Copyright (c) 2006-2023 Jim Hedger, All Rights Reserved
The other day a few friends and I stopped back at the office after a long day of golf. By age, the foursome spanned three unique musical eras. Pete the chef is a child of the '70's. Business partner Andy and I are products of the '80's and our fourth, young Derek the hotel manager had his halcyon days in the '90's. Finding music that suits all our tastes is a challenge with one liking the guitar-god rock of Led Zeppelin, two digging the melodic meanderings of the post-punk '80's and the other intently listening to the contemporary sounds of today.
Though the several thousand MP3s from our collective systems have been merged into one meta-MP3 music file providing what should be at least a week of continuous, entertainment. The problem is, my main computer appears to be dropping its drivers and those thousands of MP3s are sounding sort of fuzzy.
After the short wave of annoyance passed, I decided to put my powers of search to the test and venture forth to find and replace my errant sound driver. It didn't take very long to decide that was a bad idea disguised as a good one. Several pints of loosening fluid consumed between the 10th and 19th greens were still active. Ten minutes of extreme frustration surfing around the site of the company that made my sound card led me to Google in the vain hopes I could find another repository of arcane drivers.
"What's taking so long with the Led Zeppelin? I can make a slow-soup faster than this," taunted Pete the chef. Pete pushes the envelope when it comes to the never ending computer problems that tend to plague my home-office.
Inadvertently I stumbled upon Google Video. Pete's Led Zeppelin (http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=led+zeppelin&hl=en) craving was instantly assuaged by a live 1979 performance of "Rain Song" and I was about to experience one of the most interesting innovations seen online in months.
While the Zeppelin footage was old and grainy, the sound was master quality. Next, we moved to the early '80's looking for anything by The Clash (http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=the+clash&hl=en). We were rewarded with a live concert version of the piece Rolling Stone Magazine called the most influential song of its decade, London Calling. Again, because the recording is almost twenty-six years ago, the video quality is rather low but the sound quality is excellent. Two successful searches lead to us wanting more. Derek leaned over and asked if we could find a piece by a friend of a friend in Toronto, Bedouin Soundclash (http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=bedouin+soundclash&hl=en). The first reference was the video for "When the Night Feels My Song", the band's recent hit, followed by five other live performance videos.
75% of the screen is used to display the video content with the remaining quarter on the right of the screen showing several options for viewers and webmasters. As we watched the two live performances and one video, we explored some of these options.
At the top of the right side screen is a five-star ratings system similar to the one used by Windows Media Player. Below the ranking stars an Email this video button allows viewers to send the video clip to friends. When the emailed clip arrives, a video box (present in both Gmail and MS Outlook) is displayed. A click on the play arrow opens a Google Video viewer playing the clip.
For some video clips, the "email this video" button has expanded capabilities. Bloggers are invited to display the clip on their blogs with links coming in multiple forms including, text links, embedded video, and direct support for MySpace, Blogger, LiveJournal and TypePad.
Below the Email/Blog/Post to MySpace button is a short description of the performers along with links to other pages displaying similar content. Directly below the description, five links appear showing a playlist of similar videos, still images from the video being shown, a list of videos posted by the user who posted the original, related videos, and other users' comments. Below those options are links to all similar videos in Google Video's database.
That's a lot of webmaster friendly features. The ability to post embedded clips directly to a blog is likely one that webmasters will begin using, much in the same way YouTube videos are increasingly being shown on independent sites.
After listening to me rave about how ease of access to video production and distribution is rapidly changing the way I think about the Internet, my friends decided they would rather listen to some more music. So far, Google Video has not disappointed us, going three for three. For the moment, Google Video was batting an even 1.000. We decided to give it a bit of a challenge and look for some obscure content. "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=grandmaster+flash&hl=en). Google had it. Four for four.
That's where our luck and Google's reach seemed to end. Trying to keep young Derek happy, we then searched for the intro theme from the Sopranos "Woke Up This Morning", by A3. No such luck. Google video was able to find plenty of parody versions but the original three-minute song and accompanying video of Tony Soprano's daily commute along the E. Jersey shore was moodily absent.
