra has fiery red hair and a personality to match. She says what is on her mind, and people love to listen because her rants are often poetic! Check out this rant/poem and also, don't miss this other rant and this honest expression of 5 things Audra hates.

To my ther-RAPIST

Made by: Juststircrazy
Rating: 5.00
Views: 354
Comments: 56
Category: Entertainment

We Support the Arts on YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:46:00 +0000

Back in February, YouTuber JackDanyells announced a contest to help promote Art and Writing on YouTube. In his video about the contest, "Do you support the arts on YouTube?", Jack asks the question, "Is there a place for art and writing in the digital revolution?" So far, there have been 353 video responses! Finalists in the contest are to be announced on May 9th. Links to official rules of the contest are in the description of the video. There are two $500 prizes up for grabs!

Here at YouTubeStars, we consider the entire range of videos posted on YouTube as works of art. We have supported YouTubers and their videos for TWO years now! In this post, we'll have a look and listen to two poets reading a sample of their work. We'll also watch two unique music videos - one is a classic hymn set to a classic rock song, the other is a collaboration/duet between two YouTubers.

First, some News! There is another popular contest going on, and several YouTubers are contestants. The TotalPopStar contest is in the Final stages. The winner gets a Record Contract and Prizes worth over $150,000! We have written about three of the top six Finalists in the past: bexboop878, jsanchezfan, and kristaheartzuz. Go to TotalPopStar and vote, NOW!

Last month, our new friend Marina (HotForWords, #33 this week!) appeared on The O'Reilly Factor with Bill O'Reilly on Fox News. They talked about the origin of five words that Bill likes to use on his show. I was very happy to hear him mention how many Total Video Views Marina has received on YouTube! He got that data from our Total Video Views widget, which appears front and center on the www.HotForWords.com website. Excellent appearance, Marina! And thanks, Bill O'Reilly for indirectly promoting our Total Video Views widget! As people like YOU add our widgets to their websites, we are adding their Testimonials to our website. Go see who is using our widgets!

Last time, we mentioned comedian Fred from jklproduction (#23 this week). He spun off his Fred character to its own channel on May 1st. He already has over 4o Thousand subscribers and entered the Top 100 Chart at number 83! Watch his Mayday video. It's so stupid, it's funny!

Now, here are four videos for you!

Charming Nikki, babyporriidge, made this entry for JackDanyells' contest. It's an amazing poem with great visuals. Here is the poem:

dear inspiration,

we have not kissed for days.

you disappear with the ease of the ghosts i pretend not to believe in, & you slip through the loopholes of my jargon & thought patterns, as if your only obligation is to slide through space.

the days were kinder then, & you taught me to speak with the diction of the skies. you taught me to write about charisma like a broken record where everything was muted against the infinite repeat of charm & of charm & of charm & of charm.

sometimes, in your absence, you take my clarity. sometimes, it's my sanity. always, you take a piece of me with you.

i have looked for you under tea-cups & between the lines of someone else's pride. it would help if you were not so nameless & not so faceless.

there is a place, much like you, where inertia & gravity do not apply.
i only have open arms for you & like my skin & my soul are territories already marked with your name, there is a place like a smooth canvas that waits for your calligraphy.

there will be a place for us here.

TubeWrite: Dear Inspiration

Made by: babyporridge
Rating: 4.89
Views: 8782
Comments: 148
Category: Film & Animation

Talented Stefani, livingpassion, has been sharing her excellent poetry with the YouTube community for over a year now. She has 143 videos on YT! Here is the poem she recites in this video:

I love you

I wrote you a poem,
Comparing my love
To the dangerously enticing
Face of the fiery sun...

I called you my songbird--
Lamenting your silence
And seeking your song...
Wishing I had clipped your wings.

When I wept for you,
I spoke of storms
Wreaking havoc on my heart
And freezing my very soul.

Like the prophet,
Seeking a still, small voice in an earthquake,
In my pedantic, poetic rambling
I think I forgot to say,
Simply...

I love you.

