I’m Not Buying It - Marketing Gone Wrong.

My “stroke of insight” came suddenly yesterday morning: something fishy is going on with a campaign to promote Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s book, “My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey” published by Viking Adult, part of the Penguin Group.

Over the last two weeks four comments have appeared on my post from last March about Dr. Taylor’s fantastic TED 2008 presentation. While individually the comments might not have caught my attention, collectively they seemed a little too perfect, too polished, too promotional - like they have been through the review process for a press release. Yesterday morning I got curious about them when I saw the fourth one arrive. You can see Ellen, Dwight, Tammy and Bridget’s comments here. (Ryan’s comment is genuine.)

None of the commenters left links to their homepages or blogs. Reverse IP lookups were a bust. Their emails are the usual Hotmail stuff, but Dwight’s is from an @fontdrift.com domain. A quick search for that domain turned up all kinds of references to a fakemailgenerator.com. A site that “changes the domain frequently in order to prevent the address from being banned.” No need to explain what their service provides.

I decided to Google some of the key phrases. Mind you, there are some real winners, but I still think the best is Tammy’s, “I laughed. I cried. It was a fantastic book…” Wow - 833 Google hits! Wouldn’t you know the search also revealed that this exact same comment shows up on 100s of blog’s that reference Dr. Taylor. Only trick - different names each time for the comment author. In fact all four comments show up word for word all over the Web under all kinds of different names. The comment using the phrase above was on countless sites; everywhere from The New York Times (commenter Jennifar) to O’Reilly Radar (commenter Joseph) to The Indiana Statesman (commenter Jocosa) to Peterme.com (who got just the four basic comments including this same one from a commenter Bowman.)

Since the original comment on my site had an Amazon link, I first thought it was an Internet Marketing gimmick focused on increasing affiliate sales. However, I realized there was no affiliate ID in the link URL and no links in the future comments. No Internet Marketer would be that subtle or patient. That got me thinking, this is being done by someone who has an interest in the success of the book at a macro level. This narrows the list considerably.

Something like this requires time, resources and money. This is an organized effort to get these comments past moderation queues, spam filters and all the various preventive measures blogs and sites have. Someone has worked hard to give the “appearance” of being genuine, interested and supportive readers of the book all with goal of tricking you. My understanding is that this book has done quite well on its own and is by an author who is well respected. It is sad that someone felt further promotion warranted employing deception.

Make no mistake about it, whoever is behind this made a conscious decision - let’s try to trick those social media/blog types. However, the fact they went through all this trouble to use fake names and phony email addresses to spread their message about the book just betrays their own understanding of the fact that they are up to no good.

So who is doing it? I don’t know but I certainly have my suspicions. What I do know is whoever is behind it feels just fine using my site and the readers I work hard to serve as part of the playground for their deceptive marketing gimmick. As such, I feel just fine calling them out.

Lesson: I know what book I’m not buying.

[Note: I intentionally did not link to the book but did leave the link live in the original comment for context.]

GrapeRadio Wins 2008 James Beard Award.

Along with my partners at GrapeRadio, I am excited to annouce that we have won the 2008 James Beard Award in the category of webcasting!

The James Beard Foundation Awards are the nation’s preeminent honors for culinary professionals. Often referred to as the “Oscars of Food and Wine” more than 60 awards are given out each year in the categories of cookbooks, restaurants and chefs, design and graphics, broadcast media, journalism, and achievement. Award winners are selected by their industry peers, with more than 600 culinary professionals involved in the voting process. This year’s award ceremony in New York was hosted by Kim Cattrall and Bobby Flay and other winners include such name as Mario Batali, Tom Colicchio, Padma Lakshmi and Top Chef.

Thank you to all of our fans who have given us such great support over the years.

Click the image below to see our video that won the award: Stewards of the Land

Auction Napa Valley 2008.

While one of our partners was off in New York accepting our James Beard Award, the rest of the GrapeRadio crew attended Auction Napa Valley 2008. This is the wine event of the year in Napa and GrapeRadio is pleased to be able to cover it for the 3rd year in a row.

