Should I Be Vlogging?

I enjoy watching vlogs of other bloggers and I am rather impressed that they can sit in front of the camera and put themselves out there like that. I have never done a vlog and really had no aspirations to start. Heck I have been blogging for more than 2.5 years now and I think I can count on one hand the amount of times I have posted a picture of myself. I am just not comfortable with my appearance to be able to do it. Which is ridiculous, I know.

 Then yesterday I was reading an article on Social Moms tat talks about how big vlogging has become and how important it is. Apparently vlogs are a big traffic getter. Who knew? (OK, probably everyone but me). SO I have been thinking that maybe its high i put aside my fears and start putting up some vlogs. But where do I start?

While I did take digital video editing course in college, that was 10 years ago (shhh) so I am quite rusty. I don't think I know how to grab a screen capture anymore.  Not to mention I probably don't have all of the tools that I will need. My laptop does have a webcam, that I have never used. Can I even get a video screen capture using my webcam? Then I would need to find out what is the best free software available for editing.

And let's say I get all the technical aspects worked out and under control, I still am left with one problem. ME. I don't know if I can get in front of the camera and talk. Just the thought of it is making me sweat. How do I get past my self consciousness and nerves?

If you vlog, how did you get started? Were you nervous? Did it get better with each one you did? I'd love any tips for a scared to death vlogging newbie!