Written By Nicholas Cardot103 Vibrant Responses
Interview With A Blogging Mastermind #1
Commanding Influence: Build A Strong Online Presence
I spent all weekend creating the 40 second introduction for this video so please let me know what you think of it. Please leave me some thoughts and feedback. I really want to know what you all think of the first installment.
Also, feel free to embed this video on your own blogs or websites if it’s something that would be good content for your readers. Thanks!
Nicholas Cardot
Nick uses his blog Site Sketch 101 to express his passion for helping bloggers and webmasters connect with real people through brilliant designs, unique content, and genuine creativity. Nicholas Cardot has 199 post(s) at Site Sketch 101
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Ron Boracay said:
The introduction is awesome. What did you use to create that flash?
This first video of yours is a kick ass one! (sorry for my words).
Hope there will be more to come!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Ron Boracay –> I used Adobe After Effects to put it all together. It took me a while this weekend to learn how to use it but I’m rapidly getting better. Hopefully next week’s episode will be better.
Ron Boracay said:
You mean, this is just the first time you used the Adobe after effects, wow, I think, this is really great for a starter.
Looking forward for more of your interviews (I hope John Chow and alike will be interviewed here).
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Ron Boracay –> I really want to do some video interviews with some other great bloggers.
Ron Boracay said:
And I will be waiting for it. I am sure, it won’t take too much time until you released another great video with a blogging idol.
Arisu said:
I´m really impress too, for a first time at after effects it´s an awesome video!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> Thank you and I promise that the next one will be much better for the interview portion.
Eric B. said:
This was a very good video. I really liked the intro.
I think that next time, you might want to try doing this in a different room, withsome different lighting, and maybe trying to sit in a more relaxed position. Right now, it looks a bit like (to me anyway) that you’re standing over the camera in a bit of an uncomfortable position.
Also, I noticed that none of my questions got answered in this video.
Anyway, it was a great interview, and I can’t wait for part two!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Eric B. –> Thanks for the feedback. I feel the same way as you. I was very happy with the intro but the interview portion needs a lot. I’ll definitely shoot the next one in a different location with a different lighting situation. I think I need to get an actual Camcorder to shoot it. The webcam thing just isn’t as effective as it could be. I want it to be much better than that. Also, I’m not really comfortable on film yet but I’ll definitely relax a lot more on the next one.
Andrew said:
Film you say…film?
Do the kids even know what that stuff is?
Sat Chen said:
LOL
. If this was a film it would have more action 
Just Kidding
Andrew said:
LOL, you just proved my point.
That really made me laugh out loud.
Thank you.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Sat Chen –> Ha ha. I will just have to put more action into the next one. LOL.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Andrew –> That’s a good question. LOL.
Greg Dougherty said:
Great video Nick! Love the intro!!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Greg Dougherty –> Thanks Greg. I’m glad you liked it. I hope you all understand that I don’t really think that I’m an amazing Genius. I just put that together to make a more enjoyable intro to the video.
Sat Chen said:
But I think you are a genius to have got this far in such a short time. Really impressive
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Sat Chen –> Thanks, Sat. I appreciate it.
ZXT said:
I agree. The intro is so professional. Its at par with movies today and I mean it. That alone is enough to be called a Genius especially if being an infantry is your day job.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
ZXT –> What does that mean? Are you saying that infantryman are generally less intelligent than everyone else?
Arisu said:
Ha ha ha, I´d say: Everyone thinks they´re too tough to do anything but exercise and “manly” stuff.
But that doesn´t mean they aren´t smart ^^
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> That’s the stereotype that we seem to get a lot.
Andrew said:
I thought it was artillery that were the less intelligent…I could be wrong though.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Andrew –> It may or may not be true but that is definitely the right thing to say on the blog of an infantryman!
Mukund said:
Awesome introduction!!! But, I feel you should change the location. The lighting should definitely be changed in the next video because it is very bright in this one.
I love the flash that keeps running below in the video stating “Interview with the Blogging MasterMind”. Your answers to all the ten questions were simple to understand. I just wait for my questions to be answered. Waiting for the next video Nicholas!!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mukund –> Thanks for the feedback. I’ll definitely switch the location and be more aware of the lighting situation in the next one. Thanks for the help. I definitely want to make the next one even better than this one.
Mukund said:
I am sure you will do the next video far better than this one! I just love the introduction man!! Showed it to my mom too!! She said great!! I will expect some stuff like this in the next video!!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mukund –> The intro will probably stay the same but I’m going to work hard to bring the rest of the video up to the same standard. I hope that I don’t disappoint you.
