FAQ

  • CURRENT TV

  • What is Current?

    Since its inception in 2005, Emmy award-winning Current TV has been the world's leading peer-to-peer news and information network. Current is the only 24/7 cable and satellite television network and Internet site produced and programmed in collaboration with its audience. Current connects young adults with what is going on in their world, from their perspective, in their own voices.

    Current pioneered the television industry's leading model of interactive viewer created content (VC2). Comprising roughly one-third of Current's on-air broadcast, this content is submitted via short-form, non-fiction video "pods". Viewer Created Ad Messages (VCAMs) are also open to viewers participation.

    Current's programming ranges from daily pop culture coverage to political satire in "SuperNews," unprecedented music journalism in "The Current Fix," and unique insights into global stories through Vanguard and Citizen Journalism.

    Current.com is the first fully integrated web and TV platform where users can participate in shaping an ongoing stream of news and information that is compelling, authentic and relevant to them.

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  • What channel is it on?

    In the United States:

    • On DIRECTV we're 358.
    • We're on digital basic on all Time Warner Digital systems, and we're 103 in NYC, 142 in LA.
    • We're on Comcast digital basic nationwide, where we're on Channel 107 (except Seattle and Dallas where it's 125).
    • On Echostar's DISH network, we're channel 196.
    • For other carriers, look up your neighborhood channel here.

    In the United Kingdom and Ireland, we are channel 183 on Sky and 155 on Virgin Media.

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  • How do I know what's on now?

    Check our schedule to see what's on Current TV right now and what's coming up.

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  • What's a pod?

    A pod is a short video that tells a story, profiles a character and/or shares an idea. Current TV pods are nonfiction videos that are anywhere from one minute to seven or eight minutes; it's a self-contained story, a profile of an interesting character or a dose of information. It's like the atom of the Current TV universe.

    We play pods on all subjects, in all styles - everything from first-person narratives to animated political satire. Pods can stand alone to tell a story, profile a person or inform the audience in some way.

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  • How does the Current Journalism program work?

    It starts, as so many things do, with an upload: You can submit a pod, or even just part of a pod for consideration by Current's Collective Journalism team. There are assignments on the CJ page, or you can upload something you think needs to be covered. Just make sure to tag your upload "Collective Journalism".

    If your CJ pod makes it to air, you become part of our extended CJ community. Your next uploaded submission will get direct consideration for review and we'll also have you in mind for future assignments in your area.

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  • What is VC2?

    Viewer-created content. It's TV made by independent creators, anyone with a camera, drive and a story to tell. There are many categories of VC2.

    Pods: Pods are short videos that tell a story, profile a character and/or share an idea.

    Collective Journalism: Collective Journalism Pods are news segments made by VC2 producers who follow our highest journalistic standards.

    VCAMS: VCAMs are viewer-created ad messages for our sponsors that can run on Current TV and beyond. Learn more on the VCAM assignment desk.

    Check out the Make a Pod and Make an Ad pages for more information on open and assignments and other things we're looking for.

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  • What is VCAM?

    VCAMs are viewer-created advertisements that may be chosen to air on Current TV. We set up partnerships with different companies that we feel are fun to make ads for, and issue a call for content and challenge producers to create compelling ads based on the guidelines and resources detailed in the assignment. Our partners select the best ads to air on Current TV, and they could even have the potential of airing elsewhere.

    Keep an eye on our VCAM assignments page for the latest assignments and details. Don't forget to vote for your favorite viewer created ads.

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  • How can I get involved?

    The first step is registering for our site and jumping in to our online community. Once you'd joined, you can vote and comment on stories, contribute links, and upload videos to Current.com.

    If you're a creator, you can participate via VC2 (see above) or you can also send longer form documentaries and similar content to our acquisitions department. Mail this content to Acquisitions Department, c/o Current TV, 118 King Street, San Francisco, CA 94107.

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  • Can I get a job at Current?

    If you're interested in working in our office, check out the jobs page. If you see a posting that speaks to your soul -- and for which your soul is well-qualified -- then by all means, hit jobs@current.com with your resume.

