Latest happenings from the Lab
Everyone loves video. But the truth is that many don't know how to handle it on the web (maybe the answer is in email??). Harsh, huh? Well, the truth hurts, but it is liberating. Consider this your independence day because The Lab has uncovered the worst practices with video on the web and can advise you against these mistakes. Keep reading to gain your freedom. To help guide you, we've developed the 5 levels of stupidity for handling video on the web:
1. Crazy
It's crazy to have a video that's too long and too big for the web. Keep in mind that people's attention spans are short on the web, so waiting for something to load and/or thinking they'll watch something over 2 minutes is just crazy. Keep it small and keep it short.
2. Insane.
It's insane to create a video for the web that's about as entertaining as watching someone read the dictionary. The web allows (and requires) you to be creative and engaging. You're competing against YouTube and all of the other video sites that have addictive content. Insanity is defending boredom.
3. Senseless
It's just senseless to plaster videos everywhere on your site in hopes to gain more traction. You’re not YouTube. Your company is not in the video distribution business. With video, less is always more. Don't be "nouveau riche" with video just because you can. It's tacky. Better yet, senseless.
4. Asinine
It's just senseless to plaster videos everywhere on your site in hopes to gain more traction. You're not YouTube. Your company is not in the video distribution business. With video, less is always more. Don't be "nouveau riche" with video just because you can. It's tacky. Better yet, senseless.
5. "Huh???"
That's exactly what people say if you have to watch a video before even getting to the site. Video intros, even if given the option to skip, completely ruin the user experience on your site. It's like getting the bill before you get the meal when you eat out. Who's coming back? Who's staying? Things that make you go "hmmm." (Guilty people are probably thinking "huh?")
*Note to readers who stayed the course: Part II will uncover how video might be better handled and appreciated via email, not just on the web. Just you wait!
Nace International launches new site designed by WBL on our CMS.
NACE International, the worlds largest trade organization for corrosion inspection standards, recently launched their new site to help improve member relations and usability. WBL designed the site and developed it into our proprietary content management system. To view the site, visit www.nace.org.
Rosewood ENT launches first web environment to help with patient recruitment.
Rosewood ENT, a medical practice in Houston specializing in ear, nose, throat, and allergy treatment, launched their first web site to help recruit new patients and dispense information related to their practice areas. WBL designed the site and built it into our proprietary content management system. Visit www.rosewood-ent.com to view the site.
Whiteboard Labs goes green! In an effort to help make web development more green, Whiteboard Labs has given employees the freedom to choose one day each week to telecommute. The new initiative would help employees reduce fuel consumption during the work week, which is one step toward a greener community.
Beginning June 6, 2008, MotionNotes users will be able to imbed YouTube videos directly into their messages without sending the viewer to the YouTube site. This upgraded feature will help users better send YouTube videos with their own personal video introduction, which now makes YouTube more about you. Sign-up for your account now: www.motionnotes.com.
Funny or Die is a new site that resembles a mash-up between YouTube and HotorNot.
Visitors are able to view and rate videos submitted by other users on their comedic value. The winners are pushed to the front of the site, and the losers are, well, dead. To vie give life or end it, please visit www.funnyordie.com.