Don't Look for Porn on YouTube

The main reason you shouldn't look for porn on YouTube, is that there isn't any. YouTube is applying some very strict censorship on material uploaded to its site, and even if a boob or two manage to sneak through the censoring net, you can be sure it will be quickly removed. If you are looking for free porn, you might wanna try some Porn 2.0 Sites.

That aside, PandaLabs blog reports that many porn-related comments on YouTube lead to a fake porn site, named "PornTube 2.0". This site's sole purpose is to install malware on your computer. If you click anything on the site, it will prompt you to download a fake Adobe Flash plugin, which is an installer for a malware called "Adware/Privacy Center". This malware is basically another fake Anti-Virus/Anti Spyware program, which you don't really want on your PC.

So - don't copy-paste any porn links from YouTube. They won't get you any porn - just a messed up computer.

Devolution of Dance

Judson Laipply is back. Evolution of Dance 2 has over 600,000 views on YouTube. Bloggers are embedding it. It's a hit. Or is it?

It's very difficult to repeat the success of a viral video. The first Evolution of Dance was a huge hit - it was the most viewed clip on YouTube for a long time, until the Avril Brigade took it down. At the moment, EoD has over 109 MILLION views. It's huge.

Naturally, Laipply wants to recreate the success. So, like many before him, he created a sequel to the original hit.

Alas, it's not the same. The new Evolution of Dance feels so fake, made and directed, there isn't an ounce of authenticity in it. Even the laughing crowd sounds like the studio crowd of a sitcom - people who are instructed on how and when to laugh.

Everything in Evolution of Dance 2 feels wrong - it's too clean, the songs aren't right, the energy is gone and the entire experience is plain and simple BORING.

Laipply isn't the only one who tried and failed in recreating the success of his first viral hit. SMP films and Sparta had the same problem. So did Simon and his animated cat.

I'm not saying they shouldn't try - if the internet has given you a chance to become a star, you should do everything you can to keep the buzz about you up and running. The problem is, you can't reproduce brilliance with a script and direction. You can't force the fun on people. Copying every element of the original clip doesn't guarantee its success.

Sure, EoD 2 will have a few million hits, because people want to see the sequel of the original hit, out of curiosity and hope it'll be as good. But Evolution of Dance 2 will never be as big a hit as the first one, and I am guessing there won't be a third clip.

Here they are, one after the other - Evolution of Dance II and its predecessor, Evolution of Dance. You be the judge:

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The Top 13 Videos of 2008

YouTube and other video-sharing sites are a regular part of our lives on the net. Every year brings out some new funny videos, cool new talents, interesting viral videos and tons of fun-clips-to-watch.

2008 was a very intense year in terms of internet marketing and videos. The US elections brought out a lot of interesting videos, and it seems the winner, Barack Obama, was also the one who knew how to put this medium to the best use.

In my list of the Top 13 Videos of 2008 you won't find any political videos. Only fun, funny and interesting videos.

#13
Pork and Beans

So many YouTube stars in one clip - even though the song ain't much to talk about, the concept is nice and was a huge success as a viral video. Among other highlights, you can spot the Dramatic Chipmunk, Chris Crocker, The Chocolate Rain kid, The Diet Coke and Mentos guys, The Evolution of Dance dude and more.



#12
Oktapodi

A sweet animated movie about the love of octopuses. Cute, funny and touching.




#11
"Star Wars" - an a Capella tribute to John Williams

A fairly recent YouTube success story - one geek, one a Capella band and a great idea.



#10
Gary Kasparov and the Flying Penis

Sure, it happens to all of us. One day, a flying penis attacks!



#9
Ninja cat

Cats are known for making hit videos on the net. This one is no different - nothing directed or created - just a cat and its owner. A bit creepy but very funny.



#8
Reporter Goes Ghetto

You can get the reporter out of the Ghetto, but you can't get the Ghetto out of the reporter.



#7
The Simpsons - Mapple Store

I am not a very big fan of the Simpsons in recent years, but this little piece of animated satire is very sharp, funny and hits the right points.



#6
I'm Fucking Matt Damon by Sarah Silverman

This clip was a huge hit at the beginning of 2008 - and rightfully so. It's hilarious, wicked and has Matt Damon in it.

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#5
Dramatic Lemur

Creepy as hell. The heir of the Dramatic Chipmunk, of course, although not as successful.



#4
Go Shorty

This clip just goes to show you don't need a complex production to make something cool, funny and viral.



#3
Pleo at Sea World 2008

This is one of the cutest, sweetest videos ever made. I don't think the maker intended it to become so wonderfully adorable, but when you combine dolphins, curiosity and a cool dino-robot - you get a great clip.



#1 - We have a tie!!!

The clips who share the #1 Spot:

The Website Is Down: Sales Guy vs. Web Dude

Man, oh man. I couldn't decide which is better, so I put 2 very different clips in the first place. The first one, The Website Is Down, is a great, hilarious, geeky creation. It's a very sarcastic but realistic look at the life of a tech-support person, and it hits some very sharp points. Well done!



