"Chen, watch this video!"
Chad Hurley hurriedly called Chen Shijun, and the two YouTube founders gathered around the computer to see that the background data of the trailer of "Plants vs. Zombies" broke the historical record and became the first video to have more than one million views.
"Why so high?"
Chen Shijun adjusted his glasses and couldn't believe it. YouTube had only been started for half a year, and the total number of videos was only 15,000. The highest number of views was only 360,000.
"Because this is a game recommended by Huaxia Lu personally!"
Chad Hurley suddenly pulled the progress bar to the end, and Lu Fei's face clearly appeared on the screen. Because of logic, his popularity has long penetrated America, which is equivalent to Steve Jobs personally recommending the game to players and netizens for the first time.
Can it not become a hot spot?
For a time, the number of users of YouTube increased dramatically.
"Alas~"
Chen Shijun is very sad without users.
However, the number of users increased so fast that it also gave him a headache. He no longer had the money to add new servers and increase bandwidth. His money was completely insufficient, and now he relied on overdrafts on his credit cards.
Chad Hurley said seriously: "Chen, we should reconsider Penguin's proposal."
Chen Shijun frowned and said, "Are you serious? Penguin's proposal is not an investment, it wants to acquire us entirely!"
Chad Hurley said helplessly: "But we haven't found the first financing yet, and the website has not made a penny of income. More than 40 employees have not been paid for a month."
"If we persist, if we persist for another month, haven't we already asked our old colleagues at Paypal to help find investors?"
Chen Shijun felt stressed and put his hands on his hips.
"Is it too late? There are more and more videos, more and more users, the servers will soon be overloaded again, our credit cards are about to be maxed out, and we are in debt. It won't be long before the entire company is in trouble. The pipeline needs money now. !”
Chad Hurley was impatient: "But we don't have money, we'd better find a development platform that has money."
"But we have only been established for less than a year. Even if we want to sell, we have to wait until we can get a good price before selling."
Chen Shijun preferred to wait for the price. When he saw that no one could convince the other, the landline phone happened to ring, and the ringtone interrupted the two people's argument.
Chad Hurley took the call and his eyes suddenly lit up:
"Huaxia Lu would like to meet with us now. We have business to discuss."
…………
San Bruno, California.
Chen Shijun and Chad Hurley set the location at an Italian pizza shop not far from the company. They were so cash-strapped that they couldn't even afford a little extra gas money.
"Chad, cough, no one's here yet."
Chen Shijun saw the table full of steaming fast food, including onion rings and pasta, and swallowed in dismay.
"I know, so I asked the boss to wait for the people to arrive before serving pizza. Let's eat noodles first to fill our damn stomachs!"
Chad Hurley devoured it, his mouth covered with meat sauce.
Chen Shijun hesitated for a moment, but still couldn't resist the "really fragrant" food. He took a knife in one hand and a fork in the other and devoured it.
"Suck."
"Suck, suck, suck~"
After a while, the bell hanging on the door rang.
Lu Fei walked straight in with Zeng Liqing, Wang Ben and others, and saw two people who looked like reincarnations of starving ghosts, eating and drinking without any sign of food. He immediately saw their tight financial situation.
Chad Heli said shamelessly: "Lu, I'm sorry, we were in a hurry and haven't eaten yet."
"It's okay, I'll treat you to this meal."
Lu Fei smiled and looked left and right, making Chen Shijun feel uncomfortable. He took a sip of lemonade and said weakly: "Lu, what do you want to cooperate with us?"
"Have you seen the trailer of "Plants vs. Zombies"?"
"Of course!" Chad Hurley nodded affirmatively.
"This game is Penguin's first self-developed game. We take it very seriously and will do everything we can to promote it."
Lu Fei got straight to the point. He wanted to use YouTube as a platform to promote cash incentive activities. As long as he purchases "Plants vs. Zombies" and shoots three game-related videos, he can get 24.9 US dollars, limited to one person and one account.
"Work incentive plan?"
Chen Shijun and Chad Hurley looked at each other.
Lu Fei nodded, "But before the plan begins, it is best for YouTube to launch a comment function to complete the core interactive link of the video community. Do you have any questions?"
