Timewasters # 6: YouTube
Many months ago, this column was excited to discover Google Video, a Google service offering access to free and premium videos of all kinds - professional, tv series, and user-created.
In February, 2005, YouTube entered the mix.
Billed as a "social" website - that is, the network is created via user bonds or similarities - YouTube was founded by three former PayPalians. Video is embedded in Adobe Flash - which, for you, means no media player is required to play the videos, but you do have to have the most current version of Flash Player.
The main difference between YouTube and Google Video seems to be in respect for copyright. Google Video puts rights restricted content in one area, free access content in another. The only restriction YouTube offers is a 10-minute clip length.
While this February NBC objected to clips from several of its copyrighted shows appearing on YouTube, it reconsidered and decided that it would be better to partner with the devil than do battle with him - so NBC is now permitting - and promoting - its videos throughout YouTube.
Broadcast TV seems to be getting the message that getting viewers addicted to shows is better than restricting access to them. Viewers will find ways around restrictions, but will also obsessively tune in to, download, put up with commercials in, even purchase a download of, programs they truly love.
By mid-July, 2006, YouTube could proudly announce that 100 million clips - seriously, 100 million - were watched on YouTube every day, and YouTube is ranked among the fastest growing websites on the Internet.
Bloggers can feed YouTube clips to their blogsites - and more than a few were complaining today because YouTube's website is down for maintenance (August 15, 2006). And though at least one geeky type (http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/Ou/?p=294) wondered what was so great about barely watchable videos, it seems human interaction via video clips is here to stay.
Many months ago, this column was excited to discover Google Video, a Google service offering access to free and premium videos of all kinds - professional, tv series, and user-created.
In February, 2005, YouTube entered the mix.
Billed as a "social" website - that is, the network is created via user bonds or similarities - YouTube was founded by three former PayPalians. Video is embedded in Adobe Flash - which, for you, means no media player is required to play the videos, but you do have to have the most current version of Flash Player.
The main difference between YouTube and Google Video seems to be in respect for copyright. Google Video puts rights restricted content in one area, free access content in another. The only restriction YouTube offers is a 10-minute clip length.
While this February NBC objected to clips from several of its copyrighted shows appearing on YouTube, it reconsidered and decided that it would be better to partner with the devil than do battle with him - so NBC is now permitting - and promoting - its videos throughout YouTube.
Broadcast TV seems to be getting the message that getting viewers addicted to shows is better than restricting access to them. Viewers will find ways around restrictions, but will also obsessively tune in to, download, put up with commercials in, even purchase a download of, programs they truly love.
By mid-July, 2006, YouTube could proudly announce that 100 million clips - seriously, 100 million - were watched on YouTube every day, and YouTube is ranked among the fastest growing websites on the Internet.
Bloggers can feed YouTube clips to their blogsites - and more than a few were complaining today because YouTube's website is down for maintenance (August 15, 2006). And though at least one geeky type (http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/Ou/?p=294) wondered what was so great about barely watchable videos, it seems human interaction via video clips is here to stay.
Comments