A Simple Love Poem

Made by: livingpassion
Rating: 5.00
Views: 232
Comments: 20
Category: People & Blogs

Inspiring VioletKitty411 recently uploaded this uplifting video. She sings "Amazing Grace" to the music of "House of the Rising Sun" which was a hit for "The Animals" in the '60s. Enjoy this music video and be sure to check out more videos on the VioletKitty411 channel!

House of the Risen Son

Made by: VioletKitty411
Rating: 4.15
Views: 793
Comments: 97
Category: Music

Bridget Hermano teams up with Jennifer Newberry on this duet/collaboration video collage. Both ladies are beautiful and talented singers! You'll enjoy watching and listening to this one! Don't miss "No Air" towards the end - WOW!

Bridget & Jennifer Newberry Duet Collage

Made by: jennifernew21
Rating: 4.76
Views: 3947
Comments: 111
Category: Music

Comedy For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:14:00 +0000

If you are under 18, you've probably seen these four videos already.
This time, YouTubeStars presents four vids that the kids find very very funny! Each has millions of views, so it's obvious that people keep watching these and passing them around among their friends. Have a look, even if you're not a teenager anymore, and see if you find yourself laughing at these Comedies For Kids!

First, some News! Our buddy VenetianPrincess is in a contest. She recently wrote to say, "I am writing this email in hopes that you guys are willing to help me out here. I entered my video into a local contest to get to sing on a commercial that will be aired during the American Idol Finale in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island areas... Please vote for me by giving me five stars... Here is the link: http://www.cardis.com/idol/ You can find my video by scrolling down, my video is labled Jodie Rivera... I can't express how much I would appreciate your vote. Thanks so much!!!!!"

The kids of JKLproduction have created a character named Fred. Fred, a 6-year-old with a mom who has less than perfect parenting skills, is often out of control. Things get broken as his temper flares. In this video, Fred tells us about his Halloween experiences. If you like Fred, he's made his own channel! (Someone must love Fred - several of the Fred vids have over 4 million views!) Go subscribe to the new Fred channel!

Fred on Halloween

Made by: jklproduction
Rating: 4.73
Views: 4940527
Comments: 15810
Category: Comedy

Heyyy, Charlie! Everyone must have seen Charlie The Unicorn by now - it has over 22 Million views! Sarcastic Charlie meets the silly red and blue unicorns and they journey to Candy Mountain. Charlie doesn't think there IS such a place - "Shun the non-believer!" Don't go in the cave, Charlie!

Charlie The Unicorn

Made by: gswanson17
Rating: 4.70
Views: 22490992
Comments: 59114
Category: Comedy

Nigahiga is the Number Three Most Subscribed YouTube Channel, according to the Top 100 Weekly Chart. These two Oriental young men have several "How to be" videos that each have millions of views. Watch this one and learn How to be Gangster, their most popular vid with almost 10 Million views!

How to be Gangster

Made by: nigahiga
Rating: 4.86
Views: 9742390
Comments: 43285
Category: Comedy

Smosh is another two-man videomaking team. They have been Number One Most Subscribed for many months, moving into that spot when LonelyGirl15 cooled off. With so many subscribers (over 340 Thosand!), each of their videos quickly gets over a million views. In this silly skit, Boxman gets a girlfriend. What will happen? "Humans and boxes don't intertwine!" Hmmm, is it the Montigues and Capulets all over again? Watch and see - almost 4 million people have so far!

Smosh - Boxman's Girlfriend

Made by: smosh
Rating: 4.78
Views: 3774097
Comments: 26653
Category: Comedy

The Man Show

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 19:05:00 +0000

Here's four interesting videos from four YouTube guys. We'll see two music videos - one is a cover of a classic Sinatra song and the other is an original song about YouTube Stars! Then we'll hear from two of the "wise men" of YouTube as they talk about violence and morality in the online age.

First, some news! Our new widgets site, www.MyYTStats.com, is doing very well! The beautiful and talented juggler/comedian of YouTube, OlgaKay, just added our widget to her Homepage and her Blog. Go see! And get the Total Video Views widget for YOUR website too!

