Comments on: Ex-Googlers Launch Instructional Video Site Howcast, Raise $8 Million A Round http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/ Startup and Technology News Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:57:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: Explainist » Blog Archive » “Howcast” Steps Up to the How-To Challenge http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2065343 Explainist » Blog Archive » “Howcast” Steps Up to the How-To Challenge Mon, 31 Mar 2008 01:37:39 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2065343 [...] guide,” which “members of the Howcast network” may turn into short video pieces. Techcrunch’s post sheds a little more light: Audience members can also look at upcoming scripts and improve them or [...] [...] guide,” which “members of the Howcast network” may turn into short video pieces. Techcrunch’s post sheds a little more light: Audience members can also look at upcoming scripts and improve them or [...]

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2022185 Anonymous Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:26:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2022185 <strong>free quotes...</strong> Excellent post. Keep it up!... free quotes…

Excellent post. Keep it up!…

]]> By: pomme-dede http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2013173 pomme-dede Sun, 02 Mar 2008 00:26:43 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2013173 Martin is right - Erick Schonfeld seemed to have missed videojug.com. They've been doing this in the UK and the states since 2006/2007. They say they have some 37K videos and I like their British humor. Howcast seems to copy videojug's step by step instructions as well as a voice over that tells you what "you will need". Howcast does have a really pretty looking website and does make you want to look around. With only a few hundred views per video thus far, how are they going to charge $20/CPM? That is a premium price for a site that has just launched. Martin is right - Erick Schonfeld seemed to have missed videojug.com. They’ve been doing this in the UK and the states since 2006/2007. They say they have some 37K videos and I like their British humor. Howcast seems to copy videojug’s step by step instructions as well as a voice over that tells you what “you will need”. Howcast does have a really pretty looking website and does make you want to look around. With only a few hundred views per video thus far, how are they going to charge $20/CPM? That is a premium price for a site that has just launched.

]]> By: JETSONGREEN.COM http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2007884 JETSONGREEN.COM Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:40:32 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2007884 <strong>How To Videos for Green Living [Howcast]...</strong> Recently, I saw this article about Howcast and was quite intrigued by the startup company. Howcast is run by ex-Googlers with the intent of becoming the YouTube of instructional videos.... How To Videos for Green Living [Howcast]…

Recently, I saw this article about Howcast and was quite intrigued by the startup company. Howcast is run by ex-Googlers with the intent of becoming the YouTube of instructional videos….

]]> By: cgedqmr ljhtoq http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2005323 cgedqmr ljhtoq Mon, 25 Feb 2008 18:24:15 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-2005323 xaehkoflp eqfmlwda sxwmpv dzsnq whnxm vyjkxghrz pelcym xaehkoflp eqfmlwda sxwmpv dzsnq whnxm vyjkxghrz pelcym

]]> By: MindBites http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1986635 MindBites Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:31:34 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1986635 Interesting comments. For some, I think the appeal of consumer-generated video is precisely that is is regular folks posting it and not some wonk. With that said, wonks have their proper place. Our <a href="http://mindbites.com" rel="nofollow">how-to video site MindBites</a> is focused on enabling authors to monetize what they know. You can also download the lessons, which makes them portable. This space will be a fun one to watch and participate in. Interesting comments. For some, I think the appeal of consumer-generated video is precisely that is is regular folks posting it and not some wonk. With that said, wonks have their proper place.

Our how-to video site MindBites is focused on enabling authors to monetize what they know. You can also download the lessons, which makes them portable.

This space will be a fun one to watch and participate in.

]]> By: Paul http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1982289 Paul Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:23:13 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1982289 I would fall on the floor laughing if I found one of these instructional video sites for "adults" a la Monty Pythons Meaning of Life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDoQFcQEpOQ I would fall on the floor laughing if I found one of these instructional video sites for “adults” a la Monty Pythons Meaning of Life:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDoQFcQEpOQ

]]> By: kevin http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1981257 kevin Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:03:53 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1981257 This nothing new...but if your a group who want to explain how to do somthing in a straightforward manner, you may want to look at BubbleGuru.com They let you self-publish video message and get them on your site in this really neat little floating player. It's a great idea cause you don't have to redesign your site to find a place for video...also can launch via a javascript button on your page. Take a look when you get sec. This nothing new…but if your a group who want to explain how to do somthing in a straightforward manner, you may want to look at BubbleGuru.com

They let you self-publish video message and get them on your site in this really neat little floating player.

It’s a great idea cause you don’t have to redesign your site to find a place for video…also can launch via a javascript button on your page.

