YouTube announced on January 30 (see YouTube blog) that UK ‘tubers can now join the Partners program and share in advertising revenue. Why do journalists often frown at this? Here’s a Texas journalist who is saddened by the idea. When I was interviewed by Fox after the program started in the US, the interviewers had the same opinion.

If YouTube began commercializing homepage features (getting paid) that would be the equivalent to Time Magazine getting paid to run a story about a business. But sharing advertising revenue with content creators is the very thing television is built around. Know any good TV producers making content for networks gratis? Infomercials maybe?

Paranthetically, I’m in London to personally congratulate local YouTubers. Well, actually I’m here for business and it’s coincidenal. And my wife and children are back in PA under the careful guard of former Green Beret Pipistrello.

Join us if you like!

Monday (Feb 4) 6:00 pm:
(Smaller gathering- it’s a bar so I think you need to be 18)
The Shaston Arms in Soho
(Closest Underground stop is Oxford Circus)

Wednesday (Feb 6) 6:00 pm:
(Larger gathering- bring family and friends)
The Royal Festival Hall
Directions