Quote Originally Posted by AlexJ View Post
Quote Originally Posted by Harrison View Post
It was a bad example to use as you couldn't really compare a standalone video tape to the youtube service. They are completely different. One is standalone. The other is networked distribution.
Fair point, but let's assume the video Steve made intended for a wide audience.

The linking method requires someone to be given the link rather than just being able to come across it by a search. Streaming is also (for most users) more convenient than downloading - put this way, my parents can use Youtube fine but struggle with downloads (how do I know it's not a virus etc.?)
That all depends on whether you want someone to come accross it by searching. That might not be the intention. e.g. If I had made a video which is only intended to be viewed by members of this site, it wouldn't be neccesary for it to be searchable.

Theres no reason why it can't be streamed, but forcing users to watch it like that (be it a 'throwaway' video, or something worth keeping) is not good. What if you want to watch it twice, or want to keep it for later? Having the option of both is always better. I usually like to download videos where possible just to avoid problems when streaming it, like the video playing faster than it can download it.

For the majority of uses anything only needs to be good enough quality to be usable.
Then why are so many people getting DVD recorders and HDTV when VHS and a 405 line black and white set are more than usable?