Marina - HotForWords (my new friend, see this post) - was on The O'Reilly Factor with Bill O'Reilly last Monday night! They talked about the origin of five words that Bill likes to use on his show. I was very happy to hear him mention how many Total Video Views Marina has received on YouTube! He got that data from our Total Video Views widget, which appears front and center on the www.HotForWords.com website. Excellent appearance, Marina! And thanks, Bill O'Reilly for indirectly promoting our Total Video Views widget!

Did you notice that last week, our friend VenetianPrincess debuted at number 56 on the Top 100 Weekly Chart? WOW, that's amazing! Jodie went from just over 27 thousand subscribers on 4/6 to over 43 thousand on 4/13! (See her chart, here) She has been getting good press coverage in newspapers and on TV, and her latest parody vid about Hillary Clinton - Hillary, Be My Best Friend - has over 800 thousand views in its first 10 days. Congrats on your success, Jodie!

Here are two contests you should check out. The first is the Colgate Max Fresh Contest on MySpaceTV that Jennifer Newberry is in. Click here and vote for Jennifer! The second is the TotalPopStar contest with YouTube ladies Krista Nicole (KristaHeartzuz), Jessica Sanchez (JSanchezFan) and Rebecca Shearing (bexboop878) all in the Finals. Click here for more info!

Now, on with the show!

Smooth crooner Daniel Bonaire performs a great cover of a song originally done by Frank Sinatra. Daniel sings the song to his favorite female YouTubeStars. He includes pics of the ladies in his video. I'll be sure to mention some of them and their videos in future posts here on YouTubeStars! If you enjoy this song by Daniel, go watch his other music videos. He has 11 so far and they're all very good!

Way you Look Tonight: (cover) Daniel Bonaire

Made by: DanielBonaireMusic
Rating: 4.91
Views: 341
Comments: 27
Category: Music

YouTube comedian nerimon has made a parody music video with his own lyrics sung to the "Rock Star" melody from Nickleback. He sings, I'll be a YouTubeStar!" Well, now he is an official YouTubeStar, he's in our blog. :) Check out this popular video with almost 40 thousand views in its first week and a half.

YouTube Star

Made by: nerimon
Rating: 4.74
Views: 38738
Comments: 1091
Category: Music

PeriUrban has replied to another video that was about the Florida teens who jumped one of their teen girl friends, on his urbanblog channel. His point is that every generation thinks the younger generation is behaving badly compared to how their own generation used to be. But that's not true, and we shouldn't look back - Peri believes we should act charitably while working to create a better future. Peri and friends are working on a new site where people can express themselves in a responsible way. Let's see what they come up with!

Re: IT'S NOT THE INTERNET'S FAULT!

Made by: urbanblog
Rating: 4.89
Views: 356
Comments: 26
Category: People & Blogs

Tom, tlg847, responded to the same video that Peri responded to. His thought is that our perspective is limited, we only see certain things at certain times. We don't realize that the world is actually getting more civilized over time. Despite the shocking headlines we see everyday, we are actually living in the safest most civilized moment in history. He references a talk by the brilliant Harvard Evolutionary Psycologist Steven Pinker, watch that video too!

RE: IT'S NOT THE INTERNET'S FAULT

Made by: tlg847
Rating: 4.86
Views: 812
Comments: 59
Category: People & Blogs

Four Unrelated Videos

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:05:00 +0000

There is no underlying theme to this post. I am just going to show you four unrelated videos. I think you'll find them to be interesting and entertaining! Two involve singing and two contain vlogging. Three are by women and one is by a man. They are all worth watching; other than that, there is no connection between them at all.

First, some news. We have had a tremendous response to the new website, www.MyYTStats.com! Marina, HotForWords, is using our widget that shows how many Total Video Views her channel has received on both her Homepage and her Bio page. That is driving a lot of traffic to our site and now other people are downloading the code to put the widget on their websites. If you have a website that you use to promote your YouTube channel, you'll want to have this widget on YOUR site.

We are now working on widgets that you can offer to your fans. This widget will show a list of your most recent videos AND your most recent posts on your blog or website. If your fans put this widget on their websites, it will help to bring even more viewers to your videos and traffic to your websites. We'll announce this widget here and on MyYTStats.com. If you have a need for a custom widget for your website, email us with the details and we'll see what we can do for you!