This event is put on by the Napa Valley Vintners and as their website states: 700 Guests, 500 winery owners and winemakers, 250 auction lots, dozens of parties, all to be enjoyed within 68 hours. Once again, it was an amazing event!

As far as working conditions go - this is about as good as it gets! Non-stop parties and some of the best food and wine in the world. We worked hard gathering tons of interviews and the highlight, as always, was the gala auction event on Saturday evening. Jay Leno served as host again this year and it included a moving tribute to Robert Mondavi who passed last May.

We made sure to get interviews with all the movers and shakers attending including even Oprah. I’d like to thank everyone who welcomed us but the list is long, between the group we probably attended over 20 separate events hosted by countless wineries. That said, special thanks goes to Departures Magazine and American Express who allowed us unprecedented access as well as the Tudal Family Winery who graciously hosted us at their enormous vineyard home. (We lived like kings, this place is incredible!)

I’m convinced I’ll be sweating pure Cabernet Sauvignon all week during my workouts. Best of all, $10.3 Million was raised for local Napa charities! Thanks again to all. Can’t wait for next year!

Burn Notice.

Cable broadcasters have come out with some great original series recently. The Shield, Rescue Me, Damages and many others. One of the surprises was the USA Network show Burn Notice that aired last summer. (New season begins July, 10th)

I like this show. It is smart, funny and you learn some spy tradecraft along the way. The basic premise is that Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) is a spy who receives a “burn notice” - effectively he is cut off, no money, no aid, no communication - he is hung out to dry. He decides to figure out who burned him. Meanwhile he is stuck in Miami aided only by his ex IRA/gun runner/special ops girlfriend Fiona and ex shadow warrior Sam. The cherry on top? Bruce Campbell as the hard drinking, kept man, ex-spy Sam Axe. USA has re-runs on right now in anticipation of the new season, and last night I discovered the whole season one on iTunes. An easy $19 purchase. (Also available on DVD.) Check it out.

Richard Cheese to Play New Media Expo.

Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine is set to play Coverville 500 August 15th during the New Media Expo in Las Vegas. I’ve been a long time Richard Cheese fan subjecting countless friends to his music as well as dragging many others to his concerts. If you’ve never seen RC, you are in for a treat. He is a lounge singer who performs his “unique” versions of songs such as: Baby Got Back, Hot for Teacher, She Hates Me, 99 Luftballoons and the Britney Spears classic Crazy. If you are curious about his albums, I’d suggest looking at Tuxicty or I’d Like A Virgin as a good starting place.

You can hear some samples on his website or check out this performance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. If you are going to the New Media Expo, this is a must attend event.

GrapeRadio - James Beard Award.

Nice article, including pictures of my partners in GapeRadio regarding our James Beard Award.

ADM - What The Heck Are They Doing With Your Money?.

I first posted about the ADM on April 17th. They had just released their “Advertisement Unit Standards and Downloadable Measurement Guidelines.” I got a lot of heat for my “critical” comments. (My Post is here.) Interestingly, apart from 3 quick puff pieces on April 18, 22 & 23 the ADM has gone silent. If this was such a monumental achievement why have they gone quiet for 2 months?

Again, my criticism is simple, there is a lack of leadership in the ADM. They acquiesced to a bunch of Venture Funded companies who - given recent activity - can’t figure out exactly what they do - much less lead an industry trade group. I wonder where your $1000 or $150 went?

Some might say I’m against the ADM - not at all. I like the basic premise though I have to admit, a bit of “I told you so” comes to mind. Anyone who wishes to criticize my comments, make sure you first address the over 60 days of silence from this “game changing” trade group.

Update: For the record, I like those who are in management positions in the ADM, my honest opinion is they realize they need to focus on keeping their startups afloat rather than the trade organization. I am curious - given the anniversary, will most members be quick to pay this year’s fee?

Tito and Me.

I was cleaning some photos off my hard drive and found this one of me with Tito Ortiz at a fundraiser a few years back. (Just posting it so I can refer to it later.)

Traveling With Kids - Buy a Trunki.

