I came across on interesting site today -- blogTV.ca:
"blogtv.ca is the first social network destination developed specifically for Canadians; it is a place for people to showcase their talents, voice their opinions, discuss and debate with an online audience and interact with viewers using real-time communication tools."
I'm not sure how well weblog posts translate into video, but somebody thinks it might fly (Alliance Atlantis, GS New Media). The service is still in beta, but the site seems relatively complete. That completeness includes an annoying, blinking advertisement and a privacy policy like this: [personal information will be used to] "distribute to sponsors and advertisers who run the contests and/or for purposes of marketing by our sponsors and advertisers".
There's much fuss over keeping non-Canadians out of the site, which I can only (cynically) presume is a measure to generate a very narrow marketing target. Plans appear to exist for similar regional sites elsewhere.
The site suffers from a severe lack of content or users (or perhaps both). After a few checks tonight, there hasn't been a single live stream, which seems to be the natural novelty factor.
The recorded videos are just like any other self-published content -- Some are silly, some are interesting, but most are just boring. Either way, I'm sure it'll boil down to a few cute girls receiving high view counts, though I admit to being enamored by some drunk guy reading Green Eggs and Ham.
I might just be too old and too cranky, but I'm not sure how well a service like this will stand up to YouTube, Vidmax and the like. If live content (or even Canadian content) is supposed to be the compelling factor, it'll have to be better than two guys screaming about wrestling.
2 comments for this entry ↓
1 jes // Mar 23, 2007 at 9:21 am
The site went live maybe 2-3 months ago so I don't really understand forming a decision about it's capabilities... do you hold your children to this sort of standard too? It's like saying by age 5 a child's full potential must be recognizable and determined. I swear only Canadians could be so close-minded to a site dedicated to expanding national identity. Here's Alliance putting tons of time and resources into a product that has a potential the above mentioned will never have. If theatre is a waste to you, and Hollywood movies are the only worthwhile entertainment, then yes I can see why this sort of site is meaningless. But for the rest of us performing to an audience is an opportunity I appreciate. As an example, check out: http://www.blogtv.ca/People/Iffer
2 dennis // Mar 23, 2007 at 1:17 pm
On the topic of closed-mindedness, I invite you to re-read your comment. Please remind me where I "formed a decision about it's capabilities".
Regarding 'Hollywood movies' and theater being a 'waste', you clearly haven't taken the time to read many entries on this site. Only in ignorance could you claim any knowledge about the types of entertainment or media I support (or don't).
On the issue of performing to an audience; feel free! I'm not sure how you arrived at the conclusion that I don't think people should participate. I specifically mentioned lack of compelling content, not that the site should be abandoned because of it.
Your timing is perfect since I've been lurking on blogtv for the last few evenings and can make a more meaningful observation --
I've watched shows from Bronx, UrbanPixie and many others. Although these people are mostly charming, I still don't see the lure. It's IRC with two cameras (if you're lucky).
Watching people smoke and complain about how popular other shows are (and shouldn't be) doesn't interest me. Watching two guys pretend to smoke meth doesn't interest me, nor does a band of pizza-eating kids on a couch. Strangely enough, watching someone read from a 1st-year philosophy textbook failed to interest me.
Having said that, watching two guys rap does interest me. Watching a group of guys promote an independent online radio station does interest me. Hell, I even enjoyed watching some guy drink beer -- he chugged it when I asked!
You're right, though -- this is a medium that's trying to define itself.
With any new format there is always a hope that something interesting will emerge. The medium is almost always inconsequential in the end. Just because the delivery is novel doesn't automatically make it quality. Good writers are good writers whether they're using a typewriter or a pencil, good speakers are good speakers whether they're using a radio or a podium.
Personal publishing (whether text, audio video) is fantastic and empowering, but that doesn't mean 99% of it isn't garbage.
Leave a Comment