Google todo away with paid video

First we report that google is going to offer more storage on gmail for a cost an now google is doing away with their pay per video content. I guess it won’t be that big a deal if the content that people purchased was to remain payable, but this is a huge problem since any content that users might have paid for will be rendered useless on August 15th, 2007.

You might think who the hell would ever have paid for content on google video? Well I am one of these poor suckers. Some time ago i purchased some of the old Call for Help episodes that I was on. Users of purchased content received the following email:

Hello,
As a valued Google user, we’re contacting you with some important information about the videos you’ve purchased or rented from Google Video. In an effort to improve all Google services, we will no longer offer the ability to buy or rent videos for download from Google Video, ending the DTO/DTR (download-to-own/rent) program. This change will be effective August 15, 2007.
To fully account for the video purchases you made before July 18, 2007, we are providing you with a Google Checkout bonus for $2.00. Your bonus expires in 60 days, and you can use it at the stores listed here: http://www.google.com/checkout/signupwelcome.html. The minimum purchase amount must be equal to or greater than your bonus amount, before shipping and tax.
After August 15, 2007, you will no longer be able to view your purchased or rented videos.
If you have further questions or requests, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
The Google Video Team

What the hell, they move from a pay for content model with video and switch over to a paid model for something they have always offered for free? Maybe they realize that since buying YouTube they might as well just do away with Google video, who knows.

Frank's the editor in chief of tech.nocr.at. He can be found surfing the internet and playing with gadgets. Follow him on twitter @franklinhares