You'll recall that last week, as I jumped feet-first into the Online Video World, I asked for help from you all. And in it came ... by the handful. Thank you for the press releases, the notes of encouragement and the offers to chat. I've actually had time to start meeting some of you, and am working to set up more interviews in coming weeks. So, bear with me.
In my continuing quest to rush head-long (but hopefully NOT willy-nilly) into this space, I'm asking your your help once again. If the leaves are turning (as they are here in western Michigan) it must be getting close to Fierce 15 Online Video Movers and Shakers time, that annual list of the best and brightest companies from the online video universe.
Last year, considerations for inclusion in the list were:
- Companies must be privately owned
- Must be U.S. based
- Must be innovative
- Must have a impact on the OLV ecosystem and marketplace
- Market share and significant partnerships also were considered.
Last year's Fierce 15 included Brightcove, EQAL, EveryZing, Fliqz, Funny or Die, Hulu, KickApps, Metacafe, Mevio, Move Networks, Next New Networks, Pando Networks, Qik, Veoh Networks and YuMe.A pretty solid list (which you can review in depth here.)
I think those are pretty good guidelines again this year, but as the new guy, I can be easily swayed ... or at least I'm open to a fine tuning of last year's selection process. What do you think? What really makes a company worthy of inclusion in the Fierce 15 list? I know I'd like to look at one other piece: What's game-changing about the company? And, perhaps, something along the lines of "what have you done for me lately?"Let's face it, in this industry, last months innovation can be next month's old news.
I'd love to say I have a hard and fast time frame for The List, but I'd be la liar; at the moment, it's a bit of a moving target. But, the sooner I get nominations, the sooner you get The List. Send me an email at [email protected] with "Why we're a Fierce 15 OLV Mover and Shaker" in the subject line, and I'll send you a sincere thank you and make sure you move to the top of the heap for consideration.-Jim