You will have to excuse me as bed time was a few hours ago, so I am somewhat tired.
Seems like an ongoing saga at AzBilliards, sleep deprivation.
I will be curious to see where you are able to go with your business plan. I think that most people would agree that the advertising that is done on sites like ustream, justin and livestream can be intrusive on the content of a stream. As Lenny mentioned, a simple adblock will take care of that, but not everyone uses them.
Ad blockers have come into play because of those intrusive and overwhelming advertisements on the free sites. They've fell into the pot of greed and let their sponsors dictate the business model more so than as respectful consideration to making a buck.
A site that caters towards billiards and technological themed advertising campaigns would not be so intrusive, I wouldn't think. We know the billiard industry contains those with a dose of "high intellectualism" more so than other hobbies. In my years observations, of course. Heck, I think I'm one of them.
The entire idea of having servers set up just for billiard related streams sounds great. It sounds as though your servers will initially be capable of handling up 1000 viewers-ish. Is that right? I don't see that being a problem for the smaller streamers that aren't doing major events...at least not until you have multiple streams on at the same time. I know that I have had up to 300 viewers on at once and nobody even knows who I am.
Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm with the idea.
You're right. 1000-ish wouldn't be enough headroom for the larger viewed streams. Even several at the same time for that matter. I guess the balancing act would begin when those situations would arise. There are an abundance of solutions to that problem, which are ready-state. Even if that solution was to "borrow", per se, for an event(s). It's positive for us to know we have taken steps to get "as close to the tree as possible". This is how we've been able to remain idle at minimal cost. It will also enable unlimited possibilities to billiard streamers who use the service. Each and every streamer won't have a "default" layout forcing conformity to a standard. We'll be happy to change and customize it to their benefit, and ultimately the billiard communities benefit. This is something that would not be possible on any free site because of the sheer size and universal conformity.
Will you be selling advertising overlays on the lower third similar to ustream and the like or will you just be selling ad space on the page? I know that there can be no reward without some risk, but one of the major benefits of using ustream is that I don't have to worry about how many viewers watch a stream, it isn't going to cost me anything. Doing a strictly amateur event the chances of reaching a large audience is pretty limited. What is going to be the break even number per hour?
This is a very touchy subject for everyone involved. Since we will be mainly dealing with a particular market, in our case 'anything billiards' and 'anything technology', the creativity in which the content is dispersed among the OnSitePool.com network will be a daunting task. Let alone the task of compensation.
To reach a goal where any billiard streamer can stream in High Definition without a shred of worry will have to rely on the concession of like minds and a vote. I would like to use this thread to iron out those details. We know for certain it's not going to be as successful and beneficial on just our opinion and ideas. We do not want to create a streaming service where ultimately we have the say on how things are done. (within reason) We want the input from everyone with a vested interest, with an open mind, without negativity.
As the thread progresses, I'm sure many will pony up suggestions for consideration.
Let us say that number is 50 viewers. I stream for 8 hours in just one day of an event and only have 300 unique viewers for the day, but my average was 60 viewers at all times because many people watched for several hours. Now, am I 100 viewers short of meeting my break even point and I owe you some $$ or was I 10 viewers over per hour?
We'll use 8 hours, 60 viewers average, uplink speed of 1.2k, for bandwidth consumption. All are approximate and will be less than calculated.
These are prices from AudioVideoWeb.com an may not reflect special promotions or deals.
This will consume 250GB of bandwidth in HD 720P Approx $300.00
This will consume 145GB of bandwidth in SD Approx $175.00
Based on a performance, sponsor, and advertising structure agreed by the like minds of the current billiard streamers, that stream would cost you nothing with OnSitePool.com. We can't say the actual cost of the stream because it will fluctuate based on bids received by sponsors/advertisers, plus on the flip side if any compensation to the streamer would be awarded.
If you really get down and look at the principal, you are supporting the billiard community by producing the stream. You are also creating a potential for new viewers by promoting your stream in your area. Hence the reason why we need a dedicated billiard streaming service to entice, organize, and consolidate billiard streamers. It would be in the best interest of the billiard community as a whole.
We will break bandwidth consumption down further and continually add features to the streamers control panel which will aide the streamers ability to take necessary steps to increase revenue and performance.
I guess a breakdown of what the money flow plan is would be hugely helpful. I understand it is still relatively early and more than likely nothing is set in stone, but that would be a major concern of mine.
There are a ton of questions that I think everyone has and I'm sure that they will all be answered in due time. I like the concept and I won't lie, as of now, I am also of the opinion that it isn't financially feasible. Don't let that get you down though...it wouldn't be the first bad bet that I have made.
I wish you luck in your venture and I will be sure to follow the progress.
Yes. These details will be available in due time. But you should be able to get the gist of the principal.
On a side note, I realize that you have probably poured your heart and soul into this venture and you feel like it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I know that questioning and criticism of it can be hard to take and it makes you want to lash back. However, as was mentioned before, the pool community is rather small (as I'm sure you are aware) and sometimes it is better to bite your tongue than to feed into it. Especially when the questions are being asked by one of the very streamers that you pointed to in your first post.
I understand your concern, as do I. But I've bit my tongue for many years and have given everyone I've met the benefit of all doubts. I still do to this day.
I dish out exactly what is dished in, and if you look at all my replies in this thread, they are in the up most context of professionalism. I don't get belligerent and sinister. I state the facts to the best of my ability with equal criticism received.
A sincere thanks to you! Your post was enjoyable to respond to.
Truly Yours,
Zach.
