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Streaming Media East (NYC) on Tuesday, May 20

I’ll be moderating a panel for Streaming Media East tomorrow (Tuesday, May 20) at the NYC Hilton. The topic is “Creating and Promoting Amateur and Viral Videos” (A103) 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM The session explores what makes a video viral and how marketers and amateurs can promote their video using online video sites and…

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Appear Better Informed About Darfur in 3 Minutes: The Onion Makes Me Cry

Darfur. We both know how serious it is, but we’re not sure exactly why or where it is. The Onion (helping you seem more informed”) has produced this fantastic parody of news analysis. It’s called “How Can We Let Darfur Know How Much We’re Doing For Them.” I’ve never laughed as much in preparing a…

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Media Stereotypes Online-Video Clichés

There’s no question that traditional media tends to characterize online video — and YouTube in particular — as a cute fad. Certainly the bulk of the stories are about the “one hit wonders,” Internet clichés, and sensational hits like Chris Crocker, Sneezing Pandas, laughing babies and Star Wars Kid. When I saw some recent Comedy…

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Southpark on Monetization of Digital Content

Kyle from Southpark puts it well in this 30-second clip from “Canada on Strike.” The clip’s called “The Promise of Future Revenue.” Thanks to Jan for finding it. Boy I’m sure glad that’s over with. Me too. Yeah, but you know I learned something today. We thought we could make money on the Internet. But…

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Be the “Life of Your Office” With These Tasteless Pranks

I love a slow-boil video, and this one delivers some hysterical prank bits that become increasingly tasteless… from desktop and fax pranks to “shivving” and murder. All with whispy 1940s commercial music. “Five April Fool’s Office Pranks” on Break.com. I also enjoy the repetition of a gag, like this skinny Brit’s unbridled enthusiasm when his…

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Why Media Buyers Are Stunting the Growth of Online Video

Balding white marketer desperately wants to meet smart, strategic media buyer. If you’re one, please recognize you’re not the target of this rant. But the rest of  you are just so friggin’ short sighted and clueless. There are some amazing online-video series that could be incredible opportunities for smart brands wanting to engage with early…

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I’m Packing It In. I’ve Been Outclassed.

Well after two years of trying to evangelize amateur video, it would appear that Fred and Sharon have done more in this two-minute video titled “Who Needs a Movie.” They inspire, generate ideas, and provide passion that I’ve lacked. As film maker Dawn Westlake said, “OMG! I’m packin’ it in. How can anyone who’s legit…

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Napkin Musical Prank Punks Entire Food Court

The folks at Improv Everywhere have done it again. This one gave me goose bumps. A spontanious musical number has an entire food court baffled. When security arrives, things get even more interesting. I give you “Food Court Musical.” Seriously. Does anyone know these people? I’ve been trying to get into the secret mailing list…

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Jimmy Kimmel F’ing Ben Affleck

Why can’t I attract an all-star cast like this “I’m F’ing Ben Affleck” music video that’s going viral as I type? (The link takes you to Funny or Die, although the video originally aired on Jimmy Kimmel Live). It’s staring: Jimmy Kimmel, Ben Affleck, Robin Williams, Don Cheadle, Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate,…

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Another Online Video Show About… Online Video

Next New Networks is debuting an online-video show about online video. Googleburn, which appears each Wednesday is: “the sting in your eyes when you’ve been ogling online videos all night and it’s 6 AM on Monday and oh dear lord you can’t see anything because the Internet blasted you with whiteout,” says host Nick Douglas…