Blog Updates and a Rec.

I am launching a company right now and don't always have time to update my blog, but I wanted to let my friends know about another blog that I enjoyed reading, especially if you're interested in the new media space: http://www.joshleo.com/blog/2007/03/08/next-new-networks-and-the-new-vlogosphere/

THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW YOUR CELL PHONE COULD DO

A good friend sent this to me today. How many of these tips are true? I know the FREE 411 is true.

There are a few things that can be done in times of grave >> emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an>> emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do>> with it:>> FIRST>> Subject: Emergency>> The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112.>> If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile;>> network and there is an emergency, dial 112 >> and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the>> emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be>> dialed even if the keypad is locked. >> Try it out. (I have entered in my cell phone number directory.)>> SECOND>> Subject: Have you locked your keys in the car?>> Does your car have remote keyless entry? This may come in handy >> someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in>> the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on>> their cell phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about >> a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press>> the unlock button, holding it near the mobile phone on their end.>> Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys >> to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles>> away, and if you can reach someone who has the other "remote" for>> your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk). >> Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our>> car over a cell phone!">> THIRD>> Subject: Hidden Battery Power>> Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys >> *3370# Your cell will restart with this reserve and the instrument>> will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged>> when you charge your cell next time. (I have entered the access # >> in cell phone directory.)>> FOURTH>> How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?>> To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following>> digits on your phone: * # 0 6 # A 15 digit code will appear on the >> screen. This number is unique to your handset. Write it down and>> keep it somewhere safe. When your phone get stolen, you can phone>> your service provider and give them this code. They will then be >> able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM>> card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get>> your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't >> use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no>> point in people stealing mobile phones. And Finally....(I have made>>note of my phone's serial number.>> FIFTH >> Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for>> 411 inform ation calls when they don't have to. Most of us do not>> carry a telephone directory in our vehicle, which makes this >> situation even more of a problem. When you need to use the 411>> information option, simply dial: (800) FREE 411, or (800) 373-3411>> without incurring any charge at all. Program this into your cell >> phone now. (I have entered this # in my cell phone directory.)>>>>

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.

Jimmy Hutcheson and Hutch Media, LLC

Ego TV is a brand owned by Hutch Media, LLC. I will be adding more information on my background and on Ego TV's mission, target audience, and original "TV" shows. I look forward to keeping my blog up-to-date and hope to get comments from friends and fellow new media enthusiasts.

New Media and My New Company

I recently launched my own company after working at an advertising agency for a few years. After seeing several clients explore the new media space, I decided to start my own company in the new media arena. Ego TV is an original, content-driven internet TV network for young adults based on the themes of self-discovery and finding identity. The brand is built around the interests and behaviors of a targeted niche audience. I will now use my blog to contribute thoughts on the new media landscape.