Who said web 2.0 and consumer-generated media started with MySpace and YouTube? My previous company, Ciao, was probably one of the first websites in 1999 to solely rely on its members to provide content and one the first social networks: 7 years ago, Ciao members could not blog, but they could write reviews, comment on other reviews, upload their photo, create their circle of friends, submit new product ideas…
After 7 years focusing on developping their sample business, and after buying sold to Greenfield (SRVY) for $154 million, Ciao seems to be finally back in the game of innovation. They just launched consumer-generated video reviews in 6 countries: UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain and Italy. Ciao members, can now film themselves using their cellphone or PDA, driving their car, in a hotel room…
Right now, there are only a few videos online (which seem almost too professional to be truly consumer-generated). Check here for English, here for the Dutch girl above, or here for the Italian below.
The service should be popular as best reviews are eligible for a special bonus (Ciao’s reward program, which was launched in 1999 and never ceased to evolve, is an good example that addresses whether or not consumer-generated content should be paid).
Note: it would be great to be able to embed those videos (and other reviews by thge way) on a blog or MySpace page. Other Youtube/Google features (large screen, downloads, statistics, flag…) would be nice too.
Bonjour Olivier,
Nice review here! Working for Ciao at the moment and wanted to check out if there was any blogger talking about us. Turns out you also worked for Ciao, it’s a small world!
Nice blog by the way!
Best,
Nathan.