Mukund said:
Fine!! Yes!! Complete this series of video with this introduction. As you said improve the rest of the video!!
Once you complete this series, I am very sure you will launch another one because questions keep pouring in that post!! If not now, it will in the future! So, be ready to answer them and hence, create an intro which will be more innovative than this one!!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mukund –> When I finish this series, I’m going to do a weekly segment talking about specific topics each week and maybe I’ll do some more video question and answer. I also want to do video interviews and things like that.
Mukund said:
Good idea! I would to see a video where you and Darren Rowse speak about blogging. You are on the inital stage where as he is established one. I am sure that interview would be the most viewed if published on youtube!!
Sat Chen said:
Nice introduction. Did you use adobe after effects. Looks good although I don’t think you should keep the “interview with Blogging Mastermind” and the flashy lights. I found it annoying after a while.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Sat Chen –> Okay. I’ll adjust that on the next one and remove it shortly after it starts. Thanks for the feedback.
ZXT said:
Great stuff Nick! You must be a webmaster/designer in your former life
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
ZXT –> Maybe. Or maybe in this life. LOL. I love putting stuff like this together.
Mukund said:
Hehe!! I hear these comments in my country a lot of times. Former life, you might be this or may be that! Any way, he is a great webmaster now! Happy that we can interact with him!! I am sure even ZXT would be!!!
Mik said:
Pretty cool intro, and is good to see the face behind the blog, looking forward to other episodes.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mik –> Thanks. I’ll try to make the other ones even better than this one for you.
BM said:
Ei! This is so cool! What software to u use to create this stuff?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
BM –> Adobe After Effects. It’s great, hard to use, but has tons of awesome features.
Andrew said:
Nick, that was a fantastic 1st video. But I liked the intro more. I restarted the video just to watch the intro a second time. LOL Is there something wrong with me?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Andrew –> No. The intro was the best part. I’ll definitely work to make the next video much better during the content portion of it.
Andrew said:
Would you share with me where you got that sound bite for the intro from and if its free or paid?
HelpfulAdvisor said:
Nick, if you want some quick coaching on the content portion, hit me up on Google Talk. I used to be a trainer, and project manager that used to give presentations all the time.
And I don’t mean the stuffy, boring kind, either. Let me know if I can help.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
HelpfulAdvisor –> I’d love that. Let’s talk about that the next time we chat on there….it will probably be a little later tonight.
Bruce Teague said:
Like the intro Nick. Props to you for putting out a video. I’m not so sure I could do one. It’s a lot easier to hide behind words than to show yourself on camera. At least for me.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Bruce Teague –> It really is. I feel very strange and almost vulnerable to be putting myself out their on the camera. I’ll get better at it though…I promise.
Mantiuxa said:
I also think that your intro is great, and if it is the first time you use adobe after effects, definitely awesome start.
However, flame effect in the end and beggining looked really cheap. In my opinion you should remove it and think something better.
I really enjoyed questions and answers, but readers are right, play with light to get more from your webcam. This is it for now, waiting for new episodes!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mantiuxa –> I’ll be sure to get rid of the flame effect. I want to avoid cheap looking effects. I definitely want it to be more professional looking in the next one. Thanks for the feedback.
ZXT said:
I’ve watch the clip again and I can say this…it’s like watching an action movie when the intro comes in. Yeah, it was like James Bond, Bourne Identity and Saving Private Ryan all rolled into one.
Fantastic stuff Nick!
And I think you already answered all my questions in that first part Nick, thanks.
Last, busy schedule you got there…good think Diane don’t get jealous with your blogging activities.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
ZXT –> Cool and thank you!
Arisu said:
Hey, Nick! That was an AWESOME video, really, the effects are awesome and we got some answers to some questions we had. Thanks.
And you look very good, but sitting in front of a window is a big no -the light should be in front of you or sideways not behind ^^
ZXT said:
I agree, I was kinda distracted by the strong light in the background, left of the screen. Maybe just put the lights at the side.
Arisu said:
OR he could put a flashlight at the bottom and make it a spooky video o.0
I would say sideways and light, maybe with a thin sheet over the lamp. – Did you notice that many comments focus on the looks of the video and not so much on the content? -
Karl said:
Um… guilty as charged :$ To make amends: the content and the delivery are both excellent. I was thinking it would be cool if this evolved into a regular Q&A session, perhaps as a podcast. It’s certainly one I would follow.
Andrew said:
I’m not apologizing. The content was superb but the inro was magnificent.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Andrew –> Well I’m thinking that the content may have been slightly less that superbe but I’m going to work extra hard to make next weeks episode truly superb. All of the honest feedback is going to enable me to really step it up a notch.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Karl –> I’m going to try to release at least one video per week from now on. I really enjoyed making it and I think it will be an exciting element to the site here.