Yes, of course there is a problem! The problem is still big!
Chad Hurley was startled, how come there are no benefits of oil pipes?
Lu Fei was surprised, "You get traffic, users get money, and we get exposure and sales. Isn't this a win-win-win-win? What else do you want?"
"Yes! Let's answer..."
Chad Hurley didn't think twice and was about to agree when Chen Shijun quickly said "wait a minute" and give him some money. The website's current monthly operating fee is US$4,000.
"Hiss~"
Seeing this, Zeng Liqing felt mixed emotions. The current dilemma faced by the oil pipeline was very similar to that of Penguin back then.
Before Monternet, QQ had a limited number of users but could not monetize it. The servers and bandwidth alone burned up all the financing money. If the money could no longer be found, QQ would run out of money.
Only then, under the inducement of Mr. Lu, was he forced to sell himself.
The same goes for today's YouTube. "Plants vs. Zombies" is nothing more than man's preserves and my arsenic. The huge traffic will inevitably increase the operating costs, and the platform will be brought down by the time.
Cruel, this move is really ruthless!
"Do we still have to pay? Haha."
Lu Fei shook his head and laughed: "There are many video websites like YouTube on the market now. Independent revver, metacafe, and Google Video are all burning money to increase content supply. We are completely interested in YouTube, so we are looking for cooperation with you. This incentive plan actually charges advertising fees?”
Chen Shijun felt that it made sense and was speechless.
Chad Heli cleared his throat and said rationally: "Lu, what the website lacks most now is not traffic. We need funds. As long as Penguin is willing to invest..."
Zeng Liqing reached out his hand in time to interrupt: "I think you should know that Penguin wants to acquire the oil pipeline."
Lu Fei saw their expressions change, and they became quiet in an instant. The air became extremely solemn. Even if the delicious pizza was placed in front of them, it could not arouse the appetite of the two of them.
"Lu, why do you have to acquire us? You must have seen the potential of YouTube. In the future, you can make a lot of money through advertising and user payments, and become a great website like Yahoo. Why can't you invest normally?"
Chen Shijun was slightly dissatisfied, "As long as 500, no, 400 US dollars, we are willing to offer 30% of the equity!"
"Chen, do you really think YouTube can make money quickly? I acquired you because I was mentally prepared to lose money for five years."
Lu Fei bluntly said that even losing money is a trivial matter, the key is the pirated videos fostered by YouTube.
Chad Hurley explained: "Lu, I have discussed this with Chen. For the sake of content and users' parents, this risk is completely bearable, so we allow the uploading of pirated videos."
"In the United States, there are three situations where Internet platforms can be exempted from piracy penalties... Third, it is difficult for platforms to proactively know whether it is piracy."
Lu Fei held out three fingers, "What do you think of YouTube compared to Napster? Some time ago, I just met Sean Parker, and he said that Napster was sued for bankruptcy by Warner, Universal and other companies."
"Gulu."
Chad Hurley and Chen Shijun swallowed, and a wave of pressure swept over them.
"And YouTube is not just in trouble with music companies. You are a video website and the content you upload is videos. Do you think Hollywood and TV networks will let you go?"
Lu Fei continued to exert pressure, the treat was over, now it was time to behead.
Chen Shijun remained rational under high pressure and said without being humble or arrogant: "If Penguin acquires it, we won't have these troubles?"
"certainly!"
Lu Fei spread his hands and promised personally that he would help YouTube reach content licensing and protection agreements with music companies such as Universal, Sony, and Warner. "I think besides me, only Steve Jobs can do this. Do you agree?"
"agree."
Chad Hurley has no doubt that with him, Lu Fei can control Spotify, which has 70 to 80 million users worldwide. Music companies have to rely on him. How dare they not sell face?
"I also have a good relationship with several New Line movie studios. I can also help YouTube acquire their video libraries and create channels for movies and TV series."
Lu Fei took out a knife and cut out two pieces of pizza and put them into their bowls one by one. "What do you think?"
"good, very good."
