Livestreams are too long!

Sorry but as a newcomer I have to say the livestreams drive me nuts…I just don’t know how many times I can watch someone else’s zoom calls.
They are simply too long and mostly full of waffle. I have only so much precious time allocated to me on planet earth and the livestream, as a format, just eats away at it. 

The Courses with their edited content and high production values are wonderful but the livestreams…I’m done. A cheap way of making content. Too much noise.

 

Lots to like about tonebase but the livestreams alienate me. 
 

41 replies

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    • Michelle_Roper
    • 3 days ago
    • Reported - view

    Hello Andy,

    So what livestreams are you talking about? I have been with tonebase for a while and have learnt much. You just never know during the waffling someone may say something that turns out to be a little gem. 

    Cheers

    Michelle

    • Mihaly_Benko
    • 3 days ago
    • Reported - view

    You can increase the speed of the stream if you want to save time. 

    • Stefanie_MosburgerDalz
    • 3 days ago
    • Reported - view

    For me

    they are not too long! Take your time on planet earth, it is not about speed!

      • Jacques_farmer
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       

    • Nora_TorresNagel
    • 3 days ago
    • Reported - view

    Oh ! Andy you do not need to be soooo impolite....just don't look at them !!!! or you can leave Tonebase if you do not like it !  I look at them only when I have the time and I choose the ones that are interesting for me! it is not sooo difficult....

      • Andy.7
      • 3 days ago
      • Reported - view

       

      The livestreams are one aspect of tonebase? Why would I leave when everything else is wonderful. Like I said, I am not going to look at them from now on…But thanks for the advice….

      • Jacques_farmer
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       there are some great livestreams, like most people watch them at your leisure that’s the beauty of tonebase. 

    • Andy.7
    • 3 days ago
    • Reported - view

    Well I wasn’t expecting everyone to agree which is fine. IMHO and all that. I didn’t think I was impolite by the way…we are paying yes? So strong feedback should be welcome.
     

    Example: cleaning your guitar. Takeaway: get lemon oil and make sure it is pure. Use a soft cloth. 
    Done. I mean watching someone take their strings off their guitar is the equivalent of watching paint dry.

    If others are happy to watch other people’s zoom calls as a pastime you carry on. I’m just saying I’m not.

      • Jacques_farmer
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       that’s for beginners, but there are so many different ways to replace strings on a classical guitar it’s worth dropping g in and moving on if you want. I agree with giving positive feedback 

      • Fernando_Ruiz_Diaz
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       While you might not find these contents valuable, many people benefit from these detailed step-by-step informal settings. Different people have different ways to learn. Not everyone works the same.

      I can understand that you do not appreciate the format of the livestreams as they are now. However, your criticism was not constructive at all. If you appreciate the courses and do not like livestreams, no one of mandating you to watch them. Focus on the content that benefits you most.

      I personally love livestreams in which they have more time to go into details on a specific song, method or technique, while interacting with people on the chat, answering questions on the go and going on tangents (that mostly are interesting). All these aspects cannot be covered in a pre-recorded course.

      If you have any constructive criticism we are all welcome to hear. I do have some criticism about livestreams, even though I like them. There are ways they can get better. However, without identifying a problem and having a suggestion or open a discussion on how to solve it, I am not opening a discussion to trash an important offering of Tonebase for its audience.

      Remember, the audience is broad. If you don't like it, focus on watching courses. Peace out.

      • Andy.7
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       

      I think live streams can work, I am not against them per se but I find the one's on tonebase can often be chaotic and meandering. Not all of them, but lots.

      • Fernando_Ruiz_Diaz
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       All good, you can leave feedback with concrete examples and referring to each part where these things happen. Suggest some constructive criticism and we'll see that reflected in future livestreams.

      I can also think of instances that align with your observations, as I've experienced them myself. However, I would respectfully note that referring to the production as 'cheap' may overlook the significant effort and preparation the hosts invest in each livestream. From planning and coordination to presenting live (an inherently high-pressure environment) the hosts show commitment and vulnerability by putting themselves in a position where mistakes cannot be edited out.

      Performing live versus delivering pre-recorded, editable content are fundamentally different scenarios, with the former placing considerably more demand on the hosts. It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate their dedication and the time they commit to delivering a livestream content while putting themselves in that vulnerable position.

      If you prefer the courses, you can stick to them and attendance in livestreams is not mandatory to keep the subscription.

    • James_Charlton
    • 3 days ago
    • Reported - view

    I agree with Andy. 

    The topics are well chosen and I think all of them contain a lot of great information, at least for someone like me.  The problem with some of them is the organization, or lack thereof.

