Question

Topic: E-Marketing

Video Email -the Communication Tool Of The Future?

Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 1/2/2005 at 5:17 PM ET 2500 Points
Hello All,

I have been researching a Video Email company for approx. 8 months now. After careful consideration, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity. Here is a link to the main page:

https://www.helloworld.com/jettvideo

Basically, the company provides you several options:

1. Enroll your Corporation to utilize Video Email

You can order various business accounts for various purposes [inactive link removed]. Use it for internal communications, external communications with clients, customers, and/or remote offices and branches, live video conferencing, and perhaps the most intriguing; use streaming video in your e-newsletters.

[inactive link removed]

2.Enroll as an affiliate/distributor of Video Email

There is a great opportunity to not only use Video Email, but enroll others as a form of supplemental personal income, additional business revenue, or make it your primary career.

The various plans provide you with several marketing and sales tools in the form of CDs, brochures, pamphlets, websites, and more. Here is a link (select "Affiliate Opportunities" from the top drop down menus):

https://store.vmdirect.com/jettvideo

Just like any venture, the level of success depends on how far you want to take it. If you work hard, network, and spread the word, you will do well. I made my money back in less than two weeks just by telling a few people.

3.Enroll as a Personal User

Let’s say you are not interested in reselling…you simply want to use it to send video email to your family and friends. All you have to do is enroll in one of the personal accounts starting at $9.95 US. Here is a link (select "Personal User" from the top drop down menus):

https://store.vmdirect.com/jettvideo

After careful examination, testing, etc., I have decided to make it an integral part of my communications with clients, partners, associates, family, Website, and in my upcoming marketing newsletter. The streaming video is Java based and does not require any special players, making it very easy for anyone to view. Granted, they are still working out a few kinks, but all in all, I vouch for this company and it’s service. I could easily paste a video into this forum if it were not for the HTML filters MP has installed here. So, yes, you can place a video in any web document…much like Flash, but without the player.

My question: What do you think? I know Video Email flopped in the past, but this particular company has really taken off well. Even though one can train to use streaming video technology on their own, these programs allow you to skip the training, programmers, etc....all you need is an account and a webcam.

Currently,their systems are utilized in the Pentagon, presidential campaigns, and various other large organizations that require an efficient form of visual communication.

Can you see the potential? What are your concerns? Please feel free to be candid. If anyone would like to receive a Video Email from me, just send a request using “Video Email” in the subject line and/or post it here.

Thank You!


[Moderator: Inactive link removed from post. 2/14/2011]
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by mgoodman on 1/2/2005 at 9:29 PM Accepted
    I tend to agree with Mike. I suspect the adoption timeline for most people will be pretty long. The low-hanging fruit is there, of course, but I'm guessing there won't be enough paying customers to keep anyone in business in the next 2-3 years.

    I'd be interested in seeing a sample if you care to send one. I'll also check out the website, just out of curiosity. Have you identified any situations forwhich this is a killer-app? That's what the technology needs.

    Interesting thought. I'm skeptical though, based on earlier experience with video-telephony, webcams, etc. And Webex is a very different service, not a direct competitor IMO.
  • Posted by ReadCopy on 1/3/2005 at 5:04 AM Accepted
    I think they have a cracking proposition, and any promotional weapon at your disposal should obviously be evaluated to ensure you get and keep clients.

    You know me, I score all my comms against a standard set of criteria:

    Attention Value
    Presentation
    Impact
    Writing Style
    Promise specific benefit(s)
    Credibility
    Instant Message
    Entertaining
    Corporate Benefit


    And as long as as the message fits in with these, and the vehicle (video) is of good quality, accessable, and of good reputation then its a winner.

    Just ensure, like all things you can measure its success against your other comms channels.

    Good Luck :-)
  • Posted by Carl Crawford on 1/3/2005 at 9:23 AM Member
    Hi Blaine,

    Can you send me an email video please?

    Carl
  • Posted by Pepper Blue on 1/3/2005 at 3:36 PM Accepted
    Hi Blaine,

    It's intriguing, and I keep seeing that Forrester report which does get my attention.......

    Send me a video email as I would like to see another example, the website example is fine, it was smooth with no jerkiness or pausing (I'm on ADSL).

    There are applications for it, no doubt, other hurdles that come to mind are:

    1) Inadequate bandwidth - what is the minimum practical?

    2) Processor speed - same thing

    3) Is it compressed via email / what is the size of an average file?


