I’m a big ol’ critic of the current frenzy for social media. That is, I’m critical of the “social media can do EVERYTHING, replace ALL mainstream media, CURE CANCER, etc. school of thought. But I am not critical of the tools that make it possible to exchange information, or add deeper meaning to the content of media. Platforms like Twitter, podcasting, uStream, and Facebook, to name just a few, can unleash not only creativity of content-makers, but the imagination and enthusiasm of content consumers. I’m thinking about this today because I’m working on a plan to cover a conference I’ll…
Category: Podcasting
Austin Social Media 100
Posted in Announcements, New Media and Tech, Podcasting, and Random Personal Nonsense
I just learned that I’m listed in the Austin Social Media 100, in the tech category. I can’t say that I know much about this set of rankings, but I’m flattered to be included. I’m also mining the rest of the list for fun and interesting people to follow on Twitter or elsewhere.
As promised, here’s part 2 of my prescription for the newly podcast-infused BlogWorld Expo. Check out part 1 here: Thriving in spite of Vegas. Opinions about Las Vegas vary. For many, the bright lights and myriad attractions confer bigness and importance on a trade show. More people will come, the theory goes, to combine work with pleasure, and more people from all over the country will be able to find discounted travel options. But Vegas is not conducive to community-building. From the awkward layout of the LV Hilton/convention center, to the sheer size of the venues, Vegas tends to swallow…
In a move that was first rumored back in 2007, Tim Bourquin has sold the trade show he created, New Media Expo, to BlogWorld, producers of BlogWorld Expo (link currently not working). The 2008 New Media Expo, the fourth annual event that was aimed primarily at podcasters, did not quite live up to expectations, and Bourquin had not announced a 2009 event, leading to speculation that the show would either disappear or be moved from Las Vegas to a more conducive venue. I’ll be honest with you here. I’m fighting the temptation to rain on the BlogWorld Expo parade, even…
Busy Podcast Weekend
Posted in Announcements, and Podcasting
Lately I’ve found that Saturday and Sunday afternoons are podcast prime time. I posted two shows this weekend, so go out and get em if you want em. Shelly’s Podcast Ninja Wheelie Time App Store Pundit Episode 5 Reviews SushiTime, Zenbe Lists, US Citizenship
New Media Expo’s Middle Year
Posted in New Media and Tech, and Podcasting
Last week’s New Media Expo was, to a large degree, what I expected it to be. Frankly, I had hoped that my original expectations would be proven wrong, because I like attending this event, and I think its focus on the podcasting aspect of new media (despite the more inclusive name) is a valuable concentration for those who are more interested in making and producing audio and video than they are in finding new ways to market themselves in 140 characters. Despite assurances to the contrary, it has seemed to me since the announcement that NME would move from the…
Pod is a Dirty Word, Again
Posted in New Media and Tech, and Podcasting
PodShow, the “media company” founded by Adam Curry, and the recipient of millions in venture funding, has changed its name to Mevio. Has the ring of one of those wacky Web 2.0 startup names, doesn’t it? Just vague enough to allow for a completely flexible business model. Podcasting News linked to a video featuring PodShow co-founder Ron Bloom. In it, he described PodShow as a network of 15,000 shows. This, of course, includes the many externally-prdouced podcasts within the directory maintained by PodShow, along with the company’s own “entertainment properties”. Bloom went on to say, when asked about the name…
New Media Spring Cleaning
Posted in New Media and Tech, and Podcasting
Spring cleaning, as many people do it, is about throwing things away that you no longer need, and polishing those you want to keep, but which no longer look their best. Aside from the season, leaving a job is a pretty good reason to engage in some seasonal dusting and straightening. Ad editor of a magazine for bloggers and podcasters, I was conscious of a need to speak to the industry we were covering. As much grief as folks like me get for perceived pandering to advertisers, I’ve always been a notorious advocate of readers. Not a bad thing, of…
Moving On
Posted in New Media and Tech, Podcasting, and Random Personal Nonsense
I have decided to leave my position as editor-in-chief of Blogger & Podcaster Magazine, effective April 11. I joined Blogger & Podcaster in January 2007 when we were preparing to launch the industry’s first digital/podcast/print hybrid publication. I was excited to be creating a magazine that would chronicle the podcasting world I knew so well after two+ years (more than three, now) publishing my own shows, along with the turbulent, more established blogosphere. Podcasting was and is a real passion for me. As with other loves in my life, the best way I knew to pursue that passion was to…
Podcast Expo Was Awesome But…
Posted in New Media and Tech, and Podcasting
I’m just back from my third Podcast & New Media Expo (name recently changed to leave out the Podcast part). I had an awesome time. Really I did. I hung out with some great friends, got some good interviews, and made contacts that I hope will lead to good content for the magazine. But as I reflect on the weekend, a few things are gnawing at me. I haven’t been able to put them into words until something happened today that made me see a pattern. And I didn’t like it. The first thing you should know about the way…