BeerFiles is a sometimes irreverent blog concerning all things to do with IT, technology, people and the media from the point of view of a hard boiled technology journalist and commentator. Stan has been in the IT game for about a quarter of a century. He has seen and written about the rise and fall of more than a few IT players and made many friends, some of whom he has even crossed swords with on occasions. Everything in this blog is purely Stan’s opinion so if you agree, wish to expand upon, correct a post or tell Stan he’s a clueless know nothing, please feel free.

20 million reasons why YouTube was worth it

by Stan Beer

Monday, 16 October 2006

Page 2 of 2 Saying that people will grow tired posting and searching for interesting videos on YouTube is like saying hard-core video gamers will get sick of playing games. YouTube is a new form of entertainment that fits particularly well with the lifestyle of young people of today. It's fast, it's immediate,  and, unlike TV, it's interactive. That's why it has built an audience of millions in the space of less than a year. TV networks and production companies recognize the potential of YouTube as a medium to spruke their shows which is why they're starting to sign contracts with the fledgling site. The illicit postings of 10 minute Simpsons episodes and variety show segments may disappear off the YuTube site, as some already have. Then again, maybe the copyright holders will explore the possible new avenues of advertising revenue sharing from content that could not be otherwise monetised. Now that Google is set to take charge, there is no doubt that efforts will be made to bring the site into compliance with copyright laws.  However, no doubt there will be some stubborn hold-outs who insist that Google remove all their content from YouTube and attempt to sue for compensation. Google will probably comply with their requests and settle. However, sooner or later the hold-outs will come to realize that they can make more money through cooperation than confrontation. Trying to pretend that YouTube is just a passing fad in 2006 is like trying to pretend the web was just a passing fad back in 1994. Google is prepared to bet US$1.65 billion of its stock on that and, to Messrs Brin, Page, Schmidt and Company, it seems like a fair bet.{moscomment} Tags See All Tags Google  Internet  Video  Powered By Joomla Tags Please enable JavaScript in your browser to post your comment! << First page <   1 2 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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