Brickfish, a viral marketing / social networking video platform, is running a contest for Samsung, inviting users to upload videos of themselves singing, “Baby Love.”

For those of you who need more American Idol style hysterics after tonight’s season debut, there’s no shortage of people who think they’ve got more talent than they do. But thats ok. Its not the point. In this entry, the girl lipsyncs over a fast forwarded “chipmunks” version of the song. Good stuff.

Unfortunately, without a Superbowl sized budget or ad campaign to drive awareness, not all viral video campaigns are created equal. Launched on December 21 and running through Feb 4, the contest has only picked up 45 entries. I love Samsung’s flat-panel TVs, though, so maybe I’ll submit my own entry. I’ll keep you posted.

Congrats to long time OVW friend Julian Zilberbrand, who was recently promoted to Vice President, Group Director for Technology and Ad Operations at Mediavest Digital.

Julian is one of the most insightful folks in the business. This is what Julian told MediaPost back in 2004, when he was a product specialist for rich media provider, Eyeblaster:

Q: What’s the most divisive online policy issue right now?
JZ: There are a lot of different ways to use video, and people haven’t decided the best way to use video yet. … People aren’t sure about the amount of time a video ad should play. The attention span for online users is shorter than that of someone watching TV.

People should start thinking about creating footage for the Web. It’s just a matter of understanding that you have the ability and choice and option to do it all. The biggest challenge is getting them to try it.

Right on the money, JZ. Congrats on a well deserved promotion.