What turns you off from a guru?

Sep 30, 2011

Lorena C.

We all have something that turns us off about a video or channel, and as a newer person trying to make it on YT, I'm curious as to what criteria others have for not subscribing to a person. I'm not posting this to cause drama but to find out how to improve or what viewers are looking for. If we know what we're doing wrong then we can work to improve on it, right? So please, no hater comments, I'm just looking for mistakes to watch out for.

Myself, for example; I'm picky about voices, which is weird, but if you sound like a chipmunk I won't be able to watch a video. Especially if I think you're trying to sound cutesy. Certain famous YT sisters get on my last nerve, not because they're not good, but man can they squeak, and I don't know if that's really their normal tone or if they cutesy it up for the camera. Either way, I've watched a few of their videos but for the most part cannot sit through most, so I have never subbed them.

Also lighting and video quality are big ones for me and my own worst nightmare with my own videos. I'm trying to find ways to improve this big time.

So what turns you off guys?

Sep 30, 2011

Destiny C.

Yea I agree voice and quality of a video r a major concern of mine. Also I don't like when the guru seems to be advertising a certain product al the time esp if its not that great. Expensive products that no one can afford lik really. I will not pay for overpriced items when there are more affordable products that work the same or better. Also people who try to be funny because they think is cute when its really annoying.

Sep 30, 2011

Erika A.

I agree with Destiny. It's all about the lighting which I am working on too and the voice. I've heard people with high pitched voices and it's no fun to watch or hear. Sorry ladies. I too can't stand paying $24 on a product that I can get for way less from another brand. I like gurus who do amazing work and get really creative. Sometimes ladies ask me to sub them and all they do is wear neutral to barely even there makeup everytime on their tutorials. That's not fun to watch. Get exciting and daring with your makeup.

Sep 30, 2011

Soma S.

Grammar and etiquette. No one is perfect, but some things are too ridiculous to ignore! I HATE when people pick up their phone while recording and have a convo during the video! I don't care if your mom called you. Edit that out! I don't need to hear your phone ring to let me know you were interrupted in the first place either. Why would you edit out the convo, but NOT the actual interrupting ring from your phone? It makes no sense!!! I don't know why, but I also hear a lot of gurus use the word "liked" - but they say "liked-ed-did"... where did those extra syllables come from?!? *end rant*

What bothers me ESPECIALLY is being pushed product when I know they are being sponsored. It's okay to make money off of something you do and love. More power to you! BUT do NOT push it in my face 24/7. I started watching you for the original content you used to post that was relevant to my needs and interests. Now you're like a broken record... pandering me sub-par products from awful indie companies that could care less about customer service. At LEAST allow yourself to make money off of something you would fully endorse and support because you are passionate about it!  

Sep 30, 2011

Stephanie F.

Lorena,

Haha I Know exactly who you mean, and the voices get to me, too. At first the only sisters I thought of were Sam and Nic and my feelings were hurt for them for a second. But, in this, that's what makes things so interesting! Different people like different things. My daughter loves those sisters, which is a great thing. (the first two, sorry if confusing) I am not here to hate on anyone, so please don't take me wrong, I am just saying what I like others may not. For example, I have this weird thing--I cannot watch a video with no talking, just music and written instructions. I have tried so many times. Some people love that, I cannot do it. The point is that you can't please everyone, so just be yourself and those who need to be drawn to you will be drawn to you.

Now, that being said, I will try and be of help. I am new, too, and I struggled with lighting. Lighting is huge, especially for video quality. For a while, I had to film on my porch in the FL heat and humidity, but I did so because it improved the quality of my videos. Xsparkage has some tips in her video on how to be a guru that I found helpful, and Jasmine has some really great articles on here as well! Right now, I am using lots of utility lights so I can film day or night. I still have some tweaking to do, but it's getting better...Cover those with vellum paper, it helps so much!

