Unscientific research!

Want to know where people are hanging out online these days? Well the best way to find out is ask them!



Now, I did enough maths at school to know that it would be stupid to draw anything too conclusive from a bunch of random, un-controlled, responses but there are some trends. Have a look and consider the question: if I coud pick just three websites to convey my message to, what I want to be, a growing audience what would they be?

Nalts is NOT this stupid!

Another fine video from Kevin Nalts. After yesterday's comments of advertising I thought this on old marketing versus online marketing raises some important questions. It places its finger perfectly on some of the sticking points people have when adapting between the two.

I take my hat off to his ability to do this kind of thing. It's nice to see him without a hat for once too!

Keeping in the picture

You hit December and suddenly everyone starts making predictions about next year. A few honest ones ponder on what they got wrong in last years predictions! Two days ago I told my brother that online video would become firmly 16:9 in 2008. Yesterday everyone starts talking about the advent on HD video online.

What do we make of this? Online video is here to stay and with the spend of advances in the technology it'll not be long before buying a DVD becomes as obsolete as buying an audio cassette would seem today.

This can only be a good thing. As we enter the holiday season consider how much waste you are producing through unnecessary packaging. Actually don't - it's depresssing! But high-quality online video will remove the need to have unwatched box-sets gathering dust on your shelves.

Do unto others...

'Do to others as you'd have them do to you' is derived from the second of two great commands Jesus gave. It being the end of National Anti-Bullying week in the UK I was speaking to some oung people along those lines tonight. But then my thoughts drifted to online video - betraying a shameful obsession?

There's a big difference between the videos I like to watch and the videos I like to make. That may explain why many of the videos I watch get far more views than the videos I make! Is it all about the views? No...unless you are serious about communicating a message. If my YouTubing is purely recreational then my hit-and-miss production style is fine. However, if I'm serious about communicating perhaps I should pay more attention to why I like certain video producer and analysis how I apply the disciplines they do.

So what's the difference? Visit my channel and you'll find a selection of random self-indulgence with, perhaps, the odd spark of genius! Visit redstateupdate or MarkDayComedy or PoliticoPlaybook and you'll most likely see the formula that's brought them success.

I love online video!

Online video = YouTube!

It's really is that simple. Yes, there are other sites and services out there but nothing matches YouTube for audience. The fact it's linked to Google makes it almost incomprehensible as to why you'd host your video anywhere else. Perhaps I should point out I've not made a penny for online video - yet - but I think the community element of YouTube is a fascinating development in human interaction.

My 101st YouTube video was this: YouTube 101



This is the Unofficial YouTube Anthem from the self-proclaimed 'King of YouTube' Paul 'Renetto' Robinett.



Kevin 'Nalts' Nalty is the self-appointed 'viral-video genius'. His break came with a video titled 'Farting in Public'! But this is something sensible from him.

New opportunities

We've never had the chance to do so much so easily. The greater the opportunities the harder it is to justify our excuses for not engaging. Spare a thought for the great communicators of days gone day who would have killed for the opportunities we have - if they were the killing type, that is!

And if I can't tempt you into action with that, how about this article from The Times: How to tap in to online riches!