Feedback needed for starting a YouTube FP Chanel

[SeminarianMike]

So as I further myself in the madness, I have a desire to begin a FP review Chanel. I really think we need another one. I know I wish there were more Chanel's with frequent posts. I feel I have allot of pens that could be reviewed and other guys here at Saint Pauls seminary that use FP could offer a corky twist to reviews. What I would like is feedback and suggestions on how to approach this the right way. I will probably start with midrange pens. Is there any pens out there you would really like to be reviewed? Is there something others don't do that should be done. I will never be as great as Stephen brown or the other FP Kings but I hope to offer something and have fun doing it! [emoji2]

[Anne]

You have my Blessing ;) I know I like to see writing samples, but I guess they are pretty common anyway. Just be yourself and if you open your videos up for comments, know that you are bound to have mean people out there that have no intentions to be helpful with their remarks. That's just an unfortunate part.
I know you have mentioned doing this in other posts, so I say be strong and go for it!

[Lady Onogaro]

I don't watch many YouTube video reviews of pens myself, but I do think that SBRE Brown and Matt Armstrong's channels are really good models. I like those channels that focus on solving problems with pens. I often find myself looking at Dr. Brown's when I have a problem pen.

I am more into Web and Blog pages with ink reviews and such, like the Gentleman Stationer and Fountain Pen Follies (if you go that route, you have lots of good models even from people on this site).

It seems to me that people just generally talk about what interests them or what interests their friends as far as fountain pens go. If you and your friends have a corky (quirky?) point of view on fountain pens and using fountain pens, I would say go for it. Pick a couple of pens and share your experiences with them.

[Anne]

I agree with Lady Onogaro, you have mentioned in some of your posts that you work on pens for yourself and people you know. So, maybe show everyone how YOU go about working on a particular model. It would be nice to see a few different ways to fix or open a certain pen. Give us a take on what has or has not worked for you.
And don't be afraid of making a mistake on camera either, it will always be useful to someone to show how it could be reversed or dealt with.

One thing I don't care for is when things are done off camera - like when they break from filming to open a part, for example - show the whole process. I, personally, like to get a sense of how much pressure was/can be used in certain circumstances.

Hey, you did fine on your first review here in my opinion :)
Good Luck and Have Fun with it!

[gbryal]

0. Do it!
1. At least until you get in the swing of things, have a format and stick with it. Once we get to know you, you can slip in some personal stories and charm, but at first keep it on point, I think.
2. Lighting. At least get some lights on your pen. So many Dark Shadows pen reviews on Youtube...
3. Get a camera that can zoom when you want to show a detail. We want to see those nibs!
4. Don't start any video with "Hey, what's up, youtube?" or "What's going on?" I can't answer, so don't ask a question!

SBREBrown, Matt Armstrong as mentioned are strong reviewers. Ruth at The Pen & Inkwell is good, and the Nib Smith, especially more recent videos. The Nib Smith's best videos are ones that narrate over nice pans of the pen being shown and are to the point. Steph at Grandmia is fun to listen to. They are all unique in their way and you'll be unique in yours.

Pens: review what you own and know well, can't go wrong there. Then decide if you really want to get more; maybe that's where your colleagues come in.
Details like measurements and weight are better put in the comments or in a link in my opinion. But show the pen next to something to compare, talk about the things like weight we can't see.

I admire your guts and will be sure to watch.

[Jon Szanto]

I rarely ever watch pen reviews. I might search out a particular model, but they all end up being rather tedious. I scroll ahead to the 5 minute mark, and they've finally got the cap off.

Here's the deal: as others have said, there are already a bunch of people that review pens, from those who actually know something about them, to people who just want to see themselves on YouTube. To have value, you have to set yourself apart from the rest, and as I've alluded to, one area you might find a foot in the door would be brevity! How about "Father Mike's 3-Minute Pen Review" or something? I might be tempted to watch something like that. It doesn't take a 1/2 hour to discuss the pluses and minuses of a pen unless you just love the sound of your own voice.