My husband gave me great advice the other day. He says that my real personality is not quite coming through on my tutorials, so I am working on that. In my massage practice, I am confident in myself and my skill/talent, so it's natural. YT, I am not so confident in quite yet, and I think that's because I compare myself to people who do such amazing things and have such a huge following. I went through a rut where I almost gave up. Everything I filmed, I felt it wasn't good enough. But I realized the original reason I began doing videos, which was to share what I have learned and what works for me--to be of service, just like in my massage work. It's not about popularity, nor being perfect. Plus, it's just makeup. I was over-complicating things! I would get so nervous, then so down on myself! Not worth it. The people who do like me seem to like me a lot, and I am happy with that.

Plus, I have grown so much from this. I have started taking better care of myself and my self-esteem and confidence have actually grown from these experiences. So, it has been a win-win.

Best of luck with your videos, I mean that!


--Cookie
Makeup Tutorials, Reviews, and Plus Size Fashion Videos
http://www.youtube.com/cookiefarrer
http://cookiefarrer.wordpress.com

Sep 30, 2011

Stephanie F.

I forgot to say something. So sorry to double post!

One thing I find a turn-off is when too much promoting leads to lack of creativity. I am not against companies giving gurus products to try, and I don't even mind them being compensated. They work hard! But when it goes as far as to stifle creativity and they get stuck on one brand or thing to the exclusion of all others, even talking down on stuff they formerly loved, well, I guess I find that suspicious? I dunno, maybe that's just me. We all change what we like, nothing wrong with that. We grow out of stuff, fine. But you really can tell when it's too much. When someone who has amazing taken gets stuck only using one brand, their videos suffer. That's just my opinion, and it's the only thing that's ever made me unsubscribe to someone.


--Cookie
Makeup Tutorials, Reviews, and Plus Size Fashion Videos
http://www.youtube.com/cookiefarrer
http://cookiefarrer.wordpress.com

Sep 30, 2011

Stephanie F.

I cannot edit using my iPad. Taken=talent. Lol last post, I swear!

--cookie

Sep 30, 2011

Antonio Z.

I think what i look for in a guru is that they are themselves, not trying to be someone else, some are funny, some have more creativity...
but at the end what I look is for a guru that can be him or her self.
I don't like when I see someone that like " look at this amazing brush or eyeshadow go buy it" is like WTF, you know.
I prefer someoen that can be just on how they would be in real life not fake :D...
I don't care much about voices, cuz mine sucks, is like this in person and then I am in a video or a recording and sounds so much freakin different :O
anyways, I think that would be it, just sincere gurus <3

Sep 30, 2011

Keshonta B.

I hate when they do there makeup collection but make an announcement please don't hate on me I'm not being vain BLAH BLAH BLAH, half of what they have is for free. Personality is big for me. Even though jlovesmac is very pretty,has cute style she is f'ING annoying. I can't sit through a whole video of hers. People who talk and play with there hair CONSTANTLY. Oh boy the list goes on and on.

Sep 30, 2011

Drea L.

"Omg, i just got this & I love it, it's soo pretty. It's sooooo pigmented. I like it... so yeah - & THEN I got etc,.... "
People who speak like they're 11.

I love simplicity - We know what a haul is, & we don't need your 5 minute explanation of what a haul is. I feel like a lot of gurus think ALL viewers are stupid. So many explain things like we're 2nd graders.

I hate when people forget that a lot of their views are from searches. Like, if I click on a video that's called "Smashbox Primer Review" I DON'T care about your OOTD or how you got this shirt for $12 at Forever 21. Keep that stuff at the end & don't run off talking about irrelevant things to the title.

Sorry if I'm a little rude - I have one specific guru in mind that does ALL of this but for some reason is huge on YouTube. O.O

Sep 30, 2011

Angela W.

What really turns me off is when someone takes the liberty of calling THEMselves a guru. I feel like that title has to be earned by being good at what you do and not simply self-proclaimed.  

Sep 30, 2011

Drea L.

I just remembered another one... LONG INTROS. Anything over 10 seconds is too long.. 8 is pushing it. I feel like 3-5 second intros are a lot more professional & do the job a 15 second one would.

