First off I have to say that I was ultra amazed that NBC and FOX came together for this, but I am glad to see it happened. I think Hulu.com and other sites coming soon is a very much needed tool for the major networks.

For those who don't know yet, Hulu is a new online ad-supported video-on-demand website where you can watch movies and TV shows, Fox News and such like that for FREE! The videos are higher quality than YouTube and it's syndicated network shows. It's not just a buncha random clips. Hulu's got full episodes, great quality, fairly fast loading, and social networking tools to show all your pals. They've teamed up with all the major networks and motion picture companies as well as the next steppers to get content. They are on a great track. Let's not forget the reason why I love Hulu the most; The Big Lebowski, streaming with two clicks and one of my fav shows; The Simpsons...seriously what more are you going to ask for? Okay there are a few things but we'll get to that later.

Break it down for us BBQ!
It's a new revenue stream for the partnering networks. For large corporations it's another ad stream. These giant networks have all the power, access to content, power to hire the top programmers, etc, so why didn't they do this earlier? My guess is that the older corporations need to let loose a little bit and realize business MUST be done differently because the industry is changing, All things technology and web. Synergy...well sort of. Radio and TV are here to stay, however they need to share listeners and viewership with the internet cause that's where lots of people have been going to. It's up to the giants to spread their corporate greens onto the net so they can continue their sucess in two platforms or multiple platforms. They were a little slow, but they aren't too late at all.

The Bad:
Hulu has the potential to smashify small new media networks into bits. One of my favorites is ONnetworks, they have only original content and it streams simply on their website. For one movie you have to watch like 8 ads. It sucks especially if you don't eat Taco Bell. But it works wonders for your long term memory. I dare you to watch a movie on Hulu and not remember which corporation was nestling a sweet spot in your brain like how puppies do in blankets (awww!). Oh poor small websites, back to the drawing board for you, however with your innovativeness that got you where you are, I'm sure you'll figure it out, and we'll love you for it!

Other bads: Okay so they got Simpsons, but keep in mind the internet generation consumes videos and music quicker than hummingbirds flap their wings! You can't give people the same 5 episodes of Simpsons for 2 weeks. Blah! Where are the seasons?! Maybe y'all shoulda thought of the syndication/legal/royalties crap before you went public. I'm just jealous, but come on.
BTW it looks like they jacked their opening splash page design from Apple's Apple TV ad. Look picture above, then look at this. Oh wait...Apple sorta stole theirs too. hehe. silly Apple.

WE NEED MORE MOVIES!
Okay not necessarily more movies; movies are being added at a good pace. BUT we need more "good" movies for Hulu. I apologize if your favorites include The Girl Next Door, Daughters of Satan, and Pumpkin head. Okay wait, that's right, I totally watched Undiscovered starring Ashlee Simpson...ugh! Come one Fox! Where is Terminator? And Super Troopers? Clips are just teases.

NEXT STEPS?
Hey Jason Kilar, you need to eventually get Made for Internet shows on Hulu. Not now but y'all should be planning for it soon. It's the future, I'm tellin' ya. More people are watching their fav primetimes on the internet after the show is aired on TV. Why? Various reasons but what is important is knowing that more people will go to the web to watch it. When there are more full movie views of say Sideways on Hulu than there was DVD sales of that movie, then you'll know what I'm talkin' about. That particular movie might be hard though since I've seen it a gajillions of times. Also you are going to have to do something about Ad targeting. Ad spots are unequal opportunity spots. If I see an AD for Wal-mart on 28 Days Later, I'm going to be oh so very sad. But someone's gonna have to figure that out.

Those are some hints, I love Hulu. No we're not selling out, it's just a good thing. Who did I just write this post to? Man It's all over the place. But instead of me editting for your listening ease, instead, use that beautiful mind and exercise perspective! Yes! Anyone else like Hulu? or some other site? Hit us up and let's talk about it. Happy Saturday, be productive, or drink rootbeer and eat potato chips!

UPDATE: Instead of commercials, some of the full length movies give you an option to watch a theatrical trailer and then see your movie commercial free! Amazing!

Labels: web