Christian the Lion

Even if you are a cynical, cold-hearted bastard, you can't avoid being moved by this clip about two men, a lion and true friendship and love between man and nature. This clip has so many versions, edits and mixes, it's hard to tell where it all started, but it is certainly hugely popular, moving, sweet and involves a cat. A BIG cat. And that's really all you need to become the top clip of 2008.

Top 5 Cats and Kittens Clips

Post a clip that contains a cute cat or kitten on YouTube, and you are guaranteed to be at least a minor hit. It's no secret that cats and kittens clips are a success in video site. Cat-related content is usually very popular on the net. The success of LOLcats speaks for itself - although it's not all about cats in LOLcats.

I love cats and kittens clips myself, and I see many of them every day. Most of them are cute and sweet, but over the years - a few really stood out. I picked what I consider the Top 5 Cats and Kittens Clips:

#5

Silly Kittens: Anyone who ever had cats in the house, must have experienced this annoying and funny incident. I find it hilarious, even after quite a few views.

Watch this cat clip on YouTube


#4

Talkin Cats - The Translation: The original clip, which was a hit on YouTube, featured two cats "talking" to each other via meows and purrs. This one is much better, in my opinion, and also a hell of a lot funnier.



Watch this cat clip on YouTube


#3

Cat Bloopers: Oldie but goldie. One of the funniest cat clips around - originated at some TV show, somewhere in the 90s.



Watch this cat clip on YouTube

#2

Sparta - The Mean Kitty Song: Cute guy, cute cat, cute song - who needs more?



Watch this cat clip on YouTube


#1

Simon's "Wake Up" Cat: This animated clip features no real cat, but cat owners swear that thier pets act EXACTLY like this black-and-white-2D-cat right here. My top pick - Simon's Cat.



Watch this cat clip on YouTube


Related:

>> My 14 All-Time Favorite Internet Video Clips

Flickr Video on its Way?

Reports and rumors around the net are talking about an upcoming Flickr Video service.

CNET reports that Flickr Video is due this April (Which is 2 weeks from now, mind you). Flickr Video is not supposed to replace Yahoo Video. So, is Yahoo/Flickr going to compete directly with YouTube? Can it be done via Flickr at all?

Flickr isn't just a photo-sharing site. It's a community, and a very vociferous one, as well. Will they accept the addition of videos, or will they bail on Flickr, looking for a quieter realm for storing their photos?

I have been a Flickr and YouTube user for a while. If Flickr launches a good video service, I might start using it instead of YouTube - but winning over the regular YouTube user isn't going to be easy. Users don't switch easily between services, even free ones. I wonder if pro-Flickr users are going to get some benefits, and how all of this is going to look.

In any case, it's always good to hear about new developments and new services. Keeps everything more interesting and dynamic. I guess I'll be following this subject as well.

My 14 All-Time Favorite Internet Video Clips

I watch a lot of online clips. I get them from many places. Mostly it's because I enjoy discovering new, funny, amazing or horrifying clips. It's also my job to know what's hot on the net, so I have to keep updated.

Most of the time, I see a clip, enjoy it and forget about it. The flow of information on the web doesn't allow for too much attention of the net's tidbits. Still, every now and then there are clips you remember (mostly the funny ones, I admit) and go back to watch over and over again.

Here is a list of my current 14 favorites. When I present a "YouTube tour" to a friend, I usually show them at least 2-3 of these clips. Of course, this list is only correct for the time being. Times change and clips come and go, but for the time being, here they are:

#14

Bianca Ryan's first audition on America's Got talent - When I first saw this clip, I was SURE it was lip-syncing. I mean - a voice like that, coming out of a small child - it really blew my mind. Every time I watch her I get the shivers. She is truly amazing. No wonder she took the first place. Still, I haven't heard anything good from her ever since. I hope she comes up with a good CD soon.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ozDh4NQveJs

#13

Einstein, the Amazing Parrot - Animals always steal the attention. Talented, unique animals are something you remember. There she is, then - the amazing African Gray Parrot.

http://www.youtube.com/v/wnTT7u5U4Yo

#12

The kid with the most evil parents on earth - It's hilarious, but very cruel. Parents scare the shit out of their child, using the computer. Mean. But funny. But still MEAN!

http://www.youtube.com/v/fRulvYAAs28

#11

Sparta - The Mean Kitty Song - Talk about incredible User Generated Content. I remember seeing this clip when it just had 250,000 views, and I watched it go through the roof. A winning combination of a cute cat, a cute guy and a cute song.

http://www.youtube.com/v/Qit3ALTelOo

#10

Brent Spiner and the Hilarious Theater Story - Brent Spiner is one of my favorite actors. He is talented and funny, and also an amazing singer (His new CD, Dreamland, is available for sale in his new official site). Some of you might not know this, but Brent is a well-experienced theater actor. Sometimes, extremely funny shit can happen on theaters, mind you.