    If you're an aspiring producer, the best way to get attention from our programming department is to upload a VC2 pod. If your work is fantastic, you'll get noticed. Who knows, maybe you'll even get hired on to the Current team like former VC2 contributors Joe Hanson, Adrian Baschuk, Mark Rinehart, and Roberto C. Grijalva.

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  • Who owns Current?

    Current is one of the few independent media companies with national cable and satellite TV distribution. It is financed by private investors and individuals.

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  • Isn't Al Gore involved?

    Yes. Al Gore is the chairman of the company.

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  • Where can I send my feedback?

    Feel free to let us know what you think. Send us your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to feedback@current.com.

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  • Can I get in touch with Al Gore by contacting feedback@current.com?

    Unfortunately, we are unable to pass along messages to Al Gore. Please feel free to visit his profile on Current.com and send him a message.

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  • Where is Current based?

    We have our headquarters in San Francisco, a studio in Los Angeles, ad sales in New York, and international offices in London and Milan. But we like to think that Current is also wherever our VC2 producers happen to be.

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  • CURRENT.COM

  • What is Current.com?

    Current.com is our online home for viewer influenced and created content. Members of our community contribute links to news stories, blog posts, videos, and other influential content they find on the Internet. Through their contributions and votes, VC2 uploads, and VCAMs, our community plays an influential role helping us determine what gets aired on Current TV.

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  • How does information make it onto the homepage?

    As mentioned, our community actively votes and comments on contributions made to Current.com. We pile all of these comments and votes into an algorithmic blender that helps determine which items, stories, and videos are pressing and popular. Popular contributions bubble up onto the homepage, and are eligible to be picked to air on TV in a Current News pod.

    Because our parents taught us to believe that honesty is the best policy, there are a couple of things you should know. Sometimes breaking news items and other timely and relevant content needs to be programmed on the homepage, so these items receive an extra push from our editorial staff.

    Also, because Current.com staff is comprised mostly of tech geeks and Internet junkies, we tend to be quite active in our own community. Again in an effort to be straightforward, we wear our staff badges proudly on the site. You can distinguish staff by the three green bars next to their avatar and on their profile.

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  • How do I find content that I see on Current TV?

    Current is thrilled to be the first television network to present a truly interactive two-screen viewing experience. On our TV Schedule, you'll find an on-demand viewing experience synchronized with our live broadcast.

    When you click on any pod in the schedule, you will be able to: watch the pod in full; leave a text comment or video opinion; add related information from anywhere on the web; find out what music was used to score the pod; and see related information and production notes from the producers. In a few months, you'll even be able to chat live with other viewers, in groups or privately.

    You can also use the search box to find video that you see on our television network. You can search for franchises like SuperNews, Joe Gets, InfoMania, and Vanguard, to watch just those pods -- and connect to the franchise creators and talent.

    Most of the content from our television network here on Current.com. If you've seen something on the television network and can't find it on Current.com, please let us know at feedback@current.com.

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  • Wow, the site looks so different. What's new?

    Since the launch of Current TV, our homepage and website have gone through several facelifts. The early days of focusing primarily on our video producer community for Current TV led to our recently re-engineered site and TV network - aimed at making it possible for far more people to help us determine what airs on Current TV.

    What you are seeing right now is the most recent beta version of our new site. Love it? Hate it? Send your thoughts to feedback@current.com.

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  • Hey! Who is yourfriends@current.com and what is the deal with all these emails?

    All those emails you're seeing let you know when something has happened to an item you added to Current.com. If your inbox is getting overwhelmed, you can edit your preferences on your account page and elect which emails you'd like to receive.

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  • What is the deal with email verification?

    We ask that users verify the email address associated with their Current account to help us curb spam and gaming in our community. Knowing that your email is real helps us establish your identity and reputation. Also, it comes in handy if we need to reach out to you.

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  • WHAT CAN I DO HERE?

  • How do I submit content from around the web?

    The easiest way to add content is to install the Make Current button on your web browser. It's easy to do! Go here to learn how.

    You can also click the "submit a story" link on the homepage, or the "add to this topic" button wherever you see it throughout the site.

