Using Video Submission For Your Video Marketing

What are the ways in which you generate traffic to your website? If you submit a written document articles, how often do you do this? With the emphasis on linking back and building new content, most article submission sites are facing a delusion of new article submissions. This means that your articles and press releases typically are not seen as much after about a day or two. An alternative to article marketing is video marketing. This is one the biggest trends in online marketing and everyone has seen this with the explosion of YouTube.

As everyone has noticed with the popularity of websites such as YouTube, any good website designer or Web host probably should include video marketing within their arsenal of traffic creation methods. You must simply create a video about your website, product or service and then work to optimize the video and submit it to all major web video sites. After that, the video can be posted to relevant blogs and forums on the Internet with links back to the video. People often will click on a link for a video to watch. This happens because most people regard watching video as a higher opinion than reading an article because video often tends to be more interesting. Think about in your own life: how many people read more books than watch more TV? Video trumps articles many times.

When you think through your video creation, this can be a do-it-yourself project or you can have it professionally done. You simply need only a video camera and software. A good standard for an online video is about one minute long. People often will not watch more than that if you have an advertisement and you can work on keeping your viewers interest piqued. This can help in driving traffic to your website because your viewers want to see if there are more videos and you can leave your audience wanting more.

As with the previous paragraph, you can have video submissions as a do-it-yourself project or have it done professionally by a video submission service. It can be good to use a video submission service because you do not have to worry about hunting for video submission sites. These websites can also help categorize and optimize your video with the right tags. With the amount of videos online today, it is important to have the right tags so that your video is seen. That is why a video submission site can help you so that your video is truly optimized and can receive the attention it deserves.

Using the right video submission service can allow you to focus on other parts of your business while knowing that your video submissions continue to build your traffic. A company doing this service should create the video, optimize it, categorize it, submit it and then focus on the blogging and posting in building the back links you want. It is essential to check the credentials of the company doing the video submission service because missing a single step could have a detrimental effect on the amount of traffic you receive.

Converter Ipod Video

All the rumors have finally died down and many skeptics have tightened their lips, the iPod does support video format now on its fifth generation. While the iPod is not the first to come up with this, it has certainly made its stature as the greatest in the market and can be dubbed as the best multimedia portable player available.

With its popularity and iconesque standing, the iPod has made sharing videos easier. You don’t need to be lugging around different equipments for your music, your notes, your photos and your videos. You can have the standard where every other portable multimedia players are gauged to and not need anything else. Video playback capabilities have made it a complete multi media equipment, but not all formats are supported just yet. So if you want to put your videos in your iPod you have to make sure that they are in a supported format.

But don’t worry, you can convert your videos into the supported format so you can still upload and watch it in your iPod video. All it takes is a special software that is programmed to do the conversion act. This is a program generally dubbed as a video converter for the iPod.

The Converter iPod Video is a very good video converter suitable for your iPod and its needs. It offers a simple and comprehensive way on how to convert all of the popular video formats to iPod video, like transforming AVI to iPod, Mpeg to iPod and WMV to iPod. Not only that, this also features the ability to transfer audio files with WAV, MP2 etc. to iPod supported with mp3 configurations.

All the conversions procedures are very speedy and simple to do. And the product of this video conversion is supported by the iPod system requirements and configurations so you can enjoy watching your favorite movies, home movies, music videos and whatever it is you desire on your iPod player.

There are numerous converters for the iPod video available in the internet. Each of them offers their own special features for a minimal price. The following are some of the general features of a converter video iPod which all of the iPod enthusiasts and fanatics should know:

1. This software has the capacity to transfer AVI in to the iPod file.

You are able to convert AVI to iPod format that is supported by the video file. There are many set ups which you can use to attain an excellent video and audio quality.

2. The software is also capable of WMV conversion

The converter iPod video is a WMV converter too that makes it possible to transfer WMV to iPod.

3. It can transfer mpeg, mov, mp4 and asf file

The converter ipod video is also mpeg and mp4 converter. It has the ability to transfer mpeg file, mp4 and asf into the iPod. This software supports all famous formats to iPod and removing audio from video and transfer it to iPod supported mp3 file format. There are also many settings that can be used to attain an excellent quality of conversion.

4. This software also supports batch conversion

By simply choosing the files that you want to transfer, the converter iPod video will automatically program those, regardless even if the files have a different format.

5. It is also is preview-supported

The user has the option to preview the input files before converting.

6. It can also convert clips and segments

The software allows the user to choose the start point and intervals from a whole file.

7. It has a first class quality result

You can get high quality videos and not lose any of the quality in the process of conversion.

Many of these softwares are available for a free trial period. You can check out which one would be best suitable for you and your video conversion needs. As soon as you have tried them out, you can finally choose which one to buy and get full access to the other features.

Online Video Advertising And Web Video Marketing

Over the past six years, I have been quite fortunate to go behind-the-scenes of over 200 companies and see how they deliver their message along with being able to see what's working and what's not working for them. Out of all those companies, I have edited different themed marketing videos for both offline and online businesses alike through my background in marketing and video production as a Producer and Editor. Several entrepreneurs are asking me if the new wave of online video advertising and website video marketing has anything to do with them and if it will effect them. They are also asking what are the real benefits of it and if it can even be used in their particular niche.

Online video advertising has seen a positive acceptance as we move to the Web 2.0 Phase, but what I tell these small to mid-size e-commerce businesses is to really focus on website video marketing instead for now. The reason I say this is that once companies have the right videos on their websites to test and track conversions, they can use that as a springboard to see if video advertising will be right for them over the next few years.

Right now, the acceptance of website video marketing is being taken advantage of by smart marketers and online businesses for several already known reasons along with integrated strategies within their own business or sales funnel. I'll give a brief overview of both.

Some already known reasons on why video works within the web for e-commerce and direct sales is to educate consumers (edu-selling), building trust, informing web viewers about exactly what they want to hear without them getting lost in a long and boring sales copy while adding the human approach. Consumers appreciate companies that get to the point efficiently and clearly, how to navigate sites and how to get from Point A to Point B without the consumer getting lost. Statistics average that 70% of people are visual learners and can understand what they see in a visual way and more effectively, when it includes the narration or text overlay that connects the marketing message together in the mind of the consumer.

