idpnd
Well-Known Member
Are you on a windows pc Tarik? You should download the version for your system (windows or mac) to your desktop, if you click on it, it should work really..
Keep Turning Left
- Thread starter CliveG
- Start date
Black Sheep
Well-Known Member
I am computer literate (honest) but had the same problem. The first download link you get to is for the Flash version - you may not have the software on your PC to play it. So either do as Geoffs suggests and get some software (VLC media player works). Or do as I did, and scroll down for the PC version, which will run OK with the software you already have.
==
Dillon - I hope you're not too quick to throw in the towel. I think the micropayments experiment has a lot going for it. Personally I'd rather pay the trivial amount every time I feel like watching than a significant amount for a larger chunk. (though I'd happily cough up for a DVD-R with all the mp4s burnt on to it). I agree with others that Paypal is a barrier, but you're probably stuck with them or similar whichever way you go. I'd love to see a solution to the micropayments problem on the net.
I think you're right in your analysis that you'll never make a living from KTL. But don't be too quick, after less than a week, to measure your downloads. If you keep it available, people will still be downloading in ten years; not in great volumes, but they will. (see The Long Tail by Chris Anderson). By the time you've made it all the way round, you'll have a big bank of videos, each of them garnering a few downloads a week, for many years to come.
Even if you stop now, you've made a tremendous contribution, and seriously raised the standard for sailing videos. But I hope you'll continue doing what you're good at.
pragmatist
Well-Known Member
Only just found this thread today and the KTL site yesterday so a bit new to all this. PMed Dylan and had intended to make these suggestions via PM till I found you all discussing the payment model here.
Sadly I think that Dylan is right and that the market for people willing to pay for sailing videos, even ones of this superb quality, is too small to do more than to pay for the occasional pint. We experimented with writing shareware some years ago and discovered exactly the same scenario - lots of free downloads, masses of piracy and people wanting their hands held even before they'd payed a few quid.
I was going to suggest a few things which might drive more traffic to the web site and I will list them below but realistically (and sadly for the rest of us) I think Dylan is right - enjoy the sailing and forget being driven to make films if he doesn't feel like it.
Dylan, I don't know how many unique visitors you get to your site but a few things spring to mind. Firstly there isn't much text so the search engines will not give you a high priority. I tried Googling for a variety of words relating to the UK east coast, sailing, video, St Peters chapel and there was no sign of you. If you were to add a bit more description and perhaps a paragraph (using keywords/phrases) beside each video this would help the search engines and possibly attract more visitors to click on them. For example, I was presented with 49 videos - which ones should I look at ? Not everyone knows where these places are - instance the questions about the Alde. Have you tried doing some PR for the site - emails to the press (local and sailing), sailing clubs, mentioning to the local press that you're turning up so maybe they can write you up ?
Have you considered links which might benefit you ? Telling the St Peters Chapel web site about your video for example ? I know you mention Ransome but I don't think that exists in the text either. The area you have been visiting and intend to visit is covered in PD James's novels (for example, St Peters Chapel (sorry to bang on about this but I love the chapel and the headland) is the basis for the finale of one of her stories - if you care I'll dig out the title - Sizewell and the surrounding area for a couple of others). Lots of PD James fans might be interested and the name will help with the search engines.
I take your point that the trucking audience is huge but perhaps if you want to make your sailing site/videos get regular visitors perhaps it needs a different or more varied methodology. You've already identified that the audience is older. But that might also mean that regular visitors would be easier to cultivate - how many Crinkles watch CountryFile every week ? Not that I'm a crinkle of course
(those that know me keep your ***ps shut !). The audience you could appeal to doesn't stop at sailing. For example, my ancient MIL loved Paul Heiney's series sailing around the East Coast. She enjoys painting watercolours of Thames Barges and other boats and I know she would love your videos. And she isn't alone in these interests. So if you wanted to make your videos more visible perhaps there are some other solutions.
And in terms of payment, how about following up your idea of only showing the latest on YouTube and having payment for the remainder from your site but having short clips from each film free from your site so the punter can see, watch and then decide he/she wants to see more ?
Whatever you decide to do I wish you sunshine and F3
P
Sadly I think that Dylan is right and that the market for people willing to pay for sailing videos, even ones of this superb quality, is too small to do more than to pay for the occasional pint. We experimented with writing shareware some years ago and discovered exactly the same scenario - lots of free downloads, masses of piracy and people wanting their hands held even before they'd payed a few quid.
I was going to suggest a few things which might drive more traffic to the web site and I will list them below but realistically (and sadly for the rest of us) I think Dylan is right - enjoy the sailing and forget being driven to make films if he doesn't feel like it.