Next we went back to the '80's trying to find Scottish pop band Big Country (http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=big+country&hl=en). While we were unable to directly experience Big Country's synthesized bagpipes, an American cover band, Wil Wilson offered two scratchy minutes of their version of that hook-laden melody played with a real bagpiper.
Finding the Family Guy tribute prompted us to revisit some of our less successful video searches on Google.com. In many cases, videos and songs unavailable at Google Video have been posted to YouTube though many of the song clips are overlaid with animations created by independent users.
It is relatively easy to post videos to both Google Video and YouTube though an account is required on both servers. With Google Video, submitting a clip is as simple as filling out a short, five-field form, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and hitting the upload video button. YouTube is a bit more complicated, asking submitters to help classify the video before it is uploaded.
In both cases, the content creator retains rights to the clips they submit however by agreeing to the terms and conditions set by Google, content creators are, in effect, "... directing and authorizing Google to, and granting Google a royalty-free, non-exclusive right and license to, host, cache, route, transmit, store, copy, modify, distribute, perform, display, reformat, excerpt, facilitate the sale or rental of copies of, analyze, and create algorithms based on the Authorized Content in order to (i) host the Authorized Content on Google's servers, (ii) index the Authorized Content; (iii) display, perform and distribute the Authorized Content, in whole or in part, in the territory(ies) designated in the Metadata Form, in connection with Google products and services now existing or hereafter developed, including without limitation for syndication on third party sites; and in connection with each of the uses, if any, of the Authorized Content authorized in the video information page (the "Video Information Page") which will be made available to You no sooner than at the time Google enables any of the features designated on the Video Information Page. This license gives Google the right to display Your Authorized Content via streaming and/or downloading technologies, and to display limited excerpts of Your Authorized Content for no fee to the end user. Google may in its sole discretion display a link or links to the website You designate (subject to Google's approval) in the Metadata Form in connection with any display of Your Authorized Content, and to display links to third party commercial retailer web sites where purchases of the Authorized Content may be available, to the extent such third party commercial retailer web site serves as a distributor of the Authorized Content."
The agreement appears weighted in favor of the content creator. While Google can mess with it and use the content as real estate for advertising delivery, the creator safely holds ownership and future commercial rights. Aside from offering potential buyers free material, content creators appear to have few worries about losing control of their creations.
The availability and accessibility of video through Google Video and YouTube is already expanding options for webmasters, advertisers and content creators, much as MySpace offered young bands a global exposure platform. With the easy ability to store media files on Google or YouTube servers and embed those files in blogs, websites and MySpace profiles, Internet users can expect a greater visual experience as webmasters discover and make use of tools that literally could alter the way we all view the Internet.
Search marketing expert Jim Hedger is one of the most prolific writers in the search sector with articles appearing in numerous search related websites and newsletters, including SiteProNews, Search Engine Journal, ISEDB.com, and Search Engine Guide.
Click Fraud: Defining the Context of a Problem (Part 1)
Written by: Jim Hedger |
Distributed: 2006-10-12 |
Word Count: 1426 |
Page Views: 5776
| Votes: 17 |
Rating: 2.06
Everyone involved in search marketing considers Click Fraud a
problem issue though to what degree problems exist depends on who
is looking at the issues. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) search advertising
is the golden goose that makes the major engines financially
viable but the success of the PPC model, mixed with the nature of
the 'net can make PPC advertising a double-edged sword for
advertisers.
Two Sides of the Sandbox - Getting Stuck and Unstuck on Google
Written by: Jim Hedger |
Distributed: 2006-10-11 |
Word Count: 1438 |
Page Views: 3387
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 1.87
The mysterious "Google Sandbox" has been a hot discussion topic
for search engine optimizers since the phenomena was first noted
and named in late April 2004. Since then, ideas on the function,
scope and even existence of the sandbox have been a mainstay in
SEO and Google related forums, chats and articles.
Search Marketing and Social Media
Written by: Jim Hedger |
Distributed: 2006-09-29 |
Word Count: 1208 |
Page Views: 4268
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 2.57
The phrase Social Media Optimization, (SMO), has quickly become
an industry buzzword in search marketing circles. The term refers
to the practice of crafting, altering or augmenting profiles,
images, movies and other files to be easily found and well shared
in social media applications such as 43Things.com, MySpace,
Tribe.net or Flickr, and by interested parties throughout the
blogosphere.
