Just curious what real world engineers think of Ben Heck.
Ah, sorry I didn't mean to leave anyone out. I re-worded my comment.On the other hand, the stuff he builds up isn't going into outer space or being used in life/death situations...
Looking at some of the stuff on his site, it's rather sloppy, with wires exposed on the exterior of things and generous use of hot glue everywhere. Pretty bad design choice in my opinion as you could just easily snag those.
Reminds me too much of marketing, jazzing it up for the camera, buzzwords, fancy video overlays, that kinda thing...
Looking at some of the stuff on his site, it's rather sloppy, with wires exposed on the exterior of things and generous use of hot glue everywhere. Pretty bad design choice in my opinion as you could just easily snag those.
He seems to attract some audience. these days no one will appeal to everyone.
To be honest I was expecting just crickets in this thread.
My take on Ben Heck, he has his role in the new resurgence in the electronics world. Heck, I can always use a better glue gun :)
Kidding aside, he is doing a great job, just tell him not to get drunk while people are recording hangouts. Then again, that was funny!
Just curious what real world engineers (and the EEVblog community) think of Ben Heck. Having spoken with a few I know online, they seem to lean towards disliking him for not really displaying much work, doing a lot of things off camera
and basically taking the spotlight away from others who they feel deserve more recognition.
Perhaps my point would be better made If I said. On YT everything is catering to a niche.
Seems odd that Element 14 are targeting that end of the market though, but what do I know?I always thought this too. Other than selling Raspberry Pi boards they don't really cater for the hacker/maker.
He gets more views than my channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRe7NGdsY7s6sOTsRahdb_sx2oDwGbh_O):(
Yes, a shameless plug :-[
He gets more views than my channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRe7NGdsY7s6sOTsRahdb_sx2oDwGbh_O):(
Yes, a shameless plug :-[
He gets more views than my channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRe7NGdsY7s6sOTsRahdb_sx2oDwGbh_O):(
Yes, a shameless plug :-[
I always thought this too. Other than selling Raspberry Pi boards they don't really cater for the hacker/maker.
My main gripe with his stuff is that he seems to have everything he needs on hand or available from a friend. no one else in the world has access to the stuff he has access to like that, so it really, really limits my ability to "draw a line" between my own abilities and his.
All of that said, I'm 100% confident that Ben is indeed a good person and I believe that he's doing what he sees to be good work. I think that's awesome. Power to him, and a healthy "WELL DONE" to Element14 for working with him to, or letting him, produce the videos he produces. I'm not watching but I know that there are lots of folks who are inspired to "make" more because of him.
He gets more views than my channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRe7NGdsY7s6sOTsRahdb_sx2oDwGbh_O):(
Yes, a shameless plug :-[
My main gripe with his stuff is that he seems to have everything he needs on hand or available from a friend. no one else in the world has access to the stuff he has access to like that, so it really, really limits my ability to "draw a line" between my own abilities and his. If I can draw a line between myself and you, then I have a path --a plan-- to get my own abilities up to yours.
So there begs the question.............could our Dave be poached if say Ben retired............money talks!
I prefer Dave's more in-depth style. I think he appeals more to women and gay dudes as well, with his ripped body and tight t-shirts.
This reminds me of an April fools you did once about working for a test equipment manufacturerSo there begs the question.............could our Dave be poached if say Ben retired............money talks!
Unlikely.
There are more things to life than money. I've turned down many offers before.
I certainly wouldn't do it for the money Ben is being paid (last I heard), but I already have a full time successful video blog, Ben didn't when he got the offer AFAIK, so it was likely a very good offer for him.
Although I did turn down one similar paying offer before back when this was just a part time fun thing for me. That could have easily turned it full time for me, but I declined for various reasons.
With hindsight I'm glad I turned down every such offer that I have.
Could you do a few videos on the tools you use and the basics of precise metal work. I'm really lacking any knowledge about it and just stand in awe at what you do in your videos. What's your background?
I like Ben. He's got a likeable personality on camera and never takes himself too seriously. While I personally don't learn much from the videos I recognize that they are good for people who are just getting into electronics and hacking. I also have a lot of respect for anyone who can demonstrate skill with not just electronics, but mechanical and industrial design as well.
He gets more views than my channel (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRe7NGdsY7s6sOTsRahdb_sx2oDwGbh_O):(
Yes, a shameless plug :-[
I prefer Dave's more in-depth style. I think he appeals more to women and gay dudes as well, with his ripped body and tight t-shirts.
