OK, "no funding" is not exactly an accurate picture of where things are at the moment. I was just wondering generally if these video sites can continue doing stuff like this now that the bottom has dropped out of VC/PE. From Pacific Epoch:

Beijing-based online video site Youku.com had partnered with over 1,000 TV series producers to acquire 40,000 episodes lasting 50,000 hours in total by the fourth quarter of 2008, reports Sina quoting company CEO Victor Koo.

Youku.com launched a plan to recruit more partners for content and marketing on November 11, reports Sina. The company gained 100 film, TV and music company partners through a similar plan launched in June, said the report. Youku.com had recorded over 200 media partners and 100 advertising clients by September.

Then again, if they can line up enough revenue beforehand, perhaps this can all work out in the long run. I remain a skeptic, though.