I understand what you are saying Dave, and I more or less agree. The thing is, the group's goal of their official videos is to produce a professional video (correct me if I'm wrong Chris) and to inspire others to get them interested in science and technology.
If that's the case, then yes, they could be pushing up expectations with that.
The content of their videos is usually excellent, but it is those random bits of madness and stupidity which act as a turn off for viewers.
How do you know that?
How can you speak for others?
Be careful about assuming what other people think and want.
If there is one thing I have learned in this whole endeavour it's that
everyone wants and expects something different. As a content producer, it's an impossible position.
I am not criticizing the fact that Chris acts like that, but the fact that it makes it into the edited professional videos is what gets me.
Once again, I have not seen the videos. But from my own experience the reasons for that could be several. If you chop it out you can lose the flow of the video, and possibly some context further on in the video.
Also, it's usually not practical to go back and re-shoot stuff, you usually have to "make do" with whatever footage you shot.
It's always a tough call about whether to leave that stuff in or not.
Keep in mind, this is a group of people acting to serve a greater purpose, not Chris. When I criticize the group's video's, I am not criticizing Chris. He should keep acting as he does! It gives personality to stuff!
Bingo!
You want him to have and show personality in the video, but you want the personality
you expect and approve of.
I hope you can see how that's not quite practical, unless he was shooting the videos just for you
There is a time for off the cuff videos, which is often. But for example, the MIDI interrupter video, that is an instructional video with the purpose of teaching. By having Chris say in the beginning, "I don't really know how to solder," then continue on to teach us how to put together the new kit, it doesn't relay the intended message. When the show isn't effectively live, it is a realistic expectation.
I though all his official videos were effectively "live" for the streaming audience?
if that's the case then as I said, you can't just go back and shoot stuff, it's a whole different ball game.