E-commerce, direct sales and multimedia marketing businesses use integrated strategies of video within their sales copy to give visual cues and careful placement so consumers know when to do what with a laser-focused call-to-action along with testimonial videos (the most powerful testimonial there is) that blend right in with the sales copy. Using video messages within the short opt-in form can replace a long sales copy on "Why you should give me your email address." Consumers tend to appreciate this on opt-in pages because it takes down their skepticism and reassures them that they are giving their email to a real business who has invested time in providing value for them.

When seeing how your competitors, e-commerce and direct sales companies use creative video advertising and marketing solutions, ask yourself how video will differentiate you from everyone else and what direct response or branding message would be the most effective to get consumers to take action.

Free Video Game Downloads

When it comes to playing free video games, there is only one thing which primarily strikes the mind — the internet. Indeed the internet has provided us with many conveniences. And one such facility is the ability to download free video games.

Internet proves to be the best platform where you can find and shop anything with utmost convenience. So if you like to get some games in your PC and you want them for free, you can certainly open the doors to the world of internet.

There are several ways of downloading free games from the internet. One such way is searching for the free games in a search engine and selecting games which you want to download. To make your choices easy, the websites would provide you with the reviews on the games and how many times a particular game has been downloaded.

However there is one thing you must consider before downloading free video games. You can download two types of games from the net. The first one would be full versions of some funny and low graphics and low size games. The other would be the free game demos which would include demos of some recently launched games with high graphic quality.

Let us take a look at some of the free games which can be downloaded at ease from the internet.

Star Defender
This game is available as a demo version for free downloads. In this game, you become the test pilot who flies a tornado. You control the ship through the mouse and defend your ship from the enemy attacks. As the levels of the game increase, you get a new life and more power. During the course of the game you have to ensure that you don’t run out of power or else your game would be over. You would have to counter different types of enemy ships which would attack from different direction and in a unique way.

Mad Cars
This is yet another free downloadable game, which provides a good racing experience. The game is controlled and featured through the sky view which makes turning and twisting easier for the car. Moreover the cars bang in you to stop you from winning and you can also do the same. There are different racing tracks which give a different gaming experience, each time you play this game.

Arcade Lines
If you love to play cool games, this game is a must download for you. Arcade Lines provides you a direct challenge, as you inhibit the game board from getting filled by a formation of more than five pieces of the similar color. You have to ensure that more and more balls can be accommodated on the board to win points. As the space starts filling up and your options of making good moves gets restricted, the game becomes harder and forces you to think fast. Ultimately, your survival time earns you a specific score.

Poker Superstars Invitational
Well, if you are a keen poker player, you can download this game free for yourself. The game challenges you to take on the high intelligence AI poker players and compete with them. This game also provides tips and useful hints for the beginners, and amateurs. The game also assists you in competing against the computer itself. You would encounter some of the top poker champions in this game and can feel your adrenalin pump harder as to take on the competition against the masters.

A Degree In Video Game Design

Video games have exploded in popularity, thanks to our high paced and pressurized world crunching down on individuals. People need a break from reality and video games provide that venue of escapism, and businesses have definitely gotten the message loud and clear. Developing new games is a fierce industry and companies need people who can always bring on better games that stimulate all the senses at once. But how can you get into this rising segment and turn your interests in computers into something that's a lucrative, fun career full of opportunity?

A degree in video game design is the training you need to break into a market where you can create fantastical worlds or develop settings that are so realistic, you can almost touch them. Individuals are demanding more and more from software companies, and only the top quality games will succeed in today's competitive world. Investing your talents in a solid education that will give you the skills and know how to create high tech video games is a wise choice. The job opportunities will never peter out or become saturated, thanks to new technology that's always being put into the market, and you can get into the gaming craze by getting the best training possible to send you into an amazing career.

You'll have the chance to use your own imagination to create great characters that become popular household names. Remember Mario and Luigi? Well, those two characters were created by people with video game design skills and they earned their makers millions of dollars. What about Yoshi? The little dinosaur is another character created by someone with video game design skills that has made someone rich and famous. Why can't that person who develops the next popular, fun character be you? Online gaming is another venue that has become a multi-million dollar industry and all you have to do is look up World of Warcraft to see how many people are hooked on video games, making the market a rich one for job opportunities.

So what's involved in video game design? Educational facilities will provide you with artistic training to help you create visual images that snag people's interest and keep them gaming, as well as the know how to apply that to animation and 3D modelling. Story development is a must, and you'll be able to think up new ways of challenging people with tricks and traps or enemies to battle to become heroes and earn glorious rewards and treasures. Not only that, those who offer degrees in video game design will help you to put together a profile that will make you an attractive asset to software companies looking for talented 3D artists and gaming developers.

One thing is for sure: Without a degree in video game design, the competition to break into the industry is so stiff that you'll never be able to get ahead. Great ideas and a creative imagination isn't all it takes to open fantastic opportunities and set you into an amazing career. Top quality skills and training that keep you on top of the game and get you that perfect job are the only way to go about finding your place in the lucrative industry of video games. You'll learn the practical side of design and animation to be able to develop games that bring in sales for businesses and earn the skills you need to be head hunted by companies. More than that, obtaining your degree in video game design won't just be an important investment and career choice, it'll also be a blast of fun as you expand your horizons and creativity, learning to think outside the box and come up with new, exciting worlds and characters.

For incomplete video files..

AviPreview/VideoLan/DivFix - For incomplete video files...

I am very fond of downloading avi movies from net using p2p (peer to peer) softwares like Kazaa Lite k++,BitTorrent etc.I am using this for downloading new movies which are of full DVD quality and in very less size than the original DVD.They are comressed with Divx/Xvid codec in AVI file which is MPEG4 video compression format.And for Audio, different formats like mp3,ogg,AC3 can be used.Due to this, its size decreases in a big ratio of Bitrate per Second of both Audio-Video.So these files are of "MAX QUALITY MIN SIZE" we can say.

What the main problem here is we don't know about the quality of movies until we can see some part of it.I mean to say if we are downloading and say 15 MB downloaded then how you will see it?You have to see to know the quality of video and Audio.So here is the answer.

You can use AviPreview for viewing incomplete AVIs.Yes it is good tool because it is very small in size and no need to install.You just have to load the file in it.Before,you must stop downloading the file and then load it in AviPreview.And you are done!it will show you the movie upto it can.And you can decide what to do.

