Owning a camcorder does not a visual storyteller make. A 30-second visit to youtube.com or any other user-generated-content video website confirms this truth. Of course, we've been aware of this ever since America's Funniest Home Videos hit the broadcast airwaves. So it's not exactly a news flash to say there is a lot of bad video being recorded on planet earth.

Most of the irritating video recording habits listed in this article are developed during the early stages of learning to use a camcorder, but sadly persist in many cases. Be assured that I am guilty on all counts, as well. But unless these habits can be overcome, your video story will be "lost in translation." Continue to practice these nasty habits and you'll annoy your audience from opening title to ending credits.

1—THE SHAKY CAM

Buy and use a tripod. Unless you're a camera operator filming Earthquake 3, do not touch that record button until you've stabilized your shot. In short, if it's shakin' it ain't worth tapin'. I ...