Arisu said:
Karl>>
That´s a great idea, but I think it may be very complicated and tiring for Nick.
Maybe a once every 6 months report could work?
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> I did notice that. When the look is distracting then the content doesn’t come across the way that it should. That’s just something that I will need to improve for the next one. I’m looking forward to making the next one much better. I’m a quick learner and I hope to show that to everyone.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> You’re absolutely right. I failed on the lighting issue on this one. I think that I will go ahead and get a real camcorder and make sure that I have a good set of solid lights coming from in front of me and little or no light behind me. I’m also definitely going to rework the titles during the actual interview to reduce the amount distraction that it created.
Arisu said:
Nick>>
Yeah, cause the content it´s good, but we were overwhelmed by the effects. Keep the intro just the same -it rocks- and make something to make the “content” stand out some more
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Arisu –> That’ exactly what I’m going to try to do. I’m just going to change it to say Episode 2 at the end of the intro and then I’m going to shoot it with much better lighting and I’m going to relax more and do a few other things to make it much better.
HelpfulAdvisor said:
Hi Nick,
Just saw the video, and was real happy to see you on there. You have a real eye for graphics, and convey yourself in such a sincere manner, it is truly inspiring.
Can’t wait for your next episode! Thank you for proving your passion can help you get to the top. I’ve always believed that, and you are proving it!
-Jay
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
HelpfulAdvisor –> You’re welcome, Jay, and thank you for all your support and encouragement. I just hope that I can help you and everyone else channel your passion into more amazing blogs!
Andrew Allsop said:
First off, since this is my first comment on your blog, just a quick thanks for all the tips you have given me.
Really nice into to the video, very pro like! But I couldn’t watch any more that 2 minutes of the video. That constant lighting effect just did my head in. Maybe just a case of you getting too carried away with a new program though!
Anyway, thanks again for the site, keep up the good work!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Andrew Allsop –> Thanks for the honest feedback. I appreciate that and I promise to use your feedback to create a much better episode #2.
Karl said:
+1 Awesome! Did you *seriously* learn to use After Effects over the weekend? The intro is fantastic.
Agree with others that the back lighting is too strong though, as is, that flare going along the text at the bottom of the screen.
Great idea and execution.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Karl –> Well I don’t actually know how to use it all yet, but I started watching a lot of tutorials and I just dove in head first. I’ve got a lot to learn and Jay is going to give me some advice the next time we chat to make the content better. Thanks for the enocouragment.
Ana said:
Nicholas,
It was a delight to see your video, and hear your answers.
I felt connected to you in all that you are doing, as we have a similiar passion and that is helping people.
I admire how you speak, and the work that you do to help people on here.
It is liberating and satisfying to see someone living their dreams.
Keep shining.
HelpfulAdvisor said:
Ana, I have to agree with you there. Nick comes across as genuine, and the real deal. He’s not polished and fake like some of the other “experts” that are usually selling an info-product.
And I don’t mean that as a put-down, Nick. I really mean that as a compliment. In this day and age, when everyone is pushing their own agenda for getting ahead, you’re helping others, and you are real and sincere and unpracticed at it.
I think that only adds to your credibility as being someone who just wants to help.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
HelpfulAdvisor –> I know exactly how you mean it and I hope that I don’t lose that. I believe that genuine, honest connections with really terrific people like you and Ana are what blogging is all about. That’s what makes this site so much fun for me.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Ana –> Thanks so much for your extremely positive encouragement. I’m glad that you feel connected here and I hope that I can continue to relate to you and connect with you like that. Feel free to hit me up on GTalk any time you want. My user name is holas84. Just left me know if you ever need anything.
Ana said:
By the way I loved your introduction, it is your passion in action.
HelpfulAdvisor said:
Hey Ana,
I checked out your site. As a former aspiring artist, I appreciate your first nude drawing as a fantastic work.
Also noticed you’re using the Thesis theme. How do you like it? I just finished a project using Thesis, and I loved it!
Keep up the great work, and as an artist, continue to stretch beyond your own perceived limitations. Your work will continue to grow as you do. Can’t wait to see more.
All the Best,
-Jay
Ana said:
Jay,
Our minds must have captured each other’s thoughts, as I have also just visited your site!
I am glad that you like the nude drawing, it is not my best sketch but still a very worthly expression.