Chen Shijun suddenly felt horrified. The young man in front of him was obviously laughing, but he only felt a strong murderous aura from his body, as if he was going to eat him alive, including his bones and flesh. It was so terrifying!
Lu Fei said: "To show my sincerity and prove that I can indeed make the oil pipeline bigger and stronger and create brilliance, I can help you with a small favor now."
"What's the deal?" Chad Hurley asked.
"Youtube now not only lacks advertising, but also lacks an advertising sharing system. I propose to split the advertising revenue 55:45, with the platform taking the small share." What Lu Fei introduced is different from the traditional TV model, and it is completely a later-generation KOL model.
"Ohhhhhh!"
Chen Shijun licked his lips and immediately realized how good this paid business model was: "This, this is really a great Internet initiative. Lu, if you start a video website, you will definitely be able to grow rapidly with this profit model."
"I still have many ideas, but they are business secrets." Lu Fei deliberately hid half of it and told the other half, from the t id system for copyright certification, to the vertical segmentation of content channels, to the incubation of m internet celebrities...
A set of clear ideas and plans, the speaker "unintentional", the listeners were extremely shocked, especially Chen Shijun, who never dreamed that Mr. Lu had such a deep understanding.
Lu Fei said: "For example, "Plants vs. Zombies" is classified into the game area, and you can make fun, complaints, reactions, strategies, and second-generation videos."
"What is 'second creation'?"
Chen Shijun is like a cute new baby, with a confused face.
Lu Fei explained without hesitation, the corner of his mouth raised, "Do you know why I am telling you this? It is to let you know that Penguin is not incapable of doing it, but I don't want to spend too long cultivating a team. If you don't Willing to let Penguin acquire..."
Suddenly, murderous intent!
Chen Shijun felt a chill on his neck, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He was holding wine in one hand and a gun in the other, and he would not give up until he accepted them as dogs.
"I think the future of oil pipelines will definitely not stop in the United States. Even in Southeast Asia, Penguin has a very good influence in Southeast Asia, including Wanwan." Lu Fei raised his Coke: "Let's add it up?"
"Europe, Southeast Asia..."
The two of them got excited and thought about it for a moment. Chad Hurley, who was already inclined to be acquired, was the first to raise the cup.
Chen Shijun adjusted his glasses and hesitated: "I wonder how much Penguin is willing to pay to acquire the oil pipeline?"
Zeng Liqingdao: "Youtube has been targeting a photo sharing platform called 'flickr', which was just acquired by Yahoo this year for a total price of US$22 million."
Both Chen Shijun and Chad Hurley felt that the offer was too low, and they said that flickr is just for sharing pictures, and YouTube is for videos, which is the future trend. Overtly and covertly, they all have the same meaning——
Need more money!
"Let's just put it all together, 30 million."
Lu Fei smiled brightly and said 15 million in cash and 15 million worth of Penguin stocks, but the condition was that the founder team must work in the oil pipeline for at least 3 years.
Chen Shijun suddenly felt excited. Cash was second, and Penguin's stock was the most important thing. He finally had to lower his head: "Lu, the oil pipeline is like my child. We will accompany it to grow up step by step. From now on, I will leave it to you and Penguin."
"Watch "Plants vs. Zombies" and you will soon see what a right choice it is to use YouTube as a platform for Penguin!"
Lu Fei was elated. It cost Google more than a dozen dollars to acquire the oil pipeline, but he only spent 30 million to pick it up.
"Crack."
The four cups collided and made a crisp sound.
………………
On September 25, "Plants vs. Zombies" was officially released under the indiscriminate publicity offensive.
In a rental house in New Jersey, James Rover was wearing a silly shirt as always, his pockets were stuffed with pens, and he was spitting out trashy games.
His recording of "the angry video game nerd (angry video game nerd)" was just for his own entertainment at first, but as soon as the YouTube channel was established, he followed the advice of his friends and uploaded it.
Nowadays, in ancient times, even the number of fans and audiences is pitifully small, let alone any game manufacturer asking him to make a chat video. Little did he know that in the future, there will be a man named "Director Ao" on the other side of the ocean who will imitate his video style.
But now, he is generating electricity purely for love.