    Then, you can choose to leave a text submission, add a link from anywhere else on the web, upload something from your computer, or record a video submission from your webcam.

    Our team is hard at work building tools to help our community find and submit content to Current.com. Keep an eye on our toolshed for updates.

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  • What kind of content am I allowed to submit?

    Almost anything you think is interesting!

    However, we do not accept content that looks like: racism or bigotry, hate speech, physical threats of any kind, harassment of another user, libel or defamation, copyright infringement, gratuitous profanity, gratuitous nudity, obscenity, or spam. Please don't post solicitations for services, or attempt to sell or trade goods on Current.

    Please see our community standards for more details, and if you see these things on our site we encourage you to flag them for our review.

    Current is a community, and there are bound to be disagreements between members of the community from time to time. When these crop up, please remember to keep things respectful.

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  • What if the link I want to add is already on Current.com?

    Someone else got to the latest cool thing before you did? No problem, there's still a lot you can do. You can vote on the item or add your take in the comments. Have a different source with a different angle? Keep the response thread going by adding your link as a comment.

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  • How do I participate in discussions with other community members?

    It's super easy. Whenever you're looking at a piece of content, you will have an option to add your comment: with text, a submission from elsewhere on the web, a file you have on your computer, or with your webcam.

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  • How do I keep track of the content I submit?

    Every time you interact with something on our site -- including submitting content, commenting on content, and voting -- it will be added to your activity feed on your profile page. Look for a link to your feed and your profile at the top of the homepage.

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  • How do I find content that I might be interested in?

    Let us count the ways!

    One, you can search for content from the upper right-hand corner from anywhere on the site.

    Two, you can go to the Topics tab and see if something you like has surfaced there. If not, try searching specifically for content you'd like to see. We'll help out with some recommendations.

    Three, you will notice that we've provided Related Content recommendations wherever you go throughout the site. Why not click on some of those links and see where they take you?

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  • How do I keep track of content submitted by other users?

    You can follow the activity of any user on Current.com by visiting his/her user profile and clicking on Add As Connection.

    Once you've done that, anything they touch on the site will appear on your My Current page. You're building a social news network!

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  • How do I vote?

    As always, there is an opportunity for our community to vote on any video on Current's website. Just look for the red and green buttons.

    On Current.com, users can vote on just about anything else, too: stories posted from elsewhere on the web, YouTube videos, photos, blogs, video opinions, and more.

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  • What does my vote do?

    Voting will help us determine what content makes it onto the homepage, and voting also helps determine what shows up in our Picked for TV sections on the Current News, Viewer Uploads, Viewer Ads, and Best of Current TV pages.

    By clicking the green button on items, you're telling the rest of the Current community that you think the item is relevant and important enough to air on Current TV. However, it does not necessarily indicate that you agree with the views expressed in the item.

    Clicking on the red "Nope" button doesn't necessarily mean that the item is bad. By voting "Nope," you're telling the rest of the community that this item may not be worthy of consideration for air on Current TV.

    Items that gain in popularity as a result from voting and comments will show up in the popular sections of Current News, Viewer Uploads, Viewer Ads, and Best of Current TV -- in turn increasing their chances of being picked for TV.

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  • Hey, I received a random connection. What gives?

    Chances are, it's someone who saw what you've been doing on Current, and thought you had something in common. You can always check out their profile and send them a message if you're curious.

    If you think you've been connected to by someone who is using Current for nefarious purposes, flag their profile to let us know and we'll look into it. If you are just not interested in remaining connected to a user, you can always block them to prevent them from sending you any messages.

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  • Is there a friending function on Current.com?

    Of course! We call it Connections, and you can connect to any user by clicking the Add As Connection button on their profile page.

    On Current.com, keep in mind that connections are one way. Since all content submitted to Current is public, any user may choose to follow another user's submissions, without a return connection. You can choose to receive an email alert each time a user connects to you by changing the preferences in your account information, but you cannot stop them from making the connection.

    While we do not presently provide you a list of who has connected to you, it's a feature we're considering. In general, we're curious to know what you want out of Current.com's social networking features.

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  • How do I find people that I know or new people to connect to?

