Web Dating Industry at risk? Here comes COMCAST! - GoFuckYourself.com

Taboo · 02-10-2005, 10:34 PM

Is the Dating Industry About to Change? Here comes COMCAST!

Quote:

Dating on Demand puts those looking for love on TV
By David Lieberman, USA TODAY
NEW YORK ? Cable operators used to be satisfied selling news, entertainment and communications.
Now, Comcast wants to improve people's love lives.

Beginning Valentine's Day, the No. 1 operator will help subscribers find partners through a
video-on-demand (VOD) service that it calls Dating On Demand.

"Dating was a natural evolution" for VOD, says Comcast's On Demand general manager Page Thompson.
In a test that started last fall in Philadelphia, it quickly became "one of the most popular
(forms of) programming we have."

On Monday, Comcast will introduce Dating On Demand nationally, based on videos from several
cities. It also will have a local service for Chicago. By year's end, it expects to have local
service in a dozen cities including Baltimore, Washington and Portland, Ore.

People age 18 or older who want to broadcast their availability to either the opposite or the same
sex can do so by preparing a three-to-five minute video.

Comcast can shoot and edit it, free of charge. It even plans to send camera crews out to singles
events.

"We've been exploring how to do this ? everything from kiosks in malls to having crews live on the
road going to different venues," says Matt Strauss, who's in charge of content development for
Comcast On Demand.

In addition, people can submit their own video for Comcast to edit. Videos must meet the TV-14
standard: no coarse or intensely suggestive language.

Once edited, Comcast puts the videos on its VOD server for free viewing at any time. VOD is only
available, however, to subscribers paying an additional $10 a month or so for digital cable
service.

Since the videos don't show the person's full name ? and may use aliases ? viewers who want to
reach someone must send a message through an online service, HurryDate.com. Subscriptions go for
about $15 a month, or $55 for six months. People who make a video get the service free for six
months.

Then it's up to the receiver to respond. "It's completely anonymous," Strauss says. "There's no
way for someone to get in touch with you unless you elect to have them get in touch."

Dating On Demand is part of Comcast's strategy to persuade all its 21.5 million customers to sign
up for digital cable. VOD, which also includes movies, cable reruns and other programming on
demand, is now available to about 85% of Comcast's 8.6 million digital subscribers.

The company also says VOD gives cable a competitive edge over satellite rivals, which lack
capacity for VOD.

But the dating service could make money on its own. "We've had interest from other cable
operators" in getting it, Strauss says. "We're expecting there'll be some interest from
advertisers."

www.DatingOnDemand.com
www.HurryDate.com

//

I had a similar idea in mind when I registered: RomanceOnDemand.com in May 2004 - Well at least they've proven that the concept works.

Does the internet dating industry have anything to worry about? I'm sure adult dating companies aren't worried because COMCAST has content guidelines to follow, but this is something to keep both eyes on.

Feedback? Would love to hear from some Dating Sponsors.

.

Doc Herbal · 02-10-2005, 10:37 PM

Interesting... I suppose it's expected. I can't see it being a huge hit, just because it's not as easy as a mouse click, and not as anonymous.

Taboo · 02-10-2005, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Herbal

Interesting... I suppose it's expected. I can't see it being a huge hit, just because it's not as easy as a mouse click, and not as anonymous.

but it's ALREADY a huge hit. check out their site and accdg to the article(s)/PR: Launching through-out Comcast's service area with interest from rival cable companies to license or clone the service. they are trying to convert 21,000,000 subscribers to try digital and they may end up offering this for free just to get more subscribers to go digital ($60+ per month).

it was only a matter of time...

.

shuki · 02-10-2005, 10:45 PM

Super idea

bangman · 02-10-2005, 10:48 PM

That's not new, at least in my area. Been around for awhile.

Varius · 02-10-2005, 10:55 PM

This may end up being something for mainstream dating to worry about, if ti gets big as it has a chance to.

However from an adult dating perspective, we don't have much to worry about it , because Comcast will never market themselves as 'hey, looking for someone to fuck?'.

