WHAT IS IT? Remember the last time you could watch a TV show in its actual timeslot on an actual TV? Probably not. That’s why there’s Hulu.com. The site offers a free stream of both TV shows, and movies, as well as episodes of web-based shows. It allows users to catch up on episodes and check out shows they would have otherwise missed.

THE GOOD: Hulu gives users the ability to customise their viewing experience online. They can watch favourites or discover new shows anytime. The search feature helps users find any premium video online even if it is not directly available on Hulu.com. It is easy to use and share and does not require a download of any software. The clipping feature allows users to select a portion of the video they would like to share.

THE BAD: Granted, it’s not going to run every episode and it doesn’t have every show there ever was. Users need a Flash 10.1.53.64-enabled computer. Those on the creating end might not like that any full-length episodes or clips can be shared via e-mail or embeds on other websites, blogs and social networking pages.

VERDICT: It offers enough to keep you from feeling left out of the water-cooler conversations.



Instructables.com
When you need step-by-step instructions for just about anything, visit Instructables.com. It’s the ultimate do-it-yourself website for everything from cooking to building rockets, complete with images, diagrams and even videos. The content is user-provided, so you can post your own Instructable on whatever it is you make best.

This is a web-based documentation platform where passionate people share what they do and how they do it to learn from and collaborate with others. In August 2011, they joined Autodesk, a leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. To create a new Instructable or comment on someone else’s, you need to become a member.



Lettersofnote.com
If you still believe in taking the time to write a real letter to people who matter and take great pleasure in receiving one in kind, LettersofNote.com will hold a powerful appeal. The site scans and posts missives from celebrities, which range from the mundane to the outright hilarious. Each scanned missive comes with a transcript, in case the handwriting is hard to read. It’s a wonderful reminder of the power of the written word.