July 28, 2010
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XangaSecret: Live at the NY Xanga Meet
I have been meaning to put this new twist to my XangaSecret videos for a while now after seeing this PostSecret video, but just never found the right place and time to try it. Thankfully, the recent NY Xanga Meet was the perfect place and time to finally shoot the footage for this special edition!For those that have been following my XangaSecret series, you know that the videos usually displays someone’s anonymous secret that they’ve sent me as well as a corresponding picture that relates to the secret. This time, there are a few differences. In this edition, the person giving us the secret is actually shown on film. Also, what they say is a response to a specific question I had asked them:
“Without giving away who you’re referring to, what is something you wish you could say to someone you know but haven’t?”I picked this question because it was a way for people to say their secrets while still maintaining some anonymousity as to whom they’re actually speaking of. Since they were on camera, I didn’t expect anyone to say something too incriminating. While there were obviously a couple joke ones, there were also some real genuine words coming from many of the participants. Keep an eye out for people’s body language. That sometimes told me more than what they actually said.
Without further ado, here’s the video that came out of this experience:
Hope you enjoyed this fun twist to the series! Which secret was the most memorable to you?
Don’t worry, next video will go back to regular format. There will be a lot of secrets in that one, so stay tuned!
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To submit your own secret, please leave them anonymously in the comment section below (sign out first) OR leave them over at the XangaSecret Formspring page. There’s a good chance you’ll see them in a future video! For more information on how to submit a secret and how this all works, check out some of the previous XangaSecret posts:
What’s Your XangaSecret?
XangaSecret: Volume I and Volume II
XangaSecret: Volume III and Volume IV
XangaSecret: Volume V and Volume VI
XangaSecret: Volume VII
XangaSecret: Volume VIII (Love and Heartache Edition)
XangaSecret Volume IX
XangaSecret Volume X (April Fools Edition)
XangaSecret: Volume XIP.S. You will probably enjoy checking out the original PostSecret as well (the main inspiration for this video project).
Comments (134)
this was really well done. i am happy with the video and didn’t realize this video was supposed to be serious. alex, chris and i totally fucked it up by joking around in our answer hahaha… but i guess that makes us more memorable.
This was awesome!
@sonychak - Oh well. Alex said we could say anything we wanted, so I said what I wanted to say. hahaha
Dude, awesome job. Wish I had shown up on time. lol.
Love the twist. You’re right, the body language sometimes says so much more. I notice you never provided a clip of your own.
streimmy is tho thexy. i’d become a cougar because of him. hahaha.
@sonychak - See, I actually anticipated yall would joke and was gonna make a second joke version, but I decided to just bunch you guys up near the beginning haha. Look, I tried out that new FB Like thing on top! Click?
@SimplyNita - It was fun editing this!
@fLiPgUy31O - Could you transcribe what you said actually? I couldn’t quite make out what you said in the beginning.
@vanedave - If you did you could have been in this!
lol. dude. fantastic work.
awesome work Alex!
interesting
I really hope it’s not too incriminating.
@CuaSo - Yeah, unfortunately never got around doing it. Started getting a bit hectic with the coordinating and stuff.
@hilaw - Haha, I’m sure he’ll love to hear that.
@verified_but_still_denied - @oxyGENE_08 - @Yohkom - thanks, glad to have finally done a video like this.
@stupid_systemus - You’re fine, what you said could really be about at least a few people I know.
@Roadlesstaken - and i forgot say you did an excellent job. it’s so well done
ooo.. so that’s how it’s suppose to turn out.. haha.. nice work alex!
@hilaw - Thanks! I definitely used that PostSecret video as inspiration on how to go about it.
@babychillax - Thanks for helping out! I didn’t know who you were talking about at the time, but I slowly figured it out as the day went on =P
I’ll have to check this out when I’m on my break. I’m very curious to see how it turned out
That was great ^_^ Aaw, Aaron has a Xanga crush lol. By the way, Jose walking away at the end was very dramatic…I liked it.
