An Interactive Twist on the Consumer Grapevine

In doing some research I stumbled across this very cool site I thought I’d share. It’s ExpoTV’s online platform www.expotv.com. They call it the ‘consumer grapevine’ and that’s exactly what it is. Thousands of video reviews, product ratings, and more in a consumer content driven environment. For consumers looking to get information about a product from someone more like themselves as opposed to ads or market research, this is the place.

Consumers sign up and then create these “Videopinions” as quick and simple reviews on a wide range of products from a new flavor of Doritos to vacation spots to cars. There is no shortage of reviews on any given product as consumers are actually paid to post their opinions, $2 or $10 for each review, depending on the product category of the reviewed item.

Not only is this a perfect place for consumers looking for unbiased product information, it’s an easy way for companies and marketers to see what consumers think of their products, and view a wealth of information on what consumers are enjoying, but more importantly – why. Many of the reviewers are explaining what they like and dislike but without realizing it, they are also revealing what they value, how they relate to products, how usage of these products makes them feel, what is irritating and what turns them off.

ExpoTV has partnered with numerous cable operators to create buying guides on demand. Crave is one of the newer series that features the top rated Videopinions from the Web site. These on demand programs can be found on Comcast, Timewarner Cable, VerizonFiosTV, Cox Communications and several other cable providers.

The online portion of ExpoTV and the on demand capabilities are extensions of the ExpoTV Network, which is the first of its kind as a consumer-information centered network to offer shoppers what amounts to a catalogue on TV. It showcases product demonstrations, ratings and reviews 24/7 with shows that cover specific product categories such as home electronics, the travel industry, and fitness and beauty. Marketers can take advantage of this type of TV Network too, using more long-form advertising. Especially with TiVo and DVR becoming so widely popular, consumers are quite used to fast forwarding through TV commercials. But with on demand services becoming more and more utilized for product research and shopping, it’s a crucial environment to be present in to reach consumers looking for information on a variety of products.

Check it out sometime; online, on demand, on the network, take your pick and let me know what you think.