|
Natalie Tran, 'communitychannel', and Vlogging Entertainment Value
by Nadya Vlassoff
 Ever since people got over their fear of the online world and embraced new technology years ago, the internet has helped catapult seemingly non-stars into stars across various genres of the entertainment industry. From solo singers, bands, filmmakers, comedians, chefs, and the “average anyone” who can hold their weight in front of a camera, the online world has been the fast track to notoriety, celebrity, fame, fortune, and sometimes a career. If you haven’t heard the name Natalie Tran of her own “communitychannel” on YouTube, it’s obvious you haven’t quite gotten over your fear of the internet.
How powerful has the online world and Vlogging become as selling tools? Artists like Kate Voegele, who was signed to MySpace Records, began with a loyal following of fans the same way that Katy Perry did on MySpace with her 2007 internet hit "Ur So Gay.” Other artists like Soulja Boy became a Youtube sensation with the release of his smash single “Superman,” who went on to help spawn a new club dance craze. Along with popular social networking outlets like Facebook and Twitter, blogging went to new heights as people found innovative outlets to talk about any subject that struck their fancy as forms of entertainment. The fascination with blogging under pseudonyms transformed into a passion for Vlogging, which, coupled with the ever growing success of video networks like Youtube, has launched a variety of internet stars that include Lonleygirl15, thewinekone, and one of our favourites: communitychannel.
 “Stars” may not be the appropriate word but they have done something entirely different; they entertain us with their own unglamorous Vlogging lives. However, when Lonelygirl15 (aka, Jessica Rose) was exposed as a fraud because she was a paid actress only playing the part, there was no turning back for the new phenomenon after Lonelygirl15 inspired thousands of copycats. What sets them apart? How does someone become a hit in this very fickle world of internet stardom? That’s a hard question to nail down. For some it takes a lot of determination but for others it’s like fun for their own entertainment. For some it’s a reprieve from their daily existence where they feel free to rant or talk about things that may be weird to friends but others on the worldwide web will find entertaining. At the same time, much like anyone who people connect with, there’s usually a level of natural talent. Think about all of the dull and drab videos you’ve come across made by wannabe internet celebrities in their bedroom. Very few are naturally funny or entertaining. For those who do connect with the global Vlogging world, surely this newfound stardom deserves some recognition.
Communitychannel, otherwise known as Natalie Tran, has quickly become a star in her own right after creating a niche for herself in a still undeveloped realm of internet reality. The Australian born Tran, of Vietnamese decent, began her online journey two years ago video blogging about simple things like Milo and why it’s different from chocolate milk, even going as far as taking a challenge from one of her subscribers to show the difference in a video that she created. Ever since then it has been one hilarious combination of video and scenes acted from her real life with color commentary, ranging from the Easter Bunny to getting directions.
 Although Natalie’s videos on “communitychannel” are anything but conventional, they are based entirely on her own world-view with a comedic twist. Free of the big ego syndrome, Natalie’s dedicated subscribers live by her channel tag, “Where bandwidth commits suicide and cool comes to die”. Like I mentioned, there’s usually a level of natural talent and few are naturally funny or entertaining. And with a slogan like that, you can add cleverly cool to the list, too.
Although Natalie and communitychannel has come under fire, receiving some negative criticism while enduring racial opposition, people love her videos. So what makes communitychannel so entertaining?
First of all, Natalie is genuinely funny. Most of her videos are relatable since they’re based on things that everyday life-challenged people deal with, whether deciding to run after a bus or figure out how much money to spend on a friend’s birthday present. Natalie’s constant references to her less than cool childhood only make her more appealing since everyone has gone through a phase where they’ve felt out of sorts with themselves at some point in their lives.
 Second, Natalie has been able to reinvent both herself and her videos by adding segments like "Makeup like a Celeb in 1 Minute," “ugly” and “attractive” words in the clips, and others such as fan favorite, “porno music/comment time”. And the later is a chance for fans to see that she actually does read each comment along with the many video responses. In fact, the subscribers of “communitychannel” can vie for a chance to make it to porno music/comment time and feel some sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when they do. While it might not be the biggest achievement in someone’s life, it’s still entertaining for many to if your stories and comments can be as equally entertaining. Couple that with some inappropriate but still hilarious “Your Momma” jokes and you have a perfect mix for a 4 minute video that will keep you smiling for the rest of the day.
Communitychannel has over 258,000 subscribers and most of Natalie’s videos receive hundreds of thousands of views, with some reaching into the millions. A star in her own right, communitychannel has proven that while you might think you’re uncool, you are definitely not alone. For many your life is their form of entertainment.
For those not in the Vlogging know about Natalie Tran and her online lives, take a life trip to communitychannel on YouTube.
|
