Last week’s response to our announcement of TheCosmeticChannel.com caused the biggest response to a product announcement in Dog Star Media history. As I predicted, this new web video service is going to be HUGE. Thanks to all the early adopters who have signed up already to be part of the first wave to introduce The Cosmetic Channel. (To take advantage of early pre-sale pricing, email me here.)
I am amused at how our competitors are scrambling to jump on the video bandwagon. I am equally amused at how they have not been able to touch our ability to create custom video for Flash. I guess those Film degrees our team has are good for something afterall.
This goes back to what I have been saying for almost a year. In order to have the best video on the web, you need a company that is expert in both web design and video production. Luckily, Dog Star Media has both and it really shows when you are comparing apples with apples.
So, the video battlefield is emerging. Thus, I have summarized all the interesting and frequently asked questions from the last week that regard The Cosmetic Channel™ and web video in general. Read this to be an educated consumer.
Q: What is the price structure for TheCosmeticChannel?
A: Early pre-sale price is $200/month for Season 1. Season 1 is 12 months long.
Q: Can I add my own video to my player on The Cosmetic Channel™?
A: Yes, we can adapt your player to offer your own video. You can even customize the main greeting video. We shot a custom greeting for Dr. Reginald Rice last week where he introduces The Cosmetic Channel™ personally.
Q: How does the video search on Google work? Is this Google Universe?
A: (From Mischa Gorrell of Redbud Search)
As you know, the great majority of searches are done through the main Google search page, as opposed to their other properties (including video, image and local search). Google Universe is Google's new program to integrate these results where appropriate. For example, if you did a search through the main Google search page for "Shakira" (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=shakira&btnG=Search), you will see not only web search results, but music, news and video search results as well.
(We detected a competitor in Canada misinforming one of our clients about this.)
Q: Does The Cosmetic Channel™ help with organic search engine optimization?
A: Yes. Your player for The Cosmetic Channel™ will pull video from our main site. Therefore, it is linked externally to a relevant, free-standing site. (See previous blogs about linking).
Q: Should I be adding my videos to YouTube?
A: (From Mischa Gorrell of Redbud Search) YouTube officially states in its Terms of Use (http://www.youtube.com/t/terms) that "use of the Website as permitted is solely for your personal, noncommercial use". This is where the line gets blurry. You will find thousands of commercials and testimonial videos on YouTube. I would suggest using YouTube if you have a quality video that provides useful information to your customers...and only as part of your overall online marketing plan. Keep in mind this is also something that needs to be monitored. Unlike your website, anyone can comment on your video and you have no control over your marketing message. This is obviously very important for brand and reputation management.
My answer is a pretty firm no. First of all I do not like that others can comment without your control and, secondly, I do not suggest knowingly violating use rules, even if they are not enforced. Clearly you can do this and YouTube is not going to track down your small business video and remove it. In general, I think it is bad form and we can do better on your web site.
Q: Can see the broadcast schedule for the shows on The Cosmetic Channel™ before I sign up?
A: Yes. This week, we will be publishing the episode lists for the shows in Season 1 of The Cosmetic Channel™. Keep checking the web site. It will evolve more than once a week for the next few weeks.
Q: Can I pick and choose the episodes I want to show on my web site’s version of The Cosmetic Channel™?
A: No. The episodes are on a schedule that will not be changed.
Q: What will the regular prices for subscriptions to The Cosmetic Channel™ be?
A: Just like subscribing to cable or satellite television, we will have subscription levels. Packages will be released after the episode schedules but right now, we have price levels set between $300-$500/month depending on the package. Try to focus on the early pre-sale subscription price of $200/month.
Q: When will The Cosmetic Channel™ launch?
A: Launch is scheduled for September 15, 2007. This is a conservative estimate. We are trying to launch early if we can.
Keep watching The Cosmetic Channel™ and keep checking this blog. You really are watching a groundbreaking project roll out.
