Captioned video project

Captions on TV are a godsend. While I cannot clearly remember the first time I saw the printed word on a TV screen, I do remember the tremendous feeling of elation at being able to FINALLY understand the picture box. I used to get in arguments all the time with my older brother over what was said - it even escalated to the point of having bets that, after 2 losses (and being $10 poorer), I learned I clearly do not have any clue what they're saying. Saturday morning cartoons like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were an frustrating exercise at figuring out the general premise, let alone the subtleties or nuances of a joke or off-hand quip.

Now we're in the age of the internet - and captions are conveniently left behind. I get why - growing up, everyone except my mom complained the captions were "distracting" and took every opportunity to turn them off. Still at every gym, and nearly every bar I go to, the TVs have captions on - and it should continue to get more pervasive as the loudness war (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudness_war) escalates.

The loudness war fascinates me. I would have thought that increasing one's loudness would not necessarily sound better, but less.... well, defined. I have friends who can pick out individual instruments among an orchestra, and if you simply made it louder, I imagine that the finer sounds would disappear. You'd no longer be able to appreciate the little noises. A loud "THUMP" on a bass drum totally drowns out a piccolo. But I'll save that discussion for later.


Anyway, I've started captioning music videos for myself and my friends. My first one is the kickass Ting Ting's "Shut Up and Let Me Go."



You can see it here: http://www.overstream.net/view.php?oid=i4mus8mhe3s8

It was actually pretty fun to work on. I'm stoked for more! I'm working with a few other people so this will be a group effort. Stay tuned for more to come!