I have been pointing to bud.TV as the model of broadband channels to come. Indeed, Budwesier has the concept down: create programming on your own broadband channel and you can do an end run around the problems facing traditional television advertisers. However, Bud has made two very bad choices: the programming is lousy and the registration process is onerous. Cory wrote in a post below how the requirement to input your mobile phone number would, alone, doom the project to failure. And the idea that they can accurately verify your age by asking your birthday is laughable. It’s like using an index card to make a fake ID. (Plus: Why does one need to be 21 to watch? It’s not like you can download a beer. Yet…) The “shows” are disappointing. “Ice Vision and Chef” wastes Tim Meadows. “The Future Show” has Chris Parnell as Dr. Lawrence Bird (The joke is that his announcer calls him “Larry Bird.” Get it?). “The Arrogant Fake British Rich Guy” requires no further explanation. And “Guided Mediation with the Billy Lama” and “Donnie Briggs: Life Coach” may have converted me to drinking Miller Beer. “Puppet News Team” is mildly promising if they send up news conventions more. The programming was produced, in part, by an ad agency. That may be part of the problem. And forget embedding the video on your blog, a la YouTube. bud.TV’s idea of a sharing function is giving you a URL to cut ‘n paste in an email to your friend. I still think bud.TV is a model of what’s to come – but so far the thing’s skunked.
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