Why create this website?
This website is inspired by Joey Cato's website MyRetroTVs. But his retro TV doesn't feature Mandarin programs. So, I decided to create a website that mimics traditional TV channels which broadcast programs at set times.
Although people can watch any videos at any time with the popular Video on Demand system, I find myself always wasting time on browsing, hesitating to select which video to watch. And once one video is finished, I have to do the same thing again. Or, if the system can auto-play a new video, it often plays something I dislike, yet the stupid recommendation algorithm reinforces its assumption that I like this new video. This constantly frustrates me when I'm watching/listening to videos while doing chores. I don't know if I should halt my work to browse and choose something I want to watch, or I have to be forced to endure the boring, sometimes even annoying, video.
In contrast, I've found that the old school broadcasting system has its merits. I don't have to worry about choosing which video to watch, and even if it's not something I like, I don't fret that the algorithm will assume I enjoy the show: because I didn't select it. It just keeps playing, one video after another. Moreover, the traditional TV always broadcasted specific shows at set times. Just by peeking what was currently playing, I could roughly tell the time and know what program was coming next. Then I could decide whether to keep watching or do other important things.
Another drawback of Video-on-Demand is that it can become addictive, making people to watch endlessly. My kid used to non-stop watching YouTube Kids because the App keeps recommending similar videos. Sometimes my kid had reached the screen time limit, but the video hadn't finished yet. This reminds me of when I was little: the TV stations would only air cartoons during specific time slots each day. And after 7 PM, the TV started to play dramas or other programs for adults. As a result, kids either had to watch TV with their parents or stop watching and play around by themselves.
My goal for this website
My goal is to make everyone be able to create their own online TV station with their native language. So far the website is available only in English and Mandarin (since I can only speak these two languages), but the website itself supports adding new languages: it just requires someone to translate the words.
Your valuable suggestions are welcome.