Very nice. I tried figuring out who some of them were referring to but I couldn’t tell.
@Roadlesstaken - oh no no no.. hahaha.. not him.. he knew.. i was talkin about someone else.. hahaha
…Is that a vuvuzela?
@emily_shannon - …Why yes it is.
@babychillax - Dang it, Alex fail XP
@Lynn1013 - Exactly! It worked!
@RaquelHiggins005 - Saw how I slowed it down too? Teehee. Yours was great btw.
@skylar_rose - Awesome, tell me what you thought later
@Roadlesstaken - lol you seem so excited ^_^ thank you
@RaquelHiggins005 - I really liked the way you worded it. I had to smile to that!
well done, though it may have been me but the music was a little too loud to hear clearly
I didn’t watch the video yet cause I am at work but I wasn’t really sure what to say so I just spilled out what I THOUGHT was the case! It’s not true at all! I definitely have a xanga crush but the location is not western coast! wait, am I even in the video?? Noooo!! why can’t I watch it now?!?!?
I loved it! What an interesting change of pace.
@npr32486 - I think it was borderline. I toned down the music, upped the volume on the people speaking, and made it so the music would die down when people spoke. The music still came out a bit louder than I wanted though =/
@Trigger821 - Hehe, way to cover yourself. I believe ya. Mhmm…
@skylar_rose - Yay!
You seem to know exactly how to have good fun. God bless you!
@Roadlesstaken - Did anyone admit to you off-camera who they were talking about? Not asking who it was, I’m just curious if anyone did.
wow, Alex, I’m impressed with your camera and editing skills, and considering the circumstances we were in: heat-wave, biting flies, and unorganized bodies milling about. I will have to be more prepared next time i see you.
@Aloysius_son - I try!
@Lynn1013 - Nah, they stayed silent =)
@Linh_L - It was good to be unprepared. You gave me good thinking footage!
@tsotofu - I do, 3 actually. You don’t like theacematt2′s music?
you got some acematt music in there again…
and I like this format better, its cool being able to voyeur real life xangans… (lurk lurk)
@Roadlesstaken - was working on some videos and was going to use some also…
@Roadlesstaken - yay! ^_^
That video was great!!! My favorite was Babychillax!! Hahaha “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I’m staying at a guy friend’s house.” wow! Hahaha…
Aaron’s was adorable.
And CakaLusa, that was pretty funny as well.
@tsotofu - You’re free to use his music still
Chris REALLY likes his vuvuzela!
LOL. you guys are too cute. i like rhiggins’s confession– so sweet, sincere, and honest, aww.
awesome postvid btw, i really like it, you did a great job.
@normality_dreamer - We need to find him someone in NY. Know of anyone interested?
@CareyGLY - Yup, he loves his vuvuzela…and his alcohol…and bromance….and er, “brushing his teeth”
@aphoenix_rising - Hers was one of my fave too. Glad you liked it!
Oh my gosh people on Xanga are gorgeous :]
@Roadlesstaken - Hahaha… hmmm… I’ll have to think. I usually befriend guys, not gals.
these were boring
but I like the way you edited the vid
do you use imovie?
@Shavanna - Indeed
@normality_dreamer - I’m sure you can figure something else.
@nepenthium - You know, I was actually expecting you to say that haha. I remember how you thought the same about that PostSecret video when I first linked it.
Yup, iMovie was what I used.
Intriguing!
Yeahhh…… I wanted to redo mine, but didn’t exactly have time… lol. Eh, it worked out for the best with it being cut. Can’t say I ever expected to see the 1st song used nicely, but it worked. Good choices
.
WHY WON’T THEY EVER TURN OUT TO BE GIRLS?!
@normality_dreamer - May or may not be true!
@tsotofu - Truth. What Roadlesstaken said still holds true. Just link the songs used back to me, and you’re free to use ‘em.
Hoping they serve you well.
