Youtube India

Its no secret that a large portion of my time is dedicated to Youtube. The first video I saw in Youtube was a thrilling fight scene of our beloved Balayya babu (someone posted that link in the famous "I hate Balayya" community way back in Jan 2006 (??) ). From there on both Youtube and I have come a long way. Finally because of Maitri, I could finally post my own video in Youtube (yaay !!) Right now my profile says I have seen 2,572 videos which is very misleading to say the least.

No wonder then that I got a shocking surprise as I heard the news that youtube now has started an Indian edition. Now what does that exactly mean ? It means that viewers who access this site in India will now have a different page all together. The featured videos will be different. The video section which has different sections like "most viewed" "most recent" "most popular" will be different. And most importantly the channels will be different. The first thing I did when I visited the Indian "domain" was the directors channels in Youtube India. I was obviously disappointed to see no one is having fun with the cam in their free time. Undoubtedly I can see a big change in the type of channels within the ... hmmm ... ok ... let me not guess.

Then I quickly checked the most viewed videos. No surprises what so ever.#%^$&!. I am surely not expecting a change in this for god knows how many years.

Then I went to the featured videos. A strange feeling swept over me and I was suddenly wondering how they choose those videos. What I then see is a grumpy looking old man with a vlog. Too many puzzling questions came to my mind. How many would see it? How many would appreciate it ? How many would care to type a text response to it? How many would be negative? (and how negative?) This old man then claims this: "I am a virtual brand Ambassador for You Tube India. My services were actively used in organizing launch function. I do not require appointment letters or money." (woooooooooooow :p ... ok ok ... he has already posted 534 videos ... so he has the right to say that :p)

Surprisingly he goes on to sing in Hindi. Hmm ... Would Youtube feature a video where someone sings in a regional language? How would the comments for that video be? Suddenly I realized having a Youtube India is not such a thrilling thing after all. Suddenly I was reminded of the logic that no set formula can ever apply to India.

The next day iself (ie today) I get my answer. "If you go to Bangalore...Veena Player" has more than 10,000 views. (cant say how many views were recorded today). But it has only 12 ratings. And 18 comments and already the boring debate of "talk in Hindi" "national language" in full flow only because the poor guy opened his mouth to talk in his mother tongue. Orkut is full of that shit. Now its the turn of Youtube (as if it isn't already)

The joy that Youtube India exists suddenly has been completely crumpled by the fear of failure. I dont want Youtube India to fail. Again ... only TIME will tell :(