There has been a lot of talk in recent months, among podcasters, about the terms of the PodShow contract being offered. Mostly the talk has been rumor and innuendo. No more. You can now hear all the details. For those that are curious, Keith and The Girl did a show where they read all 12 pages of the contract. The next day Adam Curry ran a “bit” on the Daily Source Code referencing the Keith and The Girl segment. Of note: Adam made no mention that there were any inaccuracies, so we can assume it is the actual current contract. I’ll leave listeners to draw their own conclusions, but you can’t help but come away realizing that it is full of generalities. PodShow might be the perfect opportunity for a given podcaster, but contracts by nature should be explicit, not implicit.
In the vain of full disclosure, I was offered a “Founding Member” contract with BoKu Communications/PodShow in March of last year. This was the offer that was made to the original podcasters in the network, Dawn and Drew, Michael Butler etc. I have always respected the wish for confidentiality regarding this agreement, but I will note, as might be expected, it was considerably different than the current contract. I decided against it for my own reasons. (If you are curious, we discussed it on Rock and Roll Geek Show around minute 18:25.)
People seem to either be for or against PodShow. I have never understood this stance. This is akin to being for or against IBM or your local dry cleaner. It is just a business. PodShow is trying to make a go of it in the podcast arena. So far, they have the most momentum, which is important in an emerging medium. I have met Adam and Ron a number of times, and must say I happen to like them both. They are smart guys and will probably make a success of the venture. That being said, I would hope that if you sign a deal, things are explicitly spelled out. Nothing against PodShow, that is just business.
Michael, enjoyed your commet on DSC. As a new vlogger and longtime listener of podcasts in general, I’m sitting on the sidelines enjoying all this. I agree with you on the IBM dry cleaner thing. This bitching reminds me of the early 80’s when I saw bands like U2, Police and Talking Heads before they got big airplay. As soon as they did, it was time to like another band, or at least the college radio DJ’s thought so. I enjoyed our quick meet at PME last November and I’ve resubscribed to RRR. I love your choice in movies, but get a little edgy and trash something that is sacred once in a while. Thanks for writing Podcast Solutions, now can ya help a vlogger with that darn WordPress.
I have seen the contract as a result of being associated with another (much more famous and talented) person in the world of podcasting. You are right on in calling the terms of the contract vague. By signing the deal you give up a whole lot without a guarantee of anything in return. Anyone who thinks they have talent should run from such deals.
My advice to podcasters is this. Don’t sell yourself short. Hosting is cheap and the last time I checked a WordPress blog is free. If you seriously want to build a show then build it yourself while retaining all the rights to your name, likeness and the content of the show. If what you do turns out to be that good then you will get better opportunities down the line.
Has anyone else noticed that The Mary and Karla Show has been idle since Feb 3rd. I think that is quietly saying something about their excitement on joining Podshow…like the Blue Flu?
The Mary and Karla show podfaded (http://fmstudio.com/mkforum/viewtopic.php?t=316).
Michael,
Your take on this is very helpful and appreciated. You have the background to have an opinion about these things but do so with an objective viewpoint. I appreciate that you didn’t freak out about this course of events, like others have.
It’s great to see folks like you taking a leadership position within the industry, fighting for interests of all kinds of podcasters, and moving the industry forward in a positive direction.
You guys do a great job of looking at this objectively. I agree on one stance…this is business and if Adam and Podshow can get this business than so be it. Isn’t it PT Barnum that said “There’s a sucker born every minute.” ?
But we podcasters are a community, and I think there are good reasons so many people are up in arms.
They feel misled and lied to. I’ve been listening to the DSC for almost a year and the impression Adam gives about Podshow is an anathema to what it actually is. If that contract is a true representation about what Podshow offers, than I am not only NOT ever going to sign that contract, I think less of Podshow as a potential audience member/consumer and I certainly think less of Adam Curry as a “podcast emissary.”
Another reason people are so rankled and vocal about this is that we are a community. Adam Curry’s right. Podcasting sprang up and will be successful because it gives producers of content and musicians and everyone in the process more freedom to create unique content and more rights. If that contract is accurate, Podshow is part of the problem that podcasting hopes to solve. As part of the community I want to make people aware of that. I’m not going to hate you for signing it (although I might think you are a bit of idiot.)
Some people express themselves more vitriolically I suppose. There’s really no need to denigrate ANYBODY who is talking about this contract no matter what point they take. It’s important that it’s being talked about though. And it is a big deal…no matter how you feel about Podshow, Adam Curry, Keith, His girlfriend, me or any other commenter.
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