OMG! Now with a POLL!

[sisabet]

OMG!!! I HAVE A WEBSITE!!

This morning I got up early and then went into a tizzy trying to decide what to do first. Do I upload vids? Set up email accounts (I can be sisabet at sisabet dot com - now how cool is that?) or upload vids or jiggle the browser window some more and watch Spike and Angel go at it? I would like to think that there are actually no correct answers to those questions.

Sigh

But the issue of uploading vids is present. I actually lost some vids in the simultaneous (if you consider months apart simultaneous and I do) computer/site crash of Aught Five. I recovered many through the wayback thingamabob and other people had copies and whatnot. I think I have a CD backup of work that I made back when I actually backed up my work. So, um, yeah - that is reeeeeeally old.

But the thing that really sticks out on me when looking at a lot of these video files is that, my GOD, the encode is crappy. And it is a mixture of me using crappy source and a crappy codec to clip and then trying to compress the entire thing down to around 12 mb cause Dawn said that was about right.

And it was about right - back in 2003. Broadband is much more prominent now - most video files seem to be over 20 mbs now (and it wasn't too long ago that Dawn tsked at me for wanting an 18 mb version of Without You I'm Nothing because it was too big) and while I can appreciate the need dial up people have for smaller files -- I don't know that dial up people on a whole really watch vids as much as broadband people. I mean - it is just a question of logistics.

Right now it isn't a matter of space or bandwidth as when I walk around my site - I can hear echoes. And I have this crazy insane bandwidth package. No, really - that is what it is called: The Crazy Insane Bandwidth Package (loves hard on f1renze). So I should be okay on those ends. But I want to make my webvids prettier and that means re-encoding and whatnot (and maybe I will have a teeny version for dial up users. That isn't a bad idea, actually). And re-encoding takes *time* - SO...

Since I suck at follow-through and planning and yet I take orders really really well - give me an idea of where I should start with the Great Re-encode and Upload Plan - Now in improved Poll form! It is all scientific!

[Poll #604387]

Comments

[forked.livejournal.com]

OK- the only being able to click ONE vid? Totally wrong and evil!

[sdwolfpup.livejournal.com]

I voted for SOS so I can rec it this month at the_reel. Is it ok if I rec it over at the_reel, btw?

Fannish entitlement rears its ugly head

[coffeeandink.livejournal.com]

Website, bah. When are you going to produce a DVD?

[qafhappy.livejournal.com]

Who is your host? Dreamhost?

I've used Powweb for the last year, and it has grown a lot. Orignially, I had 1 GB storage, 2 GB/day DL - so I ended up with 3 sites to support my interests. They have grown, and now each site has 5 GB storage & 10 GB/day DL (for a whopping total of 15 GB storage and 30 GB/day DL) - can you hear the echo? LOL

So, if you aren't locked in whwere you are, you might want to check out Powweb (http://www.powweb.com/PowWeb/OnePlan/Detail). You'll get 5 GB storage, 10 GB/day DL, and no downtime. All for $7.77/month ($93.24/year).

Hope you enjoy having your website!

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

Hee - *hugs you hard*

Of course you can rec it. And I will upload it just for you!!!!

[sdwolfpup.livejournal.com]

Yay! Thank you!

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

Just, um - remember to poke me about it because you know I am flighty. And flightly.

Re: Fannish entitlement rears its ugly head

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

When I get a new computer with a shiny DVD burner. But I'm on lots of DVDs! I am, I SWEAR!

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

I am with Dreamhost - Flo did all the picking and I was reading last night and she did an incredibly good job *and* they already come highly recommended so I am sticking, but thanks so much for the rec - I am *certain* there are people reading this who are looking for site space!

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

Of course it is evil. But it wouldn't be a Video Death Match if you could pick multiples!

[bandgeek.livejournal.com]

Well, I mean, I voted for Without You I'm Nothing, but it's not like I don't have a copy of it on my harddrive and watch it whenever I feel sad. Not that you should take that in the Emily's-a-creepy-stalker sort of way. Just sayin'.

[askye.livejournal.com]

I voted for Clint Eastwood. I know it hasn't been on your site for a while, but it was one of the first vids I ever watched and helped get me hooked on vids.

[scarlettgirl.livejournal.com]

How about that new Doctor Who vid that's been eating your brain.

