Despite what Google might have you believe, YouTube stands firm as a terrifically disastrous idea: the general public + homemade videos + ADHD. Though the web site may provide a unique forum for free expression, there’s no escaping the deficient video production or the depression that comes with surveying the grim status of American culture. YouTube certainly hosts an impressive slew of quality material, but the real trick lies in sifting through the rest of its painful inanity. In an effort to reduce wasted hours spent scouring YouTube for legitimate entertainment, here’s a collection of quality videos for your free time. This week’s category: Best Videos about YouTube.
“The Amazing World of YouTube”
Though a tad lengthy, this piece serves as an embodiment of YouTube’s capabilities. The creator, Chico6y, speeds up a multitude of well-known internet videos, in effect showcasing the vast gamut of material available on the web site. In a way, “Amazing World” evokes a strange sense of nostalgia that’s really only accessible to our technologically-savvy generation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmTtb-8leS4
“YouTube Hands Out Awards to Internet’s Stars”
Technically this video isn’t a YouTube original, but a CBS news broadcast. Regardless, the clip features an interview with several winners of the first annual YouTube awards (yes, awards). Believe it or not, YouTube has actually changed some of these individuals’ lives. Terra Naomi, a formerly unknown artist hailing from New York, rose to fame simply by posting her original song “Say It’s Possible” on the web site. Not only did she receive her own record deal, but she was also asked to play the song at LiveEarth at Wembley Stadium in London (and, yes, her performance is posted on YouTube). Welcome to a new era of self-made stars.
“YouTube Theatre”
As the makers of this series are quick to point out, “YouTube Theatre” copies a formula originally pioneered by the television show Mystery Science Theater 3000, a cult classic that often airs on the Sci-Fi Channel. The segment strings together a collection of video posts from witless YouTube bloggers and proceeds to openly mock their social clumsiness with droll commentary. While the jokes don’t always land, the dull videos tend to speak for themselves. It’s almost like rubbernecking, but on a superhighway.
“Oh YouTube How I Love You”
To be upfront, I do not condone the slightly misogynistic aspects of this video. That said, “Oh YouTube How I Love You” serves as an excellent critique of some of YouTube’s more notorious characteristics. User stevexcraig criticizes the inherent narcissism and escapism of creating a seperate “reality,” providing sufficient graphic evidence for his thesis. The lifeless robotic voice gives the piece an eerie, soulless tone that will no doubt leave an impression on your viewing tendencies. It’s not ok, computer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZxmPq3F4pE
good