Dylan, I don't know how many unique visitors you get to your site but a few things spring to mind. Firstly there isn't much text so the search engines will not give you a high priority. I tried Googling for a variety of words relating to the UK east coast, sailing, video, St Peters chapel and there was no sign of you. If you were to add a bit more description and perhaps a paragraph (using keywords/phrases) beside each video this would help the search engines and possibly attract more visitors to click on them. For example, I was presented with 49 videos - which ones should I look at ? Not everyone knows where these places are - instance the questions about the Alde. Have you tried doing some PR for the site - emails to the press (local and sailing), sailing clubs, mentioning to the local press that you're turning up so maybe they can write you up ?
Have you considered links which might benefit you ? Telling the St Peters Chapel web site about your video for example ? I know you mention Ransome but I don't think that exists in the text either. The area you have been visiting and intend to visit is covered in PD James's novels (for example, St Peters Chapel (sorry to bang on about this but I love the chapel and the headland) is the basis for the finale of one of her stories - if you care I'll dig out the title - Sizewell and the surrounding area for a couple of others). Lots of PD James fans might be interested and the name will help with the search engines.
I take your point that the trucking audience is huge but perhaps if you want to make your sailing site/videos get regular visitors perhaps it needs a different or more varied methodology. You've already identified that the audience is older. But that might also mean that regular visitors would be easier to cultivate - how many Crinkles watch CountryFile every week ? Not that I'm a crinkle of course
(those that know me keep your ***ps shut !). The audience you could appeal to doesn't stop at sailing. For example, my ancient MIL loved Paul Heiney's series sailing around the East Coast. She enjoys painting watercolours of Thames Barges and other boats and I know she would love your videos. And she isn't alone in these interests. So if you wanted to make your videos more visible perhaps there are some other solutions.And in terms of payment, how about following up your idea of only showing the latest on YouTube and having payment for the remainder from your site but having short clips from each film free from your site so the punter can see, watch and then decide he/she wants to see more ?
Whatever you decide to do I wish you sunshine and F3
P
maxcampbell
Well-Known Member
Easticks28
Well-Known Member
Does that mean you will miss out on the Broads???? Some Iconic vessels there, then there's the Three Rivers race in June....
dylanwinter
Well-Known Member
broads - an apology
The best time to sail on the Broads is in the winter - by the time the summer comes they are choked with mobos
I had hoped to overwinter there - which would have given me quite a few days sailing - and a film portrait of the broads in winter would have been wonderful to make.
but I would have had to buy a yearly toll (nothing wrong with that of course) and attempt to get the slug past the dreaded boat safety scheme - I know that the inspectors would have hated my 40 year old fuel line, bog and gas ring.
I am allowed to go on the broads for one month without the certificate - but the tolls would be £100 for the 28 days.
I sail an average of two or three days a week - that would give me just over a week of sailing and camera time.
To dismiss them in such a short space of time would have been a bit of an insult to a wonderful sailing area.
so a combination of funds and bureaucracy means that sadly they won't get much of a showing this time around - but who knows what might happen before I get out of the Alde
Dylan
The best time to sail on the Broads is in the winter - by the time the summer comes they are choked with mobos
I had hoped to overwinter there - which would have given me quite a few days sailing - and a film portrait of the broads in winter would have been wonderful to make.
but I would have had to buy a yearly toll (nothing wrong with that of course) and attempt to get the slug past the dreaded boat safety scheme - I know that the inspectors would have hated my 40 year old fuel line, bog and gas ring.
I am allowed to go on the broads for one month without the certificate - but the tolls would be £100 for the 28 days.
I sail an average of two or three days a week - that would give me just over a week of sailing and camera time.
To dismiss them in such a short space of time would have been a bit of an insult to a wonderful sailing area.
so a combination of funds and bureaucracy means that sadly they won't get much of a showing this time around - but who knows what might happen before I get out of the Alde
Dylan
D
DogWatch
Guest
Agreed, your gas ring scares the hell out of me and that is just watching on the KTL... You could of course just take the gas off the boat completely..
dylanwinter
Well-Known Member
safety and gas rings
If I threw the gas ring out then I would have to eat cold food - which would be tough given that I sail through the winter time
I have lots of things to spend money on - the roller reefing is on its last legs, the engine gear shift, engine mounts, electrics - where do I stop?
It does amaze me when I read threads on this forum where people are talking about spending £1200 on some wet weather gear
blimey - my whole boat only cost £2,000
D
If I threw the gas ring out then I would have to eat cold food - which would be tough given that I sail through the winter time
I have lots of things to spend money on - the roller reefing is on its last legs, the engine gear shift, engine mounts, electrics - where do I stop?
It does amaze me when I read threads on this forum where people are talking about spending £1200 on some wet weather gear
blimey - my whole boat only cost £2,000
D
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Searush
Well-Known Member
Broads cooking;- barbie or old primus stove? I don't know the relevant "safety regs" but I am trying to think lateral.
