A tipster passed along this link to the Pew Internet & American Life Project's first major report on online video. [Full report -- PDF]

The report offers credible, empirical support for something everyone reading this space has known for a while: online video is big, important, and something "we" need to be doing early and often.

You can dig in to the report to find interesting nuggets, but here are a few that jumped out at me which I'll be including in my next PowerPoint presentation:

As apparent by the chart below, the online video community and culture - though used widely by Gen Nexters - plays a growing role for those over the age of 29. Everyone online is receiving links, sharing links, and calling over their colleagues and friends to watch a video that they've received. You can also see that the minority of users who rate and comment on videos are Gen Nexters (18-29) which likely explains why most of my videos have only a few ratings and comments -- even when I ask for them incessantly.

Another key point which really jumps out at me:

Amateur vs. Professional: What do users prefer?

Most online video viewers prefer professionally-produced video over content “produced by amateurs.” However, the segments that do express a preference for amateur content or say they like both genres equally is sizable, and those who are among the most coveted viewers by advertisers (men ages 18-29) are the most likely to express a preference for amateur video.

Overall, 62% of online video viewers say that their favorite videos are those that are professionally produced, while 19% of online video viewers express a preference for amateur content. Another 11% say they enjoy both professionally-produced video and amateur online video equally.

Overall, another great and helpful report by Pew. Make sure you print it out and give it to the next Republican politician you see.

On the sticky note write, "Here's proof that there's a Revolution happening."