YouTube may be dominating the Web video world in traffic - hugely so - but it hasn’t yet been made into the moneymaking heavyweight its parent company, Google, wishes it to be.
That may be changing, say Quentin Hardy and Evan Hessel of Forbes.com. Though the company - or, more specifically, its proprietor, Google, isn’t one […]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “YouTube Soon Bound For Bigger Returns? Maybe. It Depends.”, url: “http://mashable.com/2008/05/31/youtube-seeks-bigger-returns/” });
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What it does
Docmos is a web-based solution that allows patients to save money on imaging studies by selecting Docmos-approved facilities in their local area. Patients can search for facilities across the United States and they can receive rebates for using the Docmos system. The Docmos directory allows patients to search for a facility in their area and receive results on an easy to follow map. Also included under each facility are the types of imaging performed, the address, contact information, detailed descriptions and the amount of cash back they can receive. Imaging facilities can join Docmos for free and only have to pay when they receive a customer from the database.
In their own words
“Docmos not only provides patients with the information and tools needed to make an informed decision about which imaging facility to visit, but also provides patients with financial incentives for doing so. Docmos has created the first and most comprehensive interactive directory of imaging facilities across the United States, and offers consumers cash rebates on their imaging studies when they visit certain facilities in their area.”
Why it might be a killer
Searching for a local imaging facility is easy to do and the offer of cash back should encourage people to adopt Docmos as their source for such services.
Some questions
Have they considered offering discounts instead of cash back? People are often lazy when it comes to cash back offers and won’t be as incentivized to use Docmos as they would be if their was an automatic discount.
Updates
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What it does
If you’d like to build your own webpage but don’t know how to program in HTML or you don’t want to use templates, Webepags can build you your own unique page in seconds. Simply click on the “register and build a webepag” button and fill out the details that you are prompted for, like what you’d like the title to be and what text should be included. The webepags developer team having recently added database functionality to the equation, providing even more options to those potentially interested in a more robust page. Webepags also makes it simple to embed HTML code from sites like Flickr so you can spruce up your page and make it more original as you go.
In their own words
“So, you want to build a web page. But, you don’t know html and you don’t want to use templates either. Webepags allows you to build a custom web page.”
Why it might be a killer
Those that don’t understand basic HTML will love the fact that they can have an original looking page built for them without the use of generic templates.
Some questions
Is this service being offered entirely for free and if so why? It does appear to be free and if that’s the case, how will they monetize the service.
Updates
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What it does
ILikeMyStyle.net is a social network that brings fashion lovers together in one online forum. Whether you’re a designer, a devoted fashionista, or just love looking at clothes, this site is something you must check out. Registered users can log on and post pictures of themselves in their favorite, most hated, most creative, or nuttiest outfit for all the world to see. They can share fashion ideas, swap info on fabric, shops, labels, and designs. Registered users can comment on other users’ outfits, offering their suggestions and critiques, or asking questions on the ensemble. Users can browse based on various criteria, including stores and trend names.
In their own words
“Ilikemystyle.net is a Social Network for people who love fashion. And a place for people who want to be seen. Ilikemystyle.net shows fashion worn on the streets, in school, in the club, at the beach, in the movie theatre, in a palace, in bed, on top of a mountain, on a date. Ilikemystyle.net is the platform for people who like themselves (and their clothes).”
Why it might be a killer
This is a comprehensive site loaded with photos of numerous trends and clothing ideas. ILikeMyStyle.com brings fashion to the people, giving it a realistic feel that users can relate to. A few additions, such as links to actually purchasing some of the clothing, could add to the experience even more.
Some questions
How could links to labels and stores enhance the fashion experience with this site? How could clothing swaps between registered users affect the site? How could a blog add to the site?
Updates
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What it does
SearchMe.com has just raised another round of funding from big-name investors, putting it as a front runner to be one of the “other” top search engines. SearchMe is different kind of search site. It goes beyond giving users text lists of possible search results. Users are instead provided with suggested search matches that pop up and modify themselves as users enter in their search criteria. Once users select those suggestions, they are provided with 3-D images of the pages that they can choose from. SearchMe eliminates users clicking back and forth from various pages by giving them a preview of where they will be heading.
In their own words
“SearchMe lets you see what you’re searching for. As you start typing, categories appear that relate to your query. Choose a category, and you’ll see pictures of web pages that answer your search. You can review these pages quickly to find just the information you’re looking for, before you click through.”
Why it might be a killer
SearchMe is a new way of approaching search engines. It is more graphically advanced and has the potential to save users a great deal of time. The main obstacle will be to attract an adequate number of users, and help them make the adjustment to the new type of search engine.
Some questions
How can SearchMe reach new users? What can be done to make the adjust period easy for new users? What other graphic developments can be explored?
