In my last post I mentioned that I would be sharing some examples of companies and organizations that have integrated the Overlay.TV for Retail platform into their websites. Despite what its name implies, our retail platform has many functions that go beyond just allowing users to shop through video, it can also provide them with an opportunity to share and even give through video. Sounds like a lot of work but it's actually quite simple.

Case in point: Our friends at United Way Ottawa, United Way Toronto and the Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign (GCWCC) have all implemented a version of the Overlay.TV Community Recorder, whereby their users and staff can record or upload videos of themselves sharing ideas and stories about helping the community. You don't need to be a computer whiz or filmmaker to use the recorder either. All you need is a web cam or video camera to get started. Giving doesn't have to be just about a monetary donation, it can also be about communities coming together to share their collective experiences about how we can make our workplaces, cities, environments and the world better and cleaner and about teaching others to be more tolerant of our differences. Simple.

United Way Ottawa

Have a story or an idea you would like to share? Check out the links below to record your own video and to find out what other people in your community are doing to give back. Feel free to share your video, or any other video you find inspirational, either by email or to Twitter and Facebook by using the share tabs located below the player.

United Way Ottawa

United Way Toronto

GCWCC

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Time for an update on what's been going on at Overlay.TV. A few months ago we launched a new platform called Overlay.TV for Retail. At the time, the focus on our site was split between user-generated content and our new eCommerce video platform, but it became clear in the months that followed that interest in the UGC side was dwindling and that our energies would be better spent if we concentrated solely on our retail platform. It wasn't an easy decision to make as we had some very loyal users, but we felt that the new platform needed all of our love and attention, especially in these early stages, in order to deliver the best possible product  to all of our clients. Check out the revamped site to see how our focus has changed and to find out more about Overlay.TV for Retail.

So, with our sites set on making Overlay.TV for Retail the most widely used eCommerce video platform, we thought it was time to have a coming out out party of sorts, and what better place to do that than in Las Vegas! Myself and some of the gang from Overlay.TV traveled to Vegas for the Shop.org Annual Summit 2009 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino where we set up shop in a 10x20 booth.

The Summit was 3 days of non-stop meet and greets. Not only were we able to introduce ourselves to loads of people from all over the world, but we were also given the opportunity to see what's new in the world of online retail. What we heard a lot was that online retailers are looking for new ways to integrate video, product and user-generated,  into their sites to better engage existing customers and entice new ones. It's not just about pushing products and shopping, but about building a community of like minded consumers and giving them the ability to share their experiences with others. If you you missed the Summit, check out the Shop.org Blog for recaps on the show and keynote speakers. Thanks to the Shop.org crew for putting together a fabulous trade show. We couldn't have asked for a better coming out party.

Stay tuned, because over the next coming weeks and months I'll be posting stories and examples of how our clients are successfully integrating the Overlay.TV for Retail onto their sites.

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