    If you're looking for someone specific, you can search for him or her using the basic site search box.

    You'll find recent comments from people in the Current community in the footer of our homepage, and you can also see our most active community members by checking out our People page.

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  • How do I invite people to join Current.com?

    We've made it easy to invite your friends to join our community. Fill out our invite your friends form, and let them know about Current.com.

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  • How do I share content with people outside of the Current.com community?

    So you've seen something cool and you want to let everyone know about it. Just click on the send button on the item page, and enter the email addresses of anyone you think will be interested.

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  • How do I get in touch with other users of your site?

    You can send a private message to any user on the site by going to their user profile (click on their user picture or username), and clicking on the Send a Message button.

    Users will have the option to block messages from users from which they do not wish to receive communication.

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  • THE CURRENT COMMUNITY

  • Who is the Current community?

    You. Me. That guy over there visiting Current.com on his laptop. (You know the guy.) Regardless of their level of participation, anyone who reads, participates in, or interacts with Current.com is considered a member of our community.

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  • What types of activities do members of the Current community participate in?

    Some of our community members choose only to read the items on our homepage, and that's perfectly fine. However, there are many community members whose daily activity helps us figure out what is important, happening, and deserves to appear on Current.com, and ultimately, Current TV.

    The types of activities they participate in on a daily basis identify them as contributors, commentators, and producers. While members of our community can fall into any of these categories, or variations of all three, it is everyone's responsibility to help keep Current.com abuse free by flagging inappropriate content.

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  • What makes someone a contributor?

    Contributors are vital to our community because they keep our site chock full of informational goodness by posting interesting news stories, blog posts, videos, and other stories of note that they find floating around the Internet to Current.com. Contributions are open to everyone -- heck, even our staff likes to get in on the fun.

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  • What does it mean to be a commentator?

    Commentators voice their take on these items by voting them into popularity and discussing them in the response section. These comments and votes are put through a mathematical endurance test, which determines what shows up in the popular section of the Current.com homepage. Knowledge is power!

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  • How do I become a producer?

    Producers take their contributions a step further by filming, editing, and uploading video content for consideration to air on Current TV. For more information on the requirements for these see our Make a Pod and Make an Ad sections.

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  • What are levels and why do I need them?

    Levels are an easy way to see how much a community member interacts with Current.com. For example, everyone who contributes an article to Current.com becomes a level one contributor. If you continue to contribute on a regular basis, you increase your chance of moving up to the next level.

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  • How do I level up?

    Contributors, commentators, and producers all level up in different ways:

    Contributors -- the number of items a community member adds to Current.com determines their level as a contributor. Try adding 200 items and see what happens.

    Commentators -- comments and votes are the key to leveling up as a commentator. For each day that you comment or vote five times in any combination, you will earn one commentator kudo. Earn one commentator kudo and you will automatically become a level one commentator. Try earning 30 commentator kudos to see what happens. Note: only one commentator kudo can be earned per day.

    Producers -- each upload that meets our Make a Pod or Make an Ad requirements help a producer level up. Upload one video, and you'll find that you've become a level one producer. Try uploading 15 videos and see what happens. Note: videos that do not meet our Make a Pod or Make an Ad requirements will count as a contribution instead.

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  • What do I get for leveling up?

    All community members have a level badge that comprises of three rows with four bars. When you are a level zero contributor, commentator, or producer, your four bars will be grayed out.

    As you level up in a category, the bars on your badge will light up with the color that corresponds with that activity. For example, if you are a level two contributor, you'll have two orange bars in the contributor section of your level badge.

    Level badges follow you around Current.com, and help identify you with other members of the community. But badges aren't the only reason to level up. As you move through the levels, you might find that you earn special abilities. And you never know, you might even get a surprise in your mailbox.

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  • I keep seeing recommendations under items and comments. How do they work and how can I make recommendations on Current.com?

    The power to recommend content is a privilege granted to certain users based on their level in various activities on the site. This is simply a way for them to put a visible stamp on an item, and it gives others an opportunity to connect with members who share similar interests on Current.com.

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  • How does abuse affect my level?

