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Wikipedia’s first ever protest – To stage 24 hr blackout!

Arun Prabhudesai — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 07:19:29 +0000

This is a first – Wikipedia has decided to stage a black out for entire English-language Wikipedia for 24 hours, worldwide, beginning at 05:00 UTC (10:30 am India time) on Wednesday, January 18.

This Wikipedia blackout is arranged in protest of proposed legislation in the United States — the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and PROTECTIP Act (PIPA) Act. These acts are expected to put severe restrictions and harm free and open speech on Internet and bring about new tools for censorship of international websites inside the United States!

Jimmy Wales founder of Wikipedia said:

“Today Wikipedians from around the world have spoken about their opposition to this destructive legislation, this is an extraordinary action for our community to take – and while we regret having to prevent the world from having access to Wikipedia for even a second, we simply cannot ignore the fact that SOPA and PIPA endanger free speech both in the United States and abroad, and set a frightening precedent of Internet censorship for the world."

Here is Wikipedia’s Press Statement regarding the same!

2012 will probably be known for this – The fight for free, open & uncensored speech on the Internet. Globally, various countries are grappling with the same issue. The rise of Social Media sites have made it easy for anyone and everyone to easily express themselves. While some anti-social elements take advantage of it, millions of users cannot and should not suffer due to them.

I am totally and wholly in favour of this protest from Wikipedia! What about you?

Accel Partners Invests in company behind Techtree.com!

Arun Prabhudesai — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 07:22:23 +0000

This investment should bring some cheer to the online publishers and bloggers – According to press release sent to us, Accel Partners has completed ‘Series A’ investment in Trivone Digital, a Bangalore-based digital media and content company behind sites like www.techtree.com, www.channeltimes.com and www.cxotoday.com.

The details of funding have not been disclosed. According to Trivone’s promoter veteran journalist L. Subramanyan, the proceeds of the investments will be utilized to build several Digital media properties in specific verticals and increase its presence in the Digital Media landscape in India. The release states that this funding will also enable them to offer managed services to clients.

Of the Trivone’s 3 portfolio websites currently, Techtree.com is relatively popular in Gadgets and Technology space in India. According to Google Ad planner report – Techtree gets about 400k unique visitors with about million pageviews a month.

Techtree Traffic details according to Google Adplanner

The other 2 portfolio sites of Trivone – Channeltimes and CXOtoday do not seem to have significant traction as of now.

However, being a publisher myself – I am glad that VC’s are now open to putting in money and believe in growth of online properties in India.

Do you think we will see more investment in online media publishing space?

What’s so common between top TV shows and… yes FACEBOOK? [Media Monday]

rabigupta — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 05:56:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered why Rakhi Sawant is so much loved by Imagine TV producers? Or how shows like “Emotional Atyachaar” can run for 3 straight (successful) seasons?

Why do you think TV series like “Balika Vadhu” or “Na Aana Is Des Laado” grab so much eyeballs? Any answers yet?

If not let me rephrase the question-

Why do you think critics don’t like Facebook? Why evangelists love to be on Twitter than on Facebook? Still, what makes Facebook #1 social networking website? The answer is-

Both such TV shows and Facebook are meant for COMMON people. People whom evangelists call “simple” i.e. people who don’t get into nitty-gritty of things and like to enjoy simple but spicy things!

On the other hand people who have opinions and write on blogs / news are usually NOT so common [and thats why you may have not heard about the those TV shows mentioned], hence there is this disparity in reactions.

This thought came to my mind while watching Rakhi’s new show on Imagine TV named “Gajab Desh ki Ajab Kahaniyan” and her wardrobe which was on the verge of a malfunction.

Not to mention her speaking style which made me utter the magical four-letter word and prompted to switch the channel! But it made me think the obvious question which I’m asking today- Who watch such shows?

Like every other thing, TV content can also be divided in 3 categories-

Some genuine TOP shows.
Many other me-too type mediocre shows.
Rest all FLOP shows.

TV producers make some serious money out of those TOP shows which are few but differentiate best from rest. But rest of the industry survives on mediocre shows, which may be mediocre in content but target common people and ensures a minimum viewership.

Don’t get me wrong, when I say mediocre shows targeting common people. There are exceptions- for e.g. shows like “Baalika Vadhu” recreated TV viewing experience after “Saas bhi kabhi bahu thi” but majorly targeted common housewives.

Have you ever wondered why people make silly videos like “WTF name you look so stupid in this vid” viral on Facebook by clicking the links? That’s because such SPAMS are targeted to make common people “EXCITED” or look “SPECIAL”. TV shows are same- Replace those viral SPAMS on Facebook with Rakhi, Dolly, Abusing, Revealing on TV and what you get is same result.

