When Google first launched its Chromecast product, I was eager to learn more about its capabilities. I currently enjoy my Roku, but heard rumors that Chromecast would be able to project anything Android onto TV screens. Better yet, the device was small and inexpensive. I wanted to see more. I turned to YouTube in hopes […]
When Google first launched its Chromecast product, I was eager to learn more about its capabilities. I currently enjoy my Roku, but heard rumors that Chromecast would be able to project anything Android onto TV screens. Better yet, the device was small and inexpensive. I wanted to see more.
I turned to YouTube in hopes that a Chromecast owner would post a demonstration video. I found plenty of unboxing videos, but most did not include a product demonstration. In fact, most didn’t even bother connecting the device to a TV. I wanted more, and I’m sure many other tech enthusiasts feel the same way.
I understand the allure of seeing technology products unveiled outside the corporate stage. Unboxing video fans like to see new gadgets released in natural habitats. But it’s time unboxing videos evolve beyond taking items out of boxes and into more meaningful experiences for viewers and video producers.
So, here are five tips for making better unboxing videos.
1. Research before unboxing.
Your unboxing video will go smoother if you have a good idea of what features, quirks or performance promises to test before you record. Print a list of features you want to highlight and post it next to the camera. Work the list as you demo the item, but remain open to spontaneity.
2. Get it out of the box quickly.
An unboxing video shouldn’t be about the box. It’s about the product inside. You risk losing the viewer’s interest if you take too long getting the items unwrapped. Keep commentary brief and don’t let it slow down the action.
3. Hook it up.
OK, it’s out of the box. Don’t stop there. Hook it up, turn it on, activate it, install it or do whatever it takes to get it working. How easy or difficult it is to install a product is valuable information. Your viewers will want to see if you have a hard time getting the item up and running.
4. Demo the product.
Now that you’ve hooked it up, let’s see how easy it is to use. Quickly showcase its features and some potential issues you notice as you demo. The list of features you posted next to your camera will come in handy. Narrate what you’re doing and your impressions as you go so viewers can easily follow the action.
5. End with a question.
Don’t just end with “That’s all, folks!” The web is social, so make the video a conversation starter. Throw in a relevant question or two at the end. Ask your viewers if they have questions about the product that you didn’t cover in your video. Perhaps some viewers also have the product but have different impressions or experiences. Ask for them. Questions give you opportunities to engage with your audience and their comments could lead to a second video.
YouTuber Lewis Hilsenteger of the Unbox Therapy channel created an unboxing video for the Chromecast that follows most of these suggestions. He did an excellent job with the video and it has generated 167.5k views and over a thousand comments. Although it doesn’t pose any questions at the end, it serves as a good example of a well-done unboxing video. Enjoy!
Your Turn
Do you think unboxing videos should include a demonstration of the product? What other tips could help make this genre of videos more valuable for viewers? Tell me what you think in the comments.
How do the leading social media management platforms compare for small and medium organizations trying to get a better handle on social media engagement? I recently conducted a comparative analysis on four social media management platforms in preparation for getting my organization more engaged with its online communities. We’ve been using HootSuite for about a […]
How do the leading social media management platforms compare for small and medium organizations trying to get a better handle on social media engagement?
I recently conducted a comparative analysis on four social media management platforms in preparation for getting my organization more engaged with its online communities. We’ve been using HootSuite for about a year, but I felt the interface and lack of included analytics were holding us back.
I knew about Sprout Social and Radian6, but found Rignite through a Facebook ad. With these options in mind, I signed up for trial accounts and spoke with representatives from each company. While I found Sprout Social to be the best option, I hope my observations and impressions about each service will prove helpful.
HootSuite
The biggest advantage HootSuite has over competitors is that it offers a free version of its service. This lowers the entry barrier for startups, small organizations and individuals. However, there is little benefit beyond unified publishing, scheduled messages and basic analytics.
HootSuite Twitter Stream
HootSuite’s interface is clunky. It’s just a series of same-looking streams organized in same-looking tabs. Add too many streams to a tab and you’ll have to scroll horizontally to see them all.
With the exception of a search stream, HootSuite’s streams don’t offer much additional value beyond having all your streams in one place. When I tested the search stream, the keyword phase I used generated too much noise to be valuable – even after putting the phrase in quotes.
