Pause: Beyond Those Ugly Video Moments

Not long ago, the Atlantic Monthly published a "Personal File" commentary by David Owen. They called it "Moments Not to Remember: At least not on videotape." Mr. Owen here expresses a mild contempt for the camcorder and its users.

Mr. Owen sets out mocking a camcorder user he finds dowdy. He describes a woman who taped, hummed, ate a cookie, slept with her mouth all the way open and taped again while she sat next to him on a plane. It remains unclear why he writes of this woman at all, but let us surmise that she represents for him the typical camcorder user. Camcorder users, then, must not have a real life outside their moments of taping.

Before nodding in silent recognition of the cam-geek stereotype, might we pose a question to Mr. Owen? Who or what reduced the personality of this woman to a series of homely acts--the camcorder, the woman herself, or …

To View This Article
Start Your Free Trial Plus Membership

Why Become a Plus Member?

As a Plus Member, you'll enjoy:

  • Exclusive access to 1,000s of articles, tips, and videos
  • Unlimited access to Videomaker Tips & Tricks video series
  • Special contests and monthly drawings
  • Members only eLetters
  • Early online access to the current issue of Videomaker Magazine
  • Members only discounts on Videomaker merchandise and more
  • Priority status at Videomaker events
  • The Expert Hotline: direct email access to our editors. Get answers to questions about any video subject

Create Your Account

Comments

You must be logged in to comment. Click here to login

Latest Videos

Connect with Videomaker

Facebook YouTube Twitter Newsletters Newsletters

Videomaker eNews

Videomaker eNews contains industry news and informative articles about video-related products, tips & techniques, special offers, events information and exclusive discounts. And now, sign up to receive Videomaker eNews and download Editing Dirty Little Tricks free! Learn the Band-Aid-type fix-it solutions the pros use.