Per Jeff’s request, here are a couple of things I have learned with relation to the .tv extension and online video media as a whole since starting NetworkGlobal. This is a super quick post around that.
1. Names Matter, But Only So Much
A lot of folks stress about the domain name when they first build their .tv site. I did too. More and more I feel domains names matter, but only to a certain extent. If you want to create a .tv site about cars, sure it would be nice to have “cars.tv” or “car.tv” but the site could also be successful under “joescars.tv” or something else. “Google.com” and “Yahoo.com” are more successful than “Search.com.”
There has been a lot of talk about the “News.tv” domain. It is sure a great domain! But the domain centered around news called
www.JacksReport.tv could be just as successful, if not more than News.tv. Personally, I feel what really matters is the quality/value of your functionality and content.
2. Functionality and Content
Depending on your idea/business plan, it can be very easy to create your website. For example, BMI.tv did not take a lot of effort to create. You put your information in and you get your BMI score with a corresponding video.
However, BMI is not as successful as others. When I first started Broadway.tv, I thought we nailed it with our design/content/and functionality.
You will never “nail it” when it comes to functionality and content. There will always be something, some other design change, and some other feature that can make your site better and more useful to the end user. If you ever feel like you have nailed it hold that feeling for a day (it feels good) then lose it and get back to work.
3. It Takes Money to Make Money
It takes money to make your site successful. Maybe even more money for a .tv as you maybe creating a lot of video content. Site development, content, promotion and just keeping the lights on is not for the weary. And just because you have great functionality, content, and even a great domain, does not mean people will actually visit your site.
Money is a funny thing too. Being in my early 20’s have learned a lot about money by starting NetworkGlobal. CYou can spend money on SEO, you can spend it on print ads, on PPC and then find out you are broke.
In creating Broadway.tv, this happened to me in the initial phases. However, if you go broke it may be for good reason and you should pack up and move on. Or you may have went broke because you were simply foolish with money and you need to learn and press on with your idea. What ever the case may be, it takes money to make money. Don’t get into creating a .tv unless you are ready to invest in your idea and be ready to actively learn from your mistakes.
4. Things take time, but don’t waste it
My goal long term goal for NetworkGlobal has not changed. You can see an evolution though from BodyArchitect.tv to OZtralia.tv to Broadway.tv. I learned by doing. If you rush half heartedly to make a .tv site (or any other), it will bight you in the butt.
My dad use to say, a phrase “[Crap] or get off the pot…” meaning, make moves man! Or more saying it more proper, inaction is an action in itself. Make no mistake, I was not gifted with money from family. I work my tail off and am only about 75% of where I think we need to be operating. It is not an easy task. But I love it.
5. It’s None Of Your Business What Other People Think of You
I remember rocking up to the 2008 Tony Awards with our “crew.” There were a heap of television crews, satellite trucks, and cameras that cost more than what some in Middle America make in a year. There were two of us at the Tony Awards with a 3ccd camera that cost around 1500USD. People looked at us as we were unprofessional and somehow got passed security. However, our content is just as good (if not better) than the networks.
However, it really does not matter. People judge. We all do, be it right or wrong. And sometimes you pick up people’s judgments and become offended. With that said, you really know what’s up. Meaning, you know if your site is successful, you know if you are making money. Not them. So ignore what other people think of you in a negative way. Entertain constructive feedback, not negative feedback or vibes. If your site is terrible, you already know that. But one step leads to another, then another. So start somewhere and always move forward.
6. Goals for the future
Jeff asked for my goals for the future in relation to Broadway.tv. Broadway.tv is just one channel that I am wanting to expand on. My overall goal is listed on
www.NetworkGlobal.tv.
7. What I think of the .tv extension
While in Paris, traveling on one of his study abroad programs, I learned about .tv from Antonis. On a side note,I hope to work more with him and Online.tv in the future.
Before Paris, I had worked in media through a lucky sequence of events, but never really heard of .tv. After a short time of researching the extension a couple of years ago, it did not take me long before I sincerely felt, that for online video media the .tv extension works very well.
There is debate on this forum a lot about .tv vs. tv.com. Simplicity is key, and the simple .tv extension will take off. It will take time, friends, but it will (take note of point four).
Thus, if you are a domainer focus on your portfolio. If you want to develop, get out there and create the best darn .tv site you can. That’s what I am trying to do. And really it is a small community; so each one of our individual successes is all of our successes.
Thanks,
Gunnar
