DISQUS

MissMe · 1 year ago

i like their videos. this is a solid idea. when does it start?

Fredric Mitchell · 1 year ago

Interesting site.

A few things...

None of the clips are embeddable (Share and share alike...please)

Some of the videos on the homepage don't have opt-in play buttons. It just plays. That is a big usability no-no.

Hate to be critical, but I like the idea! Maybe improve the content distribution and presentation...

Markus · 1 year ago

@MissMe Not sure of the release date yet, but I will be sure post something as soon as I know.
@Frederic I don't believe Code Black's web page, at least in its current form, is going to be used to distribute content. It seems like Code Black is geared more towards their strategic partnerships to source the majority of their content, though I do believe there's some validity to your suggestions.

gem2001 · 1 year ago

not to mention fredric that all of these video sites have got to figure out what they are going to do as broadband providers start limiting bandwidth. whoever figures out how to compress video files and automatically unzip them on the desktop mimicing a YouTube like experience will be the next dotcom billionaire

Jazzy · 1 year ago

I need the ability to embedd!

Jayreds · 1 year ago

A major strategic fallacy with urban centric websites such as the “black hulu” is that they are circumscribed to a minority audience that is notoriously disloyal. Other sites like Hulu can always diversify and expand their content to encompass an urban audience. We have to learn how not to limit ourselves and keep our options open. It’s interesting when you think about it. Blacks will watch every channel and all types of programming. Other races, however, seldom venture to these urban only networks.

I just don’t know.

Markus · 1 year ago

@Jayreds
I think just like anyone else, Black people want choices, and if you take a long hard look at the on demand internet video targeting African-American people, then you will notice that they're aren't that many choices.

The reason I believe companies like these are created, and will eventually be successful (if executed right)are because minority audiences for the most part are still largely under served in most of these spaces. So that leaves us with 2 choices; 1) Wait on mainstream to target this audience, or 2) create businesses that fulfills this need. The same premise that that led to the successful creation of other niche business Johnson Publishing, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, and BET Networks, just to name a few.

I have trouble seeing it as companies "limiting themselves", instead I see it as companies taking advantage of an opportunity to fulfill a need. The first and most important step when creating a good business.

Jayreds · 1 year ago

@Markus

I’m all for the betterment of blacks in media, especially since so few are making inroads. When it comes to broadcast media, we have to put quality programming first. Let’s keep it real, BET has never been known for producing innovative shows, only black show. This history of slacking has caused the black audience to become jaded and capricious.

My mother always tells me to be more political and stop thinking in the definitive. I just wish I could have gotten that message to Code Black Enterprises, LLC.

And yes, Spike is the man.

Markus · 1 year ago

@Jayreds, Regardless of what you think about BET's current programming, you must admit that a television station created for the Black Demographic was pretty innovative, especially in the 1980s. I think Code Black's online distribution platform puts them in a similar place.

I think we can both agree that being a "Black Hulu" isn't a bad thing, the problem is if its a bad Black Hulu. Being black alone won't cut it!

Jayreds · 1 year ago

@Markus

Looking at it from that angle is interesting. You make two very valid points.

I concede.

myron mcdaniel · 1 year ago

Wow jousting in a comments section. @ Markus @ Jayreds but isn't that what the internet is about. Niches? And for businesses to build in niche verticals?

Also if you look at it from a target marketing aspect. They automaically know the demographic and Code Black can monetize the hell out of it. Selling Digital downloads, Direct advertising and a subscription services I can think right off the bat.

They can kill in that market if the do right. Hell makes me want to do it. Hummm.

vonnb · 1 year ago

It could work. All they need is a strategic partnership with one of the many customizable white label media players that are out there or an ad network, or they could just use brightcove. Black content owners, agencies are notorious for being behind when it comes to interactive and digital. Quality content has never been a problem. Distribution for that content has. Sharing is essential.

Daryle Lockhart · 1 year ago

This isn't Black Hulu as much as it is Black Crackle, which is a great, great start. To be Black Hulu you need multiple content sources. The advertising will come, but you have to give people with 400 channels of cable a reason to watch a small screen.

I applaud this launch mainly because it's addressing something people are actually checking for in the marketplace. CodeBlack's titles are popular. It would have been easy for them to give this stuff to someone else to monetize. I applaud them for taking this on themselves.

Mouton Noir · 1 year ago

This is great and I will love to share my content!

http://www.MoutonNoirWines.com