Introducing “Larry’s List” (With apologies to Craig)

By admin

Now that more than 50 percent of American Households have broadband internet connections, newer, smarter, more interesting consumer oriented video applications are being developed and disseminated.  I know that I am constantly on the lookout for the newest, hottest, most innovative sites so that I can enjoy them, and, more importantly, so that I can share them with my friends, family and colleagues.  With that idea of sharing the newest, most interesting broadband sites, I am introducing “Larry’s List”.  Yeah, I know I am biting on Craig’s List, but I figure he won’t mind, plus, I always have liked alliteration.

The rules for inclusion on Larry’s List are simple.  The site has to be a site that only could exist in a broadband world, so video, audio or high density graphics are essential components.  The site has to be interesting, entertaining or informative.  And, the site has to be innovative (after all, this blog is on the Internet Innovation Alliance’s website.)  My goal is not just to list what’s hot, but rather to help showcase what’s next.  My hope is that this list will, to some small extent, approximate for the readers of this blog what Wired magazine was able to do back in the mid 90s, give needed and warranted exposure and applause to new players and new products.

Now, in order to get the more compulsive of you off my case, let’s consider MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, iTunes and Skype to be emeritus members of the List.  Their ubiquity and mindshare make it unnecessary for me to introduce anyone to the merits of the sites.  So spare me the emails about why didn’t they make the cut. They made it.

In the last few months, I have, however, found or been introduced to several new sites that I find compelling, interesting and worth sharing with friends.  The sites selected for this inaugural list are eclectic.  Some are derivative, or even imitative of, the YouTube, MySpace or Facebook models.  Some take existing models and attempt to expand on them or create a new paradigm from an existing model.  Some of the sites are small, independent companies with no corporate connections or venture funding.  Others are funded or founded by some of the biggest media and internet companies in the world.  I found all of the sites interesting, however, either because of the concept, the content or both.  That’s the ultimate test for me: is the site worth five minutes of my (or your time.) If I could answer yes, the site made the cut.  So here, in no particular order, is the List:

www.wwitv.com www.Ning.com www.joost.com www.veoh.com www.godtube.com www.teachertube.com www.cruxy.com www.jazzfusion.tv www.pandora.com www.localpointtv.com

Now we all know that many, some, or all of the above sites may not be here six months from now.  Conversely, one or more may be the next phenomenon.  There is simply no way for any of us to know with certainty.  I am certain, however, that all of the above sites are worth a minute or two or five of your time.  Check them out.  More importantly, send me the urls of other broadband sites you think are fun, or interesting or innovative and not yet mainstream.  If they are any of the above, but particularly if they are all of the above, they will make it on the List and we will share your find with the rest of our readers, maybe as soon as tomorrow.

So, holler back at me. What do you love? What do you hate? What new sites should be included?  What do I need to know about?  Are there some interesting international sites?  The list will keep growing as long as there is interest in it and as long as there are interesting sites to add.  I look forward to hearing from you…