We need better promotional videos and material!! [Brainstorming]

[Tacticat]

I feel that there is currently a huge lack of useful and effective promotional / educational videos about Bitcoin.

If type in "Bitcoin" or "What is Bitcoin" into youtube, I'm presented with some videocasts which are Ok but definitely too long and not too professional and the promotion video we all know, which I think is heavily outdated and confuses newbies with all the references to "Mining".

There is, in my opinion a dire need for new, professional promotion material. A way to introduce potential users both to the idea of the currency but also show everybody how easy it is to use Bitcoin.

What would I do?

If I had the ressources I would create a simple, yet effective video similar to an "Infomercial".

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to sell something à la Billy Mays but I feel it is useful to create a video in which there are real people interacting with each other, sending each other bitcoins via QR code or something similar and demonstrating how easy it is to start using bitcoins.

There would be at least three characters:

- The host: Professional looking, in a suit, explaining Bitcoins with familiar terms.
- The novice co-host: Someone who doesn't know how bitcoin works or what it is and asks the host questions.
- The volunteer: Which interacts with the host to make a sample-transaction.

It should make use of layman terms, transmit a positive message but be neutral at the same time: We don't want our audience to feel that we're selling something to them, that this is the new revolution and they must call NOW. We want to spark interest, arise curiosity and be informative.

What would happen?

I would have the host introduce Bitcoin in under 30 seconds and go straight to the first example (while continuing with the explanation).

The host could generate an address in a nice looking client (maybe even blockchain.info without focusing too much on it) and then have him receive the first bitcoins during the first minute of the video. Doing that, going from 0 to 100 in under one minute is a serious attention catcher, showing how easy and straightforward it is to use Bitcoin. The message is: "You can literally start using bitcoin in less than one minute! No technical knowledge needed!"

The novice co-host should ask questions mainly focused on bitcoin use and its daily applications, not so much on the technical aspects but at the same time the host would include some small "How it works" explanations inside his answers.

Then the host would demonstrate how a transaction at a shop could look like by sending money to the volunteer. The volunteer shows him a tablet with a QR code and the money is sent and received almost instantly in front of the audience. Also, afterwards he could show what an online shop interface looks like, emphasizing that it is very easy for retailers to start accepting bitcoin and for consumers to pay with it.

Finally, the advantages of Bitcoin are summarized. The Novice co-host is impressed and the host encourages him to create his first address, which only takes seconds. (Emphasizing again the ease of starting to use bitcoin).

A couple of links and ressources are mentioned, and that's it.

EASY, SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE.

Who is our main target: Without having done too much research, I would venture to say that there is a huge potential amount of bitcoin users that would love to use it but don't because they still not convinced or have too many doubts, deeming BTC as "too underground".

It would be much too early to launch any TV ads (as I've seen suggested in some boards) when there's still a whole lot of potential users that are willing to research and try out bitcoin. It's just that for many of them the way is still too hazy and they need reliable material to follow it.

What do you think?

[mccorvic]

I'm in the early stages of working on a video right now that highlights me purchasing a good/service from another user and exchanging BTC.  The video would give a basic overview of what happens to the coin between me sending them and it getting to the other user, but will not focus on mining at all.

Early stages, but should be good and will be an actual, real-life example.

[blablahblah]

A couple of "sanity check" questions...

Why do you want to promote Bitcoin to the mainstream public? Wouldn't this create another unsustainable bubble where the exchange rate goes parabolic for a short time and then crashes?

What's in it for you? Are you hoping to profit with a pump-and-dump operation?

What about all the businesses that already provide specialised services using Bitcoin? Surely it's their responsibility to do their own advertising?

[Tacticat]

A couple of "sanity check" questions...

Why do you want to promote Bitcoin to the mainstream public? Wouldn't this create another unsustainable bubble where the exchange rate goes parabolic for a short time and then crashes?

What's in it for you? Are you hoping to profit with a pump-and-dump operation?

What about all the businesses that already provide specialised services using Bitcoin? Surely it's their responsibility to do their own advertising?

I assume that these questions are for me.