Another pice of YouTube News: The mileymandy channel debuted this week at the Number 23 spot, the highest debut on the Top 100 Weekly Chart EVER! Miley Cyrus, of course, is Hannah Montana so its easy to understand the popularity of this new channel!

Here's a video from Panacea81, a woman known for her Makeup tutorials. Lauren is 26 and lives in the UK. I first noticed her when she hit the Top 100 Weekly Chart. She was #99 on 3/23 and then she jumped 12 spots to number 87 on 3/30. She's up 5 to #82 this week. Lauren talks about bullies in real life and on YouTube, in this video. She also gives some bio info about herself and why she makes her Makeup vids. Watch this and then check out some of her Makeup tutorials on her YouTube channel.

My life & getting to know you. MERRY XMAS EVERYONE!

Made by: panacea81
Rating: 4.92
Views: 13073
Comments: 556
Category: People & Blogs

CreativeFisher is a singer with a hauntingly beautiful voice. Charlotte writes her own songs, then plays the music and sings them in her videos. She put up this song, Flickered, in another video that simply shows her playing and singing. This film is a stylish music video of the same tune. Enjoy the blue scenery and alluring clips of the attractive young lady we know as CreativeFisher.

Flickered Music Video by Char (original)

Made by: creativefisher
Rating: 4.71
Views: 165
Comments: 15
Category: Music

Blunty3000 talks about what to do to change the world. He urges you to talk about the things that are on your mind. Don't be shy or wait for someone else to say what you are thinking. Speak, before the thought police outlaw our freedom of expression. Blunty asked for video responses and got 48 so far!

Change the World? Yeah, right.

Made by: Blunty3000
Rating: 4.66
Views: 18831
Comments: 298
Category: Nonprofits & Activism

YouTube is about interaction. Here's an example of that. Young miss Cordayrox, just 14, sings along with a video made by DanJT87 of his cover of Rihanna's Umbrella. Dan sings on the original video and his brother plays acoustic guitar. Cordelia adds to the sound by harmonizing over the top of Dan's vocals and the result is very captivating! You'll also love Cordayrox Singing "Tattoo" by Jordin Sparks and if you want to know more about Cordelia, watch her Getting to Know YOU video.

Re: Me Singing "Umbrella" DanJT87 Acoustic

Made by: cordayrox
Rating: 4.75
Views: 15190
Comments: 238
Category: Music

YouTube Interaction

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:46:00 +0000

One of the best things about YouTube is that people who watch a video can respond to it in the comments and by a video response. This creates a conversation about the subject matter of the video. Often, the comment section adds so much to the understanding of an issue because a YouTuber can see different sides of the issue - different points of view. As long as people express their thoughts in a respectful way, this is a good thing! When commenters just spew hate in order to get a rise out of the video poster and the comment readers, it is best to ignore the commenter since they often leave these kinds of comments just to get attention - be it positive or negative. The human drive for social interaction is very strong, and YouTube can fulfill that need to some degree. Let's continue to do what we can to make YouTube a constructive community where it is possible to have an overall positive experience.

Here are four videos about interaction on YouTube. The first is a short bio from one of our favorite singers, in which she also discusses commenters. Next, we'll hear from one of the "wise men" of YouTube on the topic of what to do when certain people threaten others online. Then, we'll see a response video on the same topic, from a member of the former eNation. Finally, we'll have a look at a controversial video and the lively and heartfelt discussion that ensued in it's comments.

First, some news! I recently heard from Marina of the HotForWords channel about the importance of the "Total Video Views" stat. Apparently, people who want to get an idea of how well you're doing on YouTube are interested in knowing how many views all of your videos together have received. It seems that YouTube does not publish this piece of information anywhere. Marina asked if I could find that number for her. I created a widget that anyone can put on any of their websites (MySpace, Facebook, their own personal sites) which simply provides a YouTuber's Total Video Views number in text form. HotForWords is already using the widget on her website. The widget can be styled just like any other text - change the font, font size, colors - to whatever suits you. We created a website to support this new widget enterprise: www.MyYTStats.com. Please go there and see what we have so far. We have several versions of this Total Video Views text widget - one scrolls and one fades in and out. They are all available for YOUR use on YOUR websites, for FREE!

