When it comes to making purchases, we are often faced with a conflict between our emotional and logical sides. How we balance these two competing forces can determine our success or failure when it comes to spending. I had my wallet out, ready to spend almost $1500, and today I share how I identified my emotional and logical sides in the conflict and used logic to save my money for something better.
My Video Progression
I started with a Logitech C920 and upgraded to the Elgato Facecam. The Facecam had a better picture and NO MICROPHONE (so no accidental recordings using the camera microphone).
I later I upgraded to the Sony VZ-1. Why? Because YouTube told me that this was THE best camera for the new YouTuber/Content creator. Also, it had a button that MADE THE BACKGROUND BLURRY. I'm not making that up.
With the press of ONE button, the background would be BLURRY. OMG!
So I had to get it even though it was $900. I bought it on a payment plan but avoided paying any interest.
A little over a year the Sony ZV-10 came out, and not only did it have the one-button blurry mode, but you could also CHANGE LENSES. Again, YouTube erupted, letting me know that THIS, yes, THIS was THE camera.
I was THIS CLOSE to buying this camera, and then I saw another video because as I could switch lenses, I had to figure out what was the best lens. The one lens that made the Youtube host just look dreamy cost $400.
Wait, does that say $400? So $800 for the camera and $400 for the lens is $1200, but the other lens, and this and that.
QUESTION 1: Do I NEED this, or do I WANT THIS?
I thought about it. What happens if I didn't buy this camera? Were my videos on YouTube suffering? After all, I've been making videos for years without a blurry background and I have attracted 3000 subscribers. So apparently, you do not NEED a Blurry background.
QUESTION 2: Who does this benefit and how?
Does this benefit your or our audience, and if so, how?
Well, as I already had the ability to blur my background, there only perc was the ability to switch lenses.
Have I run into something where I wanted to change lenses and couldn't? No. Then why am I buying it? Is it easier to use? Slightly, but you will still need to unplug and replug in the cable, which frustrates me.
So I'm going to spend $1400 to pay for a feature that I will not need. With that, I put my credit card back in my wallet.
BE CAREFUL PAYING FOR FLEXIBLE FEATURES YOU CAN GROW INTO
I once signed a year-long contract with Vidyard. Why? Because it had TONS of features that I MIGHT use. After all, I could see how far people watched my video.
What was I trying to do? Make video messages I could email to my students and clients.
It turned it this would do it, but I found their interface clunky, and when I found a way to really use it, they wanted me to upgrade.
After my contract was over, I found LOOM, and it does exactly what I need it to do for a FRACTION of the cost.
Don't spend money on features you will never use.
OTHER ITEMS THAT HELPED
I've never had someone tell me, "You have to watch this video; the background is BLURRY."
HAVE YOU FALLEN INTO THE TRAP?
Maybe instead of spending so much TIME concentrating on your background, MAYBE we should focus more on what you are saying in the microphone.
WHY PEOPLE UPGRADE MICROPHONES AND VIDEO ITEMS
I understand that sometimes we don't feel confident with our voice, but in many cases upgrading from one microphone to another doesn't make that much difference (especially once you get over $100). But I understand that if you would feel more confident behind the microphone if you like your voice, it may be worth the upgrade. Just realize this:
Unless your microphone and sound is HORRIBLE, getting a new microphone won't grow your offense. Your content will. Now,...