@Roadlesstaken - ” I think it was borderline. I toned down the
music, upped the volume on the people speaking, and made it so the
music would die down when people spoke. The music still came out a bit
louder than I wanted though”–live and learn. Oh the joys of editing, xD.
(and this makes 3 comments left in a row… oops?)
@CaKaLusa - O_o;; Yohkom IS a girl… Psh!
@Roadlesstaken - whoohooo you win a prize.
@theacematt2 - drats!
@mycontinuity - Ew Tina, I don’t like your profile pic! It’s so…the opposite of you haha
@theacematt2 - Yeah I know, I didn’t have time to do mine either =( . Good songs Matt!
@CaKaLusa - Maybe it’s a sign.
@nepenthium - Excellent. Anything good?
@theacematt2 - Yeah, the music was fine for the most part. It did get a tad too loud towards the end, but what they’re saying is still okay.
@Roadlesstaken - Aaaand, you should still have a good # of songs to pick from, if you plan to continue the series
The music and the editing was good.
@theacematt2 - I think I do. I need more songs around the 4 minute range! =D
@karen0z - Thanks!
@Roadlesstaken - mmm… more than half the ones on http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/68642 are about that length (or longer, and able to be trimmed). aaand what was done after that one.. http://www.jamendo.com/en/album/71467/ (more 3 than 4 minutes, but two 3-minute songs can be trimmed to fit, too, true?)
i can see you thru people’s sunglasses, awesome
@Roadlesstaken - Oh noes!
i cant believe i missed this part of the meet! oh well next time! great job btw. the quality of the video is amazing. ive been a fan of postsecret for years and i def enjoyed your xangasecret project too.
@smile4leena - Noooo!
@rxglasshalffull - I was going to keep on shooting more videos after the park, but things got hectic and I forgot to do it =(
thattt is actually really sweet. i like how you put the more serious ones toward the end.
ahhh this was awesome.
sorry aaron, you’re quirkiness was so cute!!
great work Alex. Seriously, hats off.
@nimbusthedragon - but you’re not wearing a hat…
@ordinary_gir1 - We should have done more wingmaning/womaning for him in NY
@thexCITYxsplit - Haha yeah, got the joke ones out of the way.
NIce work.
@vanedave - Me too. xD
You psychologist, you, paying attention to body language ^_^
I like the way you edited this to show all the humorous thinking parts.
i finally know what i want to say but i think a few people i guess know what i want to say lol…
hahaha cute i liked it
aww the last one was a great way to end it.
i like that question.
last night i actually thought of someone and the things i wanted to say to her.
isn’t life grand that sometimes fondest memories of a friend could not be replaced by the recent bitterness? =]
way to keep it real and safe for everyone at the same time. smarts
That’s cool! Certainly a different experience hearing it out loud from the person rather than just text on a screen.
haha. cool video!
@kaiori - Well, safeish; I probably some people can figure out who they’re referring to if they do a lot of detective work haha
@jumpthenfly - Exactly. Even though the secrets themselves are as juicy as we’re used to, it resonates a bit more due to them saying it right there and then.
@juiCyer - Thanks! Would you have done it had I gotten to you before we had to move out?
@randaness - Been watching a lot of Lie To Me lately, so I’m paying more attention to body language now haha
@NikBv - @luvs_u - thanks!
@lCrAzYAzNl - What would you have said? If you don’t wanna say it here, PM me.
@imasilentheart - What a dramatic way to end it eh? haha
@dreamsversion - I’d say!
Haha I would be embrassed bit I’d say I’m glad you came out and had fun
Nice vid! I can’t wait for the next text version one then hah…tho I’m afraid even with that people will link the secret back to me. But kudos to all on this video!
@RemiBlanc - Ah don’t be so paranoid! You’ll be alright.
@Roadlesstaken - The formspring site isn’t working though…oh noes
@RemiBlanc - Hmm how so? It seems to be working for me.
@rxglasshalffull - Ya, you were busy sleeping
This was awesome! I love the awkwardness
Alex is hilarious!