Even if some adult channel/network decided to do this in 2-3 years, as someone said above the subscriber doesn't feel safe and anonymous, which is a key for members in adult dating.

Taboo · 02-10-2005, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varius

This may end up being something for mainstream dating to worry about, if ti gets big as it has a chance to.

However from an adult dating perspective, we don't have much to worry about it , because Comcast will never market themselves as 'hey, looking for someone to fuck?'.

Even if some adult channel/network decided to do this in 2-3 years, as someone said above the subscriber doesn't feel safe and anonymous, which is a key for members in adult dating.

I see where you're coming from and I hope you're right, considering I'll be private-labeling one of my domains with your dating site soon

But... what if they found a way to keep it ANON&SAFE. I'm sure that's one of their biggest concerns because a Billion-dollar juggernaut like Comcast doesn't need lawsuits. I personally think it's as safe as the net dating sites... people share what they are willing to share about themselves and this is GEO-Targeting at its best.

If you read the article closely, they're letting people send in videos (just like America's Funniest Videos & some reality shows) and letting people make videos at speed-dating events (HurryDate is one of the biggest in that industry)... plus what if Playboy TV or one of the other adult cable / vod players steps into this market...

definitely not just a fad... a looming threat.

internet dating sites (just like any company) need to keep innovating & evolving.

what's next? Perhaps adult dating will merge with the cybersex/virtual-sex/teledildonics industry soon just to keep their members "pleased" & recurring.

Glad I own FriendFucker.com -

.

Varius · 02-10-2005, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taboo

I see where you're coming from and I hope you're right, considering I'll be private-labeling one of my domains with your dating site soon

But... what if they found a way to keep it ANON&SAFE. I'm sure that's one of their biggest concerns because a Billion-dollar juggernaut like Comcast doesn't need lawsuits. I personally think it's as safe as the net dating sites... people share what they are willing to share about themselves and this is GEO-Targeting at its best.

If you read the article closely, they're letting people send in videos (just like America's Funniest Videos & some reality shows) and letting people make videos at speed-dating events (HurryDate is one of the biggest in that industry)... plus what if Playboy TV or one of the other adult cable / vod players steps into this market...

definitely not just a fad... a looming threat.

internet dating sites (just like any company) need to keep innovating & evolving.

what's next? Perhaps adult dating will merge with the cybersex/virtual-sex/teledildonics industry soon just to keep their members "pleased" & recurring.

Glad I own FriendFucker.com -

.

There will still be an issue of anonymity, I think, because of the nature of the service. I have seen from my own experience, that many adult dating members are in fact people cheating on their spouse/partner. We have received requests from "My wife says she caught me on here after I promised her I would stop, can you update my last login to a few months ago?" to "Thank you so much for erasing my account, I would have a huge divorce settlement if she ever found out, can I send you guys a gift to thank you ???"

Also, I think a key element in that article is the fact they are not focusing on this service itself, but using it as a means to draw more digital cable subscribers.

However, as you'll soon see with some of the stuff we'll be releasing later this year, we plan to stay on-top of the latest technology and innovations relatig to our business; as we always have. If it does become the next step, you can be sure at IwantU we will reach the right agreements to get our slice of the pie

Odin88 · 02-10-2005, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varius

There will still be an issue of anonymity, I think, because of the nature of the service. I have seen from my own experience, that many adult dating members are in fact people cheating on their spouse/partner. We have received requests from "My wife says she caught me on here after I promised her I would stop, can you update my last login to a few months ago?" to "Thank you so much for erasing my account, I would have a huge divorce settlement if she ever found out, can I send you guys a gift to thank you ???"