I know, I know, this all sounds negative and crabby. Having said that, though, I might not be the only one that feels this way, and who knows? Maybe you'll find a whole new audience of people who didn't used to like watching YouTube pen reviews!

[Empty_of_Clouds]

My personal favourite is Matt Armstrong, but that's mainly because I find him pretty amusing. SBRE Brown not so much. Dan Smith, dry and factual, but quite enjoyable for all that. All have good production values too. Why some are more popular than others in general is hard to say. Both Armstrong and Brown though have a strong tendency to review pens that are far beyond the pocket of the average buyer, with only a smattering of mid- to low range pens thrown in. So a lot of the time it's a bit like watching gallery presentation of art that you can never afford. While this may be interesting in itself, I find it can get a bit tiresome and a little dispiriting. The main reviewers are at times also a touch too closed-mouthed about the prices they paid, and then there is the question of sponsorship that they may have.

In among the minnows there are the occasional gems, but often the production quality detracts too much for me to be really engaged. Then there are the flexible nib abusers, and others of similar ilk, who misrepresent what they are showing.


My all time favourite pen related channel is probably by Schin Loong. However, that is because she is a world class calligrapher.

Although handwriting has come up before in connection with YouTube videos, I feel that most of the pen reviewers have average to poor handwriting. With models like the Omas extra flessibile or a Waterman 7 I would expect to see some good examples of appropriate writing. Similarly, when displaying the capabilities of a sharp broad edge I would like to see some good italic script. Yet this generally does not happen. As a viewer I don't just want to be tempted by the aesthetic of the pen, I also want to be inspired by what the nib can do when used properly. Anyone can make a scrawl, and a stick dipped in mud would suffice for that, but to write poorly with a nib designed for specific uses seems a bit of a shame.

Just my opinion of course. Others may not care so much.

[Jon Szanto]

Although handwriting has come up before in connection with YouTube videos, I feel that most of the pen reviewers have average to poor handwriting. With models like the Omas extra flessibile or a Waterman 7 I would expect to see some good examples of appropriate writing. Similarly, when displaying the capabilities of a sharp broad edge I would like to see some good italic script. Yet this generally does not happen. As a viewer I don't just want to be tempted by the aesthetic of the pen, I also want to be inspired by what the nib can do when used properly. Anyone can make a scrawl, and a stick dipped in mud would suffice for that, but to write poorly with a nib designed for specific uses seems a bit of a shame.

+1

Bad drumming is a poor way to show off good drums.

[SeminarianMike]

Thank you all for your input it is so helpful [emoji2]

[catbert]

Go for it! Different voices are always welcome.

Different hand sizes would be good, too. The huge-handed Messrs Armstrong and Brown tend to favour giant modern pens over smaller vintage ones, if they review the latter at all. It is nevertheless entertaining to see nice pens that I have no desire to get. (Try to come up with better descriptions than ‘nice’ in your reviews, by the way.)

What I look for in a review and what keeps me engaged:
1. preparation - evidence of marshalling the facts beforehand, if any are offered;
2. good production values;
3. a point of view;
4. brevity.

Be yourself. No need to ape the format and style of the established reviewers. Of course if you also happen to be large-handed, I won’t hold it against you. :)

[amk]

Look for the things a video can do that a photograph can't. So it's fantastic to see hacks and repairs being done, how you move the pen, how you get that tricky sac on, whatever; it's interesting to see a piston being used as that gives a feeling for how stiff or easy it is; it's nice to see the pen writing and actually hear the nib, smooth or scratchy. A 'tuning it up' video for new pens showing what was needed to get it working properly would be fantastic - I keep hearing that such-and-such a pen doesn't work straight out of the box.

Jon Szanto's idea about brevity is a good one. I have to 'make a date' to watch an SBRE Brown or Grandmia video and find a slug of free time - a three or five minute video is just right for watching after I have my lunch and before I go back to work, or with a cup of tea in the afternoon.

