To the Wall Street Journal, the launch of TV.com “highlights how the booming online ad market has revived the fortunes of once-downtrodden Web-content companies and rekindled their media ambitions.” HBO and Discovery are launch advertisers although I only saw ads from CNET’s own MP3.com and iTunes on my visits today. The article includes an overview of CNET’s history and most recent moves.
CNET is counting on the volunteers, particularly those from TVTome.com (purchased for $5 million earlier this year), which adds to the complexity. CNET wants a slick site that appeals to non-tech major advertisers but it has to work closely with volunteers who see what they do as a labor of love. Based on the forum comments I’ve flipped through, that’s easier said than done.
CNET is adding its own take, too. The Journal cites “a software tool inelegantly called the ‘Need Stuff Report’ that tracks visitor traffic and alerts editors to add material to popular sections” and GameSpot-like comments, posts, online profiles, etc.
Related: CNET Launches TV.com
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