I don't want to promote Bitcoin to the general public. I thought it would be beneficial and positive for bitcoin adoption if those who want to learn about the currency have the means to, by finding an easy and informative video. The video is not supposed to be broadcasted on TV, just hang there on youtube for everyone who wants to know what Bitcoins are and how to use them, without confusing them.

Nothing's in for me. I don't even have to money or ressources to make such a video (that's why I'm suggesting it over here) and I surely don't have the enough money to make big investments. The only reason I want to help bitcoin adoption is because It'd like to use it more often in my day to day life.

I'm sorry but I don't understand the last question. Well yes, they can advertise bitcoin if they want... maybe I didn't explain myself properly in the previous post?
I was just saying that This video is outdated and there should be a new one, if possible.

[hazek]

I feel that there is currently a huge lack of useful and effective promotional / educational videos about Bitcoin.

What do you think?

I agree 110% hence why I'm working on a solution, it will be called bitcoincurve.com as in The Bitcoin Learning Curve. 

[BitPay Business Solutions]

here's one we did that is targeted to a specific market (people frustrated with banks)

http://screwbanks.net/

[Jaw3bmasters]

Exactly. Something for newbs like moi.

[Kupsi]

here's one we did that is targeted to a specific market (people frustrated with banks)

http://screwbanks.net/

Nice 1. Someone should post it on Reddit next week 

[16PENcE]

The word "Bitcoin" is scientific jargon to the vast majority of
onlookers. The most effective strategy is to accept this fact and treat
it as such. So while excellent quality videos about Bitcoin are helpful,
it's better to focus marketing efforts on actual, tangible services that
are easy to use and readily available.

The LadyBytes BitInstant video is a perfect example of this. It teaches
you just about everything you need to know about Bitcoin, but if you
still want more info, you read the Wiki. As an aside, this "Screw Banks"
angle I feel is ineffective in and of itself, and detrimental in that
it picks a fight it cannot win. Feel free to prove me wrong with real
conversion numbers but I feel the angle is weak, overly obvious and
blatantly immature, and besides most people don't give a DAMN about
ANYTHING outside of how fat their ass looks in their jeans. Good luck
with the inflammatory angle, but IMO it's just not what BTC needs.

You could give people the world's greatest explanation of Bitcoin, but
it will remain a foreign, irrelevant concept until something tangible,
like a service that solves an immediate need is presented to them

[BTCKnowledge]

Podcasts would be very interesting

[Jaw3bmasters]

Podcasts would be very interesting

+1

[adamstgBit]

The word "Bitcoin" is scientific jargon to the vast majority of
onlookers. The most effective strategy is to accept this fact and treat
it as such. So while excellent quality videos about Bitcoin are helpful,
it's better to focus marketing efforts on actual, tangible services that
are easy to use and readily available.

The LadyBytes BitInstant video is a perfect example of this. It teaches
you just about everything you need to know about Bitcoin, but if you
still want more info, you read the Wiki. As an aside, this "Screw Banks"
angle I feel is ineffective in and of itself, and detrimental in that
it picks a fight it cannot win. Feel free to prove me wrong with real
conversion numbers but I feel the angle is weak, overly obvious and
blatantly immature, and besides most people don't give a DAMN about
ANYTHING outside of how fat their ass looks in their jeans. Good luck
with the inflammatory angle, but IMO it's just not what BTC needs.

You could give people the world's greatest explanation of Bitcoin, but
it will remain a foreign, irrelevant concept until something tangible,
like a service that solves an immediate need is presented to them

+1

[Phinnaeus Gage]

You could give people the world's greatest explanation of Bitcoin, but
it will remain a foreign, irrelevant concept until something tangible,
like a service that solves an immediate need is presented to them

Given the above, let's then think outside alpaca pen, brainstormin' to the nth degree, musing as to what some of those immediate needs need solving.

~Bruno K~

[dadj]

I'm making promotional music materials about Bitcoin incorporating samples of people talking bitcoin. check it out - http://www.soundcloud.com/djleo

[SgtSpike]

We should all pool to buy a 30-second superbowl commercial spot.

[LightRider]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unfx2qCj6Ao

When are we going to get the Bitcoin Foundation version of this video? What would be in it? Who would it feature?

