Instead of studying for my OB midterm or writing my Comm 101 Lieber case analysis essay… thing, I logged onto Youtube, checked my subscriptions and watched of a couple of videos, when I suddenly remembered about the Youtube Partner Program. I guess I’d have to admit that I’m a HUGE Youtube geek, who worships “celebrity Youtubers“, or “persons or groups who have grown to prominence because of their appearance in videos on Youtube”. A while ago, I had this dream of becoming someone famous on Youtube, so naturally, I looked up what one had to do to become, you know, a Youtube celebrity. I found out that almost all of these Youtubers shared one thing in common: being a Youtube Partner. Of course, I thought I’d try to be cool and apply for it as well (as you can see, it’s dated 2008):

I also learned from this website that Youtube partners will/can

1. make $2.5 to $5 per 1000 video views
2. get paid $.05 per subscriber
3. make $.01 per channel view
4. make money through ads and sponsors

For example, my favorite Youtuber communitychannel, or the most subscribed Australian Youtuber, has 775, 852 subscribers, 37,657,473 channel views, and her most viewed video has 37,657,473 plays. This means that she might have made $94,143 + $38,792 + $376, 574 = a lot of $$$. Just by posting videos online. Some people have gotten incredibly well-known because of Youtube. People like Justin Bieber (singer) and Charice Pempengco (aka the new girl on Glee) can trace their popularity roots to Youtube, while others like John Green (author), Juan Mann (the guy who started the free hugs campaign) and Peter Schiff (financial broker, businessman and politician) have managed to gain popularity by promoting themselves and/or sharing their message and talents via video format on Youtube.

There are even Youtubers like sxephil and charlieissocoollike who have allegedly quit their jobs and dropped out of school because they’re making enough money just by being a Youtube partner. I don’t know about you, but I would really like to join this Youtube Partner Program asap.

Next year, Singapore Airlines will begin installing technology in dozens of planes to let passengers surf the Internet on board, during the flight. This new technological feature will also allow passengers to make airbourne phone calls. However, Singapore Airlines is still on the fence about whether passengers should be able to talk on the phone during flights. Besides risking the cellphone’s interference with the airplane’s navigation system, this feature might also turn a “crowded, airborne cabin into a flying phone booth”.

I generally hate flying. I have a HUGE phobia of flying which is sadly extremely ironic as I am an international student. I’ve lived in four different countries and fly on a plane at least six times a year. However, after reading this article about the new technological advancements Singapore Airlines has made and how it can offer passengers the ability to surf the web while in flight; the Facebook-addict in me jumped and my heart started racing. How awesome would it be to be able to chat with friends as a distraction from a major panic attack that usually results from my aviophobia?

Virgin Airlines already does offer this beautiful amenity that’s a thousand times better than all the complimentary bagged pretzels and cashews that other airlines offer. Having WiFi on flights would be a great business strategy that would benefit business travelers, honeymooners and families. One would be able to send off work reports, upload photos from a vacation, or simply pass time by watching Youtube videos.