I think that the way we are approaching videos might avoid the "30 second" advertising type view of a candidate. With the current model of Flashvue an employer must decide that they liked a candidate enough to send them to one of the Flashvue kiosks to make a video. The video can be done in either a 1-2 minute profile in which the candidate just speaks about themself (which may result in an ad type feel, but since they have already introduced themself to the employer it probably will avoid this) and then the other option is a Question/Answer interview in which they are presented with questions from the employer and answer them on video. This would for example save the time and money involved with flying a potential candidate in to interview from across the country. The Question/Answer video actually can be set by the employer to have the candidate given only one chance to answer the question or the employer can allow them to redo questions after the candidate reviews, so it can in fact simulate a live interview. All of the videos once complete result in a URL link that can be attached or sent to anyone else from the employer (candidate account manager).
We are also in development of a retail model in which candidates may sign up with Flashvue to just go and make their own video to send to employers, which we would have to make sure didnt turn into what you are talking about with the "30 second byte".
There is also interview training software in development for the Government, so that should be avaliable soon as well.
One more thing, we are currently in a reseller model for the China markets, and I noticed you are in Australia and so if you or anyone else on this board are interested in speaking with us about reselling it to your country please let me know!
Thanks for your feedback, it is much appreciated!!
-Michelle