I even know that by writing this post I’m doing nothing more than helping Rakhi Sawant GAIN more TRPs for her show “Gajab Desh ki Ajab Kahaniyan”. But I can’t help it, right :-)?

After IPL get set go for some fresh content on TV [Media Monday]

rabigupta — Mon, 30 May 2011 07:02:27 +0000

I hope IPL Vulture didn’t suck every bit of your blood, and you’re still alive to at least switch ON your TVs? Well, if you have plans for same I must encourage you to do so because in coming days there are not 5 or 10 but 55 new shows lined up to appear on TV!!

There is something for everyone and being someone from TV guidance industry it’s my duty to generate interest in everyone :)

So if you’re a young, college going (or young at heart) kind of person these shows are for you to look forward-

India’s Most Desirable on Star World: Simi Garewal interviews country’s most desirable figures like actor Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone.
Emotional Atyaachar on UTV Bindaas: Pravesh Rana is back to help find girls/guys out whether their love is cheating on them or not?
India’s Sexiest Bachelor on BIG CBS: This features top, single male stars with their entourage, colleagues and friends.
India’s Next Top Model on BIG CBS: Search is on for a young, spunky model and a movie star who can fit into supermodel-producer Tyra Banks’ shoes.
The Real World on MTV: Another reality show that features youngsters caught up in situations and their absurd reactions.
Khatron Ke Khiladi Torchaar on Colors: Akshay Kumar back as host to torment lady contestants. [Spoiler- Aarti Chhabria is alleged winner of same]
Just Dance on Star Plus: Hrithik Roshan will be seen dancing first time on small screen.
Survivor on Star Plus: Indian version of famous Survivor series.
India’s Got Talent 3 on Colors.
Bigg Boss 5 on Colors.
Chak Dhoom Dhoom on Colors.
Juhi Chawla’s Badmaash Company on Colors.
Desi Girl 2 on Imagine TV.
Zor Ka Jhatka 2 on Imagine TV.
Extreme Makeover’s adaptation on Imagine TV.
X-Factor on Sony.
Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega on Sony.
Dance India Dance 3 on Zee TV.
Fashion3 Gujarati dailies on Star One.
Jaanbaaz on Zee TV.

For homemakers, ladies who among top TV viewers-

Bade Acche Lagte Hain…. on Sony: Ekta Kapoor brings back old world romance. It features an older lead pair.
Sach Ka Saamna 2 on Imagine TV: Rajeev Khandelwal brings back the moment of truth to the primetime, once again.
Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, Diya Baati, Sangharsh, Tumse Hi, Maa, Suhag Ke Nupur, MasterChef India 2 on Star Plus.
Hamari Saas Leela, Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani; Kalki on Colors.
Dwarkadheesh; Hamari Bahu on Imagine TV.
Mahi Way 2 on Sony TV.
Jai Somnath; Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuyein on Zee TV.

For Kids-

Chak Dhoom Dhoom on Colors.
Dance India Dance Li’l Masters; Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs on Zee TV.
Jai Jai Bajrangbali; Neem Neem Shehed Shehed; Kahani Chandrakanta Ki on Sahara One.

[Source]

If you don’t find yourself fitting into the above mentioned categories, most probably broadcasters are not looking at you as a potential consumer these days. What do you think?

Self regulation for TV Channels but parental control for Bloggers- is it Fair? [Media Monday]

rabigupta — Mon, 09 May 2011 07:19:01 +0000

Last week Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF), decided to have a self-regulatory mechanism for content control of non-news channels. For news channels, there is already a self regulatory mechanism named (News Broadcasters Association or NBA), whose effectiveness is yet to be seen. The new regulation also includes having a complaints redressal mechanism through the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) which will consist of 13 members, including justice AP Shah, former chief justice of Delhi High Court, as the chairperson of the body [Source].

TV Channels look quite happy with the decision and they have quoted the move as transformational.

Off course its transformational as it gives a free hand to broadcasters to show content of will and allows them to manipulate the system and society.

While reading this I couldn’t help myself comparing this regulation to the new rules which have been included under country’s Information Technology Act 2008 that aims to regulate content on web [Related: New Cyber Cafe rules & guidelines]. To sum up the rules, it basically say-

that anything libellous, grossly harmful, hateful, racist or ethnically objectionable or disparaging will be covered by the rules. These rules will mostly affect bloggers, tweeters and free-thinking Net freaks. [Hindustan Times]

If you are interested in reading the rules in more details you can check this update from Medianama.

