Content "game changer" Demand Media story in Wired Magazine this month

[MichaelHiles]

The Answer Factory: Demand Media and the Fast, Disposable, and Profitable as Hell Media Model | Magazine

I think these guys have figured out what I've been suspecting for some time in relation to online video.

They have a volume of metrics proving that online video has an extremely low perceived value thanks to the wide distribution of Google/YouTube setting the expectations of "free" in the minds of so many internet users.

Their model is to evaluate content production based on automated keyword search analysis, and then produce content extremely fast and cheaply by automating the production of videos on the output side. They crank it out. So while a lot of internet marketers are still playing around with text article marketing and automated submissions of text article spinning, etc.... Demand has taken the process and sledgehammered the automation of content on demand in the how-to video arena.

Now I don't particularly think they are going to become to "Borg" of online how-to video production, and there will always be room for more content in every niche.

But I think that it spells extremely interesting dynamics for any niche marketer as things continue to evolve.

In particular, I find their conclusions about the market perceptions of value for streaming online video to be a ticking clock for internet marketing how-to video product producers who think the gravy train is going to continue on "autopilot".

[gravtex]

That's a fascinating article.

I learned something - I didn't realize how cheaply you could hire professional freelance filmmakers these days. Think I'm going to get a few projects done... anyone have any advice on the best site to hire these people - elance, guru, something else? I've never hired video people before.

Thanks,

Gary

[MichaelHiles]

Originally Posted by gravtex

That's a fascinating article.

I learned something - I didn't realize how cheaply you could hire professional freelance filmmakers these days. Think I'm going to get a few projects done... anyone have any advice on the best site to hire these people - elance, guru, something else? I've never hired video people before.

Thanks,

Gary

The part I found most intriguing was their keyword search analysis.

Damn I'd like to get my hands on some of that math.

[JohnMcCabe]

Originally Posted by MichaelHiles

The part I found most intriguing was their keyword search analysis.

Damn I'd like to get my hands on some of that math.

A-friggin'-men, Brother Mike!

On a small dataset, it sounds like a little regression analysis and curve fitting, but on the scale they're talking about?

That would be some serious matrix algebra - my head hurts just thinking about it.

[MichaelHiles]

Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe

A-friggin'-men, Brother Mike!

On a small dataset, it sounds like a little regression analysis and curve fitting, but on the scale they're talking about?

That would be some serious matrix algebra - my head hurts just thinking about it.

Yeah, there are a lot of things Demand is doing that we, as internet marketers, really need to watch.

Of course, I'm waiting for the typical "do what? huh?" and then "HEYYY, THEY CAN'T DO THAAAT!!!"

[Popstar]

He looks like he's setting up his next hit-and-run...

... Create a huge database of content with Demand while the algorithm process is considered to be the hot new thing, sell the company for a top market price, and let the poor sap that bought Demand watch as the assets become devalued and possibly go bust.

If you read the entire article, that's been his MO for quite a while. Even if you don't like his model, you gotta give him props for knowing how and when to cash in.

Debbie

[Happy_Balance]

Great article, I saw it in the print version just yesterday.

They pay writers ~$15/ article!
but...
It can take several months to get your application approved, and the new publicity means it's basically "too late."