Comments on: When YouTube Met Corporate America

By: Mario Sundar

Mario Sundar — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 23:23:23 +0000

Hi Ann,
Exactly. I see multi-media similar to tv with a few subtle differences. Primarily, the attention span of web-users is much lesser than required for tv-viewing.
I agree with you that webex videos are more like testimonials, but I think it’s a great teaser video for the printed case study which the reader can then download on the same page.
Mario

By: Mario Sundar

Mario Sundar — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 22:26:39 +0000

Gavin,
You’re so right. The experience you suggested is so accurate in that not everyone would be great before a camera but I’ve worked for agencies whose main job is to identify people who are not camera-shy for such multi-media projects.
I think Multi-media is just another tool to market your service/product but it surely has its limitations as well.
Mario

By: Ted Page

Ted Page — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 13:43:58 +0000

Mario,
Good article. My impression is that the concept of desktop computers being a motion picture storytelling medium for corporate America is starting to catch on – finally! At the risk of “plugging” my company, I can tell you that we’ve done web videos, like one starring John Cleese for LiveVault, that increased our client’s website traffic by a factor of ten. But even video testimonials on websites, if they’re well done, can make a big difference in connecting with customers. We’ve put together our own interactive online presentation that kind of demystifies web video and viral marketing. If anyone is interested in taking a look I’d love to get your feedback. It’s at http://www.captainsofindustry.com/whatisviral/

By: Ann Handley

Ann Handley — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 11:41:05 +0000

Hi Mario –
Great round-up of what’s out there. I used the Text 100 Island video shot in Second Life in a recent presentation — like Karl Long said on this site, I thought it was downright inspirational — even though I’d previously been skeptical of Second Life. In other words, when you watch the Text 100 video, you instantly “get it.” That’s something many articles I’d read on the topic had failed to do. Which is I guess one of the larger points you are making.
One quibble: I wouldn’t call Webex’s videos “case studies”…they are really little more than filmed testimonials.
And finally — to Gavin’s point — well, good point, Gavin!

By: Gavin Heaton

Gavin Heaton — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 14:02:21 +0000

There is potential with video and multimedia … and while the distribution is cheap via YouTube or similar, to put together a quality multimedia piece takes time and a well put together story. Oh, and then there is “talent” too.
Many executives are fine talking to their teams and direct reports, but put a camera in front of them and watch them squirm … and every movement is amplified on video. Every rapid shift of the eyes makes you look untrustworthy. Every pause makes you look indecisive.
Sure, go ahead and use the tools, just make sure you have someone who can help ensure the message you give out is the one intended.