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[WVZ Alert] Portable video - Am I missing something?
Joe's semi-regular emailing to subscribers of September 18, 2006 Hello there - I have a confession to make... I don't get the whole 'portable mini-video thing.' I don't even own an ipod, let alone a video ipod - and I have no desire to do so. I also don't own, or wish to own, any other devices that allow you to watch eye-straining video on a screen the size of my big toenail - such as the:
It's weird... On one hand, bigger is better. We are wildly infatuated with monstrous, widescreen, high-def, theatre-quality 3D surround sound, digital plasma TVs that cost more than my car. And on the other, small is the way to go. We're crazy for the latest, teeniest, most compact portable gadgets that will allow us to watch anything, anywhere, at any time. Although I'm not one to generally rush out and buy the latest gadget, I do spend most of my waking hours either producing, writing about, or simply pondering the subject of video (and user-generated web video, in particular). So that's why I find this all so fascinating. And despite the fact that the minis are flying off the shelves faster than the manufacturers can make them, I'm going to take a contrarian point of view here, and tell you not to get too excited about this industry (just yet). Why? Because everyone is afraid they're going to miss the boat (again) like they did with portable digital audio. We're talking about the big:
However, portable video is not yet ready to go mainstream. At least not here in the US. See, there's a big difference between audio and video. Audio is passive. Video is engaging (more or less).
But with video, two senses, not just one, need to be focused and paying attention. In a society of multitaskers, that's one sense too many. I can't even write this dopey newsletter and watch clips of the Colbert Report at the same time. But turn on some funky jazz, and just watch my fingers move. I've got two words for you: "Novelty Factor" Sure, many will benefit from this technology:
Mini/portable is also perfect for certain niches, especially the education fields (e.g., travel videos, language lessons, etc.), and of course, entertainment (notably, the adult kind). But remember this: Web video is easy, relaxing and spontaneous. Portable video is a bit confusing, and requires forethought and planning. Sure, portable video may eventually become mainstream - but not any time soon (despite what everyone else is telling you). People will buy the players (because marketers are good at what they do), but whether or not people are going to use them - that's a different story entirely. So that's why, for now, you should focus your energies on web video. If you have videos on your web site, it certainly doesn't hurt to make them available for downloading and viewing on these portable devices (e.g., video podcasts). But don't get yourself too worried or excited about portable video. At least not just yet. ------------------------------------------------------------ For more, see the article: "Quick and Easy Guide to Creating Your Own Video Podcast" http://www.webvideozone.com/members/92.cfm ------------------------------------------------------------ =========================================================== How to use web video to promote your products with an
affiliate program. The Video Affiliate System(tm) at work: And speaking of the VAS... A special thanks to Allan Gardyne for his review of the
The Video Affiliate System(tm). Allan says:
"Affiliate merchants, I reckon you'll see the huge
potential in this... This has exciting possibilities." Are you relying upon free web video services such as
Google and YouTube to host your web site videos?
If so, you may want to re-consider: How to use The Web Video Player(tm) to add interactive
web videos (and a little excitement) to your eBay auctions: Why you should consider using text to add interest
to your web videos - and three examples: =========================================================== Are people really interested in watching web videos?
Here are some interesting stats: Tips for better results when using a 'greenscreen': Promoting products using affiliate links in your videos: NTSC vs. PAL - Does it matter for your web videos? =========================================================== My buddy, Nalts, over at WillVideoForFood.com is holding
a contest to see who can make the *WORST* video: Here's my submission (I apologize in advance): If you agree it's horrible, please give it as low a rating as possible. Thanks! (First person to watch it all the way through wins a prize!) =========================================================== Ok - that's it. Questions, comments, suggestions, etc.? For example: Please submit them here: Thanks for reading this far. Until next time... Best Wishes - =========================================================== The WebVideo Zone ===========================================================
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