Boy doesn't that make everyone feel happy and warm inside that they are promoting adult dating :/

Taboo · 02-10-2005, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varius

There will still be an issue of anonymity, I think, because of the nature of the service. I have seen from my own experience, that many adult dating members are in fact people cheating on their spouse/partner. We have received requests from "My wife says she caught me on here after I promised her I would stop, can you update my last login to a few months ago?" to "Thank you so much for erasing my account, I would have a huge divorce settlement if she ever found out, can I send you guys a gift to thank you ???"

does this happen often? do you charge them extra for these services? LOL.

scary but true. very true. that's why I'm going to launch some content-rich sites: LoveHurts.com, LoveSucks.com, etc... and try to help those people find love again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varius

Also, I think a key element in that article is the fact they are not focusing on this service itself, but using it as a means to draw more digital cable subscribers.

hopefully they keep it that way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varius

However, as you'll soon see with some of the stuff we'll be releasing later this year, we plan to stay on-top of the latest technology and innovations relatig to our business; as we always have. If it does become the next step, you can be sure at IwantU we will reach the right agreements to get our slice of the pie

can I come along for the ride?

email me re: private-label:
[email protected]

.

Varius · 02-10-2005, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Odin88

Boy doesn't that make everyone feel happy and warm inside that they are promoting adult dating :/

On the other hand, there are a large number of swingers or couples looking for a girl for a threesome experience. Just like in life, you get people of all mindsets.

If the guy couldn't cheat on his wife online, he'd just pickup a hooker and goto the local motel anyways

4Pics · 02-10-2005, 11:39 PM

I see it being more a problem for Match.com / Matchmaker and American Singles then it is for any Adult Dating. Our members really want to remain anonymous and I think it'll stay on the web for long time. Will their idea make money? Sure, will it last? Who knows.

Taboo · 02-10-2005, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Odin88

Boy doesn't that make everyone feel happy and warm inside that they are promoting adult dating :/

yes, but most likely these cheaters are already cheating offline and may have exhausted their resources, etc. plenty of cheating hearts out there. I'm sure mainstream dating sites are just as bad.

Varius · 02-10-2005, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taboo

does this happen often? do you charge them extra for these services? LOL.

Often? I'd say atleast a few a month...as long as it's not breaking our rules or the law, we have no problem in helping them out. We haven't accepted any gifts yet however (damnit boss! maybe he'll send us 10K in unmarked bills

)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taboo

can I come along for the ride?

email me re: private-label:
[email protected]

.

Incase you didn't see the other thread I just started, we are only 3 days from definite launch now

I'll email you the details/instructions though for our partner program, so you can read through it and let me know if you have any questions or comments...then I can send you a template set so you can get started on your priv labelled site

Taboo · 02-10-2005, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Pics

I see it being more a problem for Match.com / Matchmaker and American Singles then it is for any Adult Dating. Our members really want to remain anonymous and I think it'll stay on the web for long time. Will their idea make money? Sure, will it last? Who knows.

I'm curious if membership numbers / stock prices drop on V-DAY when DatingOnDemand launches.

.

Varius · 02-10-2005, 11:48 PM

Taboo, you should have mail

Taboo · 02-11-2005, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Varius

Taboo, you should have mail

long reply sent...

.

pradaboy · 02-11-2005, 12:22 AM

excellent informative thread as always

I love these kind of discussions

Taboo · 02-11-2005, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pradaboy

excellent informative thread as always

I love these kind of discussions

then check out this one too:

The Future of Porn:
http://www.gofuckyourself.com/showthread.php?t=346327

pradaboy · 02-11-2005, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taboo

then check out this one too:

The Future of Porn:
http://www.gofuckyourself.com/showthread.php?t=346327

thanks for the link... it makes me all mushy on the inside to see actual business threads

2HousePlague · 02-11-2005, 03:06 AM

We are on the threshold of a new era in technologically-assisted human interaction, that will usher in the convergence of many models and platforms that are today separate.

We will also see the "overflow" of models that have been proven on one platform into other, compatible, platforms. This is such a case. This is brilliant.

Don't be distracted by the head-scratching "VOD company does Dating" headline. This is simply a strong player in one medium recognizing it has the technological infrastructure necessary to emulate a successful model from another medium. We had all better be thinking this way.

j-

$5 submissions · 02-11-2005, 03:18 AM

Until they come up with SWINGERS DATING CHANNEL, Adult Dating doesn't have anything to worry about from cable operators.

