Youtube is launching Youtube Red, a new service that will "offer ad-free versions of all current YouTube videos, as well as access to music streaming and additional exclusive content from some of the site's top creators." The service will cost $9.99 per month. (Read more about YouTube Red here) Some people are excited as can be for their slice of the perfect ad-free world, and some are saying that this is a complete waste of money. So, let me see if I can break it down.

Many say that this new service will compete with others out there such as Netflix. For me? YouTube Red doesn't look like it'll cut it. One promotes self-made content, and the other has things with full production value. You get what you pay for with Netflix. Can we say the same about YouTube Red?

However, the ads, or lack of, is the topic of choice here. The buzz around finally not having to wait those five agonizing seconds to skip advertisements is what we're talking about! But, let's put this into perspective; ten dollars a month, twelve months in a year, you pay $120 every year, on YouTube. How crazy is that? YouTube just hasn't reached the level where it can ask this from their audience without some talk. One YouTube user has said, "to go from free content, to charging for the content, that's just not what the roots of YouTube are." Another has said, "The vast demographic of people who watch YouTube are 10-20 years old, people who don't typically even have $10 a month to pay for the service." On top of that, the advertisements help so many companies. YouTube, and other places such as, give companies an extra platform to promote their products and services. Ads aren't the villains, they're just misunderstood.

My advice. Save your $120. With that amount of money, you might actually be able to get some new recording equipment and make your own YouTube videos!

13:43

Is T.V. dying?

Um. Maybe?

A lot of us are extremely busy. Whether it be school, work, or family, it's in the lifestyle we live. With sites such as Youtube or Netflix that cater to our own unique lifestyle, providing entertainment on demand, television doesn't stand a chance. Not only can you now watch big screen movies at home, but with sites like Youtube, you can create your own content. It's the next creative level! However, this new platform might not effect the older demographic as much. I mean- have you tried teaching your grandma to use the internet? Personally, it didn't turn out too well. Truth is, television is easy; you have to give it that. You turn it on and it plays. There's a T.V. schedule to follow. No subscribing to channels, no commenting, no playlists. It's simple stuff.

While it's true that the world wide interwebs may have taken the audience away from television, perhaps it's making a comeback? With hit shows such as Game of Thrones, Walking Dead, Pretty Little Liars, television is standing its ground. It's really amazing how successful these shows have become. Even with busy lifestyles, people are willing to work their schedules around to watch them; if that's not dedication, I don't know what is.

So, do I see the death of television? Not anytime soon. Video killed the radio star, but there's always going to be people who listen to the radio. And even if Youtube ends up killing the television star, there will always be people who watch television. So? Don't worry 'bout it. Watch what you want to watch. And remember that with the big impact T.V. has had, it's going to take a whole lot more to destroy it.

20:02