Take a look when you get sec.

]]> By: elena http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1980080 elena Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:33:26 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1980080 didn't ex doubleclickers do this a few years ago? didn’t ex doubleclickers do this a few years ago?

]]> By: RJ McHatton http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979918 RJ McHatton Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:34:38 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979918 Thanks for sharing. Very awesome opportunity to learn and grow. RJ Thanks for sharing. Very awesome opportunity to learn and grow.

RJ

]]> By: gerard ascolese http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979732 gerard ascolese Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:40:55 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979732 Heres the real deal..www.everyonesitalian.com. For the Italian in everyone. Heres the real deal..www.everyonesitalian.com. For the Italian in everyone.

]]> By: Ryan http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979673 Ryan Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:30:35 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979673 I've been using zipidee to post my instructional videos and getting paid for it! they have an easy to use service that allows me to set a price and sell it instead of just giving it away like these other sites! I’ve been using zipidee to post my instructional videos and getting paid for it! they have an easy to use service that allows me to set a price and sell it instead of just giving it away like these other sites!

]]> By: ogsolution http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979470 ogsolution Thu, 07 Feb 2008 10:28:31 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979470 This looks like a combination of Revver (overlay ads) and Viddler (inline commenting system) but made specifically for instructional videos. This is awesome!!! I will for sure post my videos there. There is also another new how-to video site for you guys to look at. http://howvids.com/Home/index.ad2 This looks like a combination of Revver (overlay ads) and Viddler (inline commenting system) but made specifically for instructional videos. This is awesome!!! I will for sure post my videos there.

There is also another new how-to video site for you guys to look at. http://howvids.com/Home/index.ad2

]]> By: Henry of Zipidee.com http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979366 Henry of Zipidee.com Thu, 07 Feb 2008 08:02:05 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979366 Are you kidding me? How many ad supported 'how to' sites can the market bear? Especially b/c 2 have already exited and I count at least 5 players who have raised funding and plenty more looking for funding. We'll look back at this space in 5 years with the same disdain afforded the numerous online 'pet' stores in the late 90s. That's why I started Zipidee.com, a premium, pay for site which is making money NOW for 'pay for' video and audio content. And yes, we sell instructional content, but a whole lot more, in fact, the Internet's largest 'pay for' mid tail content. Net-net: you get what you pay for. Are you kidding me? How many ad supported ‘how to’ sites can the market bear? Especially b/c 2 have already exited and I count at least 5 players who have raised funding and plenty more looking for funding. We’ll look back at this space in 5 years with the same disdain afforded the numerous online ‘pet’ stores in the late 90s. That’s why I started Zipidee.com, a premium, pay for site which is making money NOW for ‘pay for’ video and audio content. And yes, we sell instructional content, but a whole lot more, in fact, the Internet’s largest ‘pay for’ mid tail content. Net-net: you get what you pay for.

]]> By: Matthew http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979314 Matthew Thu, 07 Feb 2008 06:28:24 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979314 Users who create content tend to upload it to as many sites as will take it, so there is really no defensible competitive advantage with a site that simply aggregates existing UGC. If you spend any time on these site, you quickly begin seeing the same videos everywhere. Greg is right about www.monkeysee.com doing it right. Looking at their site, I estimate they have over 5000 professional quality videos with really qualified experts (check out the Michael Weiss video), which is a very different model from most of these sites. By combining original content with the same UGC found everywhere else, they seem to be creating some very clear differentiation. Users who create content tend to upload it to as many sites as will take it, so there is really no defensible competitive advantage with a site that simply aggregates existing UGC. If you spend any time on these site, you quickly begin seeing the same videos everywhere. Greg is right about http://www.monkeysee.com doing it right. Looking at their site, I estimate they have over 5000 professional quality videos with really qualified experts (check out the Michael Weiss video), which is a very different model from most of these sites. By combining original content with the same UGC found everywhere else, they seem to be creating some very clear differentiation.

]]> By: annplugged http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979313 annplugged Thu, 07 Feb 2008 06:27:38 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979313 Looks a great site after a quick overview. And thanks to Greg Laurence for the Monkeysee link. I wonder when the howto video sites get seriously into hypervideos too - howto sounds absolutely logical with interactive links with a very high potential CTR and conversion rate. Looks a great site after a quick overview. And thanks to Greg Laurence for the Monkeysee link.
I wonder when the howto video sites get seriously into hypervideos too - howto sounds absolutely logical with interactive links with a very high potential CTR and conversion rate.