What?

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

I think I lost Clint E in the HD crash. I might have it on disc.

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

I *wish* I had a Dr. Who vid eating my brain. That would be lovely!

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

Well - I voted for the Lord King Bad vids and it is my poll! I just think that would be a cool way to launch a new site. And a scarily in-character thing for me to do as well. It is like whatever you are doing New Years you will be doing all year, except with webvids.

[askye.livejournal.com]

I have it on at least one back up disc, I thought I had it on my hard drive but I can't remember. My old hard drive was teeny and I had to keep taking vids off to make room for new ones.

[middlemarcher.livejournal.com]

I answered the dialup question even though I'm not on dialup. I have no problem downloading very large files, I just don't have the space to keep them.

My hand-me-down harddrive is 7 gb. Total. I had maybe 3 gb free to play with when we went to broadband in 2004 and am now down to 800 mb (and most of that will disappear with the next episode of Rome).

Re: Fannish entitlement rears its ugly head

[coffeeandink.livejournal.com]

But they could all be on *one*! So it's convenient and all.

... I also buy short stories where I own all the individual stories in anthologies, if I like the author enough. And sometimes I've found myself looking up books on Amazon rather than walking across the room to the bookshelf to look up the copyright date. It's possible I prize convenience a little too highly.

I have gotten rachelmanija to associate "good Buffy or Angel" vid with "Sisabet" in a kind of Pavlovian training, even though we started wtih Laura's DVD. But then I had to show her "Peacekeeper" and "Without You I'm Nothing" and "Cowboy" and "Two Words" even though "Two Words" is a bit much for your first vid-watching session, and by the end of the first hour or two, every time she saw a Buffy vid she liked, she'd say, "Oh! Is that Sisabet?" and I'd have to say, "No, close, that's Lum" or "No, that's here's luck" or "Yes, this one is Sisabet and Lum in collaboration."

[katallison.livejournal.com]

I didn't answer the poll, because (a) how the hell can I pick *one*?? and (b) who the hell am I to tell you what to do? and (c) I am braindead.

(But I will say that I am pining to see the new dS vid.) (PINING.)

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

OH!! I actually could use your opinion on this. I can email a link to it so far and you could take a look? Have we discussed that yet? Cause I was thinking I should really foist this on you and I was thinking that the other day and then there is this big ball of BLANK in between then and now and it is possible that we have already had this discussion and if so? I am truly sorry. I am still at work and it is after 7 and when I go home I am to dial up and work some more. Until I die. So - I am a bit muddled.

[aurora]

Oh, also, when you have the time, you have to put up 'Battleflag' (QAF). It's really, really good.

[par-avion.livejournal.com]

Dreamhost! Yes, I am with them too and it is truly crazy how much space they give.

I store DLed vids in folders by vidder, so I have a folder with your name on it. If there's anything you want me to check and see if I have, let me know.

[katallison.livejournal.com]

I would love to look at this! Love love love! *makes wheeeeing noises, dances about*

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

Oh wow - thank you

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

I think I was able to recover it from the wayback thing. I'll have to see if I still have it.

[aurora]

I have it saved on my hard drive, so let me know if you can't find it. :)

[wistful-fever.livejournal.com]

I don't think I've watched any of your vids before, but I've definitely heard your name floating around in the community. I picked "Weeping Willow", because man, there are NOT enough I-Man vids on-line to satisfy my growing need to watch them. I promise lots and lots of feedback? Possibly more feedback than you'd want. I've gotten so into vids and vidding lately (watching vids from fandoms I haven't the slightest clue about), that my feedback has required *time stamps*. /sighs at self/

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

Aaaaand you have a mountie icon!! That seals it - I am uploading WW right now - here you go:

http://www.livejournal.com/users/sisabet/247128.html

Thank you kindly

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

I am still boggled at 7 gigs. Man!

[wistful-fever.livejournal.com]

The feedback hath arrived:

The first time I watched this, I mostly sat in shock. Every clip had a purpose, and it was a lot to take in. What a chore, watching it over and over, until I could appreciate everything [sarcasm]. Some general concepts that stood out to me were the contrasts. Certainly, a video can be good and contain only one ‘type’ of clip, but emotionally, this video covered a broad spectrum, and because of that, the hurts hurt deeper. The hurt mattered more, because it was made clear to us what there was to lose (and by ‘lose’ I don’t necessarily mean ‘lose’ — but... there was something on the other side of the hurt, something at stake, to make us appreciate it.)