It's Time To Talk episode 1 - Jennifer Newberry

Made by: JenniferNewberryVlog
Rating: 5.00
Views: 58
Comments: 7
Category: People & Blogs

Our good friend Jennifer Newberry just launched a new channel dedicated to vlogs only. Jennifer is a 26 year old blond Swedish-American singer who we have posted about in the past. We even interviewed Jennifer back in December! This is the first video on Jennifer's new channel. Listen to her thoughts on "mean comments" and learn a little about who Jennifer really is. Then read the interview!

It's Just The Internet...

Made by: tlg847
Rating: 4.72
Views: 8030
Comments: 289
Category: People & Blogs

Tom, tlg847, pulls no punches as he discusses how threats to people and their families are handled in "life" and on YouTube and the Internet. He uses "bad language" to make his point. Is "it's only the Internet" a valid excuse for threatening and/or nasty behavior? Join in on the discussion by commenting or making a video response! Several interesting websites were mentioned in the comments. One is an ACLU page that talks about Civil Liberties in the "Summary of Argument" section. Another briefly describes the Avogato Trust Metric. Tom has been working with Renetto, PeriUrban and KenRG on a new website which Tom mentioned in this video and in the last video here. The final frames in that video tell us what the new website's name might be. This picture is from that video.

Re: It's Just The Internet...

Made by: vitalfinds
Rating: 4.22
Views: 128
Comments: 6
Category: People & Blogs

VitalFinds, an intelligent and prolific videoblogger who contributed to the eNation discussions and helped test the 2BuxMall, made a video response to Tom's video. She adds her ideas about what should and should not be acceptable in a well run video community website.

ZOMBIE JESUS art competition

Made by: Paperlilies
Rating: 4.01
Views: 35632
Comments: 790
Category: People & Blogs

Last week, popular vlogger and artist Paperlilies made this video to announce her latest art competition. Bryony has done quite a lot to foster the art community on YouTube. She has painted several pictures on camera and auctioned them off on eBay. Tom, tlg847, bought one of the first ones. Bryony has sponsored other art competitions which gathered a good amount of participation and interest from the YouTube community. This time, her well known wit, sometimes veering into snarky territory, was deemed to be offensive to several members of the YouTube community. There have been almost 800 comments on the video so far, many on the topic of religion. Have a look and if you have an opinion, leave your comment!

CelestialSam Interview

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:53:00 +0000

YouTubeStars recently had the pleasure of interviewing a most interesting and attractive YouTube member who goes by the name of CelestialSam. Sam is a beautiful young lady with flowing blonde hair who lives in Michigan where she attends a community college. She enjoys acting and writing, has eclectic tastes in music and loves movies such as Sherlock Holmes and Sweeney Todd. Sam has 20 videos currently on her main YouTube channel and another 13 on her secret second channel, VixenVivacity. She loves to watch videos as well as make them and she has written about many of her favorite videos right here on YouTubeStars!

Now, here is our interview with CelestialSam.

Hi, Sam! Thanks for agreeing to do this interview. Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.
Hello, there. And thank you for taking an interest in me! Hah hah.

I am eighteen years old and my full name is Samantha Rosalyn McNamara. Ever since I was young, I have hated the name "Samantha." Whenever my mother took me on vacation, I always told any new acquaintances I'd make that my name was Onoosh Dolmathakia or Alastriona. Now; of course, I just tell people to call me "Sam"....most of the time.

I am part Irish, Scottish, English, American and Gypsy.

Despite desperately wanting to become a professional actress, I am actually attending college to become a librarian. Realistically, not many people make it in the acting world. A steady, well-paying job is my primary concern at this point in my life. I regret the fact that I cannot afford to chase after my dreams....yet.

I attended a private Christian high school and graduated as the salutatorian of the senior class. Next week, I will be officially inducted into my college's Phi Beta Kappa honor society.