    Good question. When you contribute, comment/vote, or upload you earn credits towards leveling up, and having content removed due to abuse has the opposite effect on your level. This means that one could earn a level two standing, only to lose it when abusive content they posted is removed from the site. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility, so choose wisely.

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  • MODERATION OF COMMENTS, CONTRIBUTIONS, AND UPLOADS

  • How do I flag abuse?

    See that little flag button underneath every item or comment? It may be cute, but it's not there for decoration. Click on the flag and leave us a note letting us know what you think was inappropriate and we'll check it out.

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  • What is considered abuse?

    Anything posted to Current.com that violates our community standards is considered abuse. Additionally, content that is excessively promotional, disruptive, and/or off-topic may be subject to review and removal from the site.

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  • Hey, where did my comment/content/video go?

    If you post something that violates our community standards, we will remove the post. You should have an email from us explaining what the deal was -- if you have any questions, you can email us at yourfriends@current.com.

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  • But I'm a person, why was my contribution removed as spam?

    Spam encompasses a lot of different things, including advertisements and excessive self-promotion. We want to hear about all the coolest websites, but if something reads like promotional copy, it's likely to be removed as spam. Tell us why you like the site and think it's interesting. Posting the same link over and over again -- no matter how awesome -- is another thing that's likely to ping our Spam-o-meter. Take a look before you post -- if it looks like an email you'd delete without opening it, you might want to edit it a little more.

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  • I'm involved in a heated debate with others in the community. How do I know when I've crossed the line?

    Debates can be tricky. Please keep in mind that sarcasm doesn't always translate well on the Internet because not everyone uses sarcasm tags. If you wouldn't be comfortable repeating your comment in a public place, chances are it is unfit for the Current community.

    Remember, keep things respectful and try not to step on other community members' right to disagree. If you have any questions, please feel free to send us a note at yourfriends@current.com.

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  • MAKING TV

  • Can my contributions, comments, and uploads to Current.com make it on TV?

    Yes. There are four ways to influence the content aired on Current TV through your activity and contributions in the following sections:

    -- News

    -- Viewer Uploads

    -- Viewer Ads

    -- Best of Current TV

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  • Do you still pay for content?

    Yes, we will still pay for full-length pods and VCAMs, and we are in the process of re-vamping our VC2 leaderboard, so stay tuned for more information.

    VCAM assignments that launched on or after March 31, 2008 are paid a flat rate of $2500 per VCAM chosen for Current TV. If your VCAM airs on Current and the sponsor of your VCAM wants to show it on places beyond Current TV, you'll get anywhere between $5,000 and $60,000, depending on where your VCAM is shown:

    • The Internet, other than web sites owned or controlled by the sponsor or Current: $5,000
    • Cable or satellite television other than Current TV: $10,000
    • Print advertising embodying a still image of your VCAM: $10,000
    • Network television: $15,000
    • Any other medium (theatrical trailer, public billboard, stadium jumbotron, etc.): $20,000

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  • CURRENT NEWS

  • What is Current News?

    Current News is an open, participatory newscast on the web and on Current TV.

    We start with a unique mix of viral content and breaking news you can't get anywhere else and take our cues from you as to what is most prominently displayed.

    But it's an open system, so *anyone* can add a story they think is interesting or important -- and if it gets support from the community, we'll put it on the homepage and produce it for TV.

    It's like open source software: We're all trying to make a good product together, and the door is open for anyone who thinks they can help make it better.

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  • So how do contributions make it onto the homepage?

    It starts with a single story, plucked from anywhere on the web and submitted by our users or Current staffers. From there, the story needs only the love of our community to really take off. Your votes, comments, and sharing activity all merge together in our algorithmic soup to bubble up the most fascinating content to the Current.com homepage. We'll be honest. We're looking at that content too, and when we see things that we believe will really shine on television, we're going to give those pieces a little extra push in the right direction (the converse is also true).

    A varied mix of stories means that everyone is happy so if the homepage is looking a little unbalanced towards one particular subject, we may from time to time give an extra boost to other content to even things out.

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  • My item made it to the top of the homepage. What now?

