Kitten Videos: Sometimes Popular, Always Inspiring

It's always fun to watch the popularity cycle of YouTube videos. Like how The Office brought another wave of interest in the JK Wedding Dance after Jim & Pam's wedding episode.

We saw today that we have 32K views on our 8 month old video interview with Maddie from Kittens Inspired by Kittens. So why the uptick in views?




We think it's from an Entertainment Weekly article that was published at the end of August recapping Notable Kitty Videos, with Maddie's video earning (only?!) a B+ on the kitten funny grading scale. With all the internet meme costumes (and parties!) that are going to hit the streets this weekend, it will be interesting to see which videos take off again and which ones can finally be put to rest.

In other news, YouTube now wants to make some cash on the video and help us take home some change. I think this is a great idea to help Alicia get some extra cash to move out of her parent's house, don't you?

Social Media Halloween Hunt!

Hello YAYBIAland!

As you all know, we are social media nerds. SO... we want you all to hunt down your favorite social media-inspired costumes this weekend, take a picture & send us the link! (Or, if a digital camera is somehow out of grasp, you can explain it to us... we won't judge you for this... too much.)

We've all seen the list of Nine Social Media Halloween Costume ideas (if you haven't, take a click,) but don't feel limited to the list! I know for a fact that one of our own YAYBIA! contributers will be donning a social media-inspired costume that KICKS MAJOR TUCCHUS!

Halloween is definitely my favorite holiday, so you can count on me hunting down some social media costumes in Uptown, Minneapolis. I'll be the hot girl in the X-Men Storm costume, getting white hairspray all over herself.

Case Study in Awesome

You know that feeling you get see something you wish you'd thought of? The one that reminds you why you love this godforsaken industry in the first place?

@UrBaconMeCrazy gives me that delicious bacon-y feeling. Perfect fit for how consumers actually use Twitter. Specifically: conversational tone, Twitpics, and random "I'm eating lunch" / "I love bacon" posts. Good job, Wendy's. You made me remember why I love advertising (and bacon).

One strike against them: they have yet to respond to Lam's inquiry...

Wanted: Murdoch, the Hulu killer.

Most people I know don't like Rupert Murdoch, or his shady sidekicks at News Corp. (Watch this A Bit of Fry & Laurie sketch if you haven't already... it's one of my faves.) And now, with news of the probability of Hulu becoming a fee-based site, I like him even less.

Despite the convenience of watching shows and movies whenever (and wherever) I'd like, Hulu is not completely free, just as broadcast television is not free. Sitting through commercials is my payment for such a convenience. Do they think I enjoy sitting on the edge of my seat through an episode of House (oh- there's Hugh Laurie again... LOVE) only to be interrupted by a Tostitos commercial warning me that if I "don't use my baby factory, it may shut down?" Well, I don't. I don't like it one bit.

However, as annoying as that may be, I take that emotional punch in the baby maker because I love my television shows, and when my father is undeniably cruel enough to turn off my DVR recordings of those shows (grrrr), I turn to Hulu. (PLEASE don't make fun of me for living with my parents...)

But would I pay for this?

NO!

I can find sites all over the Interwebs that allow me to watch my shows. I just LIKE to use Hulu if I can. "Like" being the key word. I don't need Hulu to see my shows and, therefore, I will never pay for a Hulu subscription.

News Corp. can't expect the general public to just roll over to a fee-based plan when they are accustomed to it being "free." I know Murdoch keeps trying to find ways to rake in the cash, but he needs to give it up. Fees will lead to the downfall of Hulu... mark my words.

Hulu has tried so hard to get people to their site with their SuperBowl commercial and other television spots, and these talked about the benefits of the FREE site. Now, once they've received more viewers, News Corp. plans to alienate them (and yes, I used the word "alienate" to be punny) by saying, "Oh- we were just kidding about that whole 'free' thing..."

Bad plan.

Hulu just needs to focus on selling itself as a viable media vehicle to advertising agencies so they have enough spots to fill the gaps.

Thoughts?