I’ll come right out and say I haven’t seen an episode of Invisible Man (well, maybe one, years ago), so I’ve probably missed the clips that were context-necessary, but I’ve read a bunch of scripts, some MSTings, watched some vids, and read some fanfiction. That, and with some of the strong, evocative images used, I think I was able to understand it. Even if I haven’t, it definitely had an effect on me.

Starting the video with Darien strapped down, bound, set the entire mood. To me, it came at me sort of like a thesis statement: Damien is a prisoner in his life. This video is about that (and other things, but a lot about that). And then you have lightning flash images of doorways, and Damien running, implying that he’s trying to escape? The conflicting images at 26-28, of Damien bending over Bobby Hobbes, then Hobbes holding a gun on him said a lot about their relationship in a short time, about the ups and downs, and is some of that contrast in feeling I was speaking of. That continues with Hobbes cocking his gun, and Darien falling over after being shot, with the doors behind him (near freedom?) In some ways, Hobbes, while caring for Damien, is helping to imprison him. Or, I could be getting that wrong. One of these days, I’ll get my hands on some I-Man eps, and I’ll be like: ooooh, that’s what she meant. The next sequence of shots, up to 50, when the lyrics start, really set the mood of being trapped, going crazy in captivation.

From 50 to 1:10ish, it was like being briefed on how special the Fawkes/Hobbes relationship is, however one wants to see it (me: soinlovesquee!... but that’s just me). And it really fit the music, the feel of the singer’s voice. Kind of bittersweet happiness that you know doesn’t come along enough.

It slid right out again—the sequence of images there seems to imply this is Darien’s sanity slipping away, taking from his friendship/etc with Hobbes, leaving him alone at 1:14ish, and also, layered with meaning, because he’s just stepped outside as well. Context AND non-context clip at the same time. My head would explode before managing that.

At 1:17, you had some really nice internal motion at work, where the change from day to night could have distracted me, but didn’t, because Hobbes was standing pretty much in the same place, so the change wasn’t disruptive. Throughout that next sequence of lyrics, what I liked best was the continuing use of writing, and the ‘save me’s being matched up to Darien getting the drug (can’t think of the name right now), but not looking terribly thrilled about it—but he has to take it, because otherwise, he’ll end up in the ‘abyss’, which the writing clip at 1:32 seems to say. Darien even seems to be looking at the writing, as the clip follows after one of Darien turning his head.

The most moving parts in this video, for me, were the images you used when the lyrics ‘I hope you see what I see’ came around. Using his QSM eyes, and bring Hobbes back into the picture to give us the context of his words, who he’s speaking to, what’s in danger of the gun, what could be lost in the madness.


[cont.]

[wistful-fever.livejournal.com]

[cont.]

Okay, I take that back (can you tell I’m writing this as I re-watch or what?), I was very moved by the ‘I hope you feel like I feel’ at 1:49ish, because I know what’s going on there. That’s when Darien makes that statement that there’s something Hobbes doesn’t know about him, and then proceeds to risk his life for Hobbes, and to have that intercut with an image of Hobbes with a gun to Darien’s chest—Darien’s life is in Hobbe’s hands, to do with what he will. Very powerful.

2:23 to 2:25 killed me. Pure emotion from Darien. Especially with the clip with his head tilted against his shoulder. It was a super-fast clip, but it left an impression. It seemed associated with the ‘freedom comes’. ::aches:: Through the next ten seconds, he’s losing it, but it’s almost like he wants to, because it’s his own form of escape.

His disappearance on one side of the van (on beat), then landing on top of Hobbes on the other side of the van (on beat! whee!) made it feel like he was transporting almost, through his emotions.

“There’d be no better way.” = Darien with a gun to his head. Powerful connection.

Again, the “I hope you see like I see” was moving this time around. This time with Hobbes having the eyes (although I don’t know the context of that, I don’t think I read that transcript), in the same madness as Darien. And then being moved by understanding, seeing everything Darien is going through (I hope you feel what I feel), (and no, this is definitely the best part of the video to me), carrying Darien in his arms while running, intercut with shots of him helping Darien bury his brother (right?), standing beside him. The way Darien had his arms wrapped around Bobby’s neck screamed vulnerability and okay, OMG!WOOBIE to me. I love Darien. I love Bobby. And I haven’t even watched the show. I know this will color my perception of them when I do.

