SideReel Keeps Copyright Infringement Real; Takes Wikipedia Approach to TV Shows, Movies, and Music Videos

SideReel is no mere sideshow. It's more than just a directory of links to television shows, movies, and music videos, but a combination of a video-centric wiki, discussion board, and, of course, a collection of links to copyrighted video content.

Each TV show or movie gets it own separate page, which is editable just like Wikipedia articles are. Favorites like Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Heroes, and Lost are among the dozens of TV shows you'll find listed along with links to online copies of Pirates of the Carribbean and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to name a few.

You'll often find that there are several links to different versions of the same entertainment content (say, a French subtitled episode of Heroes, one hosted on Stage6, and, irony-alert, a link to purchase it from iTunes).

You're free to edit these links and contribute your own as well as engage in discussions with other SideReel users. Episode lists, summaries, related links, and cast breakdowns complete the information on each page.

Overall, SideReel is a nice evolution of the usual video directory, taking hints from sites like Amazon.com (with a "You Might Also Like" section for each page) and Wikipedia (letting users contribute and update content). Many similar sites have a feeling of impermanence, but SideReel seems to be willing to stake a real business on possible copyright infringement. There's even a jobs page for prospective employees.