    First, an hour is a long time for any lecture, regardless how interesting it may be.  There are studies that show complex subjects are often easier to learn if they are succinctly presented in relatively short takes.  

    Another thing that could be done is to start on time.  Try to have the cameras, mics, screens etc all set up.  It's disrespectful to the viewers to fiddle with the equipment while they're waiting for the 'main event'.

     On the plus side, the presenters are all excellent musicians freely sharing their expertise and I understand they are not really into video production. 

    Because of that, I've found watching the lessons after the fact works better for me than participating in real time.  I can fast forward to the 'meaty' parts.  I usually watch the lessons on a big screen with my guitar in hand trying to copy the presenter.  That's not so easy.

    I often feel like a turkey watching the eagles fly.

    Regards,

    James Charlton (i.e. the turkey)     

      • Fernando_Ruiz_Diaz
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       I agree with some of the points you mentioned. In my case I am not always available during the livestream and find it very helpful to watch the recording, where I can control how long I am concentrate on the topic, the speed I wanna watch it and the ability to skip parts.

      You can break a livestream down into 4 different sections of 30 minutes if you struggle to concentrate watching it in a single shot. That's the beauty of the livestream and the fact that it is recorded.

      What I don't agree with is the length. There are content that you cannot go in depth in only one hour. The perfect example is Martin's live on Bach's Prelude BWV 999. This was a 2 hour live stream, so rich in content. Mostly because Martin had 2 hours. There are lessons in that livestream that are extremely important to me that are left out of every course because of lack of time.

      I wish more livestreams were 2 or 3 hours.

      Classes in college are not 30 minute classes for one reason. You can only go in depth if you have time.

      If you struggle to watch it because it's too long, you can watch it later and segment it into different parts to watch in different days.

    • Retired
    • Andre_Bernier
    • 2 days ago
    • Reported - view

    I understand what you mean. However there is a good side of learning a bit the personal side of these people. Also, just don't watch the live stream. Watch the replay at a faster speed for the sections less interesting. Finally, keep in mind that livestream are different then courses. Just the fact that there is a live audience that can exchange and ask questions change the dynamic.

      • Andy.7
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       

      I think one of the problems of the format is the need to get viewers questioning. I get it, but the issue is that the interviewers are constantly not looking at the person they are talking to as they fiddle with their computer. It is really distracting and tbh impolite. It’s like an ADHD meltdown.

      Is it a podcast, is it an interview? Neither, it’s a ‘livestream’ ….with one person doing the hosting and interviewing and fielding online questions. This, combined with the waffle just leads to a really sorry, I know I’m being harsh…not very professional presentation.

      • Retired
      • Andre_Bernier
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

        I perfectly understand what you mean. I am not trying to sell you the format. Bottom line, don't watch them if you don't like the format. Instead, concentrate on the amazing library of courses available.

      • Andy.7
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       

      Agreed, I have no problem with the courses, they really are exceptional.

    • Guilherme_Cruz
    • 2 days ago
    • Reported - view

    They are long, and that for me is a good thing. I bookmark some of them and watch multiple times when I need to… 

    • Bill_Dour
    • 2 days ago
    • Reported - view

    So…..

    Do what I do. Listen to the recordings of past live events at 2 times the speed until you get to the meaty parts that you want focus on.

    • michel.2
    • 2 days ago
    • Reported - view

    Une réponse courte. Une expression courante en France :

    « Si cela ne vous plaît pas, n'en dissuadez pas les autres. »

      • Retired
      • Andre_Bernier
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       Je ne connaissait pas cette expression. Tout ça pour conclure qu'on apprends encore à tout les jours 😉

      • Andy.7
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       

      This is a forum.

      I clearly was not "trying to dissuade others". A forum is a place to discuss different points of view. It's a healthy thing.  Shutting down a point of view under the guise that the person is trying to "unduly influence others" is not healthy in a forum. (forum..definition: a situation or meeting in which people can talk about a problem or matter)

      • Fernando_Ruiz_Diaz
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       Correct, this is a forum and the main goal here is to have discussions and share knowledge, tips, etc. The goal is to share and grow together. What I have seen in your post so far is disdain and aggressive language against the current offering of livestreams. A constructive discussion would be much more appreciated.

      • Andy.7
      • 2 days ago
      • Reported - view

       

      Who is being "aggressive"? Seems like it's you who are insulting me. Please let's not make this personal. I am making a valid criticism of what I think is a flaw with tonebase. There is no need for you to defend it and certainly no call for you to insult me. Please move along.

Content aside

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