Will 3D Gaming Ever Become Mainstream?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-06-28 |
Word Count: 719 |
Page Views: 7247
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 0.67
Will 3D gaming and 3D entertainment ever become mainstream -
a prominent feature in our daily lives? Lately, there has
been a renewed interest in all things 3D and while it is
winning a few battles, can it truly win the war? Read this
eye-popping article to discover the answer!
Music and Humor
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-07-29 |
Word Count: 914 |
Page Views: 5998
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 0.60
Music and humor can intersect in one of three ways. The
first way is when serious artists get clever. This would be
The Who's "Squeeze Box," The Ramones "I Want to be
Sedated," or Aerosmith's "Dude Looks Like a Lady."
'Dukes of September Rhythm Revue' Tour
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-07-28 |
Word Count: 548 |
Page Views: 7303
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 0.33
The Dukes of September play jazz-rock and blue-eyed soul
while covering artists like Little Anthony, David Ruffin and
Curtis Mayfield. The Dukes of Stratosphear were the alter
egos of the British rock band XTC. And they are on tour this
year...
Six Broadway Shows You Must See
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-04-29 |
Word Count: 643 |
Page Views: 5637
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.00
Even those living in a cave know that Wicked, The Lion King
and Chicago are Broadway's hottest tickets. But they're
not the only entertainment on the Great White Way. Below,
BSTLV looks at eight other Broadway shows you should
definitely check out. These eight productions range from
timeless revivals to brand new dramatic works that are
destined to become Broadway classics.
The Top 10 Amusement Parks in America
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-04-21 |
Word Count: 1163 |
Page Views: 7361
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 0.83
The deciding factor in selecting the top ten amusement parks
in America was the answer to the following question: is the
park worth a trip across country? If the park is in Florida
is it worth the trip from the West Coast? If the park is in
California is it worth the journey from Boston or Baltimore?
If the answer was yes, the park qualified for inclusion.
Jimmy Buffett and His 'Under the Big Top' Tour
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-03-15 |
Word Count: 500 |
Page Views: 5994
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 0.33
This is Buffett's umpteenth tour of North America and it's
supporting his latest release, "Buffet Hotel." That's not
a misspelling. "Buffet Hotel" is the name of a hotel in
the landlocked nation of Mali. Buffett discovered the hotel
on a recent trip to West Africa.
Welcome to Sugarland - Sugarland's 'Incredible Machine Tour'
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-03-14 |
Word Count: 598 |
Page Views: 15790
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
The incredibly successful Sugarland has released three
studio albums, all of which have reached multi-platinum
status. A fourth is scheduled to drop this summer.
To Be Inked Or Not To Be Inked? Choose Wisely
Written by: Bree Levine |
Distributed: 2010-02-24 |
Word Count: 537 |
Page Views: 6871
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
Is getting a tattoo right for everyone? There are some wise
dos and don'ts that go with the idea of a tattoo.
Michael Jackson Vs Prince
Written by: Ov Guy |
Distributed: 2010-01-12 |
Word Count: 737 |
Page Views: 5808
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 1.40
What is the real story behind the Michael Jackson vs. Prince
rivalry? On our new website, we present the answer from
people who were there and saw what was going on first hand.
In this article, we crack open the door that hides the truth
of how the music industry works behind the scenes, so that
consumers might better understand why their favorite
musicians do not grace the airwaves as often as they
otherwise would...
Live Nation Linking To Ticket Brokers
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2009-12-31 |
Word Count: 501 |
Page Views: 4669
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.20
At the time of this writing (late 2009) Live Nation's
website is linking to tickets held by brokers. This isn't a
move to bolster its online marketing. The world's largest
promoter of concerts says it's a move to better serve their
customers. But there may be more to this story...
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American Idol Contestants – Where Are They Now?
