Cutline Speaks

How to…launch a company

posted by Megan on February 6, 2008

As a new parent, I can tell you that learning how to trim a baby’s fingernails or clear a stuffy nose is not as easy as you might think. In fact, it’s all kind of scary when you’re working with a living being that weighs less than ten pounds!

Enter Howcast, one of our clients that just launched publicly today with a site that has how-to videos for parents, and partygoers, and pretty much everyone else. Their videos harness all of the creativity and energy of user-generated content, but add professional quality.

Consumers can go to the site and suggest videos they’d like to see. (I just suggested one about babyproofing my house.) They can also contribute other content through text guides. Many of the ideas will be turned into videos made at Howcast’s in-house studio and through their Directors Program for emerging filmmakers. And some will be uploaded by users.

The result is video content that is fun (“How to Fake Being Sick”), useful (“How to Extend the Life of Your iPod Battery”), and sometimes bizarre (“How to Get Paid for Donating Plasma”). There are also beautifully shot videos. One of my favorites is “How to Pray the Rosary.” I’m not religious, but I’m fascinated with this video.

When you have a minute, check out the site – and suggest some videos!

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