(Will & Nick model their Trunkis)

The Trunki has got to qualify as one of the all time greatest purchases my Wife has made. When I first saw these I was skeptical, but after our recent trip to Hawaii, I am sold. These are a must-have for parents who travel with young children. They are hard plastic suitcases with 4 wheels and leash. Built for carry-on use, they fit perfectly under the airline seat in front. Because of their design, kids can manage them eliminating the need for Mom or Dad having to wrangle the kids’ carry-ons. They have three basic modes of use: a leash that allows the kids to pull them, the ability for the kids to “ride” them powered by their feet and finally if the kids get tired, they can ride while someone else pulls the leash. (For adults, the leash also converts to a shoulder strap)

On our trip, the kids loved the fact they had their own luggage that they were responsible for. However, what blew me away was the spectacle the Trunkis caused at the airports. We constantly had people coming up and asking what they were are where to get them - everyone from the flight attendants and gate agents to our fellow travelers. For those too shy to approach us, you could hear them pointing us out and discussing our kids’ suitcases, it was an interesting experience. The pictures do not do these justice, once you see kid’s use them, you’ll want one. Whoever invented these things has nailed it. Kid friendly and parent approved. If you are going to travel with young children check out the Trunki.

Sure - I’ll Run For President.

After much speculation, it is official. I’ve tossed my hat in the ring.

Hat tip to Paul Colligan for the pointer.

The Balcony Is Closed.

The Balcony is Closed. The Siskel and Ebert (and Roeper) program has left the building.

New Media Expo 2008.

I am off the New Media Expo this week. I have been asked to present: “Corporate Podcasting the Disneyland Way: Case Study from the Place Where Dreams Come True.” (Thursday 8/14/08 2:00 - 3:00PM) I am preparing a presentation that will blow the doors off how we have produced the Official Disneyland Resort Podcast over the last 3+ years. I’ll cover how it started, how it has evolved and where we are today. For Disney fans, podcast producers, consultants and people charged with corporate podcast initiatives I’ll present the information you need to know and the tips, tricks and techniques to ensure a successful podcast production. This is an opportunity to get a behind the scenes peak at how the longest running Fortune 100 company produced podcast is done.

As past attendees know, I have a habit of giving the audience the straight scoop. (This year will be no different.) Last year, I created a bit of controversy with my infamous “Podcasting is Dead” presentation. Given the events of the past year - big surprise: I was proven right! While it frustrates me that many people read that title and did not bother to listen to the substance of my argument regarding the business New Media producers are really in, I understand how things work and have accepted the predictable flack. As for my statements last year, I now have another year’s worth of “proof” points and some new predictions for the year to come but it has been suggested I hold them for a few days until the Expo starts - the reasons given make sense, so I will.

One thing to clear up is that I am bullish on podcasting - always have been. Heck, I authored two books on the subject. My critical statements often get misconstrued and misquoted by well meaning commentators but that is the bane of the eternal optomist. (If you don’t want to get continuously misquoted, don’t become a podcasting pundit.) I had hoped that podcasting would open up opportunities for everyone, that it would develop into a true industry. That never happened. That is not to say that there is no money in podcasting, there is, but it is not something the average person can count on. I have made a nice living as a Podcast Consultant over the last few years, but it is not a business the average person can enter and survive in like real estate or insurance etc. Podcasting is not an Industry, it is a niche and recognized expertise is required.

Meanwhile, I am contemplating a Smith & Wollensky’s or Nobu dinner in Vegas for Thursday evening. Interested? Shoot me an email or Twitter.

Wizzard Q2 2008 Results: My Take.

There has been a bit of fan-fare today regarding Wizzard’s press release about it’s Q2 2008 financial results. Both Paul Colligan and Podcasting News have highlighted the “bright” points of Wizzard’s press release. For those that think Wizzard is proof that podcast advertising is the answer I’d like to offer some context and thoughts:

