subject: Why Should You Hate YouTube? [print this page] Why Should You Hate YouTube? Why Should You Hate YouTube?
YouTube may be one of the most significant cultural events that have happened so far in this century. It has led us to look into diverse important issues in the field of communication studies, and engage users in the media content production-distribution-consumption system. However, they have recently rocked their own boat by changing their format. Not only have they changed the public face of the site, but they have also changed the method that users have for interacting with the site. YouTube has also been fraught with controversy, even before becoming popular on the Internet; they were sued by another company with a similar name. Just recently, thousands of YouTube users were sued for copyright infringement by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for uploading copyrighted material to YouTube. The cases were dropped, but the suit is continuing against YouTube. YouTube has been involved in numerous other controversies during its five years on the Internet, from permitting the showing of high school pranks to allowing Al-Qaeda to post to the site.
If Internet users were to vote with their feet, or their mouse, and simply refuse to use YouTube, where would they go? It is always fun to look for new and exciting sites. XYZ.TV, an up and coming interactive site, is a good bet to give YouTube a run for its money. With XYZ.TV, a user has the potential of viewing films, television programs, news, music and sports videos, all in one site, in addition to being able to upload their own material.
Dailymotion is another possibility. Dailymotion is another video sharing system, based in Paris, where users can watch videos, television programs and paid advertisements. Dailymotion registered its domain name one month after YouTube, and, according to Comscore, Dailymotion is the largest video site in the world, after YouTube. Dailymotion also prides itself on its users' program, entitled Official Users. After signing up for the site, official users may customize her/his profile and upload videos of unlimited length (for non-users the length is 20 minutes). Users may also access a tool, using Stupeflix technology that will allow them to create video slideshows.
Vimeo (an anagram of Movie) is a strong competitor for YouTube's audience. A significant difference between the two sites is the content and what is allowed. Vimeo will not host anything that has not been created by viewers. Vimeo is able to exist under the radar of the media watchdogs, especially in terms of copyright issues. Regarding its video collection, it is almost not worth mentioning. Vimeo cannot hope to compete with YouTube in this capacity; however, Vimeo was first to use 720p HD, although YouTube has recently started doing the same.
It is difficult to hate YouTube; which in its five years of existence it has become a cultural icon and part of our social ideology. However, it is understandable why so many people are displeased with the service. In a sense, it has become like part of the family, possibly irritating, but tolerated nonetheless despite its foibles. The question is, how long will the public put up with these foibles?' Will there be a complete makeover, or will YouTube continue as they have been, and carry on growing at its current rate? However, just because YouTube is monolithic does not mean there is not room in the business for the other companies, e.g. Dailymotion, Vimeo, Hulu, and the exciting and upcoming, XYZ.TV.