    We're in the process of revamping Current News which means that we'll continue to pick top stories to run on the homepage but for the time being they won't air on Current TV. Don't worry, we're working on a new and improved version scheduled to launch in late January or early February. When we roll out the new version items that are picked will once again air on Current TV. Stay tuned for details.

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  • Hey, no fair! Why have so many staff member contributions been featured on the homepage?

    With Current News, we've upped the ante by giving our community a greater chance for visibility. Naturally, we are pretty involved in our community, so the chances for staff contributions to make it onto the homepage (and ultimately get featured at the top) are very real. We're not going to lie to you. It's going to happen.

    In an effort to be open about our activity within the community, we've decided to make our staff badges more visible. This way you'll know which items originated with our Current editors and other staffers. But that doesn't mean we determine everything that makes it into a News pod.

    Ultimately, there are more of you than there are us, so consider this a challenge. Tell us what is most interesting, popular, and relevant, and do it in a timely fashion.

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  • VIEWER UPLOADS (VC2)

  • What happened to the VC2 Leaderboard?

    All good things must come to an end, and the VC2 Leaderboard's time has come -- or at least it's current form. AS OF APRIL 1, 2009, THERE WILL BE NO MORE VC2 LEADERBOARD. But don't despair -- we're working on lots of new ways to continue to contribute video uploads to Current and get your voice on TV. Unfortunately, that means we'll have to put the Leaderboard on pause while we tinker around behind the scenes.

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  • Can I still submit video to Current?

    Absolutely! You'll be able to upload your video, and watch videos on the Uploads page. We'll also have call-outs for video, so check out our channels for call-outs for video on music, tech, news, gaming, movies, green, and comedy. And of course you can always submit a VCAM, or just leave a webcam. Don't forget to check out the Current Blog to stay up to date, and keep an eye out for more details.

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  • What makes my upload eligible to be considered for air on Current TV?

    Uploads that are eligible to be considered for air are short, documentary-style non-fiction films, usually 5-7 minutes in length. Unfortunately, fiction pieces, music videos, and trailers are not eligible to be considered for air.

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  • Where do I upload Pods?

    The easiest way is click on the submit something link at the top of the homepage (make sure you're logged in). Also, you could visit the Viewer Uploads section and click on Make a Pod.

    You will be prompted to tell us whether or not you want your content to be considered for TV, and if you choose this option you'll be part of the Top Contenders list.

    You can, however, upload content from just about anywhere on the website using the "submit something" link.

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  • What video formats can I upload?

    You can upload the following file types: .3gp, .3gp2, .avi, .dv, .mpg, .mpg4, .mov, .mqv, .wmv, .asf

    If you're uploading one of those formats and still can't upload successfully, you can check the following list of codecs for more detail, or send an email to support@current.com.


    Video Codecs
    camtasia
    cinepak
    dvvideo
    flv
    h263
    h264
    mjpeg
    mpeg1video
    mpeg2video
    mpeg4
    msmpeg4
    msmpeg4v2
    msrle
    msvideo1
    qtrle
    rawvideo
    rpza
    svq1
    svq3
    vc1
    vp6f
    wmv1
    wmv2
    wmv3
    Audio Codecs
    adpcm_ima_qt
    adpcm_ima_wav
    adpcm_ms
    alac
    liba52
    libamr_nb
    libamr_wb
    mp2
    mp3
    mpeg4aac
    pcm_mulaw
    pcm_s16be
    pcm_s16le
    pcm_s24be
    pcm_s24le
    pcm_s32le
    pcm_s8
    pcm_u8
    qdm2
    truespeech
    wmav2

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  • How do I find out what kind of content you're looking for?

    From the Make a Pod and Make an Ad sections, you can see a list of open pod and ad assignments and you'll see pink assignment bars throughout the site.

    Some of these will be for full-length pods, some will be for photos or short video, some will be for video opinions, and some will be for text comments. Sometimes we'll want you to contribute to a story we're working on, and sometimes we'll want to make a story with just the content we get from viewers. But we're committed to keeping a long list of ongoing assignments, with varying levels of difficulty.

    Of course, you can create pods about pretty much anything, but assignments are a great way to find out what we're looking for or get inspired if you're not sure where to begin.