Here are my thoughts on this-

When we actually compare TV content to Web content, it’s the TV content which is more disturbing to sentiments rather than something written on web.
TV content on the contrary can be controlled by a Gov. body because its scope is limited as against the web which is limitless.
Bloggers, Tweeters and free thinkers are at least 100 times more careful about using the words which may hurt anyone’s sentiments or for that matter using the abusing words. While Roadies’ judges freely exploit the (so called) “freedom of speech” to show their uglier side.
Bloggers are independent news writers/journalists and Twitter has officially declared itself as a NEWS source. And communities at Blogs/Twitter are smart enough to identify a fake news from a genuine one, but its not the case with INDIA TV.

There are multiple other cases which will justify my view point but I don’t want myself to get caught under new Government regulations .

I would like to hear your thoughts on this – if you’re a Blogger / Twitterati please comment on how such regulations will effect your “freedom of speech” and if you’re from a broadcasting company please tell if this move is justified.

Looking forward to your comments!

Ready for Rediff group deals?

rabigupta — Mon, 02 May 2011 06:49:06 +0000

Rediff.com India Ltd (NASDAQ listed) is the new entrant in the super hot group-deal market with- Rediff Deal Ho Jaye!

[Picture courtesy: Rediff.com]

As per the report and as quoted by Mr. Ajit Balakrishnan:

The service, essentially, offers consumers local services in about 40 cities across India at discounts that range from 30 per cent to 60 per cent on any deals that they avail of.

Among others "Rediff Deal Ho Jaye! will help consumers discover new services and experiences in their city, such as restaurants, spas, hotels, healthcare, tattoos, hobby classes, adventure sports and other local attractions across 70 categories and at 30-60 per cent discounts, thus helping them make the most of their quality time with their family and friends

Although Rediff has nothing to offer new in terms of USP except for a cool “Cash-On-Delivery” option but being India’s one of the biggest portal in terms of user numbers (a cool 15 million unique visitors per month) it has huge expectations from itself.

Snapdeal.com which is India’s biggest group deal site boasts of being present in over 50 cities is Rediff’s major competitor, while Sosasta (acquired by Groupon) might throw surprises anytime. Groupon is also having good cash reserves as they got $12 million funding very recently.

Group buying concept is hot and happening across the globe but having too many players and far too less to offer in terms of service choices, there is both potential and threat to the industry in India!

Have you ever bought a deal from any group buying site? Share your experience with us.

HD services offerings in India – Options galore!

rabigupta — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:01:11 +0000

Were you the one impressed by High-definition ads telecasted during IPL? Aamir Khan in Tata Sky+ HD ad saying that he can record and watch 625 hours of High Definition Cricket and other stuff on TV and Shahrukh on the other hand claiming that Dish TV offers highest number (30) of HD TV Channels in India. Amid all this HD fuzz I thought of going a bit deeper (not Higher) into this HD thing:

So who’s offering HD services in India-

Tata Sky+ HD: With 625 hours of High Def recording, T20 Cricket match in real high def, 1080i resolution, 7.1 digital dolby, record from Mobile and Internet facility, Series link feature (record the complete series of a program skipping the repeats).
Dish TruHD: Claims to have 35 HD Channels (with HD reproduced content and not recorded in True HD), other features are similar although it doesn’t seem to have recorder facility enabled with TruHD feature, please let me know if it’s there as its not mentioned anywhere.
Videocon D2H 3D HD DVR: Videocon looks to offer almost anything and everything over their DTH HD, with 4 HD Channels and a Magic show recorded for 3D viewing. They have 5x digital surround sound and digital recording feature.
Reliance Digital TV: Records 200 hours of program, all other features look similar but as expected doesn’t give any details about number of channels/content available in HD.
Airtel Digital TV HD: Offers similar features to other HD recorders but without recording support. (Note: there website was down at the time of writing this post).
Sun Direct also offers HD.

Who provides real HD content and who plans to offer?

Real HD or true HD means the content which is recorded as well as broadcasted in High definition i.e. picture resolution of 1080×1920, with 2.07million+ pixels offering 5 times more detail than SD.

