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But somebody has to do it! And I know, misleading title for a positive post that is actually relevant? What is this Reddit?
When I first started casting, I was expecting hordes of crowds and droves of viewers and comments on my videos, etc. Two weeks later, I have had eighty views and two comments. I knew it would be a slow start, but wow, I wasn't expecting this! That's not to say the community isn't receptive to new casters (it really isn't, though), its just a question of establishing my name within the community. Which is why I've got things like this blog running, and I'm trying to constantly put out new content.
The only real downside so far is that I have to actually fight (I know, imagine the horror) to make myself known, and that's actually something I'm okay with, because that means my notoriety and popularity in the community is directly relevant to my efforts and work. Which is awesome! That's just that much more reason to keep coming out with more content and videos!
And to any readers who actually look at these things (I know I certainly never thought something like this would be read), feedback is huge! I know lurking is awesome and its super easy to just press ctrl+w to close the tab without responding, but a simple 30 second response is so big and critical to the community. This is teamliquid, let your voice be heard! Be mean, tell me I suck and what I could be doing better, and I'll do it (be gentle, though)!
I'll leave you all now with the links to the CSL games I've casted (More shameless self promotion!(though technically it's promotion for the CSL, too)), and look forward to your feedback! Let me know what you, the viewers want, and I'll make it happen! Thanks, and I'll see y'all in the next game!
http://www.cstarleague.com/csltv/vods/2612 - UCSD vs UCR http://www.cstarleague.com/csltv/vods/2613 - UW vs UCB http://www.cstarleague.com/csltv/vods/2616 - UW vs UCR http://www.cstarleague.com/csltv/vods/2617 - UoWO vs UoT
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"That's just that much more reason to keep coming out with more content and videos!" Nope. you need to either be a skilled player with loads of insight into the game, Or very very entertaining personality Or very articulate with years of practice and training.
Focus on improving yourself and your content. your mindset approaching this is all wrong.
Also you don't need feedback to improve. there are literally countless unwatchable hours of content with commentators who know what theyre doing in the scene, not to mention professionals outside of SC2.
Get to work
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I was basically gonna say exactly what HeavOnEarth said, but you asked for a post, so a post you shall get. Take this all up as a new challenge, a new area of the world to be conquered.
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Thanks for the input guys! I never really considered that perspective, that I may actually just be terrible and that no amount of practice can make me better, but I suppose thats the awesomeness of being a new caster and having that possibility looming over your head. As far as content goes, I'm still watching videos, though now I'm critical of other casters and what makes them "good" casters. As far as casting goes, I just need to keep putting out content and become more and more comfortable listening to myself ramble about SC2 while attempting to be entertaining!
Thanks for the feedback (nice and gentlelike), and I'll get right back to work! See y'all in the next game!
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Your first step is not to think of yourself as "rambling"
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I hope you're not expecting traffic just because you posted some new videos on youtubes and shared it with like 50 of your friends. Whether or not you are a good caster, its hard to get your name out there. You will not appear in search results. Your best bet is to gain some popularity with reddit, but consider how to make yourself stand out. We don't want another caster like everyone else, we already have everyone else. What do you bring to the table that's unique and will make me want to watch?
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Correction: casting in general is a thankless job. With regards to everyone else in sports broadcasting. This is the bottom of the barrel.
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Casting is like getting street cred; you gotta earn that shit!
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It is a thankless job. You've got to stand up for yourself and seek oportunities all over the place, create new content, etc. I've been on it for over a year, casting SC2, and it's hard... But spreading the love for e-sports, beyond the barriers of language and continents, is a beautiful thing.
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Just innovate. Look at what other casters are doing. Just because they got famous one way doesn't mean you have to do what they do. Come up with something freash and exciting and you may get more views.
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On August 06 2012 10:11 Xyik wrote: I hope you're not expecting traffic just because you posted some new videos on youtubes and shared it with like 50 of your friends. Whether or not you are a good caster, its hard to get your name out there. You will not appear in search results. Your best bet is to gain some popularity with reddit, but consider how to make yourself stand out. We don't want another caster like everyone else, we already have everyone else. What do you bring to the table that's unique and will make me want to watch?
This. This, this, and this. Currently, I'm just finishing casting the remaining CSL season 5 playoff games, but I'm still unsure where to go after that, and I suppose that'll end up being a "defining moment" (or whatever thats supposed to mean) for my casting career. Do I start trying to mimic every other caster and cast professional games that I have no connection to? Should I try to affiliate with an organization like the CSL to try to land a half decent casting position, and try to end up like a legitimate professional caster?
I dunno, lol. I'm still in the honeymoon phase, hopefully it'll last a few more months, xD! As far as content... Well, I'll come to that hurdle when I get to that bend in the track.
Thanks to everyone else for the excellent input, I'll definitely see what I can do to try to get a more unique and individualized casting atmosphere!
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