At 3:18-3:19, you had another instance of wonderful internal motion, Darien’s head to Darien’s head. I try to do that in my vids as much as possible, but I can’t always manage it. I think things like that give videos a very polished feel.

The next sequence you focused on the pushandpull of their relationship, and this is another example of what I mean when I say contrasts making the emotions stand out. It makes everything feel three dimensional.

At 3:38, you had ‘I hope you feel like I feel’ with Darien lifting his head up, and laughing in a way that seemed utterly desperate and unhappy, with his silver eyes. That was another image that lingered after, and I think it was helped by the repetition, the use of those eyes, which are actually a huge part of the series as well (I get the impression). When I think about it now, this was the perfect song choice for that. Did you know, when your heard the song that you were going to use a lot of these eye shots? Or were you looking for the song in *order* to use these shots? Egg before the chicken?

At 3:55, you have Darien jerking back in an abrupt way, to the drum, which is something I have a particular love of in fan videos. You did it again at 3:58, when Hobbes is grabbing Darien’s face, the movement of his wrist matched the beat. And because of the rest of the video, I’m pretty sure you did it on purpose, so I don’t feel like an idiot pointing it out.

The glass dropping, intercut with Bobby having the gun against Darien’s chest was a nice way to suggest the other shoe dropping. I do have to admit, I didn’t quite catch the meaning of the end of the video exactly—and that’s probably due to my lack of canon knowledge, but I can guess that this is Darien walking away from it all, from the good, the bad, and all of that wrapped up in one package: Bobby Hobbes. I know I’m horribly wrong here, but either way, the video was just gorgeous, one of the best I’ve seen. Thank you for taking the time to upload it, for me to see it. Now I KNOW I have to get some episodes. Who knows? I might end up vidding it. Apologies for rambling on and on. I tend to do that.

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

Oh wow and wow again. Just wow, wow, wow. I just have to say that I was doing an insano-happy dance the entire time I was reading this because OMG you got the vid! And you haven't even seen the show. Which we must correct! You have to see the show - I can't stress this enough. Everyone must see this show!

Starting the video with Darien strapped down, bound, set the entire mood. To me, it came at me sort of like a thesis statement: Damien is a prisoner in his life. This video is about that (and other things, but a lot about that).

I just...I could cry - you have made me so happy. Yes, Darien traded one prison for another.

In some ways, Hobbes, while caring for Damien, is helping to imprison him. Or, I could be getting that wrong.

Actually, no - I hadn't thought of it in those terms exactly - but that is an entirely valid reason.

See, the Quicksilver Madness (red eyes, massive pain and crazy acting Darien) controls him *without* the shots. When he goes QSM - Darien no longer has control over his actions (or a very tenuous grip if at all). When his eyes go completely silver? He is gone. No conscience. No remorse. If you watch Buffy/Angel at all, Darien becomes Angelus (complete with evil skipping!). Once he hits that level the pain is all gone and he *likes* it.

So, Darien lives his life *knowing* he could end up like this, either in pain or catatonic in an agency-run facility. Padded walls for life. Or even worse? He could get loose and become a cold-blooded silver-eyed psychopath.

In many ways, I think Darien understands and depends on Bobby to keep that from happening. I have a thing for duos that are matched together perfectly in their dysfunction. It is this whole "What makes me too fucked up for the world makes me perfect for you" thing I just adore and Darien and Bobby have it in spades. If the reading you took on this vid was a slash one I am thrilled because I have... I mean, GOD. I love them. I plan their wedding. I am insane and over the moon about these guys.

And the thing about Bobby? He is neurotic and paranoid and stalks and it totally keeps Darien alive. If Bobby didn't have all the issues that he has? Darien would have died season one. So they hit that kink for me.

So you have Darien in this prison - that is tended by people he has come to love (Bobby and the Keeper) so it is really complicated. On top of that - he is dependent on counteragent injections to keep his sanity.

More...

