Pandash [ a Panoptical Dashboard ]

I get just excited as the next reality junkie when it comes to YouTube and live.yahoo.com joining the live streaming cam cadre this year. And I have been waiting years for the technology to allow us camera phones. But I have to ask myself, isn’t there a considerable difference between lifecasting and webcasting?

Early Justin.tv was lifecasting at its best because we not only got to watch him collaboratively stick posties on the wall during his startup’s daily biz sessions but we essentially cut lines and schmoozed with him at all the Silicon Valley grip and grins.  Not to mention iJustine riding a cable car when she filled in for Justin. This is lifecasting and it is entertaining; the idea of alway on, always live, is captivating.

As the idea matures and more join the fray, I feel the original intent gets watered down. What can folks possibly do at their desktops to keep me and others enthralled? I loathe to watch newbies to the presumptive fad simply chat, eat Doritos and hope they become the next JenniCam. What kind of unscripted drama can happen between a user and a bag of Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Crunchy Snacks?

Now I can imagine a Big Brother Cam at Stanford in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority would keep numberless guys and somewhat less gals glued to an LCD, but for how long? Some industrious web-savvy geek might even monetize the stream until the majority of voyeurs realize there would never be any webcams where it counts most. Or is it just me thinking that?

That being said, webcasting is not new and of itself it’s not very exciting, unless of course you happen to stray into an area of extreme interest to you. I enjoy keeping tabs on my hometown 3,000 miles away, watching city folks in Time Square and check if traffic is backed up on our interstate. Naturally those still searching for a mate, or a less committed relationship the adult rooms are conveniently available.

But how will YouTube and live.yahoo.com insure live streaming is successful? Will we have even more hidden cams for gags, hoaxes and docudramas? Can the average user produce a self-improvement makeover or remodeling job that will keep end users engaged? Will we see more successful dating and mating than we now have on TV?

My opinion is that when cams are removed from the desktop and out into the real world, people will be compelled to watch. When folks stream media while they ride the tram, attend a costume ball, or witness a demonstration then others will watch. Until then, webcasting is not lifecasting.