Now say AviPreview is not able to play the file at some point( At certain Frame in video if some error is there then it will stop playing file after that frame.).then what to do?I have the solution.

It is called DivFix.Yes,This tool is used for Re-Indexing of the AVI file.Don't need to install it.Just load the file and it will make new AVI file for you.Then you can see it and decide to stop download or not.

Another good player is VideoLan player.Setup of this player is about 10 to 19 MB.Yes too big but it is very useful.It contains all the codecs for Video-Audio and can play any file(Except .RM - real media files. May be newer version has inculded .RM support.).It can even play any file if it is incomplete. Yes you heard it right.it is avi/mpg/dat/wmv don't worry.VLC can play the file which is incomplete also.And it also plays direct streams from Internet URLs if your net connection speed is enough to take load of streaming!.

Find and Download Your Favorite Music Videos

With all of the latest technology of downloading songs to burn onto CD’s, iPod’s, and more, the simple thought of music video downloads often passes peoples minds anymore. With burning songs onto CD’s, and listening to songs on your iPod, you’re only retaining the audio portion of music and completely overlooking the visual aspect of music.

Sure you can tune into MTV and VH1 and all of the other music channels. However, anymore there are more TV and reality shows on the music channels then there are actual music videos.

With music video downloads on your personal computer, you can download a video of your favorite artist or favorite song in a matter of minutes depending on your internet connection speed. Once downloaded you can save it to a file or if you download from one site, most contain a library in which all of your favorite music videos will be saved to.

In this day and age nothing is legally free, so one might ask themselves how much it will cost to actually watch music videos? Is it really worth it to pay for music videos when you can watch them on TV? Depending on the site you download from, it is very much worth it to pay the low cost and have a much larger selection than on TV and be able to watch them whenever you want.

There are millions of sites that offer music video downloads for free, so what’s the catch. For a majority of the sites you can only view 30 seconds of the song such as at music.lycos.com. Other sites such as music.yahoo.com allow you to view one music video, kind of like a teaser to see the quality of video. After viewing the video if you attempt to watch another one, it takes you to the sign in page where you can either log-in if already a member, or you can learn the prices and register to get unlimited access to millions of videos.

At music.yahoo.com they offer a deal where you can get unlimited downloads of music videos and music in general to save to your computer for just $4.99/mo. At music.yahoo.com there are over 1 million songs to choose from allowing you to never be left unsatisfied. There are system requirements in order to download the program that can be viewed at http://music.yahoo.com/unlimited/, but with music that cheap it’s hard to pass up.

Another site worth checking out is www.imusicshare.com. At this site you can purchase a 2 year membership for $1/mo. or a single year membership for $1.57/mo. With a membership to this site you receive unlimited access to billions of songs, no software is required to download, and you can burn unlimited songs as well. With this site you also are not limited to just music video downloads, but you are also capable of downloading mp3s, movies, TV and Radio shows, and much more.

Now that you have knowledge of how to download music videos and why to download music videos, get out there and begin building up a large library videos for a low cost.

Viral Video Quickly Becoming Its Own Genre

What works as viral video? What type of video are you, as the viewer, going to want to forward to all your friends, and they, in turn, will want to forward to all their friends, and so on until the “virus” effect of the video has spread to millions?

There are no definite, key examples of what makes a video become viral.

The Videos That Have Become Viral

Why did the Paul Potts video (from Britain’s Got Talent) get 17 million views on YouTube? Because it’s inspirational.

Why did Will Ferrell’s The Landlord become the backbone of his entire Funnyordie website? Because it was funny, and, more importantly, had Will Ferrell in it.

Why did the Cheerleader Getting Run over by a football team become viral? Because it was extreme?

Why did 2 Girls 1 Cup (we refuse to link this video), the single most disgusting and abhorrent video of all time become viral? More on that later.

Do these videos have anything in common? Do they have one identifiable trait that makes them marketable?

“These videos have something inherent in them that makes people want to watch them over and over,” explains Chris, a prominent Independent film Producer from Los Angeles, “There’s no rhyme or reason and there’s no pre-defined set of qualifications.”

“I’ve seen videos fail that featured huge stars and good writing… and they were funny,” states Joey, a Hollywood writer, “They just didn’t have that viral nature.”

Or in the case of a video like The Glitch, featuring American Pie’s Jason Biggs… a little too long.

“People have 30 seconds to 2 minutes to watch a clip at work before they’re caught,” says Tom, an Actor from Los Angeles, “they don’t have 8-10 minutes!”

The Most Disgusting Video Ever - Why Are People Watching It?

2 Girls 1 Cup is perhaps the most graphically disgusting video of all time. It features two women feasting on, let’s just say “fecal matter”. Why did everyone pay attention to it? What was the attraction? It’s unknown.

After that video went viral, a stream of “reaction” videos surfaced. These videos were basically friends filming other friends watching 2 Girls 1 Cup and trying to catch their reaction, which most of the time was a gut wrenching puke.

These reaction videos became more popular than the original video itself, but also served to market the original video unintentionally, with the logic being, “If the reaction is so bad, I’ve gotta see it!”

There are even phony “spoof” reaction videos popping up, the newest of which is Kermit the Frog watching the video and reacting with profanity.

Another spoof is “2 Guys 1 Cup featuring John Mayer”, which happens to be a non offensive video set to the same music but featuring two guys sharing a cup of ice-cream.

Hard to Define

Viral video is hard to define, but it is quickly becoming its own genre.

I had a college professor once, in an attempt to define poetry, say this:

“Poetry is like pornography. It’s tough to define, but you know it when you see it.”

Substitute “Viral Video” for “Poetry” and you have a definition of the viral video genre worthy of Websters.

A Table Tennis Video

Table tennis is a great way to enjoy a lazy summer afternoon, or any afternoon in the year at all. With a round, hollow ball hypnotically bouncing from one end of the table to the other, and taking off with almost rhythmic clicks to signal that a pass or hit has been made, ping pong seems to be the best alternative to an afternoon nap. With all the concentration that goes into the game, moreover, and with all the hitting, running, and picking up that has to be done, table tennis can also be a great way to lose weight.

