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Idea for debunking using Internet video

shanek said:
So here's what I've been doing with a lot of my spare time recently:

I've been looking around YouTube at the debates going on there. There's a lot going on, and quite a few skeptics representing, but there's no shortage of woos, either. Check out this guy:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=JamesYoung764

He's an astrologer making all sorts of crazy claims. Ordinarily on YouTube, someone might post a video response, and even include clips from that or other videos. There are whole discussions going on like that, and it's way cool.

But this guy has so many videos, I wanted to debunk a lot of things he was saying in them. Instead of making a bunch of little videos, which tend to be rather tedious as they're generally just people talking (yes, I'm including mine here), I decided to be a bit more professional (well, in an amateur sort of way).

So, here's the video I made: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4664318632893490991&hl=en

I had to upload it to Google instead of YouTube, because of YouTube's 10-minute limit. It's just a rough cut, but I think it's a good start, and a good platform for debunking other subjects as they arise. It's also in a good format for viewing on its own, maybe even in an educational context like a classroom.

So anyway, let me know what you think--all comments and criticisms are welcome. (I've already fixed a couple of audio problems and typos in the credits; I'll probably get that corrected version up tomorrow.)

I think the internet can be used like this to great advantage--without any of the problems of "stealing" an episode of ********! and putting it online. Actually, you can see my inspiration from P&T, Carl Sagan, and others.

I quite like it. Hope you do, too.
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I know that guy. I watched his "Carl Sagan is wrong" bit and in the whole thing he just agrees with everything Carl Sagan said and says basically "Of course astrology can't predict the future"..."Of course the planets don't determine the way your life turns out.".."Of course each horoscope will disagree!"

This is a defense of astrology?:confused:

The best videos are the ones that are short and precise I have noticed. If you have a digital camera then use that. Also make sure that the videos aren't shot with some web cam with you sitting at your computer chair. A good background helps add effect. Possibly all white, or a book shelf filled with books. Address the points and refute them. Make it under 5 minutes.
 
I saw your video. You need to work on your presentation and the way you talk on the camera. Have more charisma. Your acting is far too bogus and corny.

Also, You seem to be looking off camera at a script or something. That's a big No, No.
 
Dustin said:
I saw your video. You need to work on your presentation and the way you talk on the camera. Have more charisma. Your acting is far too bogus and corny.

Also, You seem to be looking off camera at a script or something. That's a big No, No.
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Dustin,

Your act is bogus and corny. When you get bored you don't need to pick on people who have nothing to do with you. Shane has charisma. He may need the cue cards closer to the camera, but he is a very likeable fellow. That's charisma. I can't say that for everyone.
 
Senex said:
Dustin,

Your act is bogus and corny. When you get bored you don't need to pick on people who have nothing to do with you. Shane has charisma. He may need the cue cards closer to the camera, but he is a very likeable fellow. That's charisma. I can't say that for everyone.
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It's constructive criticism. Don't be a sycophantic kowtow.

Being "likable" and having charisma are two different things. Shane's current first video has 3 views so far. It won't get more than 500 views, ever. Why? For the reasons I've pointed out.
 
Dustin, I appreciate your comments. Yes, I need a lot of improvement as a presenter. The better background and better camera is going to have to wait until I can recover enough to finally go home. It's rough, but then, pilots usually are pretty rough.

One thing I am going to try to do for the next one: memorize the lines instead of reading them.
 
shanek said:
Dustin, I appreciate your comments. Yes, I need a lot of improvement as a presenter. The better background and better camera is going to have to wait until I can recover enough to finally go home. It's rough, but then, pilots usually are pretty rough.

One thing I am going to try to do for the next one: memorize the lines instead of reading them.
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You should simply learn enough about Astrology to be able to present it without looking at lines. Just looking at basic ideas on how to present it. For instance have a cue card saying "talk about contradicting horoscopes". Not a line for line script. Also keep your eye on the camera as if it were a real person you're talking to. There are different styles you could present the thing. The calm and somber and serious Carl Sagan type style. Or the sort of comical and wacky Bill Nye style. Or maybe even a satirical type of presentation. You could also walk around in some setting like a busy city or a park or a library.

As mentioned before, No one is going to watch a 30 minute presentation about astrology from some guy they don't know. They will however have a look at your presentation if it's around 5 minutes long tops. Whenever I see those long 'talking head' type presentations with some guy sitting in front of the camera who I've never heard of I generally skip it by. Most people do.
 
Dustin said:
It's constructive criticism. Don't be a sycophantic kowtow.

Being "likable" and having charisma are two different things. Shane's current first video has 3 views so far. It won't get more than 500 views, ever. Why? For the reasons I've pointed out.
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You said Shane needs more "charisma." That's cruel and in his case untrue. Shane needs a better set and cue cards closer to the video eye. The reason his views are low is because of the long time of his video. Few want to make that time commitment. No lie, Shane has charisma. He is someone I saw on camera and liked.

He's disadvantaged not being able to leave his room. I wish he grabbed a nurse for the video but he thought it wasn't needed. My point is you could have said what you did in a nicer way. It doesn't hurt to be nice.
 
For those of you who've missed the drama, James Young went to YouTube claiming copyright infringement (which it wasn't, it was clearly fair use under Title 17 Chapter 1 §107), and then denied that he did it, claiming it was all YouTube. YouTube is investigating and hopefully they'll be back up in the next week or two.

In the meantime you can see them on Google Video:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8475231381632355859&hl=en

(Parts 2 and 3 are linked from there)

Also, I have my second edition, Evolution vs. Creation, up. Just two parts this time:

Part 1:

Part 2:
 
Yes! YouTube has seen through Young's ploy and reinstated Episode 1!

Sometimes ya fights...and sometimes ya wins! Up yours, James Young!!!
 
No, still not walking more than about 50-60 feet, with a walker. Can't drive yet, either. :(
 
shanek said:
No, still not walking more than about 50-60 feet, with a walker. Can't drive yet, either. :(
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Well, you know you have many people rooting for your return to health on this site -- but as a skeptic you know that that and a quarter (or whatever your currency for a phone booth call is) will get you a phone call :D

hehehehe... Seriously, I wish you the quickest recovery possible. Your videos are informative to people who are less jaded than the rascals on this site appreciate. You are preaching to the choir here, but you may touch many lives out in the Internet. You've touched mine ;)
 
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