Just after uploading the video, a pop-up window suddenly appeared, which clearly stated the video incentive plan for "Plants vs. Zombies".
"20 dollars!?"
James Rover glanced at the instant noodles in his hand and immediately became interested. While the water was boiling, he immediately followed the link and logged into Steam.
At that time, "Plants vs. Zombies" was the first non-V Company game product on the Steam platform. There is no doubt that it will go down in history.
"Hey, this is like the "Farm" on Facebook, fuxk! It costs 19.9 US dollars! Mother fuxk!"
The corner of James Rover's mouth twitched and he stared at the price column. "$19.9" reflected in his eyes. Good guy, he only earned 1 cent by co-authoring the incentive plan.
Black, so damn dark! Wage recovery scheme, right?
He thought about it and suddenly found the message "Unconditional refund within 1 hour". He suddenly realized that as long as he recorded three 10-minute videos in 1 hour, he could get a free refund and earn 20 US dollars in vain. knife.
I am so smart!
Decisively paid for the download. Soon, the game was downloaded and opened automatically. The next second, the cartoon image design of the login interface immediately amazed James Rover.
"Wow, Oh Sen."
On the left side of the interface, in addition to a field of slowly swaying sunflowers with smiling faces, there is also a cute pea shooter who is twisting his body and slowly spraying a pea from his big mouth.
Across a login interface, on the right side is a zombie that doesn't look scary at all, and even a little cute. This zombie moves slowly and stiffly, its mouth opens and closes, and it looks a bit cute.
Immediately afterwards, the iconic music sounded as the screen entered. Dave, wearing a pot lid, acted as an NPC, chirping in bird language and guiding operations.
"It's so easy, not difficult at all."
James Rover felt that earning 20 US dollars was too easy. While eating instant noodles, he clicked the mouse and passed one level after another. Unknowingly, 24 minutes had passed.
"No, I forgot to record the video!"
He slowly finished his last mouthful of noodles and was surprised to realize that he had not recorded the whole process of playing the game. He immediately turned on the video recorder in a hurry, preparing to record a random 30-minute video to make up the length.
However, "Plants vs. Zombies" seems to be deliberately designed. In about half an hour, the difficulty of the levels suddenly increases.
When "Zombies Eat Your Brain" appeared on the screen, James Rover finally tasted his first defeat and took a deep breath: "It's okay, it's just the first time."
The second time it failed, "I've figured out the trick."
The third time he failed, "You football zombie, wait for me, I will upgrade the plants to kill you!"
The fourth, fifth, sixth time...
"fuxk! mother fuxk!"
James Rover failed again. He pulled the mouse angrily and was about to smash it on the ground. But when he thought about the price, his hand said he could throw it away, but his wallet said no. He could only hold back his anger and throw it on the computer table, and stood up to calm down.
"call……"
"Calm down, Rover, calm down."
"It's all for the video, for $20."
"Yes, 20 dollars!"
James Rover suddenly realized that the recording time was enough to cut into three 10-minute videos. After the clean production was completed, it was not released for a long time.
Because I always feel like something is missing.
In this video, he was angry but not completely angry, didn't rant, and didn't use a New Jersey accent.
Well, yes, a little bit of soul is missing!
After a battle between heaven and man, James Rover still kept improving, wrote the text, worked hard on the materials, and dubbing. This whole process took more than 3 hours.
"Ahhhhh!"
“Ah, fuxk, I forgot to refund the money!”
"My money, my $20!!!"
He roared at the top of his lungs, his pig-like screams filling every corner of the room, and finally regained his composure in pain.
"Fuxk you, I've lost a lot! The number of views on the video didn't exceed 5,000, I'm going to die..."
Before he finished speaking, the homepage of YouTube was now filled with videos of "Plants vs. Zombies", including strategies, reactions, and reviews. More and more game videos were diverted and recommended.
From top to bottom, the ones with the lowest number of clicks have exceeded 10,000.
The highest one is none other than Penguin’s official account. The latest video is only 30 seconds long, but it officially announces online sales from Amazon, Microsoft, Steam, Mac, etc.——
"Plants vs. Zombies" breaks 100,000 copies in 3 hours!