http://www.youtube.com/v/-nFmUuRlLkM

#9

Achmed, The Dead Terrorist - I admit, I was really late picking up this stupidly funny ventriloquist act. Nonetheless, I consider it one of my faves. It has over 36 million views on YouTube. Amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/v/1uwOL4rB-go

#8

The Stoned Smurfs - "Ha-Dardasatlanim" (הדרדסטלנים) - OK, this is in Hebrew, so most of you won't understand what it's about. Basically a genius parody about some of our beloved childhood TV series, plus some shrewd remarks on the pot-heads culture. This is actually the 2nd clip of this "mini-series" - I think it a hell of a lot better than the first.

http://www.youtube.com/v/9AkUeOcbUu8

#7

Amen Brothers - The world's most important drum loop - This clip is not your average YouTube thing. For starters, it's not funny and contains no animals. It actually contains nothing but a mysterious voice that tells the story of a single drum loop that has influenced the music industry in amazing ways. Give it the 18 minutes it demands. It's worth it.

http://www.youtube.com/v/5SaFTm2bcac

#6

Hayagur Ra-Ev (היגור רעב) - Yet another Hebrew creation, from the much earlier days of the net. A simple, ugly flash movie, that makes me tremble with laughter every time I see it.

http://www.youtube.com/v/Xg89GFw2gas

#5

Why You shouldn't Throw Paper-clips at your Co-workers - Simple, violent, hysterical and represents something that most of us wanted to do at some point of our lives.

http://www.youtube.com/v/l3KIxzCqYqM

#4

Kevin Smith lets a stupid idiot HAVE IT - I adore Kevin Smith. He is talented, funny and original. He is also a great story teller, which is why his lectures draw out such big crowds. He usually answers questions in those lectures, and as you know - there are assholes everywhere. Kevin gets an asshole question, and answers right back. Best snappy comeback EVER.

http://www.youtube.com/v/ou2mVnElp6c

#3

Bad Day at the Office - Sure, it's a commercial. But it's a damn good one, and represents well some of the terrible frustrations of a cubical slave (ah, sorry, "WORKER").

http://www.youtube.com/v/GhnLZ3Ryccg

#2

Wake Up Cat - This is a fairly recent one. It's animated, clever, has a cat in it and is generally telling the real story about cats, the way only true cat-owners can identify with. I believe it's all true.

http://www.youtube.com/v/GmwqpHsMExg

#1

The Internet is for Porn - This clip just sums it up so well. And it contains WoW characters. What else do you need? A catchy song by Avenue Q, cool animation by some computer geek and a phrase that says it all - THE INTERNET IS FOR PORN. The rest is just for background.

http://www.youtube.com/v/jhTxRssxfuI

Honorable Mentions: Terry Fator, Taylor Ware, Evolution of Dance, Sarah Silverman is fucking Matt Damon, Jimmy Kimmel is fucking Ben Affleck.

The Battle Against Scientology Reaches Japan

What started with some DDoS attacks and a creepy video on YouTube - continues to spread around the globe. A week after worldwide protests against Scientology, Anonymous moves on to Japan. It starts with a creepy video, as well. We'll see how it ends:

Anonymous VS Scientology: Act II

No time to rest. The first video of Anonymous attacking Scientology barely managed to sizzle through the net, and now they have another one:

Seems like the guys of Anonymous feel the need to further explain themselves, and to put an emphasis on their threats to destroy Scientology: "It has come to the attention of Anonymous that there are a number of you out there who do not clearly understand what we are or why we have undertaken our present course of action", they say.

"We want you to know about Lisa McPherson. We want you to know about former members of Scientology's private navy, SeaOrg, who were forced to have abortions so that they could continue in service to the church. We want you to know about Scientology's use of child labor and their gulags", states Anonymous.

They also give a date of action: "Be very wary of the 10th of February". What will happen that day? Let's wait and see. This is going to be very interesting.

This IS SPARTA!

Oh, I love these stupid little videos that pop up on YouTube every now and then.

I also love cats, so this is perfect:

It's the Mean Kitty Song, of course!

A Comment about YouTube's New Comment System

YouTube has just launched a new comment system.Now, I wonder what this reminds me.

Hmmm. That really look familiar. Probably because it's very similar to the comment system on Digg.

Which is not a good thing, by the way. YouTube might want to be more social, but this kind of silly rating system will only bring in the ailments that are infesting digg - Vicious comment buries, stupid power games and a general air of competition and malice.

It's not because rating is a bad thing - it's because people just can't help themselves. Put a civilized man behind a keyboard and give him anonymity - and you get an evil, stupid monster.

This new design also adds to the clutter on each video page, which is not the most helpful thing. Add to this the Overlay Ads annoyance, and we are going further down the drain.

I enjoy YouTube's services and it's a regular site in my daily tour. Still, seems like ever since it was bought by Google, things aren't going in the right direction. The site seems less cool by the second. But is there a replacement out there? A real one?