Magnify.net, hitherto a platform intended primarily for collecting and sharing videos found around the web, is broadening its focus with the release of a service that lets you record video clips directly into the browser using a webcam.
While such functionality is nothing groundbreaking, Magnify.net is apparently hoping that its method of collecting video recordings in so-called “channels” will make it a platform of choice for video bloggers. It is touting an ongoing series by Chris Brogan called Attention Upgrade to illustrate the potential of these channels, which display clips (ironically with text descriptions that summarize their content) in a blog-like, reverse chronological fashion.
The most notable thing about these channels seems to be the ability for other Magnify.net users to leave comments in the form of videos as well (although apparently only to the channel as a whole, not particular “posts”). If the company were to add the ability to add comments to posts themselves, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this platform facilitate the types of conversations developing on the new Seesmic. In fact, we could see better discussions emerge since they’d have a clear topic of conversation (the video blog post itself) on which to focus.
In any case, count this new feature as another development in the conversational video scene that also involves the likes of Justin.TV and Kyte, and could really come of age in 2008.
So each person can have their channel? (youtube)
You can upload videos easily? (youtube)
you can read the transcript (previously TC’d company)
- Where is the innovation?
.rb
i believe that video blogging has to be damn good to make it worthwhile:
http://www.centernetworks.com/.....ing-launch
the example guy sent over in the notes was pretty unwatchable
Who the heck is going to watch all that stuff?
Who cares what others say, unless they keep delivering really good content - CONSISTENTLY!
There will be several celebrities, and the others will have their “genious” videos wait for the super-bored viewer, who will click on them just to watch something to kill the boredom.
ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Yes !! I would prefer to read than watch these boring blogs :((. The video blogging thing is lot like audio books which never really picked up. Most people still prefer to read at their own pace than to listen.
I think we need more video blogging, because I would love to know what various retards had for lunch.
Buy my crappy art.
Sincerely,
Angela Hayden
FART GODDESS
I guess that the text may be for deaf people.
Considering most people don’t even know what seesmic is or have tried it, how can there be a competitor? This is how the echochamber is built.
The power of this is that you can easily, and quickly put yourself on video expressing your thoughts. Previously, you’d have to get a video camera, record your video, get the footage into your computer, load it into an editing software, compress it, and then upload it.
The magnify system, and seesmic, take away all the tech steps of that procedure that are responsible for scaring away most people who want to try online video.
Make no mistake, video is a powerful mechanism for reaching a targeted business niche audience. Consider this…
If you were a website publisher or blogger who had a niche audience of baseball hat lovers. What is more powerful? A picture of you wearing the hat and some text around it, or a video of you taking the hat out of the bag, looking at it, adjusting it, putting it on… seeing how it looks on your head? The video is by far more powerful.
Don’t devalue the power of online video as a marketing medium. Or do, at your own peril. The future of online video is not in “skateboarding videos”, it’s in using videos to get a message across, business or personal, that connects with your audience in a better way. People don’t read anymore, they scan. Videos are just another way to get attention.
Think of it this way, it’s like having your own FCC license to broadcast whatever you want.
Having been a member of this site for about a year now, I applaud Magnify’s efforts. They have been responsive to users like me and have provided a great, evolving platform.
Matt
http://www.duelingtampons.com
No offense Michael, Om, or Scoble, but do you guys really need to be seen? These bloggers, (the good ones) are writters, not actors or news anchors. This is a very smart bunch of guys but not a particularly good looking bunch. Thus, we do not need to see you!!! Video blogging may be useful for an event like TechCrunch 40 or a tech trade show but not everyday. I like Om Maliks GigaOm show but I don’t need to see these bloggers to get their insights.
I’m not a fan of video blogging.
http://actionstalk.com
Who put that crappy Brogan on Magnify anyhow? That guy is NOT video talent. I’d have recommended someone like Jim Kirks, but then again, he needs a script and hair products, and Brogan clearly just “wings it.”
But here’s what makes this app kind of cool(ish). On my Macbook, I just go to the website, click the little record a video button, and pow. I’m recording. Nothing to it. One click and I’m recording. One more click, and I can post it. Super duper easy. It’s kinda cool. Okay, it’s not like announcing renewable energy sources or something, but hey. It’s another thing that moves the video story along. Faster than YouTube; a little more flexible than Seesmic (which I also use) insofar as intent, and definitely another way to empower people to record their ugly mugs.
As for who’s a fan of whom or whatever, who gives a rat’s ass? That’s like calling Skype stupid because you don’t like making phone calls. There are hundreds of millions of people who do. Should EVERYONE videoblog? Maybe not. But should someone make it stupidly easy to do? Yep. Definitely.
Now, someone should fire that Brogan loser, though. Hire real on-air talent, someone like Clintus McGintus or Jonny Goldstein. THAT would rock!
@8
You’re making the assumption that people actually care what each other have to say. People are much more interested in talking than listening. From a business perspective it’s the listeners that drive ad revenues.
When you have thousands of people talking about things that no one cares about, then what’s the big deal?
Ahem. *waves hello*
http://www.viddyou.com
Video blogging has a lot of potential. I agree with the point that for serious bloggers like Michael and Om there is no replacing the power of the written word but I don’t think anyone would argue that a rich media experience delivered through video doesn’t enhance the content.
I DO believe that video blogging has greater potential when applied to the amateur user base, either through social networks or online dating. At SayHeyHey.com we are trying to create a “soap box” (video blogging platform) for young adults to share their war stories, experiences, advice and desires around dating and relationships, as well as connect via video. This can be applied to anything, but is optimal for relationships and dating since everyone has something to say on the matter.
Most people out there are not as eloquent as the TechCrunch staff or Om, so for them video offers a better medium to express their true selves in a way that’s rich and meaningful. When prompted, or pointed in the right direction, user generated content can have incredible entertainment and drama value. We have definitely seen this with 20 somethings talking about a topic that’s relevant to all of us. Everyone has some curiosity about what others have to say around dating and the opposite sex, similar to why people are addicted to TV shows like “Elimidate”, “Blind Date” and “Third Wheel” - it’s the the squirm factor.
Legitimate video blogs around world events, tech news, money, science, etc. don’t have the same entertainment appeal on their own, so reading is preferable, but video can certainly complement the experience. For user generated content, as long as users have an easy way to find the best content, or specifically what they want, video will be the preferred form of media because it’s simply easier to relate to a moving face than some text or photos.
http://www.sayheyhey.com
Don’t forget about blogTV.com guys! BlogTv.com offers each user their own channel, easy ways to upload video and best of all LIVE show platforms where you can have a cyber audience.
BlogTV is in beta phase still and will be coming out with even more exciting and user friendly features!
Check it out http://www.blogtv.com