1.5K views Nov 2008
The Onion News Network reports on YouTube's $100,000 contest for a watchable video, offering basic filming tips as users prepare predictably poor entries.
0:12 The internet is buzzing about the groundbreaking new YouTube contest calling for users to post a video that is good. 0:19 Onion News Network Tech Trends reporter Jeff Tate has the story. 0:23 Thanks, Nicole. YouTube presented the challenge at a press conference earlier today. 0:27 Make a video that is actually worth watching. The prize, 100,000 dollars. 0:32 The only requirement for our winning video is that it be somewhat watchable or provide even a shred of enjoyment for people other than those who made the video. 0:42 Because the idea of making a good video is new to so many of its users, YouTube offered a list of suggestions, including have some reason for making a video other than I own a camera. 0:52 Make sure the subject of the video can be seen, and shoot the video while sober. 0:56 Hundreds of YouTube users have posted videos stating their intention to enter the contest, including Tamela Klebert of Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1:03 When my dog farts, it's pretty funny. Maybe I'll just try to catch him doing that, but lots of sound effects. 1:10 The contest also inspired John Malkin, who has already posted dozens of poorly lit, pointless videos on the site. 1:16 I never thought of making a good video. It's hard enough to remember to shout directly into the camera without worrying about what to say. 1:24 YouTube says the 10 person judging panel will be searching for a video that holds their attention, but not because it is so utterly mystifying they can't stop watching. 1:31 When making their decision, judges will not consider ratings and comments from the public. 1:35 We will not be affected by viewer consensus that the video is, quote, awesome, LOL, the greatest ever, or for that matter, that it, quote, totally gay sucks, you suck, retarded fag. 1:48 If and when a winning video is chosen, it will be placed in the new actually good tab on YouTube's website. 1:54 For now, however, the section remains empty. 1:56 There is a strong possibility that every entry will suck. Certainly, to this point, all information has pointed to that. 2:03 For the Onion News Network, I'm Jeff Tate. 2:06 YouTube says the contest has no deadline, a rule meant to encourage applicants to take the time to edit or revise their entry, rather than simply uploading their video to the site without watching it. 2:17 Moving on now, a new study is asking, are teens becoming desensitized to the violence they commit? 
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