I am sure a number of readers are tired of reading about subtitles in our vlogs. Though I still want to do a poll and see what the average reader think. There are two polls below.
For the last week, there was a surge in the discussion of whether we should subtitle our vlogs or not. As you know, I do subtitle most of my vlogs and the remaining vlogs that are not subtitled will be likely subtitled soon.
It was heavily discussed at Mike McConnell's blog, Kokonut Pundits. This isn't the first time I came across this subject. This is basically déjà vu for me because it reminds me a lot of what happened the last time. Who would had thought that subtitling ASL vlogs would be a very sensitive topic considering the fact that we have pushed for accessibility for many years? We are always pushing the TV networks, movie studios, movie theatres and online video services to provide captioning for all of the contents that are available to the public.
Here are some of the related topics the deaf vloggers and bloggers brought up in the last week.
Deaf Progressivism: Let's Stop, Drop and Roll
The Expatriate: Subtitles in Vlogs
Ka'lalau's Korner: Captioning or Subtitling Vlogs Is Not Necessary
Ka'lalau's Korner: Captioning Must Be UnbiasedKa'lalau's Korner: Paraphrasing vs. Captioning
Kokonut Pundits: The Advantages of Subtitles on Vlogs
Kokonut Pundits: No Subtitles for Patty
Kokonut Pundits: Japanese Sign Language
Some people would say it's hypocritical to not provide subtitles on the vlogs. The truth is, some deaf bloggers and vloggers don't want to reach a larger audience. I don't try to reach more readers either, I just blog and vlog because I enjoy it. If I end up getting more readers as a result, I would feel great about it but it's certainly not one of my goals. I do subtitle my vlogs because I have some friends who are not fluent in ASL or they may be fluent in a different sign language.
Websites like YouTube.com and other video hosting services are great to use. However, nearly none of the video contents are subtitled. I must say that it does bother me that YouTube still lack a feature to upload subtitle files like you can at Google Video. That's why I haven't used YouTube for my vlogs, it's because they are inaccessible to the deaf. Their options are too limited for my liking.
I do think it is hypocritical of people to strongly advocate against subtitling the vlogs for political reasons. The problem with that kind of political statement is that the hearing people will not care. They will just move on to other websites if they are unable to understand us. I can understand why some wouldn't want to subtitle their vlogs because they find it to be time-consuming. One of my vlogs is approximately 12 minutes long and I managed to subtitle it on the night I uploaded it to the internet. I'm not sure, but there may be other vlogs of mine that are nearly as long too.
Sometimes, we let politics get in the way causing more harm than necessary. Now, in my opinion, it should be up to every vlogger and blogger on whether if they want to subtitle or translate their vlogs and blogs into English or any other languages. People should not be pressured into caving to their demands. Every blogger and vlogger out there has their goals and they do differ from individual to individual. Also, there is no need to feel threatened by the discussion of subtitling vlogs because it is still up to you on whether you want to do it or not.
It’s your choice. For every action you take, you may get praised by one side and criticized by the other side. It’s hard to please everybody these days.
I probably will get criticized for some of what I said, but I am always ready to expect it. In fact, I often appreciate the criticism more than I take offense to them. Most of the times, they are constructive criticism and you can learn a few things from it.
That’s all I have to say for today. Feel free to share your opinion by leaving a comment.
2/14/2008 4:08 PM
I have thought in first place that it may be, like a private communicate for specs group to share.
When I post my first vlog, my big thoughtful was to share my family. They're huge than anyone think so. Yet, they aren't quiet good pay attention at sign language. So, I want to be more fair to them to understand me.
For the large audience, I prefer to do the typing thing and save my time. I post video when something I like to be entertainment to anyone.
2/14/2008 4:47 PM
Just do what you have to do. You can do ASL and CC on it. Even though, I can hear with CI and HA but I prefer to read the CC. It's much easier on me to understand. :)
Debbi
2/14/2008 5:21 PM
I voted for transcripts.
Subtitling is an option...I agree...but transcripts should be given or even a brief summary...something...
2/14/2008 6:14 PM
I just made a vlog about the same topic.
2/14/2008 6:53 PM
I voted that it is UP to vloggers. Nobody should be telling others how to run their own videos/websites.
Happy Valentine's Day!!
-SG
2/15/2008 1:39 PM
It's funny though - I have no idea why those vloggers don't want to subtitle their vlogs, because I can't read their signing.
(I need a t-shirt "Sign Slowly - Post-Prime ASL student")
2/15/2008 5:27 PM
Bill, if you look at the other way from an ASLan's perspective, subtitles covers their signing making it a bit difficult to understand them. Even if it is placed carefully below the signer, it is still distracting. That is why I do transcripts. But again, like SG says, it is up to the vloggers. Peace!
2/15/2008 9:51 PM
Agree with Barb DiGi, SG and Deb Ann
Up to the vlogger.
Blah Blah Blah Blah!! It is annoyed me to anyone who made more complaint.
Be nice to Vlogger and Bloggers. We should share their expression of feeling. Freedom to not use subtitle.
PEACE!!! (Right on ? Barb)
Deaf Pixie
6/04/2008 5:13 AM
I glad you made it for vlog poll!
Thanks! I love this survey polls
from you. Thanks again!
PEACE!