2HousePlague · 02-11-2005, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by $5 submissions

Until they come up with SWINGERS DATING CHANNEL, Adult Dating doesn't have anything to worry about from cable operators.

WRONG!

Why does everyone think this is such a major obstacle?

It's not like there isn't already nudity and sex on cable TV. Have you ever seen "Queer as Folk" on HBO? That stuff's gotta rate an X -- and yet the show is permitted to advertise during prime-time on the regular networks. You think I could buy a 30-second spot for AFF on Malcolm in the Middle?

Television programming (both cable and broadcast) is FULL of content that's somehow skirting the obscenity classification. Janet Jackson's nipple notwithstanding, "broadcast" media have historically enjoyed much more First Amendment protection than print and online.

Wake up people! Anyone in this industry who fails to scan for signs of competitive encroachment in the mainstream and on other distribution/connectivity platforms is going to get blind-sided.

j-

Taboo · 02-11-2005, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2HousePlague

WRONG!

Why does everyone think this is such a major obstacle?

It's not like there isn't already nudity and sex on cable TV. Have you ever seen "Queer as Folk" on HBO? That stuff's gotta rate an X -- and yet the show is permitted to advertise during prime-time on the regular networks. You think I could buy a 30-second spot for AFF on Malcolm in the Middle?

Television programming (both cable and broadcast) is FULL of content that's somehow skirting the obscenity classification. Janet Jackson's nipple notwithstanding, "broadcast" media have historically enjoyed much more First Amendment protection than print and online.

Wake up people! Anyone in this industry who fails to scan for signs of competitive encroachment in the mainstream and on other distribution/connectivity platforms is going to get blind-sided.

j-

true. look at the number of people caught off-guard when mainstream company COLUMBIA HOUSE decided to step into the adult industry w/ their new http://HUSHDVD.com service launched in 2005.
http://www.gofuckyourself.com/showthread.php?t=414097

I believe Comcast (cable) is a formidable threat that should not be ignored and it should not be brushed away so easily. Perhaps some savvy adult companies or entrepreneurs

should think about partnering with or licensing to these companies.

time will tell.

.

tungsten · 02-11-2005, 11:47 AM

i really dont think thats something to worry about, sites that are doing well now will keep doing well even with comcast around

modF · 02-11-2005, 11:55 AM

Quote:

In a test that started last fall in Philadelphia, it quickly became "one of the most popular
(forms of) programming we have."

That is because it is hilarious to watch. I can't imagine that people are actually calling the tools they have on there. Besides that, the interface sucks, and they have ads in there too.

Twe Russ · 02-11-2005, 11:57 AM

Excellent idea, they are gonna milk the cow good.

Pipeline Q · 02-11-2005, 12:25 PM

It's only a matter of time before there is a similar service where users are allowed to send in 2 or 3 minute long clips containing anything they want. Women flashing their breasts.... Men jacking off.... anything. Then to top it off, you can meet the people for real. It would be huge should Comcast offer such a thing.

Rui · 02-11-2005, 12:29 PM

I actually think something like this will sooner or later have impact in the adult industry...its a matter of time

Taboo · 02-11-2005, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pipeline Q

It's only a matter of time before there is a similar service where users are allowed to send in 2 or 3 minute long clips containing anything they want. Women flashing their breasts.... Men jacking off.... anything. Then to top it off, you can meet the people for real. It would be huge should Comcast offer such a thing.

Yes, it would be great... they could call it:

TABOO!

has a nice ring to it, right?

too bad the domains TabooChannel.com, TabooOnDemand.com, Taboo-On-Demand.com are already registered. damn.

.

KRL · 02-11-2005, 08:47 PM

A good friend of mine in LA started a video dating service. You'd go in to their offices and record a video of yourself. Then members paid to go in on a time basis and they could browse through the video's to find their match. This was before the Net came along by the way.

The business eventually failed because of the logistics of the time involved in videotaping people who would get nervous and keep flubbing it and asking the techs to start over and also the time involved in browsing videos. You just couldn't look at enough videos to make it time effective.