In the hands of the pros, table tennis looks easy, and seems almost like a dance. All you have to do is find a way to hit the little ball and keep it in play, right? Real table tennis, however, is far more complicated. There are two sides to one paddle, each with their own uses. There are different postures that table tennis players assume in order to best meet their opponents. There are different ways to handle the paddle in order to give the ball its best spin and trajectory.

In other words, table tennis is a product not only of strength and concentration, but knowledge of the physics that go into the game. You will need to understand the science of table tennis if you want to succeed in it, and if you want to enjoy it more. A table tennis video may be able to help you out.

A table tennis video can teach you a variety of things. First, it will introduce you to the sport of table tennis, along with its history, rules, and big players. It will then take you on a tour of the sport’s equipment. Why do table tennis paddles have a smooth and a rubberized side? Why is the net placed so low, and the table positioned so high? What playing ground is best for maximum strength with minimum effort on the part of the players?

The table tennis video will explain all these and more, and how the environment in which you play affects the outcome of your game. The table tennis video will also show you how to handle the paddle in order to make the ball move a certain way. Be sure that you are holding a table tennis paddle while you watch the video, so that you can follow the hand movements that you see on screen.

If you can position your television set and video player so that it faces your table tennis playing ground, then so much the better. Your table tennis video will also have tutorials on how to move your body during a game, and what postures you should assume in order to be less tired and still energetic. If you have friends or family watching the table tennis video with you, follow the movements along with them. Practicing table tennis in this way can be fun and educational, as you can critique each other for any mistakes in movement or posture.

Table tennis can be a joy to play and watch, and, if played well, can be a fulfilling game. Allow a table tennis video to help you. You can find such videos online, through your favorite video merchandiser; and even through your local video store or table tennis equipment suppliers. So instead of sleeping that summer afternoon away, have a great game of table tennis, and soon, with a lot of practice, you might even be in your own table tennis video!

Get Paid to Play Games: Become a Video Game Tester Today

Did you know that the average pay rate for game testers is from $9-$80 an Hour and that you don't need any formal education. The only requirement for being a game tester is that you are 15 or over.

Video Game Testing is my job and I make $150,000+ per year doing it.

Did you Know?

You do not need any formal education to be a video game tester.

You can get paid $9 - $80 an hour being a video game tester and get to keep the games you test.

Anyone can become a game tester, all that is required is that you are 15 or older to get paid to play games.

You only need one video game system to become a video game tester.

You can work as much or as little as you want to.

You might have seen other programs online saying "you can make $150 an hour playing video games online". Don't trust other programs for these reasons:

They only explain ways to play Internet games, and win prizes, not how to become a game tester for such companies as Microsoft, Activision, etc...

They are not experts, I have been a video game tester for 4 years, I doubt that any of them have never even worked in the video game industry before.

FAQ

How Much Can I Make?

You can Make anywhere around $9 to $80 an Hour, right now I make about $75 an Hour.

Why Would a Company to Pay Me?

Because your opinion on their Video Game is extremely important to them. You will be telling them what you like about the game, and what you dislike about it, and to let them know if there is anything wrong with the game. This information is crucial to them, to ensure the successful release of the game.

How Much Can I Work a Week?

You can work as much or as little as you want. Just pick the jobs that you would like to complete and they will either have you go into a local testing center, or they will send the game to you.

When Do I Get Paid?

Normally, you get paid upon completion of an assignment. Usually, about once a week.

Are There any Requirements to Be a Game Tester and to get paid to play games?

There are no requirements. You just need to be 15 or over to get a Game Tester job.

Do I get to Keep the Games I Test?

Many companies allow you to keep the games you test. I have about a 300 XBOX game library from all of the games I have tested.

How Firan is better then Video Gaming

A friend recently asked me "What’s the point in playing a game that has no winner and doesn’t ever end?” Now, what brought about this conversation was that he had seen me playing on a text based game for several months. My friend had been mildly interested to the point of just asking what it was and then rolling his nose when I told him he had to actually think and read the whole time.

See, my friend is heavily into gaming - video gaming. He loves games, but he wants the graphics and his options laid out for him. Now, do no get me wrong, I like video games too. I grew up on video games and I still play games to this day, but I am drawn more to the freedom of a text based gamed. Until recently, video games were very structured and laid out. My first video game was the Atari System with a cassette of Pack-Man and I would sit and gobble up the little white dots and chase ghosts all day. I remember the first Mario Brothers game that was the classic side scrolling movement and there was no way to turn back. You just went level by level until you got to the end and then you started the game all over again. When Mario Brothers II hit the stands, you could move back and forth on the screen, but it was still a very structured game that made you move level by level. Mario Brothers III was the first game that I saw that you could actually go back and replay different levels instead of being forced forward all the time. Your choices in the game were very limited, there was only one method to do something or one path to take and that was it. There was no 'creative' solution to the early generation of video games. Even the latest generation of video games, even though they allow more exploration within 'the level' they are still very structured and you are only allowed to follow a predestined path. Even the most sophisticated games today still have to be laid out on a predestined path that has to be followed. He is content with his predestined paths and realistic graphics.

However, I need something different.

I found text based gaming in the mid 1990's when my gaming circle had broken up after several members graduated from high school and left to go to college. I had taken a liking to role playing, since it something very creative and you had to think and look at all the clues that were laid out in front of you in order to find the solution. And of course, this meant that you had to try several different methods. After my circle had broken up, another friend told me to try online gaming. She said there were places on the internet were people could go to play. I was intrigued and went to a place she recommended, Dark Metal. I had primarily been playing White Wolf in the form of Vampires and Werewolves and Dark Metal was built around the White Wolf game. I spent nearly five years on Dark Metal, falling instantly in love with online gaming. Here was a community of players that all shared the same interest and could be accessed at anytime of day. The game was just like sitting around with friends, but you could visualize the text more, sit and think for a bit about what your character was going to do. Plus, you got to interact with people from all over the country and in some instances the world. I've met people all the way from Australia to in my home town. But I also got to see different perspectives on the same game. Two people with the same style character and style mission will approach it from different angles just based on the interpretation of the game. This is what makes text based games so much fun, working outside of the box.

Dark Metal started to fail, as is the natural course of the online game. Players drift in and drift out, the games surge and then die off. What starts out as a good idea is lost in the shuffle of real life. A friend lead me to another game, telling me it was different then the World of Darkness games that I had been playing. He said it still had dark themes at times, but overall it was a more upbeat game. He said it had a huge player base who was friend, staff that was interesting and a well laid and thought out plot that was a huge success.

