Feels Like A Good Time To Do A Talk Show Again
Lately, I’ve been thinking that now would be a good time to get back on the air with my talk show again.
Right now we’re being faced with a lot of decisions about the way we survive in an information-based economy. People will be thinking more carefully about where they put their money and what services they really need to keep their mind in shape. I’ve spent a little time around the talk radio dial lately and it’s just sad, when it’s not just insulting. It’s time for someone to tell you the truth instead of telling you what to think.
I’ve resisted the podcast/online model because I don’t feel that it’s interactive enough to be interesting. There’s been some movement at major stations in my local area and I’m looking into those but I’m interested to hear your suggestions. I’d almost prefer a slightly smaller station with syndication possibilities as long as it gave everyone a chance to participate.
Society is being bombarded with media and very little of it is a wise investment of your time. It’s time to change that and I’d like your suggestions.
Hi Desmond,
I have fond memories of watching you demo some of the most important tech of the time, such as showing video of Quake, or the demo you did of Mario 64 on Cnet Central. You were always concise, thorough, and to the point. It fueled my passion for technology and I’m sure helped lead me to my career as a programmer. As to the podcast/online model, I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss it. The shows that people like Leo Laporte, Chris Pirillo, or even the call in shows on the Simply Syndicated network show that podcasts, when recorded live, can be quite interactive. I would look forward to hearing or seeing your podcast, if you decided to make one. Although, a radio show, with the option of a later download, would be great as well. By the way, It would be great if you could get on Twit or Cranky Geeks.
~David
You know Des…we only have dial up and just can’t get some of your stuff on our computer. I hadn’t heard of Cranky Geeks. Is that for the over 30 group:0) ? Looking forward to your appearance in Petaluma, TisBink
des- just make sure whatever you do we can get it out in the midwest. podcast always sounds good. good luck in whatever you do. -jon
Hey Des, I still haven’t recovered from the trauma of your sudden “retirement” from the show you were on several years ago, especially since you were far better than everyone else who continued on it. Not to disparage them, but there just wasn’t any comparison between their work and yours. I haven’t seen you on Leo’s TWIT and I’m wondering what’s up with that? TWIT has several shows that I’m certain are far less compelling than anything you would do, and some of them are silly and/or boring and not even about tech. This week Leo said his tech shows garner the most viewers, so I’m thinking he should have a place for you to do your own show on TWIT.
Thanks for all of the kind comments, and I apologize for not responding sooner. I hadn’t heard of the Simply Syndicated Network, but I’m looking at in now.
When I wrote this piece initially, I was looking at the broadcast industry. I knew that what we were doing at CNET was different, but I didn’t realize that it was one of the last and few real network broadcasts in radio. I was asked to do some fill-ins for Bob Zadek on KNEW and I enjoyed them, but radio is changing and it’s going to have to change again before it does what it’s good at.
I’ve been thinking about it and the attitude I have towards broadcasting is that it’s pointless if it doesn’t help people do things. Maybe that’s understanding how things work or solving problems that they have. I just don’t see the point and taking up someone’s time without giving them something of equal or greater value. The problem with some of these high-output people and things is that it’s really tough to come up with something of great value so frequently. You guys have mentioned that you noticed. Look at characters like Rush, He’s stuck being Rush all of the time.
Even Henry Rollins had to really dig deep to do the talk show they gave him on IFC, and Henry Rollins is known for having powerful content. It’s just the pace that’s hard to keep up. When I was on the radio it took two of us to keep it coming and Christy Whitmore is an outstanding talent among producers. I kept it running, but she did a majority of putting it together.
When you’re hot at this stuff there’s a huge temptation to just keep taking on more shows, but I’ve tried to be careful. I’d rather have one great show than ten “acceptable” ones no matter how much money I could make doing it. At the end of the day, the audience is going to know when you’re out of ideas.
Fact of Trivia: Most people think we’ve worked together and we’re from the same town, but I’ve never even met Leo LaPorte
I think you should get back into radio or even TV. You have the voice and the mentality to be on the air. I’ve told you before…
You can drive up and visit the TWiT cottage. Leo likes visitors, you don’t need an introduction. He is off on Mon and Fri.
In my opinion a big part of Leo’s success is his radio background
and he needs another person with the same background. He is doing over 30 hours a week “on air”(so to speak) and planning to do a daily morning show on the web.
Just go for it!