Think how long it takes just to browse pictures of singles on any of the major dating sites. Now imagine doing the same thing but you're sitting there watching videos.

99% of the people are total duds.

We're going to test a new system this year to address the main two problems with online dating. Everyone we've bounced the concept off of as said "wow, that's a great idea." We're still refining it and you'll hear more on it in another couple months.

So I don't see this Comcast thing as an immediate threat at all. Competition is always healthy as long as you have the resources to outdo the competition by innovating a step ahead of their innnovations.

KRL · 02-12-2005, 08:36 AM

The biggest problem you run into from a deployment standpoint though Taboo is the video screening process.

Let's go all out here for example and say all of a sudden 5 Million of Comcast's subscribers decide to post their video online. Now you have a major screening problem to deal with. Who knows what they are actually displaying in their videos?

You could have thousands of adult webmasters put video spots for their web sites instead of singles videos. Think about the spam possibilities. Imagine what girls with web cams could sneak in to subtley promote their cam site.

So how many employees would Comcast need to screen 5 Million videos? And how long would it take with thousands more coming in daily. The costs would be astronomical.

02-10-2005, 10:37 PM	#2
Doc Herbal Confirmed User Join Date: May 2001 Location: East Coast Posts: 123	Interesting... I suppose it's expected. I can't see it being a huge hit, just because it's not as easy as a mouse click, and not as anonymous. __________________ SIG TOO BIG! Maximum 120x60 button and no more than 3 text lines of DEFAULT SIZE and COLOR. Unless your sig is for a GFY top banner sponsor, then you may use a 624x80 instead of a 120x60.

02-10-2005, 10:45 PM	#4
shuki Confirmed User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Boston Posts: 3,070	Super idea __________________ Looking to buy established paysites contact me [email protected]

02-10-2005, 10:48 PM	#5
bangman Confirmed User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: PA, USA Posts: 5,283	That's not new, at least in my area. Been around for awhile. __________________ - David Hall ICQ: 312744199

02-10-2005, 10:55 PM	#6
Varius Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 6,890	This may end up being something for mainstream dating to worry about, if ti gets big as it has a chance to. However from an adult dating perspective, we don't have much to worry about it , because Comcast will never market themselves as 'hey, looking for someone to fuck?'. Even if some adult channel/network decided to do this in 2-3 years, as someone said above the subscriber doesn't feel safe and anonymous, which is a key for members in adult dating. __________________ Skype variuscr - Email varius AT gmail

02-10-2005, 11:48 PM	#16
Varius Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 6,890	Taboo, you should have mail __________________ Skype variuscr - Email varius AT gmail

02-10-2005, 11:39 PM	#12
4Pics Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 7,952	I see it being more a problem for Match.com / Matchmaker and American Singles then it is for any Adult Dating. Our members really want to remain anonymous and I think it'll stay on the web for long time. Will their idea make money? Sure, will it last? Who knows.

02-11-2005, 12:22 AM	#18
pradaboy sell me your banners Industry Role: Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: on the tubes Posts: 12,931	excellent informative thread as always I love these kind of discussions __________________ Media Buyer - Sell me your traffic! FREE to register domains... Better than 99% of the crap sold here!

02-11-2005, 03:06 AM	#21
2HousePlague CURATOR Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: the attic Posts: 14,572	We are on the threshold of a new era in technologically-assisted human interaction, that will usher in the convergence of many models and platforms that are today separate. We will also see the "overflow" of models that have been proven on one platform into other, compatible, platforms. This is such a case. This is brilliant. Don't be distracted by the head-scratching "VOD company does Dating" headline. This is simply a strong player in one medium recognizing it has the technological infrastructure necessary to emulate a successful model from another medium. We had all better be thinking this way. j- __________________ tada!

