At a conference two weeks ago, I had the unique pleasure of hearing Ricky Van Veen, co-founder and editor-in-chief of CollegeHumor.com, speak about engaging users and developing ad platforms. Van Veen started CollegeHumor.com as a freshman at Wake Forest and by 2006, Barry Diller was knocking down his door to buy the site. Now part of the IAC family, CollegeHumor continues to engage its users on an interactive, participatory level. “Everyone forgets that viewing videos on TV is a passive activity, but viewing videos online is an active activity,” said Van Veen, acknowledging the delicate balancing act of mixing online entertainment with brands and advertising.

During his keynote, Van Veen said he has monetized CollegeHumor by starting a t-shirt company (BustedTees), which sells shirts on the site. He also tries to entice brand advertisers, but most importantly, he likes being upfront with his audience- letting them know that they’re being advertised to. Van Veen thinks the Internet content world is heading toward the migration of advertising budgets and big talent. Can anyone say Budweiser and Will Ferrell?

While discussing online videos, Van Veen talked of an inter-office prank-rivalry between two employees, Amir and Streeter. He then shared this hilarious video with attendees. I thought it might be fitting for a cheap laugh. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Pat Cauley, eMedia Editor, Electronic Retailer Magazine

Bookmark It

Hide Sites