How important are amvs to you now compared to back then?

[Castor Troy]

With discussion about the "community is dying" and whatnot, here's a serious question.

How important are amvs to you now in comparison to when you started?

Are you still dedicated to the point where you say: "I HAVE TO MAKE THIS IDEA OR I'LL DIE!!!". Do you ALWAYS have to release a video EVERY year and compete in contests?

or have you mellowed out a bit and make amvs whenever you feel like it?

Do you still have that burning desire and passion to still prove yourself and win contests every year? or do you feel you can take some time off since it's not as important as it used to be?

Probably from 1999-2005, AMVs were *THE* most important thing in my life. From 2006 onward, while amvs were still important, I was already getting ready to graduate college and move onto the real world, so my amv production kinda dropped down a bit. In 2008-2009, when I started working as a freelance editor, I would have long breaks in between jobs, so I would use that time to work on VG5 videos.

In 2010, when the 2 videos I made that year weren't getting much attention or recognition, that really re-ignited my fire to prove myself again.

In the past year, I've started my production company and my webshow (in sig) so amvs are taking a backseat right now. I only have 1 video to release this year which is the Naruto Ball Z sequel which I finished last June.

While I admit I don't have the passion for amvs like I did in the past, there are times that the fire sparks again and it's always a pleasure to see my work on the big screen and entertain people.

How about you guys?

[CodeZTM]

AMVs have always (sadly) been a lessor priority to me.

School/work/health will always be my first priority in my life, and that will likely not change until I retire.

Does that mean that I don't care about editing? NO. Of course not. But editing, to me, is a hobby, and a hobby is something that is done in my spare time. So sometimes that means that I have to wait a while before executing my ideas, and I'm fine with that.

So AMVs are (technically) just as important to me as they were before. They're not the focus of ALL my time, but are a major focus when I do have free time (even above gaming, reading and other things).

[Zarxrax]

I guess its about the same with me. They were a very big and important part of my life, but now, much less so. To be honest, I don't even watch a lot of AMVs anymore these days, and its really rare for me to find videos that really grab me and keep my interest like videos used to.

I'm not really sure if its just nostalgia or what, but I can often go back and watch old videos, and sit there for an hour, having a great time. Then I watch some of the new popular videos with a total lack of interest.

[BasharOfTheAges]

I've actually trended the other way, somehow. Made 2 vids in 2011, but only 1 every year prior to that. This year, I've had a rough time getting started for the contests I always compete in - mostly not by choice, and when by choice not consciously (i.e. procrastination took over). I have more ideas right now that I legitimately want to work on then ever before, I'm staffing more AMV events at cons, and starting my own VAT-clone at my local con this year.

[Fall_Child42]

Well, I still love making music videos but I've slowed down on making them because one of the biggest things that inspires me is if I really like the show. There just hasn't been many good shows out recently.

other than that I'll just chill.

[Animated]

I guess its about the same with me. They were a very big and important part of my life, but now, much less so. To be honest, I don't even watch a lot of AMVs anymore these days, and its really rare for me to find videos that really grab me and keep my interest like videos used to.

Exactly. Some years ago AMVs were my top priority, and getting them to the top10% was a lifetime achievement. Nowadays... i hardly enter the forum, shame on me. Maybe it's that more and more famous editors give up, I don't even know. But... look back in 2005, those AMVs, that year's VCAs. Diamonds. And now... only once in a while do you get to see something supurb (Pencilhead and the return of ScorpionsUltd being my examples)

I... really don't know. Anyway, i was happy to start a new amv project myself, and that got me into things which amused me in the past. Ah, those good days

[Ileia]

The priority of AMVs is the same for me now as it was in 2004 and hasn't changed any time between then and now. They are not my whole life, but they dominate my free time. And I don't mean just making AMVs. Watching AMVs and taking part in communities (here or otherwise) all count as the hobby. The "need to win" doesn't enter into it, that isn't what makes the hobby worthwhile, it's not how I gauge how "important" AMVs are to me. Contests are second place when it comes to my participation in this hobby.

[gotegenks]

well i in 2006 i didn't really care, then in 2008 i got vegas and i cared a little then in 2009 i got like a 300 sub boost and was gaining like a mofo compared to before a certain video so i cared a WHOLE LOT and then in 2010 i came to the Org and despite what a certain douchebag told me people here liked my video so i cared a LOT LOT MORE and then in 2011 i kinda got a life and fell out of the groove, but now and the past couple of months i've been more pumped than ever before!

[JaddziaDax]

AMVs when I first started in 2004 were a way of advertising my website (lame I know) which was my main creative outlet at the time (I hardly update it anymore, since it's turned into something more of a database.) In 2005-2007 they were a HUGE deal for me replacing my website and photoshoping and anything else.

Around 2008 we acquired Little Big Planet. (Which I was also fairly adverse to in the beginning as well, and didn't think I'd do anything with it.) Since then my attention has been split. Little Big Planet has become a huge creative outlet for me as well.

At the end of 2009 I moved across country so my computer was packed for a good chunk of the next year as we were looking for a house to purchase. I think that's when a lot of my inspiration died because I didn't have access to my computer. Real life got in the way.

I don't like the phrase "making a comeback" because that's not how I feel about it, but now that I have more time to work on amvs again, I kinda wish I had more ideas I was excited about.

I can't say that I have the urge to make a video or I'll die, and I tend to only compete in contests I'm requested to, or conventions I plan on going to.

I'd definitely say I've mellowed, but I still do get excited over projects, especially when they come together quickly. If a video takes a long time then I lose momentum on it.

As for contests, I've NEVER really had a huge burning desire to enter or compete. I make amvs because I think its fun and a creative outlet. The only reason I've ever entered contests before is because I want to get my videos shown to a live audience.

As for creativeness as a whole, I want to make stuff (videos and levels) however I have very few solid ideas, and prep time is a pain.

[Knowname]

It might be age, but I'm starting to forget the ideas that I once had OFC I did have like over 50...