I also think there's a distinction between professional work and personal work. It's not lost on me that I'm a part of a casual, rambling unscripted show FULL of opinion and lots of "I"s as it were. But I view that as differently because we're really putting ourselves out there as four guys talking about stuff with each other...that just happens to be recorded for those with an interest in being a fly on the wall. Whereas with something like Footballguys, everything that's written is representative of the site, that people spend their hard earned money to be a part of.

Derek,

Loved the episode, particularly your referring to it as the Bendis/Wood discussion. :)

In all seriousness, there is no right or wrong here depending on the intent of the author. What I was speaking to is more about professional criticism and review. There is also a practical matter that long shaped the removal of "I thinks" and "In my opinions", which is space. Journalists had limited word counts, and new casters had limited minutes, to get their points across. In today's days of limitless bandwidth, space and time are no longer the impediments they once were. ON the other hand, there is SO MUCH information out there (noise, etc...) that I believe brevity and authority may matter even more today.

Thanks for keeping the dialog going,

Jason

You always make me think Derek.

I can't say I'm happy to hear you specifically say you don't ever plan on coming back on 11 O'Clock Comics or that you don't enjoy our format, although I certainly understand that every podcast and format is going to have its detractors and its fans. We enjoyed having you on.

For my money, I like listening to thought provoking and engaging conversations. Sometimes that's a single host show such as yourself or Bill or Chris Marshall. Other times it's a group chat like ourselves and AC and iFanboy and CGS. And then there are interview shows like John at Word Balloon and the Sidebar guys, who keep me engaged.

I guess I'm trying to say that format doesn't define who I like or don't like in the podcasting world. It's people's individual voices, my respect (or lack of) for their opinions, their areas of reading/interest, the way the show is produced, their frequency, and in group shows, their chemistry.

I see your point about group shows sometimes limiting our ability to get into the nitty gritty, but I think that can cut both ways. There are times I've totally zoned out when someone talks for too long about a given subject. I've heard group and single host topics that lasted for 5 minutes and I wished they spent 30 minutes on, and conversely I've heard all sorts of folks ramble for 10 minutes but if felt like an hour because they just kept repeating themselves and not making any cogent points. Such is life.

As to Ron and Conor and JOSH (jaflanagan on Twitter), I agree with you that there's really nothing to complain about in terms of their model. If they can make a living doing a comics podcast, bully for them. I too wish them well and consider all three friends. I think where the 'controversy' comes in for some, is the notion of their soliciting for donations each and every show. Ultimately it's the listeners choice as to whether that's an annoyance. But I could see how some people might be put off by the idea of being asked for $$$ every time they listen to a show. It hasn't kept me from listening, but again I've come to like those guys personally so their show isn't so much about hearing professional entertainment as it is three buddies talking comics.

You hit the nail on the head about podcasting being about the hosts and not the audience. But I think for many of us the audience and feedback ARE an important element to the SUSTAINABLE nature of our shows. I went into 11 O'C with zero expectations and just thought it would be fun to chat with David, Vince and Chris on the regular. But as our audience grew and grew to far larger numbers than I thought possible, it did give me a sense of quiet accomplishment and pride. And now I know that when we record it's not just about the four of us, but that lots of other folks are eager to be entertained. I'm mystified that so many people find us entertaining, but it's humbling and gratifying. If 11 O'C had a really low listernship, I think at least for me, it would be easier to blow it off from time to time when I wasn't totally in the mood.

OK, back to work. Thanks for another thought-provoking show.

Jason

Great episode Derek. Lots of things to chew on.

1) I completely agree about Bill's podcast. He does a great job and it was a treat to have him back behind the mic after a few months of Facebooking and computer troubles. Unlike you, I generally find one-person monologue casts to be hard to listen to but two strong exceptions are Bill and your show. You guys seem to hold my attention whereas most single voice shows make me lose focus.

2) Regarding the advertising, I know you're not reading a lot of mainstream comics but one thing that's started happening is product placement. For example, Cisco has been appearing in a number of Marvel books. Specifically, in an issue of Secret Warriors, Nick Fury uses Cisco Webex to conference with Dum Dum Dugan. The Cisco Webex logo was Photo Shopped into the art. In an issue of Captain Britain & MI13, they are using Cisco Telepresence to have a conference call with government officials.

3) Pouring through a few issues on the top of my stack, I see ads from the U.S. Navy, a number of video game companies, and KIA Motors. But what I also see are a TON of house ads, which directly ties into the poor ad environment for print mediums.

4) Good for you in asking the Diamond Rep a few questions. Sadly I think you're right about $3.99, which gets back to John Turitizin's comments to me at the investor conference. Comics buyers are addicted, and there is a ton of price elasticity so long as we get our fix.

Thanks again for the show, it's always a treat. Hopefully 11 O'C isn't one of the shows you don't feel comfortable leaving feedback for anymore. :)

Peace,

Jason

Always love these posts Bill, hard to imagine that six of the top ten lost money last year, but what a year it was(n't). Hope all is well with you, let's catch up soon.

Seth -- I completely empathize with you. I actually envy you, because saying, "I'm a venture capitalist" is pretty straight forward compare to guys in my field. I always struggle with how to describe myself:

*** I'm a hedge fund manager?

*** I'm a portfolio manager?

*** I'm a money manager?

*** I'm an asset manager?

*** I'm a fund manager?

And many derivatives thereabouts. If it's someone who knows the world of investing, I stick with "portfolio manager" but in most walks of life I roll the dice and go with whatever rolls off the tongue at the time. :)

I agree Vinnie. And while I took advantage, I was also depressed a bit as I think it's a clear cut signal that the U.S. consumer is on his last legs of propping up our slowing economy. The fact that stores stayed open on Thanksgiving day, AND that stores were pretty much back to empty by noon or 1 p.m. is a bad harbinger. BUT, this is about gadget goodness and I was happy to grab some stuff.

Brad, I didn't want to let the cat out of the bag this soon but you caught me...I'm buying the facility and building my new dream home. There just wasn't anywhere else near Boulder that had enough space for me. :)

Perhaps the cutoff for wisdom on these things is 3 years old. I say this because my 2-year old son said he's thankful for brownies and cookies. It's great if I'm raising a little pastry chef, but hard to read much deeper into those answers. :)