I was introduced to Firan.

The basis of Firan is rather simple, a Greek/Roman based game but it is set on another planet so to speak. The history of the game is well written and complex, giving a host of possibilities. Plus, what I like is that the characters are pre-made, that you do not have to worry about getting into role-play (rp) groups. This was one thing I had struggled with on Dark Metal and other games, was that a character came onto the grid without any ties and you had to work hard to get them involved in things, to be found and adopted. With Firan, you could step into a family and assume a role, starting with a circle and they helped you learn the game. Yes, this is different then video games where you are not given the choice of a character to play or you are only given body styles or armor color to select from.

The game is packed with many things that give it its flare; religious, social, economic, nationalist and even sexual themes. There is the constant struggle between the pagans and the true believes the upper versus the lower class, clans versus clans, etc. The list goes on and on. Instead of a standard few races that were eligible on other games, here you had the choice between playing a noble priestess from a warlike clan to a common tailor from clan that represses its women. The possibilities are endless on a game like this, unlike the assumed role you would pick in a video game. Your imagination is the only limiting factor. I have personally played a whore that was an outcast of a noble family, a young princess that did her duty, a tailor that is opinionated and well past her prime but she still keeps the men noticing her, a grandmother that is bipolar in her moods, and a young girl from a clan that value their women less then horses. I could never get all this from a single video game.

Now, before you say “Hey!” let me explain a few things. There is a difference between video games and text based games. The rules are laid out in a text based game, but you are allowed to draw your own path, slip into the mind of the character and see what they want and need, rather then what you want and need. In a video game, it is hard to do since you are not given choices. Another aspect is that the video game is always the same; you know what is going to happen when you step through the door. On the text based games such as Firan, you have no idea what is waiting on the other side of the door. Just when you think you have a handle on the situation, the staff and other players of the game throw you a curve ball and make you think fast. I have never felt my heart race during a video game, but several times I have logged off from Firan feeling physically and mentally exhausted from the rp that happened. That is what I love about text based gaming, it draws you in and makes you feel apart of it. You will live your characters, cry and laugh with them. You can not get this from a video game, sure frustration when the character dies and you have to start over again, but you can not push restart on a text based game like Firan.

Another thing that I like about text based games is that they are always different. Unlike video games where level one is always the same, whereas games like Firan have different things happening all the time. For example, on Firan there are the every day situations that are role-played out but there are also planned events. Spring festivals, fall festivals, Olympics, war season and resolution day are just naming a few. There are also random plots that encompass the entire grid and draw everyone in.

To me, video gaming is something you do when you do not want to think but you want something to pass the time and be entertained instead of just watching television. There is nothing wrong with that, I still pull out the old Playstation and Nintendo every now and then and play video games, curled up in a blanket and just zone out. It is fun! But the real fun comes when your imagination is challenged and put to use and that is what I find really entertaining.

So, to answer my friend’s question, I like games that are fun, stimulate my mind without being repetitive, giving freedom to make decisions in the plot of the game without worrying that there are only a limited number of levels and allowing interaction with people from all over the world.

video game tester

Did you Know?

You don't need any formal education to be a video game tester.

You can get paid $9 - $80 an hour being a video game tester and get to keep the games you test.

Anyone can become a game tester, all that is required is that you are 15 or older.

You only need one video game system to become a video game tester.

You can work as much or as little as you want to.

FAQ

How Much Can I Make?

You can Make anywhere around $9 to $80 an Hour, right now I make about $65 an Hour. Here is a check I recieved for doing a Week-Long Assignment.

Why Would a Company to Pay Me?

Because your opinion on their Video Game is extremely important to them. You will be telling them what you like about the game, and what you dislike about it, and to let them know if there is anything wrong with the game. This information is crucial to them, to ensure the successful release of the game.

How Much Can I Work a Week?

You can work as much or as little as you want. Just pick the jobs that you would like to complete and they will either have you go into a local testing center, or they will send the game to you.

When Do I Get Paid?

Normally, you get paid upon completion of an assignment. Usually, about once a week.

Are There any Requirements to Be a Game Tester?

There are no requirements. Normally, you just need to be over the age of 14 to get a Game Tester job.

Do I get to Keep the Games I Test?

Many companies allow you to keep the games you test. I have about a 300 XBOX game library from all of the games I have tested.

Here is my Website, it will help you get a Video Game Testing job Fast, with no guess work: Game Tester Guide

Video Surveillance Camera Technology

Video surveillance cameras are more prevalent today than anytime in the past. Their use has surged along with the boom in technology as this new technology becomes cheaper and more sophisticated. There are numerous types and styles of surveillance cameras. For example, there dome cameras, hidden cameras, smoke detecting cameras, and "smart" cameras that are equipped with motion detectors, just to name a few.

Video surveillance cameras are classified according to the technology that is used in their design. CCTV [closed circuit TV] cameras are those that have a completely closed circuit and all the components are connected together. On the other hand, advanced digital cameras are those that connected by a circuit but can be located at any site around the world. Digital video recorders [DVRs] do not need VCR's and other recording equipment in order to capture or record on-site activities. The software is designed to automatically record unusual activity even in odd hours of the day.

You can find video surveillance cameras used in many different places. They are used in school buses and schools to monitor activities of students. You will also find them being used in retail establishments, public gathering places, traffic reporting, and many more places. Small hidden cameras know as nanny cams have been used successfully by parents concerned about their children's care from sitters and caretakers. Hidden cameras are also available for sale in “brick and mortar “stores and on the Internet. You find these cameras hidden in clocks, smoke detectors, and soft toys such as a teddy bear, just to name a few.

This style of camera is differentiated according to its effectiveness. A 360-degree revolving dome camera can capture images anywhere on the site. Infrared surveillance type cameras are found used by government and law enforcement agencies such as the SWAT for tailing suspects at night. They too are found mounted in police helicopters to aid them in searching suspects hidden in brush by either day or night.

Detective agencies and security agencies use these cameras to monitor people at their client's request. It is currently lawful in most areas to install a camera in a common public area and record public activities; however, there is a lot of debate over this subject. Even government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] need a warrant in order to carry out video surveillance in private places or homes. Small hand held cameras, also available in the marketplace, help monitor the elderly and in nurseries and preschools where children are kept under watch.

