Lynn inspired me to open my mail on video!

[Ellen C Braun]

Lynn has inspired me in so many ways, but I'm not about to write a whole book in this post;)

Today I got very exciting mail- my very first package from BookSwim! (http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/bookswim.html is my aff link- grab your own inside cj.com)

I was so excited to open up the package, that I set up my flip video and opened it up live!

Getting lots of nice comments on my post here:

http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/rent-books-online/

Fun! Thanks for the idea, Lynn!:)

[lisamariemary]

Nice job on the video, Ellen! Watched and rated!

I would add your affiliate link to the video page, as well, definitely!

[cindybidar]

That's so cool! I am expecting a package in the mail today or tomorrow and I'm considering this as well. :D

[wade_watson]

Nice video, Ellen. You're good on camera. A trend is born. Bookswim's interesting. They've adapted the Netflix model with books. I hope the Euless Public Library doesn't get any ideas, though. They always have plenty of parking space.

Opening my mail wouldn't be that interesting, since I don't get packages often. Maybe I'll start recording myself as I ship eBay stuff. Hmm. I'm giving myself an idea. Somebody might find that useful...

[Ellen C Braun]

Thanks for the kind words y'all.

Wade, do keep the ideas coming- that is a super idea. Since this was "real" and not "scripted" it went pretty well. When I practice a video I redo it a hundred times, and it takes all day.

BTW, do I have a future on broadway?

[LeighaBaer]

Great Video Ellen! Love the bookswim idea alot too.

[lisamariemary]

BTW, do I have a future on broadway?

Broadway, for sure, babe! Especially with that GORGEOUS hair of yours!!! ;)

[Kimmoy]

Having a book version of Netflix is a cool idea indeed, wonder if they'll do the same with digital/audio books? I can imagine shipping physical books aren't cheap for them as it is for Netflix to ship DVDs.

Anyway, cool video. Just a quick question, were you able to see yourself while recording? I just got a flip mino HD and wish it had a screen or something so I can see myself while recording.

[Ellen C Braun]

Hi Kimmoy,

It's more expensive for the plan than the same amount of DVD's at netflix- I think- haven't been on netflix for the past 2 years.

Nope, my flip does not have that feature- my old cell did! I'm sure the nice folks at theflip.com will help you with that if you want to exchange it. I sat the camera on a vertical tissue box and tested myself speaking for 2 seconds; when I got the angle right, I filmed.

[pamb10]

Ellen,

Great job on the video. Never heard of Bookswim so I will definately check it out. Another good site for books is PaperBackSwap. You just pay to send your requested book out. I have been a member for a while now and not disappointed.

There is a company that has this business model with video games. Its called GameFly. Its a keeper service in our family. Affiliate link available if anyone is interested in trying it out.

I use Audible to purchase my audio books.


Having a book version of Netflix is a cool idea indeed, wonder if they'll do the same with digital/audio books? I can imagine shipping physical books aren't cheap for them as it is for Netflix to ship DVDs.

Anyway, cool video. Just a quick question, were you able to see yourself while recording? I just got a flip mino HD and wish it had a screen or something so I can see myself while recording.

[Ellen C Braun]

Guess what BookSwim did- they put me onto their blog:

http://www.bookswim.com/blog/raisingsmallsouls-box-opening-video-by-ellen-c-braun/2010/01/04/

[lisamariemary]

That is totally awesome, Ellen! Way to go!! :)

[TraciKnoppe]

Sa-weet! I've never even heard of BookSwim - could definitely use this service. Thanks Ellen.

Great video - BTW. ;)