HootSuite Ow.ly Click Report
The included analytics are basic, but provide some useful information. HootSuite’s ow.ly URL shortening and click tracking feature can help you determine which messages are resonating with users. However, once you upgrade to Pro and start adding premium modules to your reports, you might as well pay for a Sprout Social subscription.
Speaking of HootSuite’s premium services, the company charges a low $8.99 fee for the Pro version and then allows users to purchase “points” it can use to pay for premium modules. The advantage to this is that if the user deletes a module, the points are credited back to the account. The disadvantage is that it creates a more complicated service scheme than necessary and quickly brings the price structure out of the competitive zone.
HootSuite Schedule Message
For a free service, HootSuite works. It helps unify up-to five social network accounts under one roof and enables you to schedule posts. The interface is ugly and is geared toward action first, then measure. The reports are basic, but helpful.
I wouldn’t recommend paying for the Pro version unless you need to add more than five profiles without needing premium modules. I also don’t like the nickel-and-dime approach to pricing and the points system is irritating. When I asked the cost of Enterprise, the rep said that it could cost anywhere between $1,000 per year to $1,000 or more per month.
Final impressions: If you just want a free service that enables you to schedule posts to multiple social networks with basic analytics, HootSuite is your choice. If you’re willing to pay for a service, look elsewhere.
Rignite
Rignite is a relatively new kid on the block. I found the service through a Facebook ad and decided to give it a shot. The interface opens into the Monitor tab, which is a step in the right direction. You can add search streams to the Monitor tab to keep track of specific mentions, competitors or other keywords.
Rignite Cases
The focus for Rignite appears to be enabling teams to be responsive to an organization’s audience members. From the Monitor tab, users can assign inbound messages to social media team members for follow-up. When assigned, the message is saved as a “Case,” which feels more like tech support than social engagement.
The Gallery tab is an odd feature. I’m not sure if it is a media repository or if the system posts photos to social media properties when uploaded to the system. When I clicked on the “?” icon, I was prompted to send a message to Rignite. A quick review of the website didn’t produce any insights.
Rignite Analytics are Lacking
Speaking of Rignite analytics, this is currently the service’s greatest deficit. However, one benefit is its message sentiment metric. Rignite places positive, neutral and negative emoticons next to each incoming message and highlights the tone it assumes for the message. What I saw was mostly neutral assignments, but I can click on the appropriate emoticon to correct the assignment. The more emoticons I click to correct tone, the more the system learns.
Final impressions: Rignite is an immature product with a long way to go. Its pricing is between HootSuite (no premium modules) and Sprout Social, but I don’t think the service is ready for paying customers (see update). That being said, it does have a lot of potential and I look forward to seeing where the development team takes the service.
Sprout Social
Sprout Social Interface
Sprout Social opens to a graphically pleasing dashboard of snapshot analytics. The Messages icon lights up green if you have unread messages. Clicking on the Messages icon brings you to Sprout’s unified inbox where messages from different profiles are filtered into one stream. You can configure the stream to include or exclude profiles, message types and keywords you want to monitor.
Small details tell me that Sprout gets it. The service separates the message and reporting features, which highlights the different functions of listening and monitoring. The post scheduling function includes features that enhance usability. For example, when scheduling a post, I can hover over a date on the calendar to see when other posts are scheduled.
Sprout Social Schedule Message
This feature may seem insignificant, but imagine scheduling a post and forgetting whether or not you already scheduled a 2:30 p.m. message on Wednesday. In HootSuite, you’ll have to leave the posting window and navigate its series of clunky streams. Having this information at the tip of your cursor is valuable when trying to juggle numerous scheduled posts. To top it off, you can add a custom post thumbnail from a URL if the system doesn’t find an appropriate image – another feature I did not see in any of the other services.
Sprout’s Feed and Smart Search features seem a little buggy. When I attempted to connect to Feedly, the system automatically produced a stream of social mentions for #MLFA. I couldn’t seem to figure out how to edit the feed. The result was a stream of junk mentions. The Smart Search feature produced similar results, even when placing keyword phrases in quotes. The Discover feature, under which the Smart Search resides, also provides suggestions for people to follow and highlights potential influencers.
