Did You Know About the Big Podcasting Divorce at iTunes?

I just noticed the big break up at
iTunes Podcasts between Video and Audio Podcasts.

This is a very interesting move that I think will make both video and audio content creators happy.

Happy? Yep. Happy.

There are many audio content creators who use to be on top of the iTunes charts until the likes of Dr. Tiki, Johnny Johnny and the very sexy La La hit the iTunes Store with Tiki Bar TV. Since then other video scum like Ask A Ninja, Good Night Burbank, Happy Tree Friends and even that silly video show with those French Maids that explain products have derailed the exposure audio podcasts have in being listed as the most popular on iTunes.

Similarly independent video content has had to compete with big name brands of audio content being distributed as audio podcasts. Now that iTunes is separating audio and video things might look better for independent video producers as well.

When Should You Enter a Contest?

Every time I open an email, visit a website, go to a party or read a Tweet from Twitter I find out about a new contest. The 48 Hour Film Project, Mahalo Idol, Filmaka and a bunch of others.

For some reason contests seem to rub me the wrong way. Sure they are a great way for great talent to get noticed and in the old days that was oh so true. You needed to enter Star Search or American Idol to get a mass audience but now the times have changed.

The Internet is one big contest.

When you enter an online contest you are creating content for someone else that is making money (or trying to make money) by selling sponsorships and advertising off your creativity. Maybe you might win some prize money. Maybe you might win a development deal. Maybe you might get a hosting job. Sure it might get you noticed and get you more publicity than you could get on your own but my little voice keeps telling me that you don't really need to enter someone else's contest. That is unless you are missing something.

When should you enter a contest?

7 Reasons to Enter an Online Contest

1. You don't have a digital video camera or access to a video camera

2. You don't have Final Cut Pro, iMovie, Vegas or access to any free online video editing software

3. You don't know how to register with online video hosting sites/directories and online super-distribution services or have someone who can help you

4. You don't know how to upload video to the Internet or don't know anyone who can help you upload video to the Internet

5. You don't know how to blog or make comments on other people's blogs

6. You don't know how to sign up for ad networks and affiliate marketing programs

7. You've secretly always wanted to win a Spring Break Wet T-Shirt Contest

Right now it's pretty hard to make a living off online video alone but if you look around a little there are people who have been using the Internet to make a living and they have been doing it for awhile.

Maybe I'm wrong but I really think that the time, money and effort you spend on creating something for someone else's contest could be used to launch an online business for yourself.

Here are a few examples:

Joe Cartoon

HomeStar Runner

Happy Tree Friends


All that said, I really would like to see Sarah Atwood win Mahalo Idol.

Digital Hollywood

I've spent a good portion of the last two days at Digital Hollywood. It's a event that has a ton of six person panels pontificating about anything and everything digital. Creative people are far and few between the suits of tech marketing people trying to launch the next white label do it yourself broadband channel for studios and networks.

Hayden Black of Goodnight Burbank and Abigail's X-rated Teen Diary http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif Paul Kontonis from For Your Imagination and John Evershed from Mondo Media the people that bring you Happy Tree Friends were but a few of the video peeps there.

Victor Harwood puts on a great show that brings in key players that know their stuff. If you are looking to get in to anything in Digital Entertainment Digital Hollywood is the place to start.

Walking around the trade show floor I was hoping to find other companies that are doing what Revver has been doing for the last year or so and that's dumping money in my Paypal account every month for advertising that they place on my videos but unfortunately I didn't find any of those types of companies exhibiting on the floor or having cocktails at the parties. I bet once the whole YouTube Advertising thing takes off other companies will copy what Revver is doing.

I'll be back there today as at the last minute The Daily Reel has asked me to join a panel they have at Digital Hollywood about Viral Videos. I'm looking forward to being on a panel with Judson Laipply, Creator of "Evolution of Dance", Ben Relles the Prodcuer of "Obama Girl", Lisa Donovan the creator and star of "LisaNova", Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox the Creators of "Smosh and Mark Day the editor of Rooftop Comedy who will be moderating it.