There’s this pretty cool online service that just started up called TOTLOL. The idea behind the site is to present videos, from youTube, that are kid friendly. The emphasis is on kids from 6 months to 6 years (and those of us that refuse to grow up).
From the TOTLOL about page:
Most video websites use some method of content filtering to block content that is considered inappropriate for young adults. While the sites have great content for all ages, including tots and kids, they were not intended for children under the age of 13.
They provide no way to filter anything that may be inappropriate and they provide very limited tools to find what is appropriate and relevant.
This is where Totlol steps in.
I happen to think this is a pretty great idea and if enough of us spread the word and assist with the filtering process the site may have a chance to succeed. How does the moderating work you ask?
1. When scouting parents search the YouTube database via a Totlol interface. The scouting interface lets parents search and watch videos just as they used to do on YouTube.
When they find a video that they think is appropriate and relevant they can choose to submit it.2. When submitting parents are asked to review the title and tags associated with the video and to provide a review of the content. They are also asked to specify the main language of the video and categorize it. This information, together with the original YouTube information is presented at screening.
3. The screening part of the process is where the community plays the most significant role. Each Totlol user is invited to screen videos submitted by others and to answer screening questions. The answers are collected and analyzed by computer.
Only videos that pass the grade are then available for the viewing tots.
It looks like some real thought went into this product and it would be nice to see it make it. YouTube is already an awesome resource but there is also plenty of undesirable stuff. If the community of moderators grows and proves to be trustworthy it could be the next killer preschool app. That’s right THE next killer preschool app.
If you check it out please remember the site is currently in Beta so don’t go on a witch hunt if the bottom falls out from underneath it every now and again.
I haven’t done any submitting yet but you can find my profile here. Have fun!
Because I couldn’t resist…
Oh-wat-oh! I met your children! Oh-wat-oh! What did you tell them? Check out totlol
Saw this site come through on my Google Alerts, but I didn’t check it out yet. Sounds pretty cool – thanks for the rec Chuck! Oh-wat-oh! Now, I’m gonna have this song stuck in my head all night! Thanks!
Jeremy (Discovering Dad)s last blog post..I Can Be Particular at Times – Anal Tendencies
My pleasure Jeremy! Yeah, I’ve got the song stuck in my head for the rest of the day too. As I’ve said before, misery loves company.
rock on! I love it. Cool site too. xo
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Thanks Amy – nice to hear from you!
thanks for the heads-up on this, Chuck. Glad to see an online media service that’s made a step in a positive direction, as opposed to the mounds of dreck and offal that seem to be everywhere you turn. Will check that out. And I have that song stuck in my head now too. It’s actually a nice break from “Cotton Eye Joe,” which is a whole other story.
“Cotton Eye Joe” eh. When my son was around 10 he was learning to play the violin and one of the first pieces he learned was “Cotton Eye Joe”. Yes, I know it well. Unfortunately he doesn’t play anymore, just lost interest. Glad you liked the video site!
I just have one question…why didn’t we think of that?!
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I know!
OH I NEED THIS!!!! Fury loves to watch Bionicle and Star Wars Lego videos on YouTube, and I usually let him click around while I’m in the next room. Unfortunately, folks like to make their own Star Wars Lego videos and post them. I’ll be cooking dinner and hear something like “I’m so gonna kill you Mo%^EFu%R!” and then I have to run to computer, stop the video and pick another one. Then the food burns. Thanks for finding this!!! Really, thank you!!
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