Sprout Social Reports
The system offers enough reports to give users valuable insights. I especially like the Twitter Comparison feature. I enter a competitor’s Twitter handle and Sprout will show side-by-side graphs for engagement, influence, followers and mentions. The Team Report gives a picture of each team member’s activities and the Sent Message reports show how well different posts are performing.
Final impressions: The configurable nature of the unified inbox enhances the value of this listening platform. The graphic-rich reports make quick sense out of your metrics. Sprout’s attention to details, such as its advanced post scheduling features, pushes this platform ahead of the pack. Starting at $39 per user per month, the basic package is affordable for most small organizations.
Radian6
My email exchange with Radian6 ended with “prices start out at $12k per year.” The rep did send me an hour-long video demonstration, which I have yet to watch. It appears Radian6 is a big-fish provider. Small orgs need not apply.
UPDATE: 12/02/2013 — I finally watched the Radian6 demonstration. It has an impressive set of features. It provides as wide or granular a view of your social activities as you desire. SalesForce recently purchased it, and it appears to be a good match from what I saw of the interface. I also like the idea of integrating SalesForce with social activities. However, I still see Radian6 as a platform for larger corporations, although the presenter did mention nonprofit discounts.
Your Turn
Have you had similar experiences with these services? What features did you like the most? What do you look for in a social media management system?
In Cambodia, the term tuk-tuk is used to refer to a motorcycle with a cabin attached to the rear. Cambodian cities have a much lower volume of automobile traffic than Thai cities, and tuk-tuks are still the most common form of urban transport. At the temple complex of Angkor, for …
In Cambodia, the term tuk-tuk is used to refer to a motorcycle with a cabin attached to the rear. Cambodian cities have a much lower volume of automobile traffic than Thai cities, and tuk-tuks are still the most common form of urban transport. At the temple complex of Angkor, for example, tuk-tuks provide a convenient form of transport around the complex for tourists. One can hire a tuk-tuk and driver by the day.
Throughout my travels I have come across many tuk-tuk drivers. For Siem Reap I would highly recommend Seiha (Mr.Rock) and Lizzy for Battambang. These men are both highly experienced in their areas and with foreigners.
Glossary The following is a list of words which reappear often in descriptions of the history of Angkor and its temples. Apsara Celestial nymphs or dancers represented in the shape of flying figures; at Angkor, the stylisation is extreme and the apsaras are often represented in groups with finery and jewels. They are the …
The following is a list of words which reappear often in descriptions of the history of Angkor and its temples.
Apsara
Celestial nymphs or dancers represented in the shape of flying figures; at Angkor, the stylisation is extreme and the apsaras are often represented in groups with finery and jewels. They are the “divine symbol of happiness” (Maurice Glaize).
Avalokitesvara or Lokesvara
“Compassionate bodhisattva”, linked to the idea of Providence; often represented with four arms and bears Amitabha on his chignon; attributes: lotus, rosary, bottle and book.
Avatar
Literally “descent” in Sanskrit, the incarnation of a god in a human or animal being. The 7th and 8th avatars of Vishnu, Rama and Krishna, are the most famous cf. the Ramayana and Mahabarata.
Banteay
“Citadel”
Baray
Rectangular compensating reservoir; more than a pond, it is a dyke filled by rain and diversion of rivers. Its function is to ensure irrigation of the neighbouring fields and to supply the sanctuaries’ moats. The baray is at the basis of the Angkorian hydraulic system; progressive silting up may have contributed to the weakening of the successive Angkorian kingdoms. It also bears a sacred and symbolic function, as well as an economic one, witnessed by temples erected at their centres (West and East Mebon).
Bodhisattva
A being poised to become a Buddha, but who renounces its own salvation in order to help humankind.
Brahma
One of the principal gods of the Brahmanic trinity, the “creator”; generally represented with four faces and four arms, mounted on the Hamsa or sacred goose; his attributes include: disc, ladle, book, rosary,
vase, flywhisk and sceptre.
Cham
Ancient inhabitant of Champa, a Hindu kingdom situated along the coast of former Annam.