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

Okay, I take that back (can you tell I’m writing this as I re-watch or what?), I was very moved by the ‘I hope you feel like I feel’ at 1:49ish, because I know what’s going on there. That’s when Darien makes that statement that there’s something Hobbes doesn’t know about him, and then proceeds to risk his life for Hobbes, and to have that intercut with an image of Hobbes with a gun to Darien’s chest—Darien’s life is in Hobbe’s hands, to do with what he will. Very powerful.

I had the hardest time editing that scene because that part of "Flowers for Hobbes" destroys me and my beta finally figured out that I couldn't *see* that and hear the music at the same time. I had FfH-Selective Deafness and so she helped me come up with a workaround.

2:23 to 2:25 killed me. Pure emotion from Darien. Especially with the clip with his head tilted against his shoulder. It was a super-fast clip, but it left an impression. It seemed associated with the ‘freedom comes’. ::aches:: Through the next ten seconds, he’s losing it, but it’s almost like he wants to, because it’s his own form of escape.

Well, yeah - I mentioned up there - when he hits Stage Five Quicksilver Madness, he is a goner. And he is free from the pain and just everything (and also? Still wants Bobby to run away with him. He is such a scary-psycho but a psycho in love). But what is left isn't really Darien. The part that makes him so wonderful, his humanity and his ultra-sensitive conscience are gone.

“There’d be no better way.” = Darien with a gun to his head. Powerful connection.

Why I made the vid, actually. At several points in the show, Darien says he'd rather take a bullet to the head than end up insane permanantly.

Then some stuff happens.

Again, the “I hope you see like I see” was moving this time around. This time with Hobbes having the eyes (although I don’t know the context of that, I don’t think I read that transcript), in the same madness as Darien.

Oh man, Hobbes in stage five QSM? Scary as hell.

I love Darien. I love Bobby. And I haven’t even watched the show. I know this will color my perception of them when I do.

It is okay - they do love each other. It is the most consistent thing about the show: 1. Darien has a gland in his head that makes him turn invisible 2. Darien and Bobby fall in love. There - you just watched I-Man.

More

[sisabet.livejournal.com]

When I think about it now, this was the perfect song choice for that. Did you know, when your heard the song that you were going to use a lot of these eye shots? Or were you looking for the song in *order* to use these shots? Egg before the chicken?

Hee - actually the eyes had little to do with it. I was driving home from Chicago having *just* watched the show in tzikeh's living room and I was freaking out about a certain plot point and listening to the Verve and this song came on and I realized that is was Darien depending on Bobby to both reign him in and also? To know when it would be time to end it.

I do not want to spoil the end of Season 2 for you - I will say that there is a development toward the end that is absolutely devastating to Darien and any hope of a future he has.

And so I was thinking about what he was thinking during that time (and this vid is pretty much psychologically set at 2x21) and the one thing he can count on is that Bobby will usually save him. Or keep other people safe from him. Now he has to ask Bobby to do *this* or let him do this so the vid is pretty much an argument for assisted suicide.

Cheery, no?

So the eye thing? Reeaaaally worked out well. I tried to vary it a bit- the first "I hope you see" is all about just what he is going through (combined with the fact that both Bobby and Darien will die for the other, cause - SWOON). The second was based more around the idea that now Bobby gets what it is like when Darien hits QSM 5 and he has to see that it is just no longer him - it is hopeless. Also, not only will they each die for the other, but they can depend on each other for everything (Someone to stand beside me).

So, the constant refrain of "Save me" takes on a new meaning because there really is, at this point in the series, only one way out for Darien. It is either death or the other.

And because of the rest of the video, I’m pretty sure you did it on purpose, so I don’t feel like an idiot pointing it out.

Hee, yeah - even when something is a happy accident, I'll then go back and try to repeat that thing a few times in the vid. Lum taught me that - so it doesn't look like you just did something cool on accident.

The glass dropping, intercut with Bobby having the gun against Darien’s chest was a nice way to suggest the other shoe dropping.

And again with my spastic happy dance!

I do have to admit, I didn’t quite catch the meaning of the end of the video exactly

So far, other than like people I forced to live with this vid for months, I think you got more out of it than anybody I've talked to. I am over the moon! Yes I am.

Now I KNOW I have to get some episodes.

Yes you do.

Apologies for rambling on and on. I tend to do that.

Ramble on - you made my week!