Video surveillance cameras are available in the price range of $100 to $800 for the most part. However, it depends on the complexity of the technology used in them. Well-made fake cameras are also available for as less as $3, which act as deterrents for robbers and thieves but are not recommended in some applications.

Video Game Testing

- Become A Video Game Tester In 5 Simple Steps

Step One: Be Proactive!

You won't land any video game tester jobs if you just sit around and wait for a "Game Testers Wanted" ad to appear in the paper. It won't happen. So instead of sitting back and waiting for a miracle to occur, just get out there and find the perfect video game testing job for you.

Head straight to the game companies and developers and apply for testing jobs. Since they aren't looking for you, the only logical step is to actively search for them. Once you find them (which shouldn't take too long), apply for a game tester position with them and then repeat the process for as many different companies as humanly possible.

On your application/resume, brag about all of your video game achievements, such as the consoles you own, the games you've played, the games you own, the MMORPGs you are apart of, and anything else that shows how much experience you have with video games. And if you want to help your cause even further, create a website/blog that talks about video games, gives reviews, previews, cheats, hints, tips, etc.

You have to remember that experience and professionalism count for a lot in this industry. Therefore, the more experience you have and the more professional you are, the better your chances are for getting a video game tester job.

Step Two: Step Out of Fairy Tale Land and Into Reality

You have to realize that video game testing is a job. Yes, it's a really fun job, but it is still a job nonetheless. This means that you have to treat it as such and take every part of it seriously. Don't merely sit down and play the game to have a good time. Sit down and play the game so that you can collect a paycheck when you're through.

Many "wanna-be" testers believe that being a professional video game tester is a "no work, all play" type of career. Honestly, they couldn't be more wrong. Although there aren't huge amounts of work that a game tester must wade through, there are still a few things that he/she has to complete. For instance, filling out reports. Surprised? Well, most aspiring young testers are when they hear that there is actual work involved with video game testing.

Contrary to what you may have thought, you won't be simply playing games and giving your opinion on whether they are good or not. You will actually be testing them. You will play through a game, find any bugs or glitches, and then fill out reports on any problems that you come across. This is to help the developers and programmers locate and fix those problems. You don't have to be an English professor or a college graduate to write bug reports, but you will have to have basic writing skills. Aside from the reports, you will also be required to fill out numerous questionnaires; which are typically opinion based.

As soon as you accept the fact that you'll be doing actual work as a video game tester, you will have much more success finding testing jobs.

Video Game Addiction Equals Babies Starving

Young couple accused of neglecting young children to surf the Web and play computer video games.

In Reno, Nevada a couple authorities say were so obsessed the the Internet and computer video games that they left babies starving, suffering other health problems have pleaded guilty to child neglect.

Michael and Iana Straw had two children, a girl ll months old and a boy 22 month old. Authorities found these two children very malnourished and near death last month after social working took them to a hospital. According to prosecutor Kelli Ann Viloria the children are doing much better, gaining weight and are in foster care.

"Michael Straw, 25, and Iana Straw, 23, pleaded guilty Friday to two counts each of child neglect. Each faces a maximum 12-year prison sentence."

According to prosecutor Viloria the couple was too distract by online computer video games, namely the fantasy role playing "Dungeons & Dragons" series, to give their children proper care.

“They had food; they just chose not to give it to their kids because they were too busy playing video games,” Viloria told Reno's local publication.

The status of the Children when found.

When police found the girl and took her to the hospital the staff there had to shave her hair because it was matted with cat urine. "The 10-pound girl also had a mouth infection, dry skin and severe dehydration."

The brother was also treated for starvation as well as a genital infection, because of a lack in muscle development he had difficulties walking, investigators say.

The father, "Michael Straw is an unemployed cashier, and his wife worked for a temporary staffing agency doing warehouse work, according to court records."

Michael received $50,000 from inheritance that "he spent on computer equipment and a large plasma television, authorities said."

American Medical Association ponder Video game addiction

"While child abuse because of drug addiction is common, abuse rooted in video game addiction is rare, Viloria said."

Last month, doctors at an American Medical Association dismissed having video game addiction as a mental disorder, stating more research need to be done. Some argued it was like alcoholism while other felt there was solid evidence that is was a psychological disease.

It is hard to know whether or not video game addiction is a true psychological disorder. It is very possible, seeing people pull all nighters playing computer video games, pausing only to use the bathroom, not even eating is problem in this writers mind.

Six Tips on Making a Successful Training Video

Six Tips on Making a Successful Training Video by Marie-Claire Ross

Today’s television saturated audience expect to watch good television. This is why poor acting, grainy vision and boring dialogue will no longer cut it in your training video.

Off-the-shelf training videos can often be poorly produced, so much so that they engender more laughs than learning. Or the messages tend to be too broad and not targeted enough for a specific audience.

To avoid this trap, companies often custom-design their training videos, in order to get unique messages across to their staff or customers.

Yet, just because you have a tailor-made production specifically for your staff does not mean that they will be willing to learn.

So how do you get your training messages absorbed?

1. Get the Script Right

The script is the backbone to your production.

It needs to be short, succinct and written in the same language understood by your audience.

Avoid transcribing manuals into a training video script. They will be too wordy to be of interest on screen.

Spend the maximum time on your script, as it will determine the quality of your production.

2. Keep them Involved

Many training videos often have procedures that need to be demonstrated. Keeping the camera locked on a staff member talking through what they are doing, will never keep anyone interested for long.

The golden rule in making a successful training video is to keep changing what is shown on screen.

This means that each scene needs to run for no longer than 7 seconds. Mix it up by using graphics and titles, cutting to a wide shot or close up, using a different voiceover or even using animation.

By using lots of overlay shots, not only to explain procedures in more detail, you keep the viewer involved with the action on screen.

3. Work out your Style

Using one camera angle continually on your presenter has the tendency to make audiences sleepy.

Work out the best style for your particular training production, in order to engage your viewers.

Keeping the ‘mix it up rule’ in mind, choose one or more of the following (preferably more than one for best results):

• Have actors (either staff or professional) acting out procedures.

• Use professional actors to dramatise scenes to communicate any emotional messages.