Chenla
Former Chinese name for former kingdoms of ‘Land Chenla’ and ‘Water Chenla’ that occupied
areas that were later incorporated into the Khmer Empire.
Churning of the Sea of Milk
The devas (gods) and the asuras (demons) hold a huge naga (the naga King Vasuki) twisted around the Mandala mountain in order to accomplish the churning of the primordial ocean, thus extracting the Liquor of Immortality (Amrita) which each group covets. A famous bas-relief at Angkor Vat illustrates this episode extracted from Hindu mythology.
Devaraja
Cult of the ‘god-king’, created for Jayavarman II on Phnom Kulen in 802 by the Royal Brahmins; based on the tenet that the king was an emanation of a god, usually represented in Khmer art by a linga symbolizing the
spiritual and royal essence of the king; the reigning monach became identified with the Hindu god Shiva.
Devata
A deity, celestial being; gods, male and female, of Buddhism and Brahmanism; a recurrent motif on Khmer architecture.
Dvarapala
Squatting or standing temple, door or gate guardian of Brahmanic or Buddhist temples usually armed with spear, mace or club, whose presence ensures protection from evil influences.
Funan
Former Chinese name for the ancient empire that precedes the Khmer Empire.
Ganesha
God associated with wisdom and knowledge, son of Shiva and Parvati; he is represented with a human body with an elephant head and trunk that often plunges into a bowl (symbolising the quest for knowledge).
Garuda
Divine bird, with a human body, enemy of the nagas, mount of Vishnu. The garuda-naga is a recurrent motif in Khmer sculpture; the garuda is often represented mounted on the naga.
Harihara
A syncretic divinity combining the attributes of Hari (Vishnu, on the left) and Hara (Shiva, on the right).
Hinayana
“Hinayin”, or ‘Small Vehicle’, Buddhist sect.
Kompong
Pier, port, or village on the bank of a waterway.
Krishna
8th avatar of Vishnu, much venerated god in the Hindu pantheon.
Lakshmi
Consort of Vishnu, Goddess of Beauty, Wealth and Prosperity.
Linga
Symbolic representation of Shiva, in the shape of a phallus, often stylised; it is generally composed of three sections: the square base corresponds to Brahma, the creator, the octagonal middle section corresponds
to Vishnu, the preserver, and the circular upper section, corresponds to Shiva; coupled with the Yoni, the whole symbolises male and female forces of Shiva.
Lokesvara
Alternate name for Avalokitesvara, the compassionate bodhisattva.
Mahayana
“Mohanikay”, or ‘Great Vehicle’, Buddhist sect.
Mara
Evil spirit tempting the Buddha who reigns over a heaven of pleasure and sensual delights.
Meru
Mountain at the centre of the world, home of the gods.
Mudra
Symbolic gestures of gods and of Buddha.
Naga
Serpent king, mythic multi-headed serpent (5, 7 or 9 heads); in Cambodia, this serpent has long been associated with water and its benefits; it is symbolically the guardian of prosperity, and treasures; symbol of water, it is a decorative motif in many Khmer temples, where it decorates the entrance balustrades, bridges, moats and reservoirs; nagas of the 12th century are one of the most beautiful realisations of Khmer art.
Nandin
Sacred bull, mount of Shiva.
Nirvana
Final annihilation, supreme aim of Buddhism.
Parinirvana
Buddha’s entry into infinity, also posture for reclining Buddha statues.
Parvati
Consort of Shiva, sister of Vishnu; Goddess of the mountains and of procreation.
Phnom
Literally mountain or hill, it is a privileged setting for temples, and later monasteries, due to its sacred and spiritual function.
Preah
“God”, or sacred
Ramayana
Famous Hindu epic (Khmer: ‘Reamker’); portraying Rama’s struggle to find his consort Sita who is captured by the demon Ravana; thanks to the support of the monkey King Hanuman; scenes from this magnificent tale have
been widely used in the ornamentation of temples throughout Southeast Asia.
Sampot
Fabric panel worn round the lower half of the body.
