French company, Sarl has released a private beta version of its screen capture service, ScreenToaster.

ScreenToaster allows you to capture and make Flash videos of activities on the screen without having to download and run any software. According to TechCrunch’s Michael Arrington:

“the ease of use is just awesome. It takes literally seconds to create and publish a screencast. I’ve done a lot of these, and I know what a pain they are with client software, editing and uploading.”

That’s a pretty glowing review. However, one ‘glaring omission’ is the absence of the ability to record audio. Apparently, Sarl is aiming to add audio, subtitles and other features before launch.

ScreenToaster goes up against Screencast-O-Matic - another screen capture service with similar functionality (which also allows the export of videos and audio recording), not to mention the various software solutions, most notably Camtasia.

If you want to beta test ScreenToaster, apply here: http://www.screentoaster.com/record

Source: Michael Arrington, “Create No Download Screencasts In Seconds With ScreenToaster”, TechCrunch, October 19, 2008

Today we critique the webpage at Trustfm.net/ebooks/.

As usual, we’ll use the “7W formula” to evaluate the page, which you can read about here: 7W Formula

1. Who

This webpage seems to be aimed at digital product creators who are looking for a way to sell their products online.

2. What

The “what” is clear: buy the “Selling digital products with PayPal” solution.

3. Why

The “why” seems to be the ability to work from home selling digital products over the Internet. The page also lists other benefits. Assuming the target market comprises authors, photographers, musicians, etc who are NOT familiar with how to sell their wares online, the listed benefits may be sufficient. However, such benefits would not be convincing for more experienced Internet marketers.

For example, promises such as “Learn how to become No#1 digital product seller using the ‘Selling Digital Products with PayPal” method’ are, at best, difficult to believe, and the one testimonial given is rather weak.

On the whole, the copy is rather poor and probably doesn’t do the product justice.

4. How

The “how” is clear: click on the order graphic.

5. Where

The “where” is clear: there are two obvious order graphics to click on.

6. When

The “when” is now, although the video - which in its current form probably detracts from the sales message - could delay (or prevent) that.

7. Wow

What could have been the “wow” - the video - is unfortunately a major problem with this webpage.

At present the video is a rather long-winded slide show consisting of ho-hum text and an overly dramatic soundtrack. Rather than convince prospects of the merits of the product, this video may well DETER them from buying.

On the other hand, this video could be a major “wow” if it was, for example a live movie - or even a screen capture movie - of:

• how the “Selling digital products with PayPal” works;
• one or more testimonials of happy customers; or
• case studies of how the solution has worked in real life to produce incredible sales and profits for people.

To the site owner: I suggest you (1) replace the video with a video of how the solution works, testimonials, or case studies, and (2) hire a good copywriter to write better sales copy. I think you’ll see much better results from these changes alone.

Source: http://www.trustfm.net/ebooks/