    4) Is it an attachment?

    5) What do the spam filters think of it?

    In short, I can definitely see applications. Widespread adoption probably not, because it kind of goes against a basic strength of the medium which is being quick and visually anonymous.

    Lastly, MG's point about finding (if there is one), a killer app for it is right on.

    I'll probably be wanting to play around with it a little bit more here in the near future.


  • Posted by SRyan ;] on 1/3/2005 at 9:22 PM Accepted
    Hi, Blaine --

    I can see some potential, but I won't even pretend to know its size. Any streaming media that works over low bandwidth and without plug-ins has got to be a good thing!

    A couple of months ago, someone posted a short question here asking for opinions about this competitor of yours:

    https://instantvideogenerator.com/?x=167689&r=

    On my laptop, the competitor's demo performed better than First Stream (and I think it was better executed). I don't know if they have an affiliate program, however.

    Regardless... to me it seems the best app for this is still going to be for teleconferencing and webinars. For myself, I spend too much time [re]writing each email to get the message just right, and I can only imagine that it would take even MORE effort to capture an effective recording. Besides, I have too many bad hair days. ;]

    Shelley
  • Posted by SteveByrneMarketing on 1/4/2005 at 5:59 PM Accepted
    Hi Blaine,

    I agree with Shelley’s view that streaming video via low broadband and without plug-ins will have market potential – everything from corporate training and product demo’s to dating services. Market share ownership concerns center on a low-medium barrier to entry and the potential for big brand competition. Microsoft added video email to Outlook without much fanfare, but I’m guessing they will keep trying until they get it right.

    Also of concern are perceptions of reliability (e.g. freezing problems), privacy issues and the credibility of a smaller brand in a potentially large market space.

    Is it the next viral Hotmail program to be acquired by MS? Unlikely. However, seems there could be near term revenue opportunity, with the longer-term being anybody’s guess.

    My thoughts anyway,

    - Steve
  • Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 1/4/2005 at 8:09 PM Author
    Thanks for the comments!

    Interesting enough, I agree with all of you. It's an easy and a hard sell at the same time, each with it's own respective and legitimate concerns.

    Personally, I think the most initial value comes from corporate use in the form of conferences, webinars, etc. Like I mentioned before, I want to use it to communicate with colleagues and clients, and if it proves to be effective, I got in early for very little investment. My motivation is not to become a VM dealer, rather, I would like to take advantage of it and get people adjusted back into the idea of having someone know what you look like, sound like, etc. without sacrificing the convenience of current email and Internet applications. We can have the best of both worlds.

    Trust me, I'm not always presentable so I can relate to the reservations of having to make sure you look alive and are pleased with seeing yourself on camera. Vanity and insecurity are some pretty formidable foes... but I can remember the days of having to work with people face to face on a daily basis. It wasn't that bad. LOL.

    The emails are sent with a link to a hosted page where the actual video is displayed. I haven't had any trouble with email filters yet since it is a simple HTML document. In other words, the video doesn't play in Outlook, it plays online and you can track and control how many times it it viewed, forwarded, etc.

    It still has room to grow. I keep thinking about how long the Internet was available before it really became adopted by the masses. Those who jumped in early and hung in there have been well rewarded (and some have lost their ass!!!). Nonetheless, for a few hundred bucks, it's worth a shot.

    Well, I'll send some emails to those of you who requested it to see what you think.

    Gotta go watch my SOONERS beat USC in the Orange Bowl. GO OU!!!

    Please keep em coming. Thanks again!!!
  • Posted by SRyan ;] on 1/4/2005 at 8:19 PM Member
    Blaine, I'm ready for you to send me a video email.

    I only have one presentable photo of you framed on my dresser, and it has an astonishing resemblance to an orangutan.

    (Inside Joke.)

    - Shelley ;]
  • Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 1/4/2005 at 8:39 PM Author
    LOL. Well, I think a lot of people are curious as to what i look like.

    Here's a few hints:

    6'3"
    210 lbs
    Broad shoulders
    34" waist
    Shoe Size- 11
    Olive skin
    Hazel eyes
    kinda short and "messy/spiky" dark brown hair with platinum highlights (it's a phase...I think)
    deep voice
    I tend to dress pretty trendy...more like Rock N Roll, not Hip Hop.

    I like long walks on the beach, fireside conversation, Air Supply, and I write love poems in my spare time. (Just Kidding...for the love of God....LOL).