If a woman ran an electronics blog, would you just stare at her breasts the whole time?
Just curious what real world engineers (and the EEVblog community) think of Ben Heck.
Lately, I've stopped watching simply because I can't stand the interspersed video commercials. It's really disruptive.
I prefer Dave's more in-depth style. I think he appeals more to women and gay dudes as well, with his ripped body and tight t-shirts.
If a woman ran an electronics blog, would you just stare at her breasts the whole time?
Yes
Lately, I've stopped watching simply because I can't stand the interspersed video commercials. It's really disruptive.
That's the only issue I have with TBHS. This is why I have always turned down every offer of in-video sponsorship.
Apart from that, I don't know how anyone could have a legitimate complaint about the content.
Lately, I've stopped watching simply because I can't stand the interspersed video commercials. It's really disruptive.
As hobbyist i watch BH time to time if title of episode interest me..I didn't know E14 run the BH show.
Bit too much Element14 promotion for my taste. But then again i understand why the show is the way it is. Element14 is spending a lot of money on it and wants their moneys worth...
Just often wondering if a bit different show format would work better, little bit less pro Element14 and little more lets hack thing X this week..
This could be cool...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhxaPSS-m1Q (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhxaPSS-m1Q)
Lately, I've stopped watching simply because I can't stand the interspersed video commercials. It's really disruptive.
That's the only issue I have with TBHS. This is why I have always turned down every offer of in-video sponsorship.
Apart from that, I don't know how anyone could have a legitimate complaint about the content.
good thing too the last thing you want is to have a product you want to criticize and the manufatureres are your in video advertiseres, that could put you in a dificalt position
I really like a show called Ham Nation, but the ads are really annoying, I suppose this is how the internet time is paid for, I like Bob Heil the main presenter of the show along with the other radio hams on there, so the ads are just about bearable if you hit the mute key quick enough.Lately, I've stopped watching simply because I can't stand the interspersed video commercials. It's really disruptive.
That's the only issue I have with TBHS. This is why I have always turned down every offer of in-video sponsorship.
Apart from that, I don't know how anyone could have a legitimate complaint about the content.
When she was saying how slippery the locknuts were, I was reminded of the scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts let a snail fly.
When she was saying how slippery the locknuts were, I was reminded of the scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts let a snail fly.
And you would have thought the BH show would have enough budget to afford a wrench for her.
have enough budget to afford a wrenchWow I read wench...
And I just got contacted by the PR company that handles TBHS.
That's another layer of 3rd party companies who take their cut.
I'm beginning to understand why the show costs E14 so much!
Anyway, they have offered the Dave'Speak device to giveaway to my audience which is cool.
He doesn't do theory, he doesn't have any academic background or formal training in electronics. My definition of an engineer is someone who can tell you not just what, but why. All the way back to the electron level.
I present you Jeri Ellsworth, no formal training but she can bake transistors at home:
He doesn't do theory, he doesn't have any academic background or formal training in electronics. My definition of an engineer is someone who can tell you not just what, but why. All the way back to the electron level.90% of the engineers I know, cant tell you the theory of operation of everything they use down to the electron level. That's involved quantum and solid state physics, and even professionals don't need to know all of this stuff. Part of the reason ICs were invented is to hide the complexity. If I'm designing an LED control circuit, I don't need to know how white LEDs generate their light. It's enough to have two simple equations that fall out of the sky.
One of the first shows (possibly the very first) introduced Ben as an artist, not an engineer, and remembering that whilst watching the shows will explain an awful lot. He doesn't do theory, he doesn't have any academic background or formal training in electronics. My definition of an engineer is someone who can tell you not just what, but why. All the way back to the electron level. The BHS seems to go as far as "because hey wow cool" and "because glue gun". Props to him for flogging this well-paid dead horse for so long though.
...
Talking of which, I think BH's show would probably be better alongside an engineer, with Ben providing the charisma and presentation, and the engineer providing tech content.
...
I thought I should watch BH's latest video, the one tearing down a classic Mac. He ponders on how old the hard drive is, turning it over in his hands. At 7m10s it shows you a nice close-up of the HDD with at least 6 1990 date codes on display, but still can't work it out.
This is why I have always turned down every offer of in-video sponsorship.
If a woman ran an electronics blog, would you just stare at her breasts the whole time?