Channels available on HD- [Source]

- TataSky
  National Geographic HD, Discovery HD and Star Plus HD along with Cricket World Cup in HD
- Reliance
  National Geographic HD along with Cricket World Cup in HD
- Airtel Digital TV HD
  National Geographic HD along with Cricket World Cup in HD
- Sun Direct HD
  Tamil HD movies, Tamil HD songs, Telgu HD movies, Telgu HD Songs, Movies Now HD, Discovery HD, National Geographic HD and DD HD
- Videon d2h HD
  Discovery HD, NGC HD, Movies Now HD, Travel XP, HD Active Music and HD d2h Movies

Last week Star TV launched Asli HD and claims to be the only network which offers Asli HD content that is shot in HD, recorded and edited in HD and mixed for 5.1 Dolby surround sound. To enjoy the Asli HD experience, viewers will need a HD television set and subscribe to Star’s Asli HD channels on DTH platforms such as Tata Sky+ HD (only).

Star Plus, Star Movies, Star Gold, Star World and Nat Geo will now be available in Asli HD.

But I believe the total number of HD subscribers (people having HD enables STB and TVs) would not be more than 2-4 lakhs at this point in time, quoting a generous number (no official numbers are out yet).

It’s still a challenge for content providers to spend huge money in recording and broadcasting true HD content, and also limited number of HD enabled TV sets may backfire the pay-to-watch strategy of broadcasters and DTH operators.

Are you HD’ed yet? If yes, please share your experience..

Lukup for i-Ads on TV: revolutionary idea? [Media Monday]

rabigupta — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 07:49:52 +0000

Lukup, a Bangalore based company run by Headstart founder Kallol Borah has come out with first of it’s kind concept in India- interactive Ads on Television sets! The ads are 100/100 pixel small ads which are shown as hot spot format at bottom right end of Television (as seen in their website demo) and run during the streaming of a program only i.e. they don’t interfere when there is an ad running on TV (to avoid the conflict).

This looks like a brilliant technology and has already garnered the attention of Airtel Digital TV and UTV Bindass. Other great idea of Mr. Borah is to run interactive ads of related products from same company. For instance if there is ICICI ad running on TV, ICICI can also show an interactive ad of same or other product.

The technology behind this is in using the existing Set Top box remotes to perform various functions- for e.g. if user is interested in an ad shown s/he can click on a button in remote to open the ad, can navigate using navigation buttons and can click “OK” button to perform the desired action.

As quoted-

Advertisers will be allowed to schedule and serve the interactive ads based on the time, location, channel and the programme. If an advertiser wants to promote a particular product in Mumbai and not in other cities, he can do that. – Business Standard.

The idea is definitely intriguing as it tries to bring cross-platform opportunity for advertisers who are trying their interactive ads on Mobile via companies like Thmbstrk. This is the best way to compare the performance of ads run on both TV and Mobile platforms and then choosing the one which works.

The main challenge for them as I discussed it with the Business Head of Thmbstrk, Satwick Saxena is in defining a proper “call to action”. For them the limitation is non connectivity of internet (there are only few lakh of IPTVs available till now), so for various companies the problem would be tracing a proper call to action. The other major concern is the ads which are shown during streaming of a program may not garner user attention if the show content is actually engaging.

But not to take away the credit, the potential is definitely there and it’s huge. Challenges are always there with any new technology on board, but can be solved with innovative ideas and continuous efforts. I truly believe in this one-of-its kind technology platform, and believe that it will revolutionize the ad serving platforms.

What do you think?

Everyone wants a pie of World Cup- lessons from IPL

rabigupta — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:23:22 +0000

Blame it to IPL, Cricket is no more a One day format monopoly and thanks to IPL for exposing various innovative revenue models around a game called ‘Cricket’.

If you look at today’s One-Day Cricket format it looks like its fighting a battle for survival- 3 powerplays, Free hit after a no-ball and players psyche to hit every ball for a six. All of these changes are a result of IPL.

But one very important thing which caught everyone’s attention- Multiplexes showing Cricket matches and charging 50-100% more for showcasing the same.

Now with India coming into semis and that too against Pakistan, Multiplexes are aggressively approaching ESPN Star Sports to buy the rights. Cinemax recently did a fixed fee deal with ESPN Star Sports to showcase all the matches from now onwards.

On the other hand PVR cinemas because of its larger reach was able to strike a 50:50 revenue sharing deal with ESPN Star Sports. As quoted:

We have got an overwhelming response, recording three houseful bookings across our properties. Other centres too recorded more than 60 per cent footfalls. On an average, we had a total occupancy between 24 and 25 per cent. For the remaining matches, our expectancy is 45 per cent.

Multiplexes are also increasing the rates seeing a surge in demand. With tickets in Mohali already sold out (mostly to VIPs) and getting blacked from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 100,000 fans have no where to go but Cineplex to enjoy the match in a better way and with a community.

These changes are good from both organizers as well as Cricket’s point of view. What’s your say?