I generally keep an eye on Youtube for new tutorials related to lampwork, beads, and jewelry so I can share them with you. Making a video tutorial is a great way to get your name out there and potentially get new traffic and customers to your website. However, there are some things I have noticed people doing that are really unappealing. An unappealing how to video will not give you that free viral marketing you are looking for because no one in their right mind will post something useless on their blog.

First, give it a good title. Use the words "how to" and "tutorial" in there so we can find it.

Second, use sound and explain what you are doing and why. Silent how to's are completely useless.

Third, turn off the radio and tv, put out the barking dog and screaming kid. Remove anything that makes background noise. Or better yet, record your voice over the video. Speak clearly. We should only hear you. Anything else is too distracting. Avoid the desire to use intro and/or background music. We aren't watching these to discover your music taste, we want to see and hear what you are doing.

Fourth, keep it short and to the point. Edit your video. Get right into it. Don't tell us why you're making this video or the history of your family. Remove long pauses while you wait for your glass to melt. Anything over five minutes is way too long.

Fifth, show us what you are doing as clearly as possible. Get in close with the camera.

Sixth, tell us who you are and give your website address.

Now go out there and make some good videos!

Temporary suspension of bead drawings: Unfortunately, I have run out of my stock of beads before my back is ready to go back to work so I'm suspending the drawings until further notice. I didn't think my back would still be this bad for so long. Sigh. Hopefully it will improve to the point where I can lampwork again. :( Jo

Temporarily suspended (All registered users of this site who are in good standing will be entered into a monthly drawing for one of my handmade lampwork beads. The value of the bead will vary from $15 to $100. One person will win. Entry is free. Shipping is free.

If you are registered but are not in good standing, banned for misbehaviour or spamming, you will not be eligible. If you delete your account before the day of the drawing, you will not be eligible. Drawing takes place at the end of the month.

Void where prohibited by law.)

Registration is now officially open.  I'm still working on the site so if you run into something really strange let me know.  Forums, chat, buddylists, and private messages are open to all registered users.  In order to post an event, blog post, or weblink you will need to apply for either an artist or a commercial role.  Go to my account and then apply for role.  There is no charge.  Registration is free.

For this purpose artists are defined as anyone who makes their own stuff (craftsperson, artisan, or artist-- whatever you consider yourself to be) and it's ok if you sell your art.  Commercial roles are reserved for those who resell beads and jewelry, importers, suppliers, etc.  Fill out your profile as much as possible so I can verify if you qualify.  Resellers and importers (yes, I know who you are) who pose as artists will be banned. 

Register before 2-29-08 and you could win the focal bead (Byzantium Focal Redux) shown above.  Shipping will be free to anyone in the USA or Canada.  There may be a small shipping charge to other countries.

All active registered members will be entered into the drawing for this bead.  The drawing will take place on February 29, 2008.  Good luck!  

Click here to register now.

Jo

(Not applicable where prohibited by law.)