Yes
BTW, you'd be shocked at how much Element 14 pay to get each episode edited and produced. Let's just say that one episode costs more than I've spent on the entire 5 years of my blog for all my camera gear, software and PC's etc
>Quote from: Zad on May 12, 2014, 10:45:11 PM (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=29840.msg443428#msg443428)He doesn't do theory, he doesn't have any academic background or formal training in electronics. My definition of an engineer is someone who can tell you not just what, but why. All the way back to the electron level.
Even if I agree with you about BH,
I present you Jeri Ellsworth, no formal training but she can bake transistors at home:
Making Microchips at Home - Cooking with Jeri Part1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdcKwOo7dmM#ws)
Sure others can do electronics without formal training.
Jeri Ellsworth is in a class of her own. She isn't a supermodel but she definitely isn't ugly. She is a hell of a resourceful chick.
Jeri Ellsworth is in a class of her own. She isn't a supermodel but she definitely isn't ugly.
Jeri Ellsworth is in a class of her own. She isn't a supermodel but she definitely isn't ugly.
What's that got to do with anything? :-//
If you find the technical content interesting, what does it matter if the presenter is male / female or what they look like?
Jeri Ellsworth is in a class of her own. She isn't a supermodel but she definitely isn't ugly.
Having more than one interest is good, however you shouldn't base your judgement of technical merit on gender or looks.
>Quote from: David_AVD on Today at 06:00:06 PM (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=29840.msg458289#msg458289)Having more than one interest is good, however you shouldn't base your judgement of technical merit on gender or looks.
I don't think he did. He just provided two independent opinions on two different topics. ;-)
Thank you Zapta.
Quote from: zapta on Today at 07:37:45 PM (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=29840.msg458324#msg458324)>Quote from: David_AVD on Today at 06:00:06 PM (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=29840.msg458289#msg458289)Having more than one interest is good, however you shouldn't base your judgement of technical merit on gender or looks.
I don't think he did. He just provided two independent opinions on two different topics. ;-)
Thank you Zapta.
can bake transistors at home:
I would love to see Mr. Jones drink a beer or three and see how he copes.
“Son, never trust a man who doesn’t drink because he’s probably a self-righteous sort, a man who thinks he knows right from wrong all the time. Some of them are good men, but in the name of goodness, they cause most of the suffering in the world. They’re the judges, the meddlers. And, son, never trust a man who drinks but refuses to get drunk. They’re usually afraid of something deep down inside, either that they’re a coward or a fool or mean and violent. You can’t trust a man who’s afraid of himself. But sometimes, son, you can trust a man who occasionally kneels before a toilet. The chances are that he is learning something about humility and his natural human foolishness, about how to survive himself. It’s damned hard for a man to take himself too seriously when he’s heaving his guts into a dirty toilet bowl.”
James Crumley
I would love to see Mr. Jones drink a beer or three and see how he copes.
"But, guys that don't have a drink ever, I don't trust. Something shady going on there."
I never touch the stuff, but in my case there's a dead simple reason, I don't like the taste.
To those who never acquired a taste for alcohol, be glad you didn't. I spent a half a dozen years in my misspent youth occasionally abusing the spirits as a binge drinker and then spent another 10 as an occasional light drinker. All I have to show for it is 20% cirrhosis of the liver, causing portal hypertension, an enlarged spleen and reduced kidney function due to recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes and drinking is not a smart thing to do. Thankfully, SWMBO has a drink very rarely and not at home, so the temptation isn't there. The really sad thing is that you don't buy booze, you only rent it awhile.Or more like pay a little now, pay a lot later. That also applies to tobacco and other drugs as well as stuff like soft drinks and other junk food.
...
there is a saying locally that does not translate well into English, but the Dutch and Belgium readers will understand it perfectly well. Ek drink nie, ek rook nie, ek steek nie.....my neus in ander mense se sake nie.
So that's what you guys do when watching a Jeri Ellsworth or Lady Ada video?
“Son, never trust a man who doesn’t drink because he’s probably a self-righteous sort, a man who thinks he knows right from wrong all the time. Some of them are good men, but in the name of goodness, they cause most of the suffering in the world. They’re the judges, the meddlers. And, son, never trust a man who drinks but refuses to get drunk. They’re usually afraid of something deep down inside, either that they’re a coward or a fool or mean and violent. You can’t trust a man who’s afraid of himself. But sometimes, son, you can trust a man who occasionally kneels before a toilet. The chances are that he is learning something about humility and his natural human foolishness, about how to survive himself. It’s damned hard for a man to take himself too seriously when he’s heaving his guts into a dirty toilet bowl.”
