More Lectures!

[kfay]

To The Powers That Be:

 

Has BBO considered at all recently the idea of starting up new lectures in the future?

 

The way I see it, it could be a potentially nice source of revenue and a valuable tool for the BBO community.

 

Here is what I envision:

 

1) Several series of lectures on various topics. BBO users could either pay $1 (or so) to view a specific lecture on a topic such as, say, compound squeezes, or pay $4 to be able to watch a series of 5 lectures on squeezes in general. Series topics might include: partnership signaling, squeezes, endplays, important conventions and their uses, etc. Specific lectures from various topics could be included in so called 'Beginner' 'Intermediate' and 'Expert Series' packages.

 

2) Vugraph replay with commentary. Perhaps BBO could preempt the Bridge World match reports with actual replays of the highlight hands complete with expert commentary. These lectures might be shown live for the first time, which users could view at an increased price for the ability to ask a question or two of the experts present. Replays of the lectures would be available at the normal lecture rate. Such a system could be employed in normal lecture series as well.

 

 

Problems this may solve

 

The issue of BBO approved teachers and untouched BBO revenue has been discussed before. This system could at least help to bring some of that untouched revenue back to the BBO staff. No need to approve hundreds of teachers from around the globe, just interview several trusted players on proposed lecture series. Such lecturers (or expert commentators in the case of Vugraph replays) could receive a commission based on how many times their particular lectures are viewed. This might help in the department of what BBO wants to sanction as a 'BBO-approved lesson' if lesson topics are held to areas where opinion doesn't play a role. So BBO could, in essence, skim some off the top from those users who come to BBO to learn how to play bridge and are interested in learning lessons, as well as make sure students are receiving valid information since one expert lecture could be viewed by anyone.

 

 

 

Anyway, I'd certainly be interested in seeing more lectures. If the topics are of interest and by a player whose thoughts I'd like to hear, well... I might be willing to pay more than $1 for such an experience, and I'd bet a fair percentage of the thousands of BBO users might as well.