• Use a narrator to talk through what is happening on screen, or to elaborate on points made by the actors.

• Use an on-screen presenter to link scenes together, provide summaries of important points and bring your video to life.

4. Highlight Important Messages

The beauty of video is that it communicates both visually and audibly.

When conveying key messages, both the vision and the audio track need to be telling the same story. The audience will lose the message if the vision doesn’t match what the voiceover is saying.

For example, say the voiceover mentions that “You must get the customer to read the document before signing it”. You will need to show the customer receiving the document, reading it and then signing it.

It would be confusing showing just the customer receiving the document and then signing. Or showing just the document being signed. You have to show on the screen every step of the procedure, in time to the narration.

To further reinforce salient points, titles can be added that coincide with the narration. This is a great way to get the audience to remember important pieces of information. Particularly, information such as statistics and names of certain procedures.

5. Do as I say, not as I do

As a parent of a toddler, it is amazing to discover how much your child picks up from just watching you.

It’s no surprise that even adults learn by example. Good leaders know that if they want their staff to follow their lead they have to make sure all of their actions coincide with their verbal instructions.

Often clients ask us to show on the training video the wrong way to do something.

Due to the funny way our mind works, we remember what we have seen. So if you want to teach your employees the wrong way to do something, showing them the incorrect way is a pretty good place to start!

The best method of training is to show the right way to do something.

6. Test their knowledge

The days of instructors playing a video tape and hoping that the audience has learnt their lesson is over.

Training video content can now be played on a computer together with an on-line assessment tool.

Short video modules can be watched ending with a question that the viewer needs to answer.

This not only ensures that the viewer pays attention, but is more likely to help them retain information.

At the end of the training session, simple reports can be downloaded by the trainer. This important information can be used to assess the areas in which more training is required.

Bratz Rock Angelz - The Video Game

MGA Entertainment, the creator of the Bratz toy line, has recently given the nod to the Bratz Rock Angelz video game, which was a rather obvious next step to take when you consider the Bratz exploding popularity. It's no surprise that countless children have decided to play as the teenage divas right from the comforts of their own home; there aren't very many games targeted for younger girls, much less one with subject matter with such widespread appeal.

The inevitable release of a Bratz Rock Angelz video game was expected by many Bratz fans worldwide (the Bratz dolls are equally or more popular than Barbie dolls in many countries around the world) since competitors like Barbie have experienced the transition to video games for quite some time. What some parents don't realize is the Bratz Rock Angelz video game is based upon a DVD movie of the same name, so children can enjoy two forms of media that work in conjunction with each other.

The story begins when Jade (of course, one of the Bratz girls), gets fired from her internship at a certain magazine (if you are a Bratz fan, you probably know that I am talking about the "Your Thing" fashion magazine). As a result of this unhappy incident, the Bratz Rock Angelz decide to start their own music and fashion magazine. It is up to you to help the girls achieve their goal. Better yet, you will have the chance to customize Jade's, Chloe's, Yasmin's and Sasha's hair, clothes and looks as you assist them in their fun quest.

The Bratz Rock Angelz videogame presents an isometric perspective view, just like the Sims saga of games, and has nicely designed graphics. Of course, a game about the Bratz Rock Angelz needs to be, at a minimum, as cool as the dolls, and I think the whole game has a hip vibe that will not disappoint any Bratz fan.

As the girls make their way towards their goal, they will have the possibility to complete a lot of small quests and mini-games, which allow you to customize the clothing, the shoes, the hair and a variety of other aspects of the Bratz Rock Angelz looks, including a lot of accessories. There are also some important items you will need to collect and several key locations you will need to visit in order to help the girls in the process of setting up their own magazine.

But the Bratz Rock Angelz are not alone! In fact, you will need to interact with several other characters from the Bratz dolls toy line, and of course you will be hanging out in some of the available Bratz sets (like the Bratz Shopping mall, for instance).

The Bratz Rock Angelz video game starts with the girls in the school, but soon they are traveling the entire world, looking for the perfect interview to a cool celebrity or finding the perfect news story.

The Bratz Rock Angelz video game is available on a PC-compatible CD-ROM, and it is priced about 20 dollars. The Nintendo Gamecube version costs about 40 dollars, about the same price of the Bratz Rock Angelz video game for the PlayStation 2 console. There is also a Game Boy Advance version, which costs about 30 dollars, and comes with a cool gift: the free "Chloe Game Boy Advance carry-case."

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Want to Play a Killer Video Game

One of the greatest video arcade games was "The House of The Dead" and the excitement of shooting your way out to stay alive was intense! It is good to see hot video games turning into movies, such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill. One movie in particular has a powerful gory twist, when it comes to game playing. The new movie "Stay Alive" will take you to a whole new level of gaming, if you can stay alive! Do you like creepy video games where your life is on the line?

It was just a matter of time before a movie came out that took you into the game world for real! Think of the last game that you played and be glad you did not die in reality. Imagine the pressure of a video game pushing you to win, or you will end in a bloody death! Sounds like fun until you see some red eyes coming out of the darkness to steal your soul!

"Stay Alive" starts out as an interesting game, but there should have been a clear warning, when you have to chant something! The chant in the movie opens up a portal for the main killer of the game to take your life. Once in the game you can use roses to stop the attacker, but you have to be quick.

The killer in the game is a mysterious lady who does not think twice about running you over with a horse and carriage. She does not wince at stabbing large scissors in your neck. You have to feel badly for the people who first play this game, because they never had a chance to see what was coming. Only the people playing later on can put the pieces of the puzzle together. It is after seeing one person die after another, that the cast of "Stay Alive" gets serious.

This movie has a strong Gothic touch and the mysterious lady killer in the game loves blood. You will get a sense of a vampire blood lust in this movie. Hutch O'Neill(Jon Foster) decides to go to a plantation that is exactly like the one in the video game. While at the plantation he finds a rude awakening. The plantation is not only just like the game, but the master of the house has been killed.

The small group that remains has gathered knowledge about the twisted and sick lady killer in the game. They find out she is kept alive by draining and soaking her body in young girls blood. The trick is getting to the tower that holds her body and killing her. The one way they can kill her is by using nails, but even that ultimately fails. I will let you find out what really kills the Lady of Blood by watching the movie.