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  • How do I participate in assignments?

    It couldn't be easier. Each assignment has a call to action, like "leave a comment" or "upload a pod". Click on those links and you'll be good to go.

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  • VIEWER ADS (VCAMs)

  • What are VCAMs?

    VCAMs are viewer-created advertisements that may be chosen to air on Current TV. We set up partnerships with different companies that we feel are fun to make ads for, and issue a call for content and challenge producers to create compelling ads based on the guidelines and resources detailed in the assignment. Our partners select the best ads to air on Current TV, and they could even have the potential of airing elsewhere.

    Keep an eye on our VCAM assignments page for the latest assignments and details. Don't forget to vote for your favorite viewer created ads.

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  • How are they selected?

    Our partners choose VCAMs to air on TV from the pool of submissions that meet the VCAM assignment guidelines. For more information visit our Make an Ad section.

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  • How much do you pay for VCAMs?

    VCAM submissions will be paid a flat rate of $2500 per VCAM chosen to air on Current TV. If your VCAM airs on Current TV and the sponsor of your VCAM wants to show it in other places outside of Current TV, you'll get anywhere from $5,000 and $60,000, depending on the location they choose to show it:

    • The Internet, other than web sites owned or controlled by the sponsor or Current: $5,000
    • Cable or satellite television other than Current TV: $10,000
    • Print advertising embodying a still image of your VCAM: $10,000
    • Network television: $15,000
    • Any other medium (theatrical trailer, public billboard, stadium jumbotron, etc.): $20,000

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  • I uploaded my VCAM, but I can't see it. Help!

    Don't worry -- your VCAM hasn't been swallowed up by the black hole of the Internet. All VCAMs are reviewed before they go live on the site. It usually doesn't take longer than a few days.

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  • GROUPS ON CURRENT.COM

  • What is a group?

    No matter what you're interested in, you're bound to find at least one kindred spirit on the internet. Groups lets you find stories you're interested in, connect with other people, and share the latest news on that topic!

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  • I want to join a group, but I can't find one I'm interested in! What now?

    Okay, so you know you aren't the only one interested in 1970s comedy. So why not start a group and invite your friends to join. From there you can add stories, invite people to join, and promote your group via your blog, Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter account.

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  • I created a group, what now?

    Once you've created your group, you'll want to invite your friends to join, and begin posting stories related to the topic. You can also add related tags and websites so we can suggest other stories you might be interested in. As the group owner, you'll also be able to feature stories that are super awesome, timely, or popular and remove stories that don't belong. You'll also be able to email all the members of the group.

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  • What are group tags?

    We use tags to look for stories on current.com that are related to your group and provide them as content suggestions. It's an easy way to get the latest content that is relevant to your group. Suggestions need to be approved so you retain control of what goes on the group or not. You can add to, remove or change your group tags at any moment.

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  • Why should I add tags to my group?

    Tags help us figure out what your group is all about, so we can suggest related stories you might have missed. So if you're creating, say, the Lost Fans group, you might want to include the tags TV, TV show, LOST, island, mystery, fate, spirituality, LOST theories, discussion, theory, theories, spoilers, clues, hints, episode recaps, episode reviews, reviews, J.J. Abrams, etc. You can also exclude tags that you don't want included.

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  • Help! My group is so popular I can't keep up. What do I do?

    Congratulations! If you find that you're spending all your time keeping up with your group, you can promote other members to moderator status. This will allow them to feature content, email the group, and remove un-related stories. Consider your moderators carefully -- if your group is near and dear to your heart, you'll want to be sure to chose moderators you can trust.

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  • Why should I add related sites to my group?

    We'll list the related sites on your group -- it's a great way to let people know where you're finding such awesome stories. Eventually, we'll also be able to use the sites to suggest relevant stories, just like tags.

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  • What are excluded tags?

    Let's say you have a group about Lost, where "J.J. Abrams" is one of your related tags. But if all you want to see about J.J. Abrams are stories NOT related to his other films and projects, you might want to exclude tags such as "Fringe" and "Star Trek".

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Questions?

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