Everything Old Is New

Random thoughts:

Remember Napster? Remember when it was shut down and the RIAA filed lawsuites against 12-year-olds for illegal fire-sharing. YouTube is the Napster of video, except it's not shut down (yet) and it does not require P2P. Video is more complicated, and Google's acquisition elevated YouTube to a new level. YouTube should be used as a marketing tool for content owners. Placing a 10 or 20-second clip on YouTube is effective and this was proven by David Letterman. These clips drive viewers to the TV broadcasts and to the websites of the shows.

Another issue: Viacom, NBC, and others have removed content, but how will they ever stop infringers from putting a hit song into the background of a video?

Another issue: How do you find out about new TV shows? Usually you're watching one show, and you see a promo for another show. Maybe you go Google the show's name or star if you liked the promo, or maybe you ask a friend if they've heard about it on Myspace. My point: in this world where everyone is creating content, promotion is a major problem. People are already bombarded with media messages, and now we have Podcasters, bloggers, etc trying to get their voices heard.

Another issue: Itunes is not as clean and easy as it used to be. Going to iTunes to find your TV shows is like going to Wal-Mart to buy something- it's all things to all people. They have every show you could possibly want. Most shows are sold a la carte. Many of the podcasts are free.