Just curious what real world engineers (and the EEVblog community) think of Ben Heck. Having spoken with a few I know online, they seem to lean towards disliking him for not really displaying much work, doing a lot of things off camera, and basically taking the spotlight away from others who they feel deserve more recognition.
I'm indifferent as I don't watch him. I just remember him for his "portable" PS3/Xbox 360, haven't kept up with anything else he's done, but saw him on some youtube links after watching Dave's videos. Curious how others feel is all. Thoughts?
Yep, and that's why very few youtube channels, regardless of how good they might be, or how well produced, would ultimately not make the cut on mainstream TV.
Just curious what real world engineers (and the EEVblog community) think of Ben Heck. Having spoken with a few I know online, they seem to lean towards disliking him for not really displaying much work, doing a lot of things off camera, and basically taking the spotlight away from others who they feel deserve more recognition.
I'm indifferent as I don't watch him. I just remember him for his "portable" PS3/Xbox 360, haven't kept up with anything else he's done, but saw him on some youtube links after watching Dave's videos. Curious how others feel is all. Thoughts?
Watchyed a few videos, I'm of a similar opinion to you, I find my youtube kicks elsewhere and far more in depth.
I think he's ok for hooking n00bs into the hobby/profession but they'll soon be over him.
5) I don't think it's easy, what he's trying to achieve, given the direction his paymasters will be demanding. The question is, do his paymasters have a clue what the audience want, if they are to gain and keep subscribers?
Element 14 didn't care that console modding type stuff was not anything close to their core customer base, that didn't matter to them. If it had a hint of electronics that was good enough so that marketing could go "tick" on their social media KPI and have their own platform to insert ads into.One thing that always strikes me as 'odd' is how the E14 ads that are placed in the middle of the show episodes look totally out of place (target wise) compared to the average show contents. Yet with little effort they could catch much more value than using the whole show only to invite typical hobbyists/modders to join their community website.
At the time Element 14 were paying HUGE money to a production company to edit each video, you'd be shocked at how much.
At the time Element 14 were paying HUGE money to a production company to edit each video, you'd be shocked at how much.Since the quality, format, and lengths of the videos remained the same, and not much has changed - not sure if that is true.
If that "production company" was doing anything, it wasn't much. Maybe there was a middle man producer in there sucking up some dough.
Dave, the saying you're looking for is "Content is King"
But on the other hand, say you want to make a documentary that is 15 mins long, and you need to hire a company to do it, yea, $25k is the staring point.
With that said, there is a place for well produced videos of (mechanical and electrical) engineering. No one has tapped that market yet.
Mythbusters was kinda close. "Prototype This", got even closer.
With that said, there is a place for well produced videos of (mechanical and electrical) engineering. No one has tapped that market yet. Mythbusters was kinda close. "Prototype This", got even closer.It is not a huge market. They have tried numerous times to put mechanical engineering shows on prime tv and each and every time they scratched the engineering and made some nonsense soap story out of it. Good example is for instance American Restorations (http://www.ricksrestorations.com/), first season was excellent they showed what work went into restoring the items in detail, then it all was about the people their social (fake) interactions, the boobs of the wife etc. It just shows that the majority of people are not interested in craftmanship and just want stupid entertainment.
To my mild surprise: So do I :)...
there is a saying locally that does not translate well into English, but the Dutch and Belgium readers will understand it perfectly well. Ek drink nie, ek rook nie, ek steek nie.....my neus in ander mense se sake nie.
Yep, I understand it :)
Yes they have:
https://www.youtube.com/user/engineerguyvideo (https://www.youtube.com/user/engineerguyvideo)
QuoteYes they have:Secret Life Of Machines
https://www.youtube.com/user/engineerguyvideo (https://www.youtube.com/user/engineerguyvideo)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfr3_AwuO9Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfr3_AwuO9Y)
And in the US at least, we had on PBS (our version of the BBC) Physics lectures (from MIT?) that were animated and shown during the day. Can't find a link, but they were awesome.
Secret Life Of Machines
And in the US at least, we had on PBS (our version of the BBC) Physics lectures (from MIT?) that were animated and shown during the day. Can't find a link, but they were awesome.
QuoteYes they have:No he hasn't.
https://www.youtube.com/user/engineerguyvideo (https://www.youtube.com/user/engineerguyvideo)