Despite some of the weirdness that you encounter with old media creators/outlets desparately trying to hold on to their distribution monopolies, it’s super interesting to see how some of the big boys are experimenting with using video on teh internet to engage users and create commensurate ad inventory. Some interesting examples:

• Michael Eisner puts a toe back into the ring in the form of Prom Queen.
• CBS and NBC‘s shows available to watch on the net right after they’re broadcast on the networks. (When our MCE failed to record a show, we weren’t out of luck thanks to this.)
• Pale Force from Conan O’Brien.
• Will Ferrel is apparently a principal in Funny or Die (the site was down for a bit cause the video has been so popular).
• And the current favorite new TV show of the Jackson Fish crew… Acceptable TV. We like Operation Kitten Calendar the best so far.

A couple of months ago when I was going to write this post my main point was that the big content producers needed to put premium content on the web and not just trickle down some repackaged dregs to the net. I think that while there’s a long way to go, the media producers are starting to experiment with a vengeance. Full TV shows online, eighty 90 second episodes for one long story arc with one steady sponsor, little spinoff cartoons, original (better than current SNL quality) comedy content, and user submitted videos mixed in with professionally produced work – they’re using every trick in the book.

I think it’s kind of cool (though hard to get work done). At some point, the quality will improve, there will be a few gems that stand out that aren’t necessarily just comedy or teen-focused, and I will tag these during the day to be watched late at night on my big screen. At least that’s my hope.

What is everyone else’s experience/prediction?