I have recently had issues with people taking my DVDs and making them available for free download. I am assuming it is some company from overseas, and taking any legal action will be too much for my little company to handle.
So, I am considering changing my DVD/film process.
– Make a new web site (or somehow combine it with my current site) that charges a fee
– Make all DVDs available as a download through this web site, and continue to add video every week or 2 (depending on what I am working on). These videos would be either quick 5 minute demos or full video of a complete project.
– They will not be professionally edited, but I will attempt to get good close-up shots
– All videos will be available whenever you want, if you subscribe
Please give me your feedback. I think this is the only way to prevent the information I film from being illegally downloaded. And it will also put the pressure on me to get more video filmed while I am simply carving and doing what I do daily. Photographs are one thing, but video shows so much more…
I am assuming that people are unaware that these downloads that are available are illegal, as they appear to simply be legitimate web sites. Please be aware that if you see my DVDs being offered as a free download, they have not gotten my permission to do this.
If anyone can guide me in the direction of how to start this process, please let me know.
Thank you for all your support and encouragement!
I have been a subscriber to Chris Pye’s Woodcarvingworkshop.tv for a couple of months now, and that seems to be a pretty good model of what you are discussing here. He charges somehting like $8 a month (it’s in pounds, so the exact amount varies with the exchange rate) Hes got some 140 or so videos, mostly short, 2-4 minutes, on differnet techniques and projects.
I wold love to have the same kind of ability to see and learn from you. Ever since seeing you on The Woodwright’s Shop, I have been keen to see what video I could of you (what’s freely available on YouTube, I have never seen one of your DVDs, legal or otherwise :), to learn your techniques, and just see what you are up to. Keep us advised on the direction you want to go, you know you have at least one fan ready to open his wallet for you!
Seconding what David said. If you know Chris, it might be worth talking with him about his experience.
You will bring yourself two notable challenges.
The first is easily solved with a pile of money; website design and implementation. Being a former computer enginerd / website designer / accessibility consultant, I see the site design as a bit different than the usual secure purchasing site, but not beyond what most firms can handle.
The second challenge is much larger: keeping the site well stocked. I’m sure you have considered the expectations of subscribers. When that monthly line item appears on the charge card statement, they’ll be asking “What has Ms. May done this month?”
I join David in saying I’m a big fan and have little doubt you can create compelling content. The possibility leaves me eager to see what you decide.
Lastly, there is one suggestion I can offer to save you a little bit of future annoyance, but I think it should be made privately. You have my mail address. (Looking forward to meeting you at Kelly Mehler’s in April.)
David and Bob, thanks for the encouragement and advice. I will persue this process – it may take a while for me to figure it all out, but I hope to have something going maybe by April???
Mary,
While I would love to see your idea come to fruition, always remember the old adage; getting it right is better than being it quicker. I obviously don’t know what is going on behind the scenes, but if you are at a point where April is doable, by all means let it rip! If not, well, we’re a patient lot 🙂
Thanks – I love a good deadline… I work well under pressure… but we’ll see. No promises at the moment, but just sorting out the details.
Mary,
Sorry to hear about these videos popping up illegally. It is something that I worry about too. Speaking from the perspective of someone who has already done this with my Hand Tool School, I encourage you to go for it. If I can help in any way with getting set up or answering questions, let me know. I’m happy to help. Oh and I would definitely be a subscriber if you do this.
Thanks Shannon! I will definitely be contacting you about this.