While checking out some great blogs this week (including Seth's blog), I came across a rather interesting and peculiar site. It's called Justin.tv and gives a unique look at one individuals life. If you have not already done so, I strongly urge you visit the site and spend some time there, for this could be the start of something new.
Justin, the CEO and cameraman of this site, has strapped a camera to his hat and has been recording his life for the past 17 days now to its entirety. From running errands to the post office, to going on dates with girls he meets, he makes sure to include every single detail as if you were right alongside him, as a Siamese twin. The interesting, yet rather brow-raising feature of this site is that the video is streamed live for any visitor to see.
The homepage consists of a video display of Justin, links to his blog where he recaps his day, forums, detailed schedules of his days, and more. When I visited, I was surprised to find so many fans and other visitors conversing rapidly on the interactive chat-boxes provided through the site. As I sat waiting, watching Justin type away on his laptop, I wondered if he ever interacted with the live audience he had on his site. I also began to ask people and fans there what attracted them to this site, not only initially, but to return as much as some did (nearly everyday for some). Disregarding some ignorant remarks, I managed to reveal that people just liked being there, talking with others, and watching another person live there life. It seems that people have this fascination with watching and knowing what other people are doing. Yet I cannot really complain, because I too found myself glued to the website, watching this stranger's every move. It was intriguing, yes, but rather creepy at the same time.
After about 20 minutes, however, I finally decided to pull myself away from watching him and put some real thought into what was going on. My first question was whether or not he really came up with this idea, or is some company behind this? And if there isn't, how long is it going to take for there to be one backing the project?
Seeing as this blog is all about advertising, I also thought about the endless possibilities with this new media. First off, Justin already has sponsors filling the bottom portion of the site, and they aren't little local companies. Companies like Go Daddy and Zipcar are already backing him financial. I think it will only be a matter of time before the banner ads and possible pop-ups come.
But the big idea, in my opinion, is the possibility of extreme product placement. Think about it for a minute. The more people that come to Justin's site, the more hits he gets, and the better ranked his website becomes. The better ranked, the more attention he will receive from marketing companies and advertising firms seeking locations to put their products/services. Now, digest this.
Justin lives his life day to day, minute by minute on camera to the entire world. He eats certain foods, uses specific electronics, wears branded clothes, and much more. Imagine these companies contacting Justin about how they want to "sponsor" him in his life! He would be one of the first sponsors of a company for doing nothing! He wouldn't be an athlete, artist, or musician. Companies like Apple could buy his crew laptops and get full product placement. Even car companies can lend him cars so he can drive it around where ever he needs to. The potential with this website are amazing, and I can't wait to see what happens with Justin.tv
Until then, check out what he's doing, spread the word...it's something to watch
Check out this article about it, the Real Truman show
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