• Wizzard reported gross revenues of $1,465,874 for Q2/2008 - how much is podcast advertising and how much comes from their original “core” business of speech technology? It is never defined. Don’t make the mistake of assuming it is all podcast related.
• Operating expenses for Q2 came down to $2,159,433 but things are still clearly in the red.
• Wizzard is a 12 year old company (founded in ‘96) loosing millions per year.
• Wizzard makes no mention of their original business of “speech technology” in the substantive portion of their press release, it is all podcasting. What does that tell you?
• Wizzard is a public company with only an estimated $6M in gross revenues - would you invest? (You Can: WIZD)
• 3% revenue growth over Q2 2007. That is the nail in coffin. If they were in a mature industry such as the steel, oil or auto business that would be great, but an “explosive” growth segment such as New Media Advertising? You do the math.
• A reported 1 Billion downloads last year and only 13 advertisers secured by their “sales pioneers.” 13! That is 1 advertiser per 76 million downloads.

I know a lot of people see $1.4M in a quarter and think wow - that is a lot of money, but given expenses of $2.16M it is not. If they were a new startup it is one thing, but this is a “mature” public company 12 years in the making. I know some of the folks at Wizzard - they are energetic, enterprising and I have high expectations for their future accomplishments. Just make sure you read their press releases with a bit of contextual balance.

UPDATE: I had a nice conversation with Chris Spencer, the CEO of Wizzard yesterday. We probably chatted for a good 20 minutes. I’m glad we got the opportunity to meet each other, and enjoyed our exchange. I’m still looking for explosive growth in the segment. We’ll see what the future holds.

New Media Expo: Top Ten Take Aways.

I have just returned from my 4th Podcast/Portable & now New Media Expo. Once again, a first class event. As most of you know, I have been involved with podcasting since before it even had a name. Having participated in it all along the way, this year’s Expo solidified many of the thoughts I’ve held over the last year. The items in this list are not fully developed; I could easily do a 30-minute podcast on each. These are more a summary of my stream of consciousness top ten take aways:

1. The Expo continues to enable us to re-connect with old friends. There is a real sense of camaraderie among the original podcasters. That was no different this year. Good times with lots of great podcasters.

2. The New Media Expo was once again a great opportunity to meet new people who are excited about podcasting. A lot of fresh faces this year.

3. Tim Bourquin (the show’s organizer) got some flack this year about the exhibit floor being smaller – not true. The show had the exact same exhibit space as in years past: 12,000 square feet. It was a much bigger venue, which affects the perceived size. Kudos to Tim for stepping up and making the financial commitment to lock in the Las Vegas Convention Center. That said, the exhibit space did not grow. In a “growth” industry that spells trouble. My take, one I shared with Tim at dinner this past week, was to lose the exhibitors and focus on the conference. (The conference sessions are where the real value lies in my opinion.) Tim is one of the most diligent and hard working people I know. If he can’t corral the exhibitors it is not for a lack of effort, it is a signal that they are not sold on the market potential. (Curious to see what he announces regarding next year.)

4. A schism is developing between “indie” podcasters and those they thought were focused on supporting them. I had conversations with CEO’s who are now clearly focused on large corporate clients; those with the resources they believe are capable of massive reach. They want to fulfill those companies’ production and ad sales needs. Think podcasts produced by TV networks, media companies and news organizations etc. This makes complete sense from a business plan and sales perspective, but is very different from what you heard from these same companies just a year ago. Some of the well-known employees of these companies have not yet come to terms with this shift. You hear one thing from them and something completely different from their “C” level management.

5. Many content producers have finally realized that if they want to monetize, they are on their own. You are your own best salesperson. Need proof? Look at who did not attend this year. If ad sales/aggregation groups were working as a market segment, they would have been the largest contingent of exhibitors. Most have vanished or “refocused” their business plans.

6. If you insist on trying to monetize your “indie” podcast (less than 50K downloads per episode) I stand by my previous advice: Sell your own ad/sponsor deals. If it is not in your blood – i.e. you don’t like selling/asking for money, my advice is to contact Todd Cochrane. Wow! Big surprise there. Many know that I have, at times, been critical of Todd’s collection of companies. But I also give credit where credit is due. With the shift of everyone else heading to the higher ground of corporate size distribution and budgets, Todd & Co. are the only folks left who passionately believe in the “indie” podcaster. I still think you can and should get more, but if you don’t like the work involved, Todd will give you a fair shake.