]]> By: joe http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979199 joe Thu, 07 Feb 2008 03:43:10 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1979199 Great idea, but they aren´t paying enough for those videos. Great idea, but they aren´t paying enough for those videos.

]]> By: nyte3k http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978979 nyte3k Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:53:56 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978979 decent website and all, but it should be seeing how they're pretty much doing what they've been doing. Google Video...Youtube....to this? It's okay to think outside the box sometimes. :) decent website and all, but it should be seeing how they’re pretty much doing what they’ve been doing. Google Video…Youtube….to this?

It’s okay to think outside the box sometimes. :)

]]> By: Charlie Anzman http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978971 Charlie Anzman Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:34:22 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978971 @Googlers What makes you quit Google is 2 or 3 milllion in stock options at 27 or 28 years old. Others, I have to say, just wanted to venture out on their own and do their own thing, many successfully. LOVE this Howcast. Thanks Erick! @Googlers What makes you quit Google is 2 or 3 milllion in stock options at 27 or 28 years old. Others, I have to say, just wanted to venture out on their own and do their own thing, many successfully. LOVE this Howcast. Thanks Erick!

]]> By: Viraj http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978952 Viraj Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:20:36 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978952 I'm devastated! They stole my GCSE (Year 11) business studies project...I'd even made an awesome business plan for it! When I was thinking about whether I could make the idea work (in real life - not just as a project) I had even checked if the domain howcast.com was available and obviously it wasn't...damn I could have made a fortune! Ah well...there' always plan B... I’m devastated! They stole my GCSE (Year 11) business studies project…I’d even made an awesome business plan for it!

When I was thinking about whether I could make the idea work (in real life - not just as a project) I had even checked if the domain howcast.com was available and obviously it wasn’t…damn I could have made a fortune!

Ah well…there’ always plan B…

]]> By: Jurado http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978941 Jurado Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:08:21 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978941 Brilliant, simply Brilliant....I love to see ex-googies take shots! Smooth Stuff. Brilliant, simply Brilliant….I love to see ex-googies take shots! Smooth Stuff.

]]> By: Mark S. http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978927 Mark S. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:52:31 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978927 20$ CPM, that seems a little high... are you sure about that? 20$ CPM, that seems a little high… are you sure about that?

]]> By: Josiah http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978889 Josiah Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:15:23 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978889 Steve, maybe because employment contracts that limit the things you suggest are ...wait for it .... evil. Steve, maybe because employment contracts that limit the things you suggest are …wait for it …. evil.

]]> By: techcrunchreader http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978806 techcrunchreader Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:07:37 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978806 The website is well designed and easy to use, hope you have a better chance then Revver. On Cnet: "Video site Revver shopping itself for a song. Revver's asking price is between $300,000 and $500,000, as well as the assumption of the company's debt, which is in the $1 million range. The sum is tiny considering that the Los Angeles-based Revver raised $12.7 million in venture funding." The website is well designed and easy to use, hope you have a better chance then Revver.

On Cnet:
“Video site Revver shopping itself for a song.

Revver’s asking price is between $300,000 and $500,000, as well as the assumption of the company’s debt, which is in the $1 million range.

The sum is tiny considering that the Los Angeles-based Revver raised $12.7 million in venture funding.”

]]> By: Greg Laurence http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978724 Greg Laurence Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:17:46 +0000 http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/02/06/ex-googlers-launch-intsructional-video-site-howcast-raise-8-million-a-round/#comment-1978724 I recently ran across another how-to video website that seems to be executing this concept better than most. It's www.monkeysee.com, and while they have some UGC, they've managed to create many thousands of professional-quality how-to videos, all shot in high definition, displayed in widescreen format, and offered free to consumers. What sets them apart is the quality of their content. It will be obvious as soon as you see it. This raises another question about this new site, and most of the others that have recently launched. How can any modern video site, especially one that is new and creating original content, decide to keep displaying video in the old 4x3 video format? It's like starting a tv network in 1980 with black and white programming. Am I missing something? I recently ran across another how-to video website that seems to be executing this concept better than most. It’s http://www.monkeysee.com, and while they have some UGC, they’ve managed to create many thousands of professional-quality how-to videos, all shot in high definition, displayed in widescreen format, and offered free to consumers. What sets them apart is the quality of their content. It will be obvious as soon as you see it.

This raises another question about this new site, and most of the others that have recently launched. How can any modern video site, especially one that is new and creating original content, decide to keep displaying video in the old 4×3 video format? It’s like starting a tv network in 1980 with black and white programming. Am I missing something?

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