But let’s think outside of the box here. Why limit this to news organizations? Could you image what a forward thinking non-profit or advocacy group could do with this kind of technology?

Members could upload their personal stories and testimonials in a YouTube story-bank. Constituents could post video messages to Congress. Donors could share why they are supporting a cause or explain to their friends why they are participating in a fundraising challenge. Perhaps in some cases citizen journalists could be recruited to gather video ‘research’ on an opposing group or in support of selected issue priorities. (If you have other ideas about how non-profit/advocacy groups can use this tool please add them as a comment to this post or tweet via @zablud).

To see examples of how advocacy organizations are already utilizing video content from supporters please visit two sites Adfero developed SpeakNowForKids or MyCommunityMyBank. While these sites were custom created before the YouTube DIRECT tool was available, both these and future sites could certainly be developed or enhanced using this new tool.

According to YouTube, the “key features of YouTube DIRECT include:

Then yesterday came a 10-minute YouTube video called “What Caused Our Economic Crisis?” posted by TheMouthPeace. It quickly found its way onto right-leaning blogs, including the popular Hot Air and Power Line. Even the Drudge Report linked to it yesterday.

But it was the effort of one politician, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), who is using it to reinforce his policy message. Yesterday an e-mail arrived in my inbox from DeMint’s campaign:

Dear Friend –

Senator DeMint wanted to share this video on the federal bailout with you. Thanks for your support.

Click here to watch video.

Sincerely,
Team DeMint

DeMint currently has about 40 comments on his blog, but even more impressive are the 5,038 clicks YouTube has registered from his website, making DeMint the No. 1 site linking to the video.

This is reminiscent of another policy debate that prompted some clever YouTube videos last year. In that case, an anonymous user put together two short and funny videos mocking liberal plans to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). Conservatives who were fighting against this — and successfully sustained President Bush’s veto — said the videos were a very helpful in explaining a complicated issue.

Much like this new video on the economic crisis.