Sep 30, 2011

Stephanie F.

Andrea, Actually--that is really specific and helpful!

Angela, so true!


--Cookie
Makeup Tutorials, Reviews, and Plus Size Fashion Videos
http://www.youtube.com/cookiefarrer
http://cookiefarrer.wordpress.com

Sep 30, 2011

Alexis C.

-I don't care for poor camera quality. That doesn't mean I expect them to have a super expensive camera. It's just if you are doing a tutorial at 2.a.m with really bad lighting in your basement from your webcam, it won't be helpful.
- I don't like reviews on products you haven't had a chance to try out properly. Unless it's a first impressions video I understand. But if you used that eyeliner/foundation/lipstick etc. one time for a few hours I can't really count that as a review
- If you review a company that sent you products and they are clearly repackaged and you say "oh my god the colors are sooo unique and vibrant!!" I know they aren't. Do your research on the company before making the video
-Sped up videos with obnoxious 'dance party music'
-If you are compensated for a review, chances are even if you do like the product I won't trust it because the compensation probably influenced what you thought of it. For example if a company sent me something for free AND paid me a product I would consider mediocre if I had paid for it seems better because in your mind it's like "oh I got it for free so whatever"
-Fake quirks. I like seeing people who are a bit clumsy and show their real personality and quirks in their videos, but at times I see people faking things like this and over exaggerating like "oh look how silly I am HA-HA!"
-I am better than you and know more than you. Hate that. When subscribers make a suggestion or question something don't dismiss it and act self righteous.
-Forever 21. I hate the store. Clothes are shit. Sweatshop conditions. I don't care about your off the shoulder shirt with that ugly gold chain with the pink bow that cost 4 dollars and will fall apart soon.
-Vague reviews. "yeah I like this its a GOOD lipstick and I Like it A lot" Wow what an insightful review.
-People that have let the hate comments get to them and get overly defensive. Chill. We aren't all out to get you.
-People that take their subscribers for granted, and just use them
-Really young 'gurus'. Why does this 10 year old have more makeup than I do? Why are you wearing concealer and foundation, and powder?

and I think I am done. 

Sep 30, 2011

Drea L.

I completely agree with the 10 year old thing....
I don't meant to point fingers but this girl.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC0GpAuQH3Y

...so... young... 

Sep 30, 2011

Destiny C.

@Andrea wow that girl was loud and irritating not be be rude or mean. And yes forever21 is overpriced for those cheapy made clothes. Only thing they are really good for are cheap tanks and tees. All the people I watch on youtube have to be close to my age for me to consider even watching because I just feel like I should not be taking advice from someone 14 years old because they shouldn't even be wearing the types of clothes or makeup that I would need advice on how to style or apply.

Sep 30, 2011

Cameron R.

@Andrea I thought you were referring to JuicyStar07! haha. But wow, that girl is a hot mess. = O
Most of the time I can handle people, even with eccentric, somewhat annoying personalities. But what really irritates me is so-called gurus that just really are there to brag about what they have, give paid and unhonest reviews, and when they give false information. These people follow you, put money into your pocket, and you have the nerve to lie about the true quality/result of the product for your own personal gain??! Just ridiculous. If we wanted unhonest reviews, we would go to a counter.

PERFECT EXAMPLE: SunLabs Corp?? Anyone remember the rash of videos that went around about how awesome their products are? They are TERRIBLE. I have never used such a bad selfless tanner in my life. It peels off your skin like latex, it smells like rubber, and the color quality is decent where it manages to stay even. Now, I used to be a hardcore tanner, spray-tanner, self tanner, so I learned all the tricks and tips for making even drugstore brands look good. Not the case with SunLabs, just a terrible product. I find it hard to believe that out of all the good reviews they gave, there was something wrong with my bottle or the way I applied it.

Just a mini-rant, sorry folks! = p

Sep 30, 2011

Shavon A.