Sanskrit
Indo aryen language which extended over South East Asia, it is originally a scholar language reserved for royal or pincely genealogies, or for the panegyric of the monuments’ foundations or the pious donators. It ceased
to be scholar language used in India and Cambodia when Theravada Buddhism (which privileges the use of pali) became the main religion, starting from the 14th century. Sanskrit, through its diffusion in all the peninsula, vehicled cults and religions from India (Hinduism and Buddhism).
Shiva
One of the gods of the Brahmanic trinity, at the same time ‘creator and destroyer’; usually mounted on Nandin (sacred bull), he often bears a third eye and a crescent on his chignon; he is symbolized by the shape of the linga.
Srah
“Pool” or artificial pond
Srei
“Woman”
Stupa
Buddhist monument of funeral or commemorative nature, often containing relics or cremated remains.
Tcheou Ta Kouan
This Chinese traveler who accompanied his embassy in Angkor in 1296 – 1297, is particularly known for his detailed account of the Angkor temples during Jayavarman VII reign, when the Empire knew its apogee. It is the only testimony we have from this period, which depicts the Khmer capital city and its population from a realistic and lively point of view.This journal entitled Memories on the customs of Cambodia has been translated in french and published for the first time in the Bulletin de l’Ecole Française d’Extrême-Orient in 1902.
Tevoda
or Devata, usually female divinity.
Thom
“Big”
Trapeang
“Pond”
Vat
Wat, or pagoda
Veda
Brahmanic laws
Vishnu
One of the gods of the Brahmanic trinity, ‘the protector’ usually mounted on garuda; he generally has four arms, holding the disc, the conch, the the bowl, and the club; Vishnu has many avatars, such as Krishna.
Yama
The God of Death, or, Justice and the Underworld who judges the dead before they can enter the celestial palaces; usually mounted on a buffalo.
Yoni
Symbol of the feminine vulva; it is a square stone, always associated with the linga at its centre (Shiva); on one side, a channel enables the sacred liquid (water, milk or honey) to flow out.
All you need is a little awareness and a desire to make a difference. When you choose products from companies and organizations that trade fairly, not only are you buying a quality product, but you are also supporting fair prices for the producer which will cover production, wages and more …
All you need is a little awareness and a desire to make a difference. When you choose products from companies and organizations that trade fairly, not only are you buying a quality product, but you are also supporting fair prices for the producer which will cover production, wages and more importantly, enable the community to invest in their future.
Fair trade products adhere to many specific regulations such as ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions, non exploitation of children, paying living wages, non excessive working hours, non discrimination practices and no harsh or inhumane treatment.
Some businesses have been trading fairly for years but are outside the categories for which fair trade labels have been developed. To ensure that you don’t judge them unfairly, ask questions about who made the product, where it came from, and who benefits from your purchase. Also, try to minimize your bargaining by remembering that the extra money you pay will go directly to the community.
Buying local products creates jobs for Cambodians and supports the national economy. In addition, buying souvenirs made in Cambodia helps to preserve and develop traditional Khmer handicrafts. But many goods in Cambodia’s markets including clothing, shoes, silks, jewellery, stone carvings, metal sculptures, glassware and other consumer favourites are mostly imported. Even …
Buying local products creates jobs for Cambodians and supports the national economy. In addition, buying souvenirs made in Cambodia helps to preserve and develop traditional Khmer handicrafts.
But many goods in Cambodia’s markets including clothing, shoes, silks, jewellery, stone carvings, metal sculptures, glassware and other consumer favourites are mostly imported. Even the soapstone Apsaras sold in local markets are often made in neighbouring countries. To ensure that the profit from your purchases benefits Cambodians, check carefully where the souvenirs were produced.
Phnom Penh’s Night Market near the riverside and Siem Reap’s Angkor Night Market offer products produced in Cambodia under the Cambodian Governments One Village One Product (OVOP) initiative.
Food can also be a great souvenir -Kampot’s black pepper is said to be the best in the world and purchasing it helps raise living standards in rural provinces. Producers include Kurata Pepper in Phnom Penh and the Kampot Peper Promotion Association. Confirel produces tasty palm wine and palm sugar which also makes great gifts.
Cambodian silk was once amongst the most sought after, but most on sale today is imported. Silk is still hand woven on looms in the traditional way in several places. Your tour leader will be your best guide as to where to purchase silks made in Cambodia.
