Summer in the City 2013!

Now, where do I begin? After the build-up over the last few months, I wasn't entirely prepared for the weekend that just took place. It put a lot of things into perspective for me; it gave me an experience I'll never forget, and inspired me to reach out for my desires, as cliché as that may sound.

For those who aren't aware, Summer in The City is a YouTube convention held in London, this year being its 5th anniversary, and is the largest in the world (excluding Vidcon) the event offers YouTube creators and viewers the opportunity to attend panel's, mainstage events and meet and greets with favourite youtubers, as well as collaborating opportunities with other creators, and an events room purely for entertainment purpose: probably my favourite room considering the free smoothies, photobooth and beanbags to collapse on!

This being my first year, I didn't know what to expect. But what I know now is that it exceeded all expectations. The strong community feel throughout the entire weekend was wondrous to behold: it really is unusual how an online platform such as YouTube can engage and unite so many. No matter who we were, no matter our background, we each held similar interests and that's what brought us all together.

My personal highlight had to be the Becoming Youtube panel alongside a Collaboration Panel in the Panorama Room. Both were hugely insightful and motivational, as for a long time I have adopted a passive stance regarding 'video creation' for many reasons. 

• Confidence: from past experience myself and others undertook what TomSka refers to as 'actoring,' putting on a persona for filming purposes, which is exaggerated and overly-enthusiastic. *Cheesy* and *Embarrassing* are some of the words that spring to mind...

• I'm also 'put off' by the idea aspect. It may sound odd, but having one creative idea would really discourage me. Simply because it would only be one idea. Because after that idea is created and developed, expectation would be high and matching that expectation would be an intense pressure, especially if you're not feeling inspired and don't want to disappoint.

• Audience response: for me it's not numbers that are most important, but reaction. I'd prefer to have 1 person watching and liking, than 1000 disliking. So again I'd feel pressure and want people to enjoy my content.

All of these issues were thoroughly addressed during these panels and other events, and successfully did inspire me to pursue a YouTube path: something I have always had a keen interest in. KickThePj was particularly helpful with 'creative block', and Benjamin Cook with audience response and confidence. 

When Sunday evening events concluded, I'd never experienced such overwhelming emotion - I was genuinely so upset it had finished! Hank Green had just performed and the crowd was thriving. Then came the 'Thankyou" chant to the organisers. 5 brilliant YouTubers who had put so much time and effort into the weekend. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank them all personally, as without them none of it could have been possible. I'm not sure what I can say other than if the weekend overwhelmed me, goodness knows what they felt.

I attended this year in search of motivation, inspiration and idea. I returned with so much more than that. I do aspire to create videos in the near future, but I'm not sure I've found my creative area of expertise yet and I will not upload until I am completely 100% happy. Goodness knows how long that'll take...

Until next time!

"Cause life's a game to me, but with only one controller. And he's unhappy

So please, please, please, won't you join me

Until the very end

It's adventure time again."

-BriBry