Updates
What it does
Oh Boy Obama is a web based portal independently developed with the intention of encouraging creative ideas at the grassroots level for the Obama campaign. Anyone can submit their opinion or suggestion about what Obama should be focusing on now and in the future and other voters can vote on the idea and it will rise and fall in order a la Digg. Users can search and submit ideas through a variety of categories which include: Scheduling, Tactical, Publicity, Advertising, Demographic, Controversy or Get Out the Vote. Also present on the page are a variety of polls for Obama supporters such as “What would be the most helpful in Obama’s veep pick”.
In their own words
“Oh Boy Obama is the unofficial campaign think-tank. Created by Obama supporters for the purpose of giving the Obama grassroots a platform to submit and vote on ideas to better the 2008 primary and general election campaign of Barack Obama. All supporters are welcome to contribute.”
Why it might be a killer
This is a site full of great ideas and it would be no surprise if the Obama camp began to use the page to gauge public opinion and tailor election strategy accordingly. The voting format is a great way of prioritizing ideas.
Some questions
Will Obama endorse the page? Such an endorsement would cause traffic to jump considerably. Will they try and monetize traffic with advertising or will the site stay advertising free.
Updates
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What it does
PiggyPrize is a simple and fun game where players can easily win money. To play, users start by making an account. From there, they are provided with a webpage with a piggy that they must “feed.” To make that piggy grow, they must invite friends to view their webpage, as each feed is completed by a new site visit. The contest has first, second, and third prize winners of bigger cash prizes, although winners up to the twentieth place are recognized. Cheaters and fraudulent play are automatically disqualified from the game. The site also lists a set of ground rules to keep the game running smoothly.
In their own words
Why it might be a killer
Although the potential winners of PiggyPrize will undoubtedly benefit from this site, invited feeders might see this is nothing more than spam or junk mail. If the message that they could potentially play and win the next contest could be adequately conveyed, perhaps this site could take off and become the next big online thing.
Some questions
How can friends be incentivized to participate and help grow the piggy? How can players ensure their friends that this is not spam mail? What other contests could be developed if this network were to grow substantially?
Updates
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Though Opera may only see iterations of its mobile browsers maintain a truly popular presence among Web users, while its standard desktop-based client holds a significantly smaller portion of its respective market, the company is pressing forth with development across its entirely lineup. This week marks Opera’s pledge to support Google’s increasingly useful Gears engine, […]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: “Opera Bringing Support For Google’s Gears Utility To Desktop, Mobile”, url: “http://mashable.com/2008/05/31/opera-gears-mobile/” });
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What it does
Zombies are among us. At least according to LostZombies.com. This site is dedicated to documenting real-life zombies. The goal is to prove to the masses that zombies do in fact exist, and possibly prevent zombies from taking over the world some day. Users are encouraged to contribute to the site by submitting their own photos, videos, and personal encounters. Blog posts keep site visitors up to date on the recent happenings and creepy stories, and discussion topics, such as “Top Zombie Movie” keep them further engaged. Furthermore, an extensive list of links directs users to other zombie sites.
In their own words
“Our goal at Lost Zombies is to gather definitive proof that zombies are real and to compile that proof into a feature length documentary film. We are asking the general public to assist us by submitting any proof of zombies they may have. We believe as a community we can educate the world’s population of the reality of zombies and the potential, if not imminent, zombie apocalypse.”
Why it might be a killer
From the 300-plus registered users, it’s clear that this quirky site has attracted some fans. The sleek design and interactive features keep users engaged. More fun features and functions would further enhance the site.
Some questions
What features, such as games, could further engage users? How can users be encouraged to stay active in the community? How is the authenticity of proof adequately gauged?
Updates
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What it does
The 49th Parallel serves as the geographic boundary between Canada and the United States and it is often referred to as the longest unprotected boarder in the world. While NAFTA is supposed to mean that goods can pass freely across this boarder, there are a number of exceptions like, for example, automobiles. The automobile industry is protected in Canada and this status has become increasingly important as the Canadian dollar has risen to the par level with the US dollar. A strong Canadian dollar means that US-made cars are much cheaper than their Canadian counterpart and this is where Importrates steps in. While they claim to ship cars all around the world, Importrates primary business is selling cars, boats and RV’s to Canadian customers at discount prices. They take care of the red tape and will deliver you new discounted car right to your driveway.
In their own words
“Importrates and its affiliates offers you new and innovative way of buying or leasing your next new or pre-owned automobile in the United Sates at lower USA prices along with the savings advantage of the stronger Canadian dollar. Our United States dealer network of factory authorized dealerships offer our members low prices on the world’s greatest cars. We help thousands of our members world-wide to get quick, hassle-free low prices on the car of their dreams.”
Why it might be a killer
Providing that Canadian customs officials don’t put their foot down, this could become a very profitable company especially while the Canadian dollar remains strong.
Some questions
Is this 100% legal or are they bending Canadian import rules. What will they do if the US dollar gets stronger?
Updates