About two years ago, I had anorexia nervosa. It was horrible. I weighed 80 lbs at 5'8 ¾". Currently, I am working on a book detailing my personal battle with anorexia. I hope it can open the eyes of those who suffer from this nervosa and inspire them to recover.

There. That was a good scattered mini-biography. Hah hah.

We love your lipsyncing videos and your recent artistic mini-movies! How long have you been interested in acting?
Well, thank you very much! I'd like to think that I have been interested in acting ever since I exited the womb. I did not really start to develop a passion for it until my second year of middle school though. I have always been an extremely shy person. And when I was forced to take a drama class in seventh grade, I nearly had a panic attack. The mere thought of getting up in front of my classmates sent me into a fit of violent shaking, sweating and numbness. Because I am such a perfectionist; however, I wanted an "A" in that class. The only way to get an "A" was to follow through, face my fears, memorize my lines and practice, practice, practice. I did just that.

The final test for that class involved participation in the school play at the end of the year. I was assigned the supporting role.....but ironically, I received the "Best Leading Actress" award for my performance that day. The class had unanimously voted me "Best Leading Actress"! Needless to say, I received an "A" in the class. After that, I began to see public speaking and all variations thereof as means to project my creativity and to apply my perfectionistic nature. Acting provides me with a much needed escape from reality and grants me the opportunity to be someone else for a while. Since I don't like "Samantha", this works out very well!

How did you first hear about YouTube?
I don't even remember. I suppose I just stumbled upon the site one day whilst I was looking for something or another. The rest is history.

What made you decide to put your own videos on YouTube?
I believe it was a combination of boredom and an effort to overcome my shyness. Then again, maybe I was just sucked into it......like MySpace....but that's another story all together! Hah hah hah.

What's the best thing you've put up, in your opinion?
I think the best thing I've put up so far is "Enchantment in Chicago." It doesn't have many ratings or views, but I will always cherish the memories it triggers. The way God created aqua-life is simply amazing to me and this video showcases just that. It features so many vibrant colors, beautiful close-ups, subtle irony and Toby Markham. What can I say? I love Chicago!

How have your friends and family reacted to your videos?
Most of my friends wonder how I ever escaped from the funny farm. Hah hah. They do derive some entertainment from my videos though. My family; on the other hand, doesn't really take any vested interest in my video making. My aunt; however, really got a kick out of my "Math Magician" video. She still quotes lines from it on occasion.

Are you on any other websites besides YouTube?
Yes. I'm on Myspace, Facebook, and LiveVideo. I have my own website as well: http://www.celestialsam.zoomshare.com/ This site features some extensive photo galleries; my personal journal and other tidbits.

There is a lot of talk about "community" on YouTube. Have you made friends on YouTube? Have you had any problems with haters?
I am pleased to say that I have made several friends on YouTube, a few of which I've actually had the pleasure of meeting in person. Why just this past December, I met up with Toby (tobymarkham) in Chicago. We went to the zoo; he was delightfully charming.

I think that YouTube is a fantastic way to breach the barrier between different cultures around the globe. It also provides enriching learning opportunities for its users.

As for haters, yes, I have definitely encountered more than my fair share of them on YouTube. I try not to pay them any mind though. People will say anything online. They can hide behind a screen name and neglect responsibility and direct confrontation. It's disheartening to know that there are people out there who actually feel that they must take it upon themselves to rip apart and belittle another human being merely to pass the time. Thankfully, YouTube created the "block user" function. I cannot tell you how many times I've had to use that feature.

You have a great personality and it shows in your videos. According to your profile, you have an eclectic range of loves and interests including Christianity, acting, firearms, eating healthy and achieving your ideal weight. Could you please tell us more about some of these?
Awe, well, thank you. Thank you very much. I am a Christian, but I am by no means perfect. I am a sinner. I try my best to ask myself on a daily basis "What would Jesus do?" He is my Creator; Redeemer, Friend, and Savior. Without Him, I am nothing.

Ever since I began my recovery from anorexia nervosa, I have made a consistent effort to eat healthier. It took that extreme to teach me the importance of good nutrition. It was an invaluable and almost fatal lesson. I thank God for opening my eyes. If you're in a grocery store, chances are you'll find me in one of three places: the organic section; produce department or exotic foods aisle.

