Why I Didn't Simply Move to Another Video Streaming Site and Why Networking is KEY!

Since blogtv shut down we've had to go it alone as far as finding ways to broadcast the show.  One of the reasons why I didn't simply move to another video/audio streaming site is what I like to call the "infamous line 5" that many if not almost all of these other sites have in their terms of service.  Simply put, the sites claim a royalty free license to any content broadcasted on their site to re-use as they see fit.  While in practical practice this would simply mean that they can use images and content from your show on the site to promote you, this language also could mean that they can do anything with the content (including sell it) and as the originator of said content I would have no say over it because the terms of service covers the site doing so. While blogtv also had a similar line in their terms I asked and was given an exemption.

This is actually the main reason why I didn't follow other broadcasters to Vaughn, Ustream, or Justintv.  As a broadcaster of a music show the content that I air on the internet are other peoples creative works that are licensed to the show for me to broadcast and promote the musicians, but it is not my content to sublicense to any other site.

Yes, it really is that simple.

With that being said, I've discovered a downside to going it alone. When you are a part of a streaming site you are also a part of a community of broadcasters.  People can surf the site, going from show to show and when they stumble across something they like they stick around and become a part of the crowd at that particular show. When you create a show on your own website obviously you aren't a part of any network and you really are on your own as far as promotion goes.

This is where social media becomes much more important.  Because I'm not actively a part of any streaming sites I have to promote the show though social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.  The downside to this is that most everyone that follows me on either of these sites already knows me from blogtv, has followed my updates and knows what I'm doing and where on the 'net I'm doing it now. The challenge now is how do we reach new people and a larger audience. The purpose of the broadcast is to promote independent musicians and give them the airplay that they deserve. Right now I think the answer to this is promote, promote and promote, really put the show out there on any and every possible platform available.

Now that I have the site pretty much buttoned up and the stage is set, I think that this is my next challenge.

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Show updates;

Over the course of the last couple of weeks I have to say that overall our new site is working really well. The challenge has been getting my settings tweaked so the audio is more consistent and I think I'm pretty much there. Until further notice we're sticking with broadcasting on our own platform for now.