    OK, that's enough. I'm making myself sick...LOL.
  • Posted by SRyan ;] on 1/4/2005 at 9:07 PM Member
    Wow! We must be long-lost TWINS!
  • Posted by ReadCopy on 1/5/2005 at 4:19 PM Member
    6'3", doesn't that technically make you a Giant ? I'm only 6'2" myself :-(
  • Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 1/5/2005 at 5:07 PM Author
    LOL. I'm pretty busy so I'll get those out ASAP.

    -
  • Posted by ReadCopy on 1/10/2005 at 2:03 AM Accepted
    I found this as the weekend: https://www.contentworld.com/newsdigest/071101_feature_article2.html

    In summary, it compares video email to banner ads, and it suggests that consumers generally trust and accept email more than banners. Video is obviously more 'sticky' allowing for more dynamic messages, creativity and branding that a static website.

    Some useful and encouraging stats about B2B (and B2C) usage of 'streaming content' where apparently "NetMedia research suggests that 51% of corporate users spend 4 hours a week with streaming media".

    The concept is definately gaining approval :-)
  • Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 1/10/2005 at 8:50 AM Author
    Thanks Andrew! I tend to agree.

    Many people have posted responses that lean toward not wanting to talk to people face to face. If memory serves me, we used to do that very thing less than a decade ago (except for telephone)!!!!

    Sure, email allows you to anwser the phone etc, but I would much rather talk about something in order to express my tone, body language, etc. than type a long message with disclaimers like "just kidding", "LOL", " if you could see me I am smiling", etc.

    I have run into countless professionals who hate typing out correspondance and would rather talk on the phone or meet in person. This allows people to have a good ole conversation, answer questions "live", and introduces a human element to digital communication.

    There are VR avatars avaiable for folks with disabilities, psychological disorders, and so forth. I think it is a shame that some people are too self conscious to allow other people to see them.

    Take this forum for example; I would rather answer each question with a video camera. Why? I can talk faster than I type...and I think this is true for most people.

    Somone mentioned not having the ability to "copy and paste" segments of a video. My response is two-fold:

    1. What do you do in a meeting or a simple conversation with one or more person? Take notes? Video tape it and transcribe a script for reference? The word "lazy" creeps into my head.

    2. For those who insist on being able to "copy and paste" instead of remembering, taking notes or rewinding the video, there is text to speech capabilities and vice versa.
    Also, you can write a text message to accompany every video. If there is information the reader/viewer will need to remember or copy and paste, you can supply it in the text area, then speak through the video.

    It'snot public speaking (unless you are hosting a live video conference in front of an audience) and it isn't movie making...we are talking about adding a bit of personalization to digital communications. Hell, you can even add flash, powerpoint, etc and compile a multi-media conference/presentation/proposal!

    My whole point is not to take the video aspect too seriously. Has everyone become afraid to let people know who they really are? Must we hide behind text-based facades? I say "facade" secondary to the statement that one poster made about being nice one day and a "firey red-head" the next....is this not deceptive? Why can't we be nice one day, and be strong the next (if necessary) just like we do at the office, home, the store, etc? In a business, I think your customers would appreciate an honest depiction.

    It has become all to easy for people to act tough and make strong statements through text. This is fine, but I find it ironic that many of the people who do so are opposed to acting such a way in person or on video......are we creating a new branch of psychology: "Digital Identity Syndrome"?

    Like I said before, this alows us to have the best of both worlds. We keep our email and Internet, BUT we add a REAL human element to our communications. Who cares if the phonerings during the video? What would you do while having an important conversation at work? Trn on the machine? Hold all calls? It's not rocket science. You can record an uninterrupted video just as easy as making a phone call or having a face to face conversation.

    Thanks again!!
  • Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 1/20/2005 at 6:52 PM Author
    Thanks to everyone who contributed. I assure you, I will send a video email to all of you very soon. I am trying to catch up on some projects but will definately give you a taste and perhaps we can form a little eval group.

    "See" you soon!
  • Posted by ReadCopy on 1/21/2005 at 9:05 AM Member
    And let us know how you get on Blaine :-)
  • Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 2/11/2005 at 4:42 PM Author
    Thanks Leighton!

    Everyone, Leighton is my sponser and company contact.

    Video Email is very cool and I hope you all received on from Leighton. Fell free to tell me what you think about Video-email
    and don't hesitate to visit the site,
    https://www.helloworld.com/jettvideo

    --Jett Enterprises
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