I thought, initially, that I’d stay out of this conversation - but I just can’t help it.

A few days back I wrote about Podcast Networks and what they offer the Podcaster. The great Todd Cochrane commented back publically and someone under contract for a network sent me a few comments that I continue to ponder. I’m still asking these questions, but the answers are getting a little clearer.

In short, I’m just feeling that Podcast networks ain’t for me.

Earlier this week, Keith and the Girl (not a family or work safe Podcast) made some interesting Podcast history as they made an episode out of reading a “leaked” copy of the Podshow contract. Twas, hands down, the most entertaining Podcast reading of a contract I’ve ever heard in my life. Once again, I must stress, neither work nor family safe.

Their thoughts on the contract are best summed up in the entirety of the show notes for that episode:

“Give it over to the daddy. Daddy will know what to do better than you.”

Basically, these two individuals don’t care for all they have to give Curry to be part of the “family.” Personally, I understand completely. My freedoms are worth much more than any paycheck.

The Mighty Mike Goeghagen chimed in with his thoughts:

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.

Needless to say, he didn’t take it.

and

That being said, I would hope that if you sign a deal, things are explicitly spelled out. Nothing against PodShow, that is just business.

And Michael, once again, is the voice of reason in this one. Sage advice: sign a contract and make sure it makes sense for you. Don’t let the VJ’s glory distract you from your end goal - whatever that may be.

In short, for entrepreneurs like Keith and the Girl, Geoghagen and myself, handing over that much of your business is scary.

But, in all fairness, let’s talk about what Podshow is doing that nobody else is doing:

As I understand the contract (and nobody yet has disputed the contract part as played on KATG) , the download bonus requires no ads, no nothing, just doing your show. Pretty nice, if you think about it, for the long hair from MTV to provide beer money with no requirements that you make him a dime.

Could he drop you from the mix if you don’t make him any money? You bet. But, let’s be honest, why would they invite you with the plans to drop you? The very nature of a network dictates that there will be 10 shows in the bottom 10 (do the math). The chance to hone your craft while your drinking a little of that VC milk isn’t a bad plan for some - especially if heading out into the marketplace trying to sell your show scares you to death.

Point 2: the promotion you could, in theory, get from Podshow isn’t worth tossing out either. For everybody complaining about Apple’s promotion choices, don’t tell me the Chimichanga is gonna promote too many Dawn and Drew or Geekbrief competitors - no matter how slick the promo. Having Adam’s 5.5 million, or whatever is was, going to promote you ain’t a bad deal at all.

Finally, remember, from a strategic standpoint (with a good dash of long-term planning) Letterman, Stern and others have successfully jumped from one network to another. I don’t know where Stern started but Dave was a weather guy - we all have to start somehwere.

I guess, basically, I just wanted to say that despite my desire to do much of this from Colligan.com Headquarters, I really believe that Podcast Networks aren’t evil, Podshow ain’t evil, and we’re all just trying to figure this out. There are different paths that make sense to different folks and, gosh darn it, in a space as “open minded” as our little revolution, I’d like to think that there is room for all of us.

Technorati Tags: podshow, podshow contract, keith and the girl, michael geoghagen, todd cochrane, podcast networks