Barely acceptable video and audio quality can be had for about 300 megabytes per hour with DiVX or XViD, and about 150 megabytes per hour with QuickTime. I would not under any circumstances use Microsoft's ASF format for anything you intend to be watchable.

Filesharing networks such as BitTorrent or eDonkey work well for distribution, and would allow people to keep a viewable copy locally, rather than having to connect to Google Video or YouTube.

Email me at the updated address in my profile if you'd like to pursue this further, Gail.

The current version of the "Real" plugin for "Firefox" will allow you to download most streaming flash video to your machine, "Youtube" clips regardless of length are no problem. This is all "Free", but not all "Open" software.