I think that you’ll soon see that there is still a long way to go not only in terms of the market itself but also with the technology that supports real estate video. This release certainly raises the bar and represents a tangible step in the right direction for real estate online video client interfaces.

Before we crown a winner just yet, it should be recognized that the much harder “championship” technical problems lurk in areas such as infrastructure scalability and process scalability once the market does expand. We know from our own experience that processing 10 or so videos per week is one thing…hundreds (or even dozens) of videos per week can be a completely different animal. These are the often overlooked things that will ultimately make or break contenders.

Again, congrats to WellcomeMat team…anything that drives video is a positive step in my book. We look forward to your next advancements. As far as your email thread above, just chalk it up to “if you want to be a pioneer, you have to be willing to take a few arrows.”

Tony

1) We did not complete a business development deal with Realtor.com. Rather, we are simply giving our users the option to submit to Realtor.com should they desire to do so. I guess some people don’t like this idea, or Realtor.com because we just got this email (if it wasn’t from an anonymous sender, I would never put the email in public view):

“$30 per video, per month. Ok, sounds like Realtor.com has been talking to you guys and done some convincing. That is not Real Estate 2.0, that is 1.0. They are looking for ways to make it since all the new companies are coming out. Realtor.com has always nickeled and dimed Realtors for every single service and now you are involved. I am pulling for Zillow and Trulia. The heck with you and Realtor.com.�

We have no opinion : ) regarding this message.

2) WellcomeMat will eventually charge (yes…it’s true…we too have families, and are generally concerned that our content will be unreliable if we remain free for too long). But, we will make our charges affordable (through bulk discounts of up to 45%), and will offer ways for people to invite help from their trusted network of business associates. We all have local friends that we like driving business to, and video is the most powerful marketing solution online (at least we are banking on it).

3) Lastly, if you hire a WellcomeMat videographer, your WellcomeMat service will be vastly discounted.