Swink Sylvania(Frankie Muiz) plays a geek who cannot shut his mouth, but has a greater understanding of what is going on then anyone else. Swink Sylvania(Frankie Muiz) turns out to be a very important person in this movie, and without him things would have been gory for the two still alive. The movie will give you a sense of 'Hell Raiser' meets the demon eyed blood lady.

The movie really was not that bad and the story line was interesting, for a creepy video game come to life! Video games have gained so much popularity and it is easy to get caught up in the game. Once you start playing, time goes by so fast and you forget what is going on around you. Video games are a nice escape from reality, just as long as no one gets killed!

The next time you are in the video store, take a good look at what is on the shelf. Will you be playing some Madden football or will you be fighting for your life in the streets? Maybe that one creepy video game you see has been calling your name! Either way, it is fun for a bunch of friends to bring over their video game consoles and see who comes out the winner.

Remember with "Stay Alive", you die in the game, then you die for real!

Video Surveillance

The dependability and prevalence of video surveillance cameras has increased dramatically in the past decade. Numerous home and business owners have integrated video surveillance cameras into their security systems to ensure safety, crack down on regulations, and catch criminals in the act. Video surveillance is considered covert when the cameras are hidden or aren't identifiable. Video surveillance is largely legal in the United States, as long as it doesn't directly infringe on a person's fourth amendment right to privacy.

Uses of Covert Video Surveillance

"A picture is worth a thousand words". This saying rings true in court. According to a recent study, when a jury is presented with video surveillance footage, it is twice as likely to convict as when not shown video surveillance evidence. The strategic placement of covert video surveillance cameras aid in the detection and prosecution of vandalism, theft, child abuse, elder neglect, stalking, and harassment.

Some of the more common places to use covert video surveillance are homes, casinos, police stations, nursing homes, construction sites, prisons, hospitals and retail stores.

Monitoring the activities of nannies and household help with covert video surveillance cameras is a growing trend. Due to recent advances in technology, cameras are now small enough to be hidden in many home items such as teddy bears, house plants, clocks, and wall paintings.

Video Surveillance Laws

Most video surveillance is legal in the United States. The majority of video surveillance laws concern the invasion of privacy with the use of covert video surveillance. The use of covert video surveillance is particularly controversial in areas in which a high level of personal privacy is expected, such as locker rooms, dressing rooms, bedrooms, and bathroom stalls. There are some general guidelines to follow to ensure the legality of your video surveillance system.

Covert video surveillance is illegal when audio surveillance is also taking place, and if the it is done without the consent of those being monitored and the person being monitored by the video surveillance has a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Covert video surveillance may be illegal when the video surveillance encourages an illegal activity and the subject under video surveillance has a right to counsel, as when being questioned by law authorities and the person in charge of the premises have not given permission for video surveillance.

If you opt to incorporate a covert video surveillance system into your home or business, consult with a lawyer or your local law enforcement agency to ensure your compliance with local, state, and federal video surveillance laws.

Many independent studies in the United States and United Kingdom have suggested that video surveillance acts as a powerful deterrent, stopping crimes before they happen. Studies also show strong evidence that video surveillance systems can be an extremely effective tool in detection and prosecution.

the Best Video Game System

Play With the Best Video Game System and Spend Hours of Great Fun

Video games are one of the best forms of entertainment today. With it, you can really make your imagination come alive and become an entirely different character that fights monsters from different planets or be a Formula 1 race car driver.

To play these games, you usually go to the mall and play it on the arcade. In the arcade, you will see different games available. Some are even placed on realistic cars or fighter planes that are designed to follow every move you make. For example, if you play in a fighter plane, you will see that the machine will follow the plane’s movements, when you bank your plane right, you will feel the machine that you’re in move right too, if you pull up, you will feel that the machine will also point up.

Some of the arcade games even have a vibration feedback to alert you that you’re being hit by the enemy. There are even two player modes where you can go head to head with your friends in a dog fight or you can do cooperative missions where your friend can be your wingman. There are a lot more arcade games available.

However, you can’t go to the arcade everyday because doing so can be too expensive. Therefore, you should buy your own video gaming console where you can play right in your own home. Although it won’t contain all the realistic machines that you can find in the arcade, you can still have that great graphics and sound quality in the games.

Another great thing about buying your own gaming console is that you can have flexibility in selecting your games. There are a wide variety of games available that is not yet available or impossible to put in arcades.

In order to maximize enjoyment when you buy a video gaming system, you want to get the best. However, you may wonder what makes a good gaming console. With the number of gaming consoles available in the market today, people get confused on which gaming console they should purchase. The competition makes gaming console manufacturers develop the latest graphics and sound technology and integrate them in their systems making all the different kinds of gaming consoles in the market really stand out.

In the past, crude graphics and simple sounds were the ones available in the market. And, it was really popular. Today, quite a few gaming console manufacturers are now manufacturing the latest gaming consoles with integrated features that can even rival the power of your home personal computer.

Sega, Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony are four of the big names in the gaming console industry. They create the best gaming consoles in the market and really took the world by storm with each new version released. When you play in these consoles, you will know that it can really give quality entertainment for you and your family. When you have the time, you will spend hours on playing an action packed game with amazing realism and sound quality.

To answer the question on what makes a gaming system the best is not just about the sound quality and the graphics technology integrated on the system. Before you buy a gaming console, make sure that the gaming console has a lot of game titles supported. Besides, people would rather choose a gaming console where thousands of different games are available rather than purchasing a gaming console that only supports a few hundred games. You would eventually grow tired or bored of the only few hundred games available in a particular gaming console.

With thousands of gaming titles you can choose from, you can simply buy another game title if you get bored with your other games.

Another thing you should look for in a gaming console today is if it has additional add-on gadgets that you can connect. Some gaming consoles have memory cards that you can buy for you to save your progress in case you want to continue playing later on. Some have different joysticks that you can plug in for a more realistic feel for the game. For example, if you want your racing game feel more realistic, you can purchase a steering wheel with gas and brake pedals and if you want your fighter plane simulator, you can purchase a joystick that looks similar to fighter plane controls.

There are even gaming consoles that are integrated with a modem. This gaming console can give you the capability to connect to the internet and play with other players across the world.

If you choose a video gaming system that has all these features, you purchased the best video game system available. With the continuing development of different gaming consoles, who knows what other features it may bring.