Youtube---BUS UNCLE

1.    How many viewers are estimated to have watched the YouTube video?

According to the counter in video I watched in the YouTube, there are nearly 2.5 millions of people have watched. However, it is stated in the Wikipedia that there are more than one version of the ‘Bus uncle’ which implied the number of viewers should be more than this figure.

2.    How would you rate the video?

•    Is it of high quality in technical terms? Is it interesting aesthetically eg camera angles, use of light, the narrative, and so on?

It is obviously not high quality in technical terms because what is used to film the video is only a mobile phone. The resolution is very low. Besides, there is no any cinematic technique such as zooming or camera angle. There is no editing as well. The ‘narrative’ is not under the ‘director’ control since the video is shot accidentally and is not aimed at showing in public (YouTube). It seems that the ‘director’ does not really care about the form of the video but the content of the issue.

There is no aesthetic value in the video. There is no background music, no rhythm or other special effect since the video is only a candid video which the ‘director’ did not have too many considerations when he was shooting this incident.

•    Does it raise interesting socio-cultural issues? 

‘Bus Uncle’ is definitely raised the interest in such issues. It is not only talked about the problem of ‘pressure and stress’ in Hong Kong, but also raised the issue of the power of YouTube. After the video of ‘Bus Uncle’, there are a lot of videos which imitate the style of ‘Bus Uncle’. For example, the cable TV made a video which is without written script and the actors act in front of the ordinary people. The camera is hidden in purpose. This video is spread widely too. The cable TV finally ‘revealed’ the truth and discussed the circulation of YouTube.

3.    Do you think it deserved the attention that it received from the internet community?

Yes. I think it deserved to gain attention. Although the characters in the video are only ordinary people, it is a reflection of the whole society. After this incident, more and more these kinds of video clips are uploaded on the YouTube (but less popular than ‘Bus Uncle’) which implied that ‘Bus Uncle’ is not the only case in the society. Everyone can be the ‘reporter’ and the ‘judge’ of the society. And YouTube becomes a site of unleashing or complaining channel.

Like the following video, the younger man clashed with a bus. And his mother and he shouted to the bus driver and passengers on the bus. They thought they are poor as they have no car and need to have a ride on the public transportation.

 

It is another example that is also shot a conflict between the passengers on the bus.  

4) Do video-sharing sites such as YouTube enhance or worsen creative culture? Comment.

Key Quote:

1.    ‘… division between recipient and producer became blurred.’

2.    ‘… non-professional products are enjoyed by vast audiences, making professional products look less attractive.’

(Creativity meets Circulation: internet, amateurs and the process of evolution, Roman Marek)

As mentioned before, because of the common use of gadgets, everybody can be the ‘reporter’. Mainstream mass media even buy the video from the residence. Besides, everyone can share their creative works on the platform of ‘YouTube’ freely which could stimulate the professional to produce more creative work. For instance, this advertisement makes use of the ‘interactive’ function of YouTube. Thus, it is not only an advertisement but also a creative interaction between the audience and the producer which the traditional platform (TV or radio) could not achieve.

***For the best interaction, it is suggested to view in a new window***

Moreover, the feedback function of YouTube can also be a communication platform for idea exchange. The users can leave some comments for the producers and encourage them. Although some people may negatively comment on the other, the producers can still gain some benefits through the YouTube. As a result, YouTube could enhance creative culture.