You could argue that it’s just fine in a simple feature story like this. The music Angela has chosen is upbeat and playful, matching the mood of the pen-maker. And it’s in keeping with the visuals–the man’s wearing a cowboy hat and shirt, after all. So what’s the harm?

In my view, when you add music you take away something else–the opportunity to share an experience with the viewer. That’s one reason stories viewers respond to stories with lots of nat sound. There could have been more nats, up full, in this piece if the music hadn’t been added.

Beyond that, consider the viewers’ expectations. Do people expect stories on your site to use music? My guess is they don’t. I watched a bunch of other stories that didn’t use it. So why add it? Was it because the main character is such a slow talker? In other words, did you add it to “fill the gaps?”

I also wonder if using the term “video” is part of the problem. In a news context, I don’t think we should be talking about producing “videos.” It seems to open the door to adding music. I’m not a big believer in hard and fast rules, but in my book, music just isn’t needed in stories like this. Is it legit for long-form holiday features? Maybe. As John Goheen, three-time TV photographer of the year, says, “When you use music people get a false impression of reality.” Not what we’re supposed to be about in the news biz.

I use music occasionally in my videos, although I do try to be very careful. Could you check this one out and see if you think it was inappropriate? Just looking for some feedback.

Cow poo pens