@davidmiya - I like how he confirmed what Sonlay was saying in the video haha
Hurry up Alex! I can hardly wait to see what you will come out with next.
i only wish the video were longer! and that i were there too =[
You told me about doing this. You actually pulled it off! Bravo!
Some of these made me feel SUPER uncomfortable, haha. I think you did a great job, as always. Goooo Alex for getting people to really open up. That’s an impressive ability to have. <3
@Roadlesstaken - I LOVE THAT SHOW. also, I find Tim Roth very attractive, especially when he’s angry. don’t know what that says about me, but whatever.
@RestlessButterfly - I’ll put up the next video in a few weeks. Don’t wanna oversaturate people with it!
@Meowmeowkimmaee - I wonder how long it would have been had I gotten most of the people at the meet to do it.
@Southeast_Beauty - I did =) . Now I can cross that off my list of things I wanna do.
@HelloKitty0809 - which ones made you feel uncomfortable?
@randaness - Tim Roth is zee coolest.
aww Chris was there :3
@ArmyDoll - Indeed, and he made sure everyone knew that with his vuvuzela!
@Roadlesstaken - oh I need to friend you on my new account -runs to friend-
@ArmyDoll - What was your old account?
This was beautiful! Maybe I’ll be able to attend a meet-up one day … how about hosting one in Vancouver?
@mizz_chan - Oh how I wish! Gotta figure out the logistics for that though, seeing as it’s a tad far from me right now. I really do want to go to Vancouver since I know a few people in that area.
Loved the video!
@Roadlesstaken - Would be absolutely amazing. I wouldn’t mind looking for things to do around the city if you ever do decide to visit. A day of reliving childhood favourites – bowling, bike riding & ice cream =).
The last one made me kinda teary. Like, my heart goes out to guys like that, who see someone settling for less and wishing they could change it.
Nimbus’ secret–I totally understood. In my case, I was wrong and found out in time, but I still understood.
~V
music too loud
@TheMarriedFreshman - It was interesting seeing his mouth expression right before he said it. That said a lot in of itself.
This was utter brilliance! =)
Hi, that video is awesome… Glad you have a great time..
@SuperRat - A good time was had for all it seems!
obv we know who you like
@The_Ayoo - who, me?
the last confession was heartbreaking. I feel his pain.
Good video, I love it. I can see this catching on, like post secret….only better. I think you’ve started something.
@secretxxkeeper - Thanks! Feel free to check out the previous ones. They’re not in the live format though, but still good.
It as very refreshing to so see some average everyday people on camera, being their natural selves. Today is the first time I have seen your series. Great idea! Great work!
@eztransfer - I’m glad you like it!
awesome vid (as usual!)!!! I love the last one.
@HisKeiki - thanks!
haha cool video! makes me wonder what i would say if it was me!
@morningmoka - Feel free to submit an anonymous secret to me if you wish to have it in a future video!
haha that seems both fun and interesting!
Haha this video is really cute x]
@happyfacelife - thanks!
Reminded strongly of Postsecret’s video when I saw this: the timing, format, the way you show people and their expressions. In the most wonderful way I mean, though. It was very pleasant. Bravo!
@purethallium - Good, then my goal was reached! I definitely used that PostSecret video as a template.
I don’t know if it was the music or not, but it was pretty sentimental… These are the same people you read about and reveal your deepest inner secrets to on a daily basis…
Props to you Alex… btw, my name is Hieu
@hardlyhandsomest - The music probably helped with that feeling haha. Thanks Hieu.
That was awesome. I wish there were other Xangans anywhere near me. I’m not sure I’ll ever get to be in a meetup like this.
@grammarboy - This meet up was certainly a rare occasion. I’m not sure if there’s going to be another one that will top this!
cool
sounds fun.
I really liked the raw nature of this. You really could feel a lot of emotions in the body language as much as in their words. Nice little project.
@window_seat_to_auschwitz - Thanks, I appreciate it! It was fun to make.
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