[LightRider]

The Bitcoin Infomercial:

"Has this ever happened to you?"

Black and white video of a frustrated and irritated woman:

trying to buy something online by shoving cash into a computer monitor.

dropping a credit card and the entire contents of her purse while trying to swipe it at a PoS.

has an ink pen explode and stain her nice dress as she's trying to write a check.

"Now there's an amazing solution for all of your monetary needs!"

Star wipe to full color video of a happy and content woman waving a smartphone around, clearly enchanted by the wonderful technology.

"Bitcoin! The amazing digital currency designed to make your life simpler and easier!"

Woman buys alpaca socks with press of a button.

"Never have to waste time and effort on sending cash to online stores."

Woman taps phone on fast food restaurant cash register. Employee and woman exchange smiles and laugh.

"Pay for an evening meal in seconds!"

Woman throws away checkbook and pen into trash can, turns to look at smartphone with satisfaction.

"Never ruin your favorite dress in public again!"

Video animation of computer and internet stuff that looks simultaneously impressive yet safe and user friendly. (good luck)

"Using the power of the internet, your money is secured by the most powerful supercomputer on EARTH!"

Video of thieves unsuccessfully trying to steal money from the internet. (Again, good luck)

"All you have to do is press a button! It's like sending an email, but it's money instead!"

Video of group of attractive and diverse friends and family sending each other bitcoins for fun, smiling. Close up on young preteen.

"It's so safe and easy, even Junior can join in on the fun!"

Cut to standard blue order screen with yellow text reading "Internet".

"Toorderbitcoincallyourfriendwhoknowsaboutcomputersandaskhimtogetbitcoinforyou.B itcoinisnotinsuredbuyerbewareuseatyourownrisk.Cautionuseofbitcoinmayhavethefoll owingsideeffects:questioningauthoritybeinglabledaterroristengaginginlongdebatesaboutlibertariani smwithassholesonlinebeingscammedbecomingascammerbecomingdisillusionedbythereali zationofeconomicfreedomandtheurgetotellothersaboutbitcoinasoftenaspossible.Offe rvoidinIranifJGarzikcatchesyou.Nopurchasenecessary.Manywillenterfewwillwin."

[Jaw3bmasters]

The Bitcoin Infomercial:

"Has this ever happened to you?"

Black and white video of a frustrated and irritated woman:

trying to buy something online by shoving cash into a computer monitor.

dropping a credit card and the entire contents of her purse while trying to swipe it at a PoS.

has an ink pen explode and stain her nice dress as she's trying to write a check.

"Now there's an amazing solution for all of your monetary needs!"

Star wipe to full color video of a happy and content woman waving a smartphone around, clearly enchanted by the wonderful technology.

"Bitcoin! The amazing digital currency designed to make your life simpler and easier!"

Woman buys alpaca socks with press of a button.

"Never have to waste time and effort on sending cash to online stores."

Woman taps phone on fast food restaurant cash register. Employee and woman exchange smiles and laugh.

"Pay for an evening meal in seconds!"

Woman throws away checkbook and pen into trash can, turns to look at smartphone with satisfaction.

"Never ruin your favorite dress in public again!"

Video animation of computer and internet stuff that looks simultaneously impressive yet safe and user friendly. (good luck)

"Using the power of the internet, your money is secured by the most powerful supercomputer on EARTH!"

Video of thieves unsuccessfully trying to steal money from the internet. (Again, good luck)

"All you have to do is press a button! It's like sending an email, but it's money instead!"

Video of group of attractive and diverse friends and family sending each other bitcoins for fun, smiling. Close up on young preteen.

"It's so safe and easy, even Junior can join in on the fun!"

Cut to standard blue order screen with yellow text reading "Internet".

A 30 min ad spot should cost about $20,000-$50,000 during regular airtime on a SciFi channel somewhere.

[hamdi]

checkout my bitcoin tshirts:

https://www.bitmit.net/en/user/bitcointshirts

everyone welcome to order in big batches.

my prices are really cheap!

[Lethn]

I'd rather Bitcoin be promoted on its factual merits rather than bullshit marketing.