My work days in 2012, so far, have been filled with recording various technical videos. When you spend so much time making videos - you become either friends or enemies with your recording software! Though the relationship was a bit tumultuous at first - we've fast become good friends (inseparable actually). Sure there are the occasional fights (with the software usually winning while I cower in defeat). But all in all - I stand by my recording software - Camtasia by Techsmith.
No I don't get anything for promoting Camtasia...I just thought I'd offer up a shout out to my good software buddy of four years now - especially after all we've been through! I am constantly asked what software I use to create my videos - so now you know.
Why should YOU record technical videos?
I record videos to share technical tips with the world (primarily on AutoCAD). Why would you want to record videos? Have you ever been asked the same technical question multiple times? Do you find yourself showing the same techniques to your coworkers over and over again? I believe that if you find yourself demoing the same technical process more than 3 times- it's time to put it in a video! Record it once - share it forever. That is MUCH better than spending your time demoing the same technique over and over. Besides - you have much better things to do!
If you're a CAD manager - I think video recordings are a must (if for no other reason than to maintain sanity!). Are you rolling out a new standard or new process? Maybe you've loaded the latest release of a software product and want to offer up some helpful hints. Maybe you find your users have some bad habits you want to try to correct - or maybe you just want to make your coworker's life a little easier by sharing some helpful hints. All the above are a reason to create technical videos.
Besides - if you start creating technical videos for your team - you'll look like a star! You might just discover you have amazing technical insight to share. Maybe you'll become a Technical Evangelist too!
Now I won't lie to you - you'll need to be patient as you learn to fully use the recording software. The key to software like Camtasia is in the editing - not just the recording. I can actually edit out the ums and mistakes where needed. I can goof and pick right back up where I left off (and believe me - there is plenty of goofing that occurs). I can edit out the barking from my white, fluffy, dog - or the occasional curse word that occurs when the software misbehaves. Oh if you only knew what went on behind those videos!
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give it a try! You can download Camtasia for free for 30 days (that's what I did at first). So what have you got to lose? This might just launch you up the ladder at work - now wouldn't that be nice?
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