Oh, I'm a vegetarian too...or rather, a pescatarian. I do eat seafood. I've just never really cared much for the taste of meat.

Throughout my entire life, my weight has always yo-yoed. I've been more than pleasantly plump. I've been skin and bones and everywhere in between. My ideal weight is 125. I'm still working on reachieving it and most importantly, maintaining it.

I am amazed by the diversity of the music you employ in your videos. Could you please tell us about some of your favorite kinds of music and how you go about finding new music to enjoy and to put in your videos.
My taste in music is definitely eclectic. I'm a sucker for a classic voice (e.g. Josh Groban, Frank Sinatra, Celtic Women or YsabellaBrave). I enjoy Bach, Tchaikovsky, Django Reinhardt and Cab Calloway. I adore musicals ranging from the bloody and vengeful "Sweeney Todd, the historically derived "Evita" to the romantic "Funny Face" or silly "My Fair Lady." And with soundtracks by Quentin Tarantino or Guy Ritchie, you can never go wrong. I listen to Hippie music, '80s music, Latin music and even Bollywood. I also find that I enjoy obscure or really off-the-wall, oddball artists like Kate Bush, Rufus Wainwright, Natalie Merchant, Emmanuelle Seigner and Tori Amos.

Finding new music today is relatively simpler. Because YouTube allows me to make friends from different locations around the globe, I have a greater exposure to much broader range of music.

There are scenes in your videos and sometimes in the description (Ms. Vanity Lost Her Sanity) that could be totally random or might be some sort of symbolism or expression of things going on in your mind or in your world. Could you give us some insight into your state of mind when you created and filmed videos such as "Ms. Vanity Lost Her Sanity", "Daft" and any other video you care to discuss.
The two primary contributors to my video making are feelings and music. I generally get the inspiration to create a video after hearing a song on the radio or after reflecting on something in my personal life.

When I created "Look at Me", which I recently renamed "Ms. Vanity Lost Her Sanity", I had heard the song by Geri Halliwell earlier that day. The song served as the base or cornerstone for my video. I analyzed the lyrics and decided to tell a story using my video footage and Geri's lyrics. "Look at Me" is a song that screams vanity and because I don't hold vanity in very high esteem, I elected to poke fun of this vice for comedic effect. The description you read to the right of the video has the same premise.

I approached the making of "Daft" from an entirely different route. I wanted to create a video that was significantly different from the rest of mine and I knew I wanted to include a knife in some way (it was a bad day and I needed to channel my frustrations). I held a knife and turned the video camera on. From that point on, it was all impromptu. I sat down at my computer and uploaded the footage I'd taken. I watched each clip a few times and then selected a song I thought would set the tone of a knife-wielding woman in black. The only suitable song that came to mind just so happened to be from one of Quentin Tarantino's soundtracks.

What else do you like to do in your free time, besides making videos?
Absolutely nothing. I get up every morning at the crack of dawn and spend the entire day shooting and reshooting footage to splice together at night. And when I go to sleep, I dream about creating innovative videos. YouTube has consumed my life. No, I'm just kidding. Hah hah hah.

On a typical day, you'll find me curled up on the couch with my nose in a book....a textbook. College really does suck the life out of you! I really enjoy theatre though. I don't care if I'm on the stage or in the audience, the theatre is my utopia. I enjoy amateur photography, writing poetry, cooking, church fellowship, and hiking as well.

What are your plans for the future?
I love to travel and one day, I hope to visit every country at least once. Perhaps, Lord willing, I will become a professional actress and move to my beloved Windy City.

Enchantment in Chicago

Made by: celestialsam
Rating: 5.00
Views: 424
Comments: 30
Category: Travel & Events

Ms. Vanity Lost Her Sanity

Made by: celestialsam
Rating: 4.78
Views: 8050
Comments: 69
Category: Entertainment
Description: I want my viewing to be doleful. Rivers of tears will trickle down the cheeks of the global population. Sorrow should permeate the air and loud wails will be heard echoing throughout a golden, colossal mausoleum, which is to be built in my honor. Yes, I should very much like to be buried in a place of such grandeur, surrounded by truly heartfelt moans, groans and bleats!