@Andrea If you could've seen my face after I clicked that link -_- lol I agree! Idk, I'm all about tone of voice and enthusiasm. You can tell when its not real enthusiasm. I know I get a burst of energy when I record because I actually enjoy it, its fun for me. But monotone voices really irk me. Thats really the only thing that turns me off. I think the more genuine the person, the better. Be YOU, and ppl will appreciate it!

Sep 30, 2011

Lorena C.

Wow, those are some great tips and annoyances, many of which I would have never thought of.

@Soma- yes, I definitely agree. A few grammar mistakes here and there are natural in speaking but some people take advantage and it's pretty awful.

@Stephanie- yeah now that I look back on the videos I have with just music and letters, that it's kind of boring. Lol. Thanks for the heads up! I just talk too much and I hate uber-long videos but I'm sure practicing and editing will make that easier. Thanks so much for all the helpful tips =D

@Angela- yes a guru is supposed to be the best, not just someone who thinks they deserve it, but then again what do you call a make up video person? Just wondering, not being snarky/sarcastic, I really don't think I've heard another name for a beauty video maker who's not a pro make up artist but just doing YT vids.

@Andrea- The 10yr old thing is creepy. I tend to find it annoying when a 12 year old is wearing all high end products. I hope their parents are making them work for their stuff so they learn the value of it at least. I love the tip about intros, thanks for the heads up!

@Alexis- oh wow, yours was super helpful and hilarious to read. I'll definitely keep those tips/annoyances in mind =)

Thanks a bunch guys! I'm really excited to try out some new stuff and think I know a few things to watch out for too. 

Sep 30, 2011

Antonio Z.

WOW I just watched that annoying girl, WTF, I couldn't stand it and I am really patient (not that much, but in the normal patient rank)
I think I never heard such a talkitative person  X_x

Sep 30, 2011

Lorena C.

Yes, she made my head spin too @_@

Sep 30, 2011

gee m.

I like for the guru's to be honest about the products they review. I know a lot of times I am interested in using a product and I will go to youtube to check out some reviews and everybody will be loving all on the product and then I get it and I'm thinking for real? This mess is a hot mess! I do understand that what may work for others may not work for me but you know come on is there something you don't like? I also do not like when people play follow the leader. Some guru's start off reviewing and using low end products and complain about higher end products and then the next thing you know because everyone else is using the high-end products they in line trying to do the same thing. I saw the best thing to do is just be yourself. Be funny and have some fun.

Sep 30, 2011

Heather H.

I do agree that a lot of gurus (a title given by YouTube, not the literal meaning) do pump products, but a lot give honest reviews. I do understand that a lot of smaller companies cannot afford magazine advertising, so the more affordable option is to provide beauty bloggers with free samples to review/demo.

I don't really care for clothing hauls, but I like OOTDs because I want to see the whole picture.

I'm not a big fan of music only/speed tutorials, they're usually only made because they're easy to do. I prefer narrated or a real time video with personality.

I do really appreciate good lighting and camera quality, however, there are a few gurus that I watched through the poor video quality, simply because their work is amazing.

I really like a down to earth personality. I don't like the me me me attitude that can develop while talking to yourself in the camera. I really appreciate the many gurus who have maintained their down to earth attitude while having tens of thousands of subscribers.

I think it says a lot about a guru when they make no effort to interact with their subscribers or only interact negatively/with attitude. I really love YTers who are very interactive. I try to respond to most comments on my videos because I appreciate that people watch my videos and take the time to comment.

Sep 30, 2011

Angie K.

Quality of the video is so important, I have some videos of my own where you can barely see anything, makes me cringe! My quality has improved loads since then and I've now got a camera that focuses really clealry when I'm showing thngs up close, I love it. Also I don't like when people are apologetic for the way they look or they way they do something, I like confidence :)

Sep 30, 2011

Keshonta B.

Aaaaaaaaaand after watching the video for the link and comparing the two jlovesmac really doesn't seem so bad after all. But I honestly think MAYBE the young girl is doing tutorials for people her age MAYBE???? IDK but my nieces are 13&11 I would never let them wear a smokey eye.