Video killed the TV star

YouTube, owned by Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), is all the rage. It has been for a while. And because of its unmistakable dominance over the online video scene, other players are trying to figure out how to overthrow it from its throne. Everyone loves an epic story.

Lately, there have been rumblings of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (i.e. Nickolodeon, MTV, Comedy Central) teaming with 3 other giants - NBC, CBS, and FOX to fuse faculties to create their own video portal.

Reportedly, those talks have come to a halt for the moment. It may be the right thing to do for now. You can't just buy a community, you have to earn it -- with buzz, with clout. Not to mention we like tuning into our prime time programs every night. Don't go stealing its thunder with a "ThemTube."

Personally, I don't think I'd enjoy viewing this product. I'm at a computer all day long at work, the last thing I wan t to do is go home and sit at my desk watching online videos of full length TV shows. I much prefer the comfort of my couch and the lazy convenience of my remote control. Also, with my TV, there is no commitment, so I can channel surf other networks and programs all I want.

But I wouldn't count the media giants out just yet. In this industry, companies aren't just hustling to keep up with the Joneses, they are looking to outlast, outplay, and outwit the competition. And it's a tricky game when the majority of your success is based on the community, which isn't a guaranteed constant.

Stay on your toes Tele Toobies. Sleep with one eye open.