Written by: Trent Lampe |
Distributed: 2007-03-27 |
Word Count: 719 |
Page Views: 33569
| Votes: 24 |
Rating: 2.13
Before her appearance on American Idol, no one knew of Kelly
Clarkson and her musical gift. But since claiming the title of
the first American Idol, Clarkson has even surpassed that label,
and has become an established voice in the music industry. But
the question that many people have is: From Clarkson, Underwood,
Studdard, Hicks, and Fantasia, where are they all now?
Movie Posters and Entertainment Memorabilia Can Be Money In The Bank
Written by: Ralph Deluca |
Distributed: 2008-09-25 |
Word Count: 889 |
Page Views: 23239
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.71
With rare exceptions, such as some of the Batman movie posters,
most new release movie posters can be purchased for as little as
$15-$20. With this knowledge in hand, most people look at movie
posters with a sense of ho-hum when thinking about entertainment
memorabilia and collectibles. But the big picture is much more
enticing.
How to Attend TV Show Tapings
Written by: Jordan McAuley |
Distributed: 2007-02-20 |
Word Count: 1702 |
Page Views: 22824
| Votes: 37 |
Rating: 2.51
Shows you how to attend free television show tapings in Los
Angeles, New York, and the U.K.
Why People Gamble
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-07-29 |
Word Count: 721 |
Page Views: 21189
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 2.57
Gambling is an instinct inherent in all of us. We all gamble.
Even if you have never placed a bet in your life, you are still a
gambler. Don't believe it? Let's see...
Rob Thomas, His Wife, and Her Diamonds
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2009-09-01 |
Word Count: 581 |
Page Views: 19832
| Votes: 31 |
Rating: 1.58
Rob Thomas' latest album, Cradlesong, deals with dark
issues and adult themes but none is more serious than the
illness inflicting his wife Marisol (Maldonado) Thomas.
Marisol suffers from a rare autoimmune disorder and her
plight was Thomas' muse for Cradlesong's first single,
"Her Diamonds."
American Idol Creates Entertainment Careers, Even For The Losers
Written by: Trent Lampe |
Distributed: 2007-03-14 |
Word Count: 759 |
Page Views: 17709
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 1.70
At this year's Oscars, Jennifer Hudson won the
supporting-actress Academy Award for her role on Dreamgirls.
Nobody could have ever projected this sort of success for last
year's American Idol finalist. But this story only adds to the
long and illustrious careers that have been created by American
Idol.
Welcome to Sugarland - Sugarland's 'Incredible Machine Tour'
Written by: Ryan Hogan |
Distributed: 2010-03-14 |
Word Count: 598 |
Page Views: 15790
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
The incredibly successful Sugarland has released three
studio albums, all of which have reached multi-platinum
status. A fourth is scheduled to drop this summer.
American Idol Has Influenced The Music Industry In A Positive Way
Written by: Trent Lampe |
Distributed: 2007-03-22 |
Word Count: 731 |
Page Views: 13868
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.21
It would almost seem that the format of American Idol wasn't
intended to play a key role in the music industry. But after its
all been said and done, it appears that American Idol actually
produces quality singers who go on to collect prestigious musical
awards, such as the Grammy and perhaps even the Oscar.
In Broad Daylight--Who Killed Ken McElroy?
Written by: Harry N. MacLean |
Distributed: 2007-01-30 |
Word Count: 739 |
Page Views: 13679
| Votes: 38 |
Rating: 2.37
The killing of Ken Rex McElroy could well be the hottest cold
case on record. On the morning of July 10, 1981, he was shot to
death as he sat in his pickup on the main street of Skidmore,
Missouri. Forty-five townspeople witnessed the killing. All
denied seeing the shooters. After three grand juries and an
eight-month FBI investigation, no one was indicted. Twenty-five
years later, still no one has been charged with the murder.
Fourth Of July Flowers
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-06-25 |
Word Count: 429 |
Page Views: 10226
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 1.86
Your Fourth of July celebration could begin and end with a real
bang when you use flowers to accent and decorate the day. If
you're thinking you need to stick with the traditional red,
white, and blue carnation arrangements you normally see on
Independence Day, think again! Flowers come in so many varieties
and they're so easy to customize to the occasion that the
possibilities are endless.