Thesis is very functional as you get to do what you want with it within an easier frame, than if you had a general wordpress theme. Of course you can still modify it to suit your needs, but not as easier as you can do it with Thesis. The easier, the more you can put your own mark on it, and make it a reflection of you. (well for me at the moment, it’s great for it being simple to customize-i didn’t want to jump myself into a heavier project) I was originally attracted to it, because of the clean layout.
Thank you so much for your encouragement, that means a lot to me.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Ana –> Thanks. I love that description. “Passion in Action.”
Ron Boracay said:
I think the introduction time can be cut down with few more seconds. Just my own opinion.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Ron Boracay –> Thanks for that. I’ll take that into consideration.
Ron Boracay said:
I forgot my reason. But here it is.
Your awesome introduction just covered up the video interview. Ha ha. It seems like majority of us who viewed your video interview loved the introduction part.
But its a positive thing.
King Sidharth said:
Wow! That was one of the greatest intro I’ve ever seen and one of the best interviews (first one with blogging mastermind tho).
Superb! I think videos are great way to connect, audience (I) feel like we know you (personally). Keep inspiring man!
And I totally agree with your point on passion, we are not here to do what everyone can do, but what we love to do.
Looking forward to more videos ,though it takes hours to load on my dial-up.
Cheers!
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
King Sidharth –> Thanks. I’m sorry that it takes so long to load on your connection and if you liked this one then you’ll really like the next one. It will be even better!
King Sidharth said:
I’m sure you will Nick. You just inspired me to edit my workshop videos and make something nice out of them. I will mail you a link to ask you what you think (if that’s okay with you)
You are great inspiration!
Sat Chen said:
Are you going to make another introduction for your next video. That would be awesome.
Ron Boracay said:
Of course, all the video needs an introduction so probably, there will be another introduction on the next video.
ZXT said:
Maybe you can just edit the introduction and put “part 2″ at the end. For me the introduction is already perfect! I get excited every time I watch it.
Sat Chen said:
I think I have watched the intro like 35 times LOL
. It’s so amazing. What was your inspiration
Sat Chen said:
“What was your inspiration to making the intro effect” was what I meant. Sorry, I keep doing this. I promise it’s not to have more comments.
akira07 said:
Ah sorry, but i can’t buffer it since my internet connection is not too good (only up to 256kbps). Can you convert it to 3gp and upload it somewhere? I wanna see it also.
ZXT said:
You can download and install free Real Player 11 and then you can download the video to your PC.
Mukund said:
That seems to be a better idea but it is not a comprehensive solution I think. Downloading a video or streaming it and watching seems to be the same. But if you want to watch it without any interruptions, then you can go in for this method.
Nicholas Z. Cardot said:
Mukund –> Even with Vimeo just start the video and then immediately pause it. You can wait until the gray bar goes all the way across and the video is all the way downloaded and then just play it all at once. It works the same as YouTube.
ZXT said:
But you can re watch and re watch it anytime without having to wait for the buffer again in case you close the browser with the video in it.
You might as well download it if your connection isn’t that fast.
Ron Boracay said:
Maybe Nick can upload his videos somewhere in youtube or metacafe at his own channel?
Mukund said:
Yes!! That is a good idea! He should definitely spread to the maximum. I hope he puts his videos on Youtube too!!
Sat Chen said:
Yea, nick you should put it in youtube. It loads faster in youtube then vimeo and you also get more views.
King Sidharth said:
LOL! I watched it at 115kbps.. and you are complaining about 256kbps?
ZXT said:
What connection do you have to get a 115kbps? I thought 256kbps is the slowest non dial up connection.
Andrew said:
I think you 2 guys are mixing up your numbers. 256K is the DSL channel speed which will give a max of 32 KBps download.
Whereas a 115KBps download suggests a 1.5Mb channel speed giving a max of 192KBps.
ZXT said:
You are right Andrew I mixed it up. Now back to my question, if he’s watching it at 115kbps then thats fast enough. Now Akira07 maybe meant 256K and not 256kbps.
Sathish said:
It would be lot nicer If there is a video feed link given in the post to subscribe. Vimeo doesn’t have the easiest interface to subscribe to feeds. You have to go to author page and scroll all the way down and click on the related feeds link to see the feed url.
I prefer watching videos which were downloaded to miro. Provide a video feed subscription link in the post. It’ll help podcast junkies like me to save lot of time.
The podcast feed url for your channel is:
http://vimeo.com/sitesketch101/videos/rss
Also, Pls try to invest on a better microphone, There were pop noises in the video. Invest on a pop filter, if mic is not possible.
Great Interview. Keep em coming.
Sathish said:
Just saw the second video. Looks like you sorted everything out