The benefit you get from your boat is in inverse proportion to its length. You may have seen my "How much is it worth" thread. The average value of poster's boats on here is around £35k, many are over £50k. So many will not understand the isssues you face.
On the subject of sailing TV, does any one watch the Canadian couple, the Shards', "Distant Shores" series? They seem to manage to fund their cruising lifestyle quite well. But I suspect that is mostly thro' the America networks.
Good sailing Dylan, whatever you choose.
The benefit you get from your boat is in inverse proportion to its length. You may have seen my "How much is it worth" thread. The average value of poster's boats on here is around £35k, many are over £50k. So many will not understand the isssues you face.
On the subject of sailing TV, does any one watch the Canadian couple, the Shards', "Distant Shores" series? They seem to manage to fund their cruising lifestyle quite well. But I suspect that is mostly thro' the America networks.
Good sailing Dylan, whatever you choose.
nathanlee
Well-Known Member
Perhaps we should have a whip around to get him an Origo 1500? It only needs 15 people to donate a tenner, and the problem is solved.
EdWingfield
Well-Known Member
No Nathan, we should make 'im live off the sea! It'll add an extra dimension to the series.
I'm sure limpets, rag worms and seaweed are nutritious. I look forward to the recipes.
I'm sure limpets, rag worms and seaweed are nutritious. I look forward to the recipes.
dylanwinter
Well-Known Member
limpets
actually when working at r4 on the food programme I did eat limpets
roasted over an open fire
and jolly horrible they were too
D
Ps - the stove is only the begining of the things the Broads Authority would like me to remove from my boat
actually they give every impression that they don't want my boat anywhere near the broads.
Never before in the annals of human endeavour can such a small body of water have been administered by so many bureacrats
However, in their favour I would say that the Broads are a wonderful environmental resource and certainly need protecting - it just that the authority often goes about it in a rather heavy handed way. I sold my old boat five years ago and every year they still send me a peice of paper demanding that I send them an annual toll
actually when working at r4 on the food programme I did eat limpets
roasted over an open fire
and jolly horrible they were too
D
Ps - the stove is only the begining of the things the Broads Authority would like me to remove from my boat
actually they give every impression that they don't want my boat anywhere near the broads.
Never before in the annals of human endeavour can such a small body of water have been administered by so many bureacrats
However, in their favour I would say that the Broads are a wonderful environmental resource and certainly need protecting - it just that the authority often goes about it in a rather heavy handed way. I sold my old boat five years ago and every year they still send me a peice of paper demanding that I send them an annual toll
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nathanlee
Well-Known Member
froglet
Member
I vote for that!
OGITD
Well-Known Member
Sorry guys!
Sorry guys…..but we should give our Dylan all the support we can, as we have had so much pleasure watching his videos and fun from all the debates generated on here and elsewhere.
The ONLY people who should be encouraged to east Ragworm’s etc are all the luvvies on the Telly. I only know about such programs…never watch….and if anyone considers such a devious act they should take themselves sailing immediately to cure them of such unacceptable desires.
Sorry guys…..but we should give our Dylan all the support we can, as we have had so much pleasure watching his videos and fun from all the debates generated on here and elsewhere.
The ONLY people who should be encouraged to east Ragworm’s etc are all the luvvies on the Telly. I only know about such programs…never watch….and if anyone considers such a devious act they should take themselves sailing immediately to cure them of such unacceptable desires.
Croak
Well-Known Member
More infomation lost to the ravages of time.
Only eat small Limpets.
You heard it here first.
Only eat small Limpets.
You heard it here first.
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dylanwinter
Well-Known Member
love the sea - never trusted sea food
when does a small limpet become a big one
The trouble with sea food from around our estuaries is that there is one heck of a lot of sewage being discharged into our marine fringes.
Nearly every estuary has a pretty big town at the top of the navigation. Places like Colchester and Ipswich - even manningtree are all going to have an impact on the water quality.
Eating shellfish - often raw - that has spent its life sifting estuary mud seems like a very risky thing to do.
but what do I know?
when does a small limpet become a big one
The trouble with sea food from around our estuaries is that there is one heck of a lot of sewage being discharged into our marine fringes.
Nearly every estuary has a pretty big town at the top of the navigation. Places like Colchester and Ipswich - even manningtree are all going to have an impact on the water quality.
Eating shellfish - often raw - that has spent its life sifting estuary mud seems like a very risky thing to do.
but what do I know?
Searush
Well-Known Member
Thank you for that. I was watching a TV programme with Ray Mears & his archeological friend. They were looking at a mesolithic midden & noted that the limpet shells in it "were much smaller than was common today". Later, gathering shellfish for a stone age supper, they gathered only the big limpets to reduce the effort of gathering enough for the meal.