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Movie Posters and Entertainment Memorabilia Can Be Money In The Bank
Written by: Ralph Deluca |
Distributed: 2008-09-25 |
Word Count: 889 |
Page Views: 23239
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.71
With rare exceptions, such as some of the Batman movie posters,
most new release movie posters can be purchased for as little as
$15-$20. With this knowledge in hand, most people look at movie
posters with a sense of ho-hum when thinking about entertainment
memorabilia and collectibles. But the big picture is much more
enticing.
Seeking Three Minutes Of Fame And Attention On American Idol
Written by: Trent Lampe |
Distributed: 2007-04-03 |
Word Count: 771 |
Page Views: 4593
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.67
With the American Idol marvel currently taking place, one cannot
ignore the appeal of the general public for fame. If you were to
poll a typical teenager, you would discover that most youngsters
consider fame as a sign of success in life. In-fact, modern-day
celebrity has become a phenomenon, fueled by what seems to be an
all-time high in the quest for recognition and stardom.
Why People Gamble
Written by: Skyler Ace |
Distributed: 2009-07-29 |
Word Count: 721 |
Page Views: 21189
| Votes: 23 |
Rating: 2.57
Gambling is an instinct inherent in all of us. We all gamble.
Even if you have never placed a bet in your life, you are still a
gambler. Don't believe it? Let's see...
What is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra?
Written by: Mark Anderson |
Distributed: 2008-11-05 |
Word Count: 708 |
Page Views: 7473
| Votes: 16 |
Rating: 2.56
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, often called TSO, is a rock
orchestra founded in the mid-1990s. The band's style is very
hard to describe, as it incorporates elements of classical
musical, heavy metal, symphonic metal and progressive rock. While
the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is based in New York City, it often
tours around the world. That means that people in unusual and
obscure locations may get the chance to experience this unique
sound.
How to Attend TV Show Tapings
Written by: Jordan McAuley |
Distributed: 2007-02-20 |
Word Count: 1702 |
Page Views: 22824
| Votes: 37 |
Rating: 2.51
Shows you how to attend free television show tapings in Los
Angeles, New York, and the U.K.
Carrie Underwood: Paving Her Way to Stardom
Written by: Mark Anderson |
Distributed: 2008-02-21 |
Word Count: 581 |
Page Views: 6477
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.50
Country music darling and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood
was born and raised on a farm in Oklahoma. Carrie was born in
1983 on March 10th. Carrie Marie Underwood was destined to become
a country music star.
Brokeback Mountain Filming - Pictures and Review
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2006-12-12 |
Word Count: 1400 |
Page Views: 8063
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.43
Already viewed by more people than any of the other of this
year's Oscar contenders, Brokeback has splayed some of
Alberta's most stunning geography on silver screens the world
over.
Marketing for Wedding Photographers: 5 Attract More Wedding Clients Packages
Written by: Lesley Mattos |
Distributed: 2006-08-17 |
Word Count: 421 |
Page Views: 5270
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 2.42
While professional photographers shoot many types of events, many
are coming up with unique ideas and incentives to offer their
wedding clients, which are giving them an edge over their
competitors.
Guide To The Best Bands To See Live
Written by: Bret Robson |
Distributed: 2007-10-17 |
Word Count: 788 |
Page Views: 5781
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 2.42
There are five UK bands that deliver legendary performances to
their audiences time and time again. Buy a concert ticket for one
of these acts, and you will never come away disappointed.
Britney Spears Second Baby Is Cause For Big Bouquets Of Flowers
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-02-25 |
Word Count: 432 |
Page Views: 4253
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 2.40
There's been a baby boom in the world of entertainment, and the
latest of these little stars is Sutton Pierce, the son of pop
mega-star Britney Spears and her husband, rapper Kevin Federline.
Baby Sutton was born on September 12th, 2006 via caesarean
section some time around 2 a.m. He is the second son born to the
couple; his older brother Sean Preston turned one-year-old just
days after Sutton's birth. While the birth of the baby certainly
makes Spears and her family deliriously happy, high-end gift
retailers are probably thrilled, too. You see, the latest trend
in gift giving is to give extravagant gifts at the birth of a new
baby.
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