7. Passion is critical. Find something you love and podcast about that. Things seem to work out for those who are truly passionate about their content.

8. Corporate podcasting is alive and well. Just as with my presentations at this year’s CES and NAB conferences, companies and the folks they have charged with their podcast initiatives continue to come to sessions to learn how to produce compelling and interesting content. As I’ve said before, the real money is in consulting to these organizations, they have budgets: money to spend. If you carefully look to see who continues to come to NME events you’ll notice many of the monetization experts are in the podcast consulting business.

9. A common thread I heard during conversations with some well-known podcast figures was “I’m figuring out what I am going to do next” and “it was good while it lasted.” See #10 below.

10. I can’t help but end with this: My presentation last year was dead on – I gave everyone a full year’s notice. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

UPDATE: 11. (How could I have forgotten 11? Everyone knows all good things go to 11.) Brian Ibbott did an amazing job with the Coverville 500. That took real planning, work and investment. I can’t tell you how impressed everyone was with the event. Brian put on a great show and was ably assisted by Dan Klass as the evening’s MC. Great job guys!

Cheese v. Cochrane et al – New Media Showdown.

Todd Cochrane posted an interesting piece entitled: Richard Cheese the Ultimate Classless Act. I was at the event in question and remember exactly what I was thinking as it was happening. Interesting issues are raised. (Disclosure – I have been a long time Richard Cheese fan. The last concert of his I attended was a blast but much like comedy acts, it is clear the audience has a large influence on the “experience.” Some nights you kill, some nights you bomb.)

Let’s clear the decks: spitting (actually, it was more of a spit take) was plainly rude and unacceptable. Not funny. However, I have a slightly different take away from the event than Todd. Richard Cheese (RC) repeatedly asked people to stop filming him. I get it. He is a performer, and makes his living from this; he doesn’t want his whole act posted on the Internet. It is meant for those who have paid to attend and see it. Unlike Todd, I was surprised that after RC repeatedly asked and then basically demanded people to stop filming him they continued to do so, right in his face. Just watch Todd’s video. I have no idea what the law is, but unless it is newsworthy, stop if I ask. Think of any notable celebrity. Can you shoot pictures and video of them coming out of the Ivy? Sure. The paparazzi work under the “newsworthy” and “public figure” idea. Can you take those same cameras into a playhouse and capture their stage performance? Nope.

Here is the part that amazed me. Todd submitted a “post produced” video with commentary title cards to all the major video sites. A quick synopsis: it contains a performer repeatedly asking/demanding not to be recorded and includes portions of his “unique” performance of the Nine Inch Nails song “Closer.” You can just imagine all the rights holders who could claim to have been infringed. Todd argues that cameras were explicitly allowed. I was there and I don’t remember that. This was a separate event from the Expo at a different venue. To me it was no different than going to a Vegas show at one of the hotels. Even if cameras were allowed, when asked to stop – the polite thing to do is oblige. Just because the new media folks have come to Las Vegas doesn’t mean all the rules have changed. Need proof? Just try using your video camera at the black jack tables or your cell phone in the sports book. You’ll find out quickly.

Todd points out,

It appears that Richard Cheese had some ridiculous clause in his performance contract that no video would be allowed during the event.

This might shock us new media types as being “ridiculous” but in the rest of the world – this is standard. Just think, if I were to re-record your next podcast and post it to my site, would that bother you?

Brian Ibbott did an amazing job with the Coverville 500. But we all know that no good deed goes unpunished. I’d hate for this new media “brush up” to cause him trouble. Todd’s update indicates the possibility exists. If Todd really wants to push the issue he should make a pledge to indemnify Brian from any issues his actions may cause. I know that sounds extreme, but as an entrepreneur I have dealt with my fair share of both threatened and filed lawsuits. I’ve never lost, but it is always the small nonsense issues that are most painful. Last one I had dismissed cost $10,000 in attorney fees. If I’m Richard Cheese – this one seems to be served up on a plate.

(Oh, and interesting legal issues asides, I too am less of a RC fan now. Uncomfortable performances are just that – uncomfortable.)

UPDATE: Todd has since removed the video mentioned above.