When they cooked them, they complained that their limpets were tough & rubbery. SWMBO & I laughed out load. It was obvious that our ancestors had carefully selected the smaller, younger & more tender specimens quite deliberately, yet the TV experts had simply missed the blindingly obvious!
Croak
Well-Known Member
I guess you will be happier eating the produce from the sea as you get further north or some of the Welsh coast.
Back on topic
I will miss your videos if they stop, but as I am on less of a budget than you, I'm afraid I only do stuff on the internet that is "free", or payed for by the advertisers. But I'm sure we will see more, It's nice to be appreciated.
Back on topic
I will miss your videos if they stop, but as I am on less of a budget than you, I'm afraid I only do stuff on the internet that is "free", or payed for by the advertisers. But I'm sure we will see more, It's nice to be appreciated.
dylanwinter
Well-Known Member
Plan C
Sea food and not eating it
Not sure that I can stomach any of it anymore - once bitten - twice shy and all that.
I can no longer drink cider because it delivered my first experience of being heartily ill diue an excessive quantity of alcohol.
I quite agree everything on the web should be free or paid for by advertising.
And that works provided enough people want to watch the films - its a case of eyes over adverts.
70,000 eyes a day on my truck films brings me in around $1 per thousand.
So truckers get lots of films they can watch for free because there are lots of truckers.
However, 6,000 sets of sailors eyes over the entire life of a film have no measurable value to an advertiser.
So the only people who would make sailing films and give them away on you tube are clearly deranged in some way. what can I say - guilty.
Now enter plan C
The idea is to put every new film up for free at reasonable youtube size. It will stay there until I put another film up - probably a week later.
At which point it will go onto the main part of the website - it will still be available for free - as will all the other films - but only as tiny flash files - the size of a postage stamps - full length, tiny and perfectly formed.
if people are prepared to watch them at that size - then that would be a wonderful testament to their dedication to the principle that everything on the web must be free.
if on the other hand they decide that they would rather watch this material at excellent HD quality - then that will cost $4.99 for a three month ticket.
So, what I suggest you do, if you intend to stick to your principles - is to copy everything off the website over the next couple of days - Realplayer and firefox and some websites allow you do this.
I am with the band "show of hands" on this matter.
and as long as you visit the website once a week to make a copy of the latest film at reasonable quality then you can end up with everything from the series - all six hours of the stuff - for free.
of course it will hog quite a bit of space on your hard drive.
I do love this forum - it is a wonderful place to find out what people think - thanks for your honesty.
Whatever happens - the whole digital experiment has been a fascinating experience - not as good as sailing - but it continues to be entertaining.
and I have a speaking engagement booked for the dead slot after lunch at conference. It is a wonderfully illuminating and humorous story I have to tell
So, my friends, do you think plan C is likely to work.
Dylan
Sea food and not eating it
Not sure that I can stomach any of it anymore - once bitten - twice shy and all that.
I can no longer drink cider because it delivered my first experience of being heartily ill diue an excessive quantity of alcohol.
I quite agree everything on the web should be free or paid for by advertising.
And that works provided enough people want to watch the films - its a case of eyes over adverts.
70,000 eyes a day on my truck films brings me in around $1 per thousand.
So truckers get lots of films they can watch for free because there are lots of truckers.
However, 6,000 sets of sailors eyes over the entire life of a film have no measurable value to an advertiser.
So the only people who would make sailing films and give them away on you tube are clearly deranged in some way. what can I say - guilty.
Now enter plan C
The idea is to put every new film up for free at reasonable youtube size. It will stay there until I put another film up - probably a week later.
At which point it will go onto the main part of the website - it will still be available for free - as will all the other films - but only as tiny flash files - the size of a postage stamps - full length, tiny and perfectly formed.
if people are prepared to watch them at that size - then that would be a wonderful testament to their dedication to the principle that everything on the web must be free.
if on the other hand they decide that they would rather watch this material at excellent HD quality - then that will cost $4.99 for a three month ticket.
So, what I suggest you do, if you intend to stick to your principles - is to copy everything off the website over the next couple of days - Realplayer and firefox and some websites allow you do this.
I am with the band "show of hands" on this matter.
and as long as you visit the website once a week to make a copy of the latest film at reasonable quality then you can end up with everything from the series - all six hours of the stuff - for free.
of course it will hog quite a bit of space on your hard drive.
I do love this forum - it is a wonderful place to find out what people think - thanks for your honesty.
Whatever happens - the whole digital experiment has been a fascinating experience - not as good as sailing - but it continues to be entertaining.
and I have a speaking engagement booked for the dead slot after lunch at conference. It is a wonderfully illuminating and humorous story I have to tell
So, my friends, do you think plan C is likely to work.
Dylan