I'm also a great lover of the 'year later' review - did a pen live up to expectations, are there issues about cracking, converters that don't work, did you learn to love the pen or did its peculiarities start getting on your nerves, did the plating wear off, etc. We don't get a lot of those and sometimes a year's experience is what tells the difference between a cheap and good value pen and a waste of money...

[top pen]

Hi Mike

I used to watch quite a few video reviews so I feel I have a good idea what works well and what doesn't. The biggest challenge is to keep viewers and subscribes engaged when you are reviewing pens that don't interest them. A problem I have found with channels. Perhaps a different angle could be taken rather then concentrating solely fountain pen and paraphernalia reviews having discussion type videos to complement the reviews. I would suggest a good first video would be a "How I got into fountain pens" you could talk about your thoughts on collection size, the grail pen, I've seen a few watch channels doing viewer collections reviews which are interesting. What you look for in a pen etc.

In terms of other channels my favorite is Inquisitive Quill see bottom. His reviews may not have thoroughness of other youtubers however even during reviews on pens I wouldn't look to buy the video still are interesting, engaging and are a joy to watch. So I'm happy to still watch them. So I'd say the key thing is to keep reviews personal. Make the channel play out as as journey review pens that interest you.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpvSpwJuaT0OxsxhzM1e7w

[Crazyorange]

I rarely ever watch pen reviews. I might search out a particular model, but they all end up being rather tedious. I scroll ahead to the 5 minute mark, and they've finally got the cap off.

Here's the deal: as others have said, there are already a bunch of people that review pens, from those who actually know something about them, to people who just want to see themselves on YouTube. To have value, you have to set yourself apart from the rest, and as I've alluded to, one area you might find a foot in the door would be brevity! How about "Father Mike's 3-Minute Pen Review" or something? I might be tempted to watch something like that. It doesn't take a 1/2 hour to discuss the pluses and minuses of a pen unless you just love the sound of your own voice.

I know, I know, this all sounds negative and crabby. Having said that, though, I might not be the only one that feels this way, and who knows? Maybe you'll find a whole new audience of people who didn't used to like watching YouTube pen reviews!

I'm with Jon. I'm tired of reviews that rattle on....and on....and on. A short concise review with great close ups of the pen would be refreshing. Often the reviewer is going on....what they think about the pen....what they like/dislike. I don't need a 15 minute rattle. Short and to the point be great.

[jar]

I gave up looking at any video review long ago unless there is absolutely no other alternative for getting the information I need. In a written review I can skim over quickly to concentrate on the information I need. Usually that means the BORING DETAILS and maybe the pen porn. The rest I can read if it interests me or skip. That's far harder to do in a video unless there are clearly delimited segments with the ability to fast forward to those segments of interest.

[Sailor Kenshin]

If it was me, I wouldn't show MYSELF at all...just the hands and the pen. And I might do captioning rather than either a voice-over.

Whenever I have produced a video, sound quality has always been the most technically difficult item.

[carlc]

Although handwriting has come up before in connection with YouTube videos, I feel that most of the pen reviewers have average to poor handwriting. With models like the Omas extra flessibile or a Waterman 7 I would expect to see some good examples of appropriate writing. Similarly, when displaying the capabilities of a sharp broad edge I would like to see some good italic script. Yet this generally does not happen. As a viewer I don't just want to be tempted by the aesthetic of the pen, I also want to be inspired by what the nib can do when used properly. Anyone can make a scrawl, and a stick dipped in mud would suffice for that, but to write poorly with a nib designed for specific uses seems a bit of a shame.

+1

Bad drumming is a poor way to show off good drums.
This is why I don't do reviews (poor writing and poor photography). However I appreciate those who do.

Personally I prefer blogs to videos for the reasons several have already noted.

