Well, vacation has been bitter sweet for the Mr Video family. While my son and I were able to get away to attend a once-every-three-year family reunion, my wife has had to stay back home.

Seems she pulled something in her back while gardening and subsequent MRI revealed 2 herniated disks - plus bone spurs.

I came back early from my getaway to be with the missus and support her while she has been going from one doctor to another. Hopefully we'll duck out of town later this week. Thoughts and prayers appreciated!

I'm not sure how this came across my desk but I'm sure glad it did. There is a company called Entertainment Scripts (entertainmentscripts.com) that produces a very cool YouTube clone called Social Media.

Before you roll your eyes you gotta check out their demo: http://www.entertainmentscripts.com/social/

It's actually a cross between YouTube and MySpace.

It really is a nice application. Cost? About $300. Get the "Entertainment Package" for two additional scripts (MP3 and Arcade) for $327!

I have already begun my YouTube experiment. I purchased a great domain name at GoDaddy, purchased the Social Media script as well as their hosting offering and installation. (Hosting is provided by http://www.serveshare.com/)

What can you use this for? UGC - User Generated Content. Basically you can use this script to give customers, clients, members, associates, or whomever the ability to post and host videos related to their (and/or your) niche.

Does the world need another YouTube? Nope. We really don't need another content dump. But the world does need a place where like minded individuals can share content. In the long tail, the idea is "filter". Think about it - Where would you go for quality content targeted to your niche or hobby? You may go to YouTube but it is getting increasingly difficult to filter out the good from the bad.

If you can provide your target audience a safe, junk free environment where they can share their passions - you have a winner! Oh wait - I just thought of three other great YouTube Clone ideas...

I'm really glad you are subscribed the the tips of the week. There is so much going on that you can really put a stake in the ground around and set up shop.

You don't need thousands of visitors - you just need some passionate customers, give them a voice and an environment and service them. The Social Media script I mentioned is only one way to do this.

Video is exploding - start thinking how you can use it to your advantage!

Next week I'll post the results of the shoot out between the Sony WCS-999 (wireless mic) and the Rode VideoMic (shotgun mic).

Stay Tuned...

Perry

AskMrVideo.com

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