YouTube is on the list of banned websites for many office networks, out of the well-founded fear that the popular online video portal would cripple productivity. Yet at least 24 hours worth of moving images are uploaded to YouTube every second. There’s bound to be a video that will save you time, and let concentrate on more important things like family, friends, and work. Here’s why:
Missed an event? Catch up on YouTube!
Last week, the last stop of Kobe Bryant’s 2011 Take Every Advantage Tour filled Araneta Coliseum to capacity with eager fans. But many others didn’t have the time to beg, threaten, or sell their souls for event tickets — nor could they clear up their busy office schedules (by taking a leave or pretending sickness) for the sake of attendance.
But while seeing Kobe live was probably an unforgettable experience, the various YouTube videos uploaded after the event ensure that we can watch what happened, whenever we’re free. Since a picture is worth a thousand words and a video is worth a thousand pictures, we don’t have to rely on stories or descriptions — no matter how well written — that just don’t capture the magic.
As an example, compare what I’ve written about the short 49-second YouTube video shown below, to the actual video itself.
Kobe Steals Ball, Crowd Goes Wild Over Monster Jam
A La Sallian attempts a three-pointer that's long. A Smart-Gilas player rebounds the try then throws a long pass downcourt. Japeth Aguilar controls the ball and throws it back to his team's point guard, who secured the board a few seconds ago. He sets up in front of Kobe.
The guard scans the court to start the play. He senses Bryant closing off the left, so he spins around to his right—but in a split second Kobe has poked the ball away! THE CROWD GOES WILD! OWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!
Kobe pushes the ball forward. There is no one between him and the basket. Everyone in arena knows what's next. Players on Kobe's bench crowd the court as the Lakers Star drives. One of them skips to a corner and squats for a better view of the action. The cheers slightly die down in anticipation... Haaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh...
Kobe leaps just before the semi-circle underneath the basket... AND THROWS THE BALL DOWN WITH TWO HANDS! The arena erupts! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH-WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! (whooooo) Hhhhaaahhhhhhh... Everyone on Kobe's bench chest bump, jump around, and dance like they've won the NBA finals!
Full of adrenaline, the crowd cheers Bryant on! KOBE KOBE KOBE KOBE... Smart-Gilas regroups, and one of their players attempts a layup. A UAAP player gets a hand on the shot, but its Kobe's hustle from the top of the key to contest that earns the credit. OOOAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
The cheers tone down again, and people start a new chant: KOBE KOBE KOBE (kobe) KOBE!!!
So what was more enjoyable? My description or the video? That’s right: Why spend time reading when you can see the action for yourself?
No time to play a video game? Look for its ‘Let’s Play’ videos!
Rather than miss deadlines playing narrative-driven games like Batman: Arkham Asylum or the latest installment of Final Fantasy, why not just watch videos of YouTube uploaders who’ve recorded themselves playing the games?
You won’t waste time figuring out how to get past that level, or killing virtual monsters over and over again so that the team of characters you control is experienced enough to defeat the final boss.
And because “Let’s Play” videos are actually a series of videos grouped together, you can zero in on a specific portion of a game. Watch the ending, or see how a famous plot point unfolds. Like how two heroes in Modern Warfare 2 find out their superior officer works with the bad guy:
Que Horror!
Why is a TV show so awesome? Find out in a few minutes!
YouTube takes down video clips of TV shows, because they’re a violation of copyright. They also open up the site to lawsuits from copyright owners. But that hasn’t stopped users from uploading their favorite moments — and from viewers enjoying them until YouTube’s moderators catch up.
Many American television critics rank The Wire as the best TV series ever. They laud the show’s focus on how societal and criminal institutions fail the people in them. The Wire is also famous for its apparently realistic portrayal of American inner-city life, and the show is full of memorable scenes which — despite (or perhaps because of) the characters’ use of urban slang — articulate concepts like loyalty, honor, greed, and personal identity well.
As an example, here’s a scene where an up-and-coming drug lord turns on his veteran partner, who’s been played right from the start:
The thing is, watching all five seasons and 60 hour-long episodes of The Wire takes time. And you’re busy compiling your deliverables now. Of course, following the entire series lets you see how characters develop and the progress of the story. But what’s wrong with taking in the best moments of a TV show, and seeing how they tie together once your schedule clears?
So there you have it: three ways to save time with YouTube. Maybe now your office IT manager will reconsider his ban!