02-11-2005, 03:18 AM	#22
$5 submissions I help you SUCCEED Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The Pearl of the Orient Seas Posts: 32,195	Until they come up with SWINGERS DATING CHANNEL, Adult Dating doesn't have anything to worry about from cable operators. __________________ Need a NON-ADULT income stream? We build your YOUTUBE CHANNEL for only $20 per video! For Hire: $3/hour or $400 per month Marketing Specialist Virtual Assistants

02-11-2005, 11:47 AM	#25
tungsten Too lazy to set a custom title Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 10,579	i really dont think thats something to worry about, sites that are doing well now will keep doing well even with comcast around __________________ VOYEUR /HOMEMADE, HENTAI / CARTOON, Reality, Amateur, Shemale, Hardcore, Cuckold, Celebrity, Retro/Vintage, ect...ALL OUR SITES >> Unbelievable Ratio \| High % of Rebills \| Bi-Monthly Payments (also to E-Passporte) Ton's of EXCLUSIVE Free content & FHG's \|=> GREAT REVENUE $$$ GUARANTEED!

02-11-2005, 11:57 AM	#27
Twe Russ Confirmed User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: NYC Posts: 3,493	Excellent idea, they are gonna milk the cow good. __________________ Contact information - ICQ: 7.9.0.3.0.0 · AIM: no roach · E-Mail: roachito \|\| @ \|\| gmail \|\| . \|\| com [Friend Finder - Geo Targeting & Incredible Site Ratio] - [Credit Card Traffic - Make $65 Per Join]

02-11-2005, 12:25 PM	#28
Pipeline Q Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 3,891	It's only a matter of time before there is a similar service where users are allowed to send in 2 or 3 minute long clips containing anything they want. Women flashing their breasts.... Men jacking off.... anything. Then to top it off, you can meet the people for real. It would be huge should Comcast offer such a thing.

02-11-2005, 12:29 PM	#29
Rui web Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: On icq: 85-483-060 Posts: 9,533	I actually think something like this will sooner or later have impact in the adult industry...its a matter of time

02-11-2005, 08:47 PM	#31
KRL Entrepreneur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 31,429	A good friend of mine in LA started a video dating service. You'd go in to their offices and record a video of yourself. Then members paid to go in on a time basis and they could browse through the video's to find their match. This was before the Net came along by the way. The business eventually failed because of the logistics of the time involved in videotaping people who would get nervous and keep flubbing it and asking the techs to start over and also the time involved in browsing videos. You just couldn't look at enough videos to make it time effective. Think how long it takes just to browse pictures of singles on any of the major dating sites. Now imagine doing the same thing but you're sitting there watching videos. 99% of the people are total duds. We're going to test a new system this year to address the main two problems with online dating. Everyone we've bounced the concept off of as said "wow, that's a great idea." We're still refining it and you'll hear more on it in another couple months. So I don't see this Comcast thing as an immediate threat at all. Competition is always healthy as long as you have the resources to outdo the competition by innovating a step ahead of their innnovations. __________________ If you would like to develop your domains, you can lease inexpensive foreign labor from the leaders in the field at iWebmasters.com TO LOWER YOUR COSTS AND INCREASE YOUR PRODUCTION! * * * * * * * * * * * * Domains Adult News KRL's Newsletter Biz Tips Just Listed Domains

02-12-2005, 08:36 AM	#32
KRL Entrepreneur Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: USA Posts: 31,429	The biggest problem you run into from a deployment standpoint though Taboo is the video screening process. Let's go all out here for example and say all of a sudden 5 Million of Comcast's subscribers decide to post their video online. Now you have a major screening problem to deal with. Who knows what they are actually displaying in their videos? You could have thousands of adult webmasters put video spots for their web sites instead of singles videos. Think about the spam possibilities. Imagine what girls with web cams could sneak in to subtley promote their cam site. So how many employees would Comcast need to screen 5 Million videos? And how long would it take with thousands more coming in daily. The costs would be astronomical. __________________ If you would like to develop your domains, you can lease inexpensive foreign labor from the leaders in the field at iWebmasters.com TO LOWER YOUR COSTS AND INCREASE YOUR PRODUCTION! * * * * * * * * * * * * Domains Adult News KRL's Newsletter Biz Tips Just Listed Domains