My corporeal form shall be encased in a thick, mahogany coffin. The bedding upon which I shall lie must be satin, scarlet in color, and entirely wrinkle-free. Silk would be the only other acceptable alternative. Velvet would never do nor even the purest Egyptian cotton. Fleece and wool are too thick and far too bulky. I must have only the most delicate and luxurious of fabrics. Silk and satin have that special luster and carry a sense of nobility I seek to convey.

The dark and eerie songs from the musical, Sweeney Todd will be set on "repeat" and play in the background. "Epiphany" will be my funeral's theme song. I expect Johnny Depp to sing it several times throughout the course of the evening. After he has exhausted his voice, he may then oblige himself to plant a kiss of "farewell" upon my cold, naked, and lifeless hand. It must be on my right hand though; my left hand shall be reserved for the lips of family and other lesser creatures-I mean...admirers.

There must be millions of flowers and bouquets laid outside of the mausoleum. I do not want to see any daisies, tulips, poppies nor pansies. Those are all quite commonplace garden flowers-the cousins of weeds! I want orchids, roses, lilies, and lilacs! They should be arranged in a tastefully, elegant fashion too and replaced no less than once every month after I have finally been laid to rest.

Assuredly, someone will hire a professional cosmetologist to fix my make-up. I would like lips flushed with a slight, warm tint of pink and a flawless, pale facial complexion. My eyebrows will need to be meticulously plucked and my cuticles scraped back. I would also like a close shave, a removal of any and all stray or unsightly hairs that might be found on my decaying body. Now that I think about it, perfume would be a nice touch-citrus. It might not mask the repulsive stench in its entirety, but what could it hurt? My blonde hair must be slightly crimped, properly washed, conditioned, and spread out in an orbital fashion around my head, giving me the appearance of an ethereal goddess.

I will wear an elegantly eccentric dress. I imagine it to be a combination of both Victorian and gothic styles. One of my dear friends will be required to enlist the help of Helena Bonham Carter when selecting my eternal gown. She must choose a stunning piece-the likes of which Mrs. Lovett would wear. In terms of jewelry, I wish only to have an ornate cross necklace draped around my neck. Modesty always was one of my strongest virtues. The necklace should match the dress in some way and have genuine rubies encrusted-rubies that look as if they themselves are shedding tears of blood. It is important to leave this world with a countenance of a life evidently well-lived, not squandered. Plus, what better way to leave a testimony of my Christian faith than with such a gaudy; yet, endearing trinket? After all, I would hate to be remembered as superficial or vainglorious.

~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~
Note: I am nothing like the girl I portray in this video nor the girl I portray in the above description. This video is solely meant to poke fun at conceit.

Please click this link for a list of other YouTubeStars posts about CelestialSam.

Tiffany Jo Allen, Interviewed on WBNQ radio!

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:06:00 +0000

Tiffany Jo Allen, one of our favorite YouTubeStars, was interviewed tonight on WBNQ radio. This Bloomfield Illinois radio station broadcast three segments of Tiffany Jo talking with DJ Remy over the course of an hour from 7 to 8 PM Central time. Tiffany Jo talked about her music career and her YouTube videos. If you missed the interview, you can still hear it, here, or just click the Play button, below. The interview is in three segments and runs for just under 4 minutes.

Congrats to Tiffany Jo Allen on this nice interview!

Read more about Tiffany Jo Allen on YouTubeStars.com.

YouTube is Wrong!!!

noreply@blogger.com (KennyCrane) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 08:02:00 +0000

YouTube has not updated its Most Subscribed List for the past Two Weeks!
They have old subscriber numbers, and people have moved up and down the chart since then.

Please visit our Weekly Top 100 Chart for an ACCURATE listing of the Top 100 channels on YouTube, along with the RIGHT subscribers numbers and accurate reporting of moves up and down the chart.

YouTube's WRONG chart:
http://www.youtube.com/members?s=ms&t=a&g=0

Our ACCURATE chart:
http://www.bkserv.net/YTS/YTTop100.aspx?p=1