[Hawk]

I agree with jar, I prefer to read so I can gloss over parts that don't interest me. I'm a book person. The few pen related videos I have watched appear to have the 'look at me, I'm great' and like to see and hear themselves. One thing to remember when doing videos is to be slow so one can see and hear what you are explaining; kind of like leaving a message with your phone number, speaking real fast, you are familiar with it but the other person can't write it down fast enough. On the other hand, too slow and too elementary belittles the viewer. Enough rambling.

[jar]

I wonder if this might be a generational issue. I can't stand music videos, have stopped eating in Applebee's and a few other places because it's too frickin' noisy, same for going to theaters, doubt I visit youTube twice a month if that often, immediately leave websites with background music and immediately stop videos if possible or at least mute them even on news sites.

[Deb]

I wonder if this might be a generational issue. I can't stand music videos, have stopped eating in Applebee's and a few other places because it's too frickin' noisy, same for going to theaters, doubt I visit youTube twice a month if that often, immediately leave websites with background music and immediately stop videos if possible or at least mute them even on news sites.

Well, I'm no spring chicken (far from it, sadly) but I do enjoy music videos and YouTube. I don't have much use for pen review videos, though. Though there are honourable exceptions (SBRE Brown comes to mind) they tend to ramble on too much and lack concision. It shouldn't take more than a couple of minutes to describe a pen and evaluate it. Basically, then, it's a quality issue. Quite surprising, really, when so many written reviews are very good. Perhaps it's that people lack the discipline when they are doing a video that they would apply doing a written review. Perhaps the answer is to script the video in advance and thereby avoid rambling.

[Waski_the_Squirrel]

I started doing video pen reviews on July 3, 2014 with a Noodler's Neponset that I was awarded in a contest. I'm one of the small channels that not many people watch, but lately I pick up a few new subscribers each week. Here is what I learned, and some of it comes from my "real life" profession as a teacher.

1. Be concise. I aim to keep my reviews around 5 minutes, though I make exceptions for certain wonderful or special pens.
2. Watch your videos and critique them. One of my weaknesses is that I don't look at the camera enough. Another is verbal fillers like "um." You will find that you improve a lot through your first few videos, but your goal should be continuous incremental improvement.
3. Show the pen! The pen is why people are there, especially in the beginning.
4. Figure out your format. It's not complicated, my format is: exterior, nib, filling mechanism, comments, size, and writing sample.
5. Listen to helpful comments. One comment I got was to discuss whether I would buy the pen again. So I now include that.
6. Be yourself, but keep your weirdness in check.
7. Good lighting and sound is a big help. So is a good camera. But, work with what you have. I film on Sunday afternoons so I have lots of bright light from multiple windows and artificial sources.
8. Be honest and specific. If I don't like a pen, I'll say so, and I'll say why. If I like a pen, same thing. In both cases, I'm happy to point out things I like and don't like about any pen. I'm still waiting to find that perfect pen (or that perfectly horrible pen).
9. I don't have this problem, but if you ever review a pen that was donated or loaned for purposes of a review, please say so, and say who it was.
10. Don't be gimmicky.
11. Post a review once a week. Or do what Mr. Armstrong did and limit yourself to a season of consistent postings. I'll admit that I've been weak on this. When I get busy with work, videos don't get posted. Also, ideally, post on a particular day of the week. Then people know when to expect you.
12. Respond to comments!

Think about your niche. I consider myself an introductory review for people interested in a quick look. I also lean toward cheaper pens. (Tomorrow I'm uploading a review of a $1.50 fountain pen, probably the cheapest I've ever done.) I have reviewed more expensive pens, but lean cheaper. For the record, my most expensive pen to date is a Pilot Justus 95.

I'm no Stephen Brown or Matt Armstrong, and I think they could offer much more advice. But I hope I've given you some good starting ideas.

Bonus advice: watch other reviews and figure out what does and doesn't work in those reviews. You learn a lot from the experts and also the really bad reviews.

[Sailor Kenshin]

I totally want to see that dolla-fitty pen review.