INDEX
Before Anything
This is an online event. Because you will be streaming audio and video live, you need at least 5 Mbps UPLOAD speed. Can you please confirm by running a speed test: https://www.speedtest.net/
Please let me know if this is an issue.
Also, whenever possible, use an ethernet connection, not WiFi.
Use The Test Guild Conference Branded Template
Speakers must use the Guild Conferences slide template for your conference type ==>http://rcl.ink/yHt
Checklist to follow before you start recording
- Whenever possible, record with your monitor resolution set at 1980 x 1080. All videos (slides and demos) must be recorded in the following resolution: 1980 x 1080. Video quality must be 1980 x 1080, and file format should be .MP4
- Speakers must Use the Guild Conferences slide template for your conference type ==>http://rcl.ink/yHt
- Remember that some viewers will watch the conference on tablets, phones, and other devices. We want your text to be legible on all devices. For that reason, we recommend increasing the font size on all IDEs, text editors, and command lines to at least 16.
- Disable system and application notification pop-ups
- Make sure if you're using a laptop that it is plugged in
- Make sure your camera is stable and not shaky
- Meet the audio requirements listed below (DO NOT USE YOUR INTERNAL MICROPHONE)
- Avoid using external speakers during LIVE Q&A. Have a pair of headphones instead. If you use external speakers, my voice will bleed thru into the audio.
- Close email, Skype, IM, browsers, or anything else that may interrupt you
- Turn off fans, A/C, other computers/servers in your recording room, or anything else that might “click on” and create background noise while recording
- Clean up your desktop and taskbar
Guild Conference Format
So, what should a Guild Conference session video look like?
The first sessions should be user-based – not vendor sales pitches. Videos that are skewed toward a vendor sales pitch will not be accepted! (** Don't use a greenscreen unless you REALLY know what you are doing! Nothing looks worst and unprofessional **)
- The first few minutes are just you talking to the camera about what you will show us.
- Screen share showing a tool, technique, or tip to help attendees in their daily efforts (please turn your camera on during your session).
- The Guild prefers hands-on, practical screen sharing of tips, tricks, and demos to help fellow engineers create better automation, testing, or game development over boring, high-level, philosophical PowerPoint slides. Of course, this is just good practice. If you are doing a more high-level presentation, then at least make the slides enjoyable :)
- Also, since the videos are pre-recorded, speakers are encouraged to dive into the actual code to “show us,” not just “tell us” how something can be achieved. This will set us apart from a “live,” in-person conference — more in-depth with real, hands-on, screen-sharing-type demos. Once again, this varies depending on your topic.
- The last few minutes should be you on camera wrapping up your session.
- Since this is an online conference, you must have a quality microphone and video camera. Also, since we will be LIVE for QA, please make sure you join using a wired internet connection whenever possible.
- The perfect video length is 25 minutes.
The more actionable the session content, the better. We aim for guild attendees to learn a tip, tool, technique, or best practice they can implement immediately to achieve results.
FOR SPONSORED SPEAKERS IMPORTANT
The Guild attendees have told me over the last seven years that they want Genuine Content Over Vendor Promotion. Multiple respondents of our yearly survey say they preferred genuine content, craftsmanship workshops, and practical sessions over vendor-specific content. They would appreciate less promotion and more genuine insights. Not saying you can't highlight your solution, but when doing so, try to include some takeaways that anyone can implement even if they are not using your tool/solution.
Recording software Suggestions
- For Mac, I use and recommend Screenflow
- For PC, the most popular is Camtasia
- Some more affordable options would be
- Snagit, Screencast-O-Matic or Quicktime Player
Speakers must have a quality microphone and video cam. (*These are just suggestions. You can use what you have, but here are some suggestions if you don't have anything yet. Since I want to present guild speakers in the best possible light, I think you must have good audio and video quality)
Other Video Software Options
| Software | Cost | OS | Functions | Pros | Cons |
| Filmora Scrn | $19.99 per year $29.99 for lifetime license | PC, Mac | Screen recording Video editing | Lower cost | Simple editing Limited noise removal |
| OBS | Free | PC, Mac, Linux | Screen recording | Free Automatically record with noise filters in iZotope RX Elements ($129) Built-in decibel meter | Complicated to configure initially Harder to record a screen region |
| Quicktime | Free | Mac | Screen recording | Free Built in on Mac | Records at variable frame rate Can’t capture only a screen region |
| Resolve | Free | PC, Mac, Linux | Video editing | Free Fully featured Efficient editing | Steeper learning curve |
| ScreenFlick | $35 | Mac | Screen recording | Lower cost Capture screen, live video, and cursor in separate tracks | Only available on Mac |
| Vegas Movie Studio Platinum | $79.99 | PC | Video editing | Fully featured Includes advanced audio filters | Steeper learning curve |
Schedule a Recording Time
If you can't record independently, I can record your session in real time. To book a recording session, select a day and time that works for you from my calendar:
https://calendly.com/testguild/recording
Microphones
Webcams
Examples of a Guild Session
Example of LIVE QA sessions
Where Uploaded Finished Recording
Upload your recorded session .MP4 here when you are done: https://testguild.com/dropbox
