Three days ago, I posted here that Michael and I would be leaving The Digital Photography Show to launch our own podcast. I told you that our farewell episode, which Michael and I had already taped and sent to The Podcast Network (TPN), would be posting soon.
Unfortunately, it appears that episode will never air. But we don't want you to think it was our choice to end it like that!
Here's how it went down. We wrote TPN on September 26th that we would no longer be doing the show. Upon receiving my note, TPN immediately changed the passwords to our account, effectively silencing our voices. That rendered us unable to post any blog notes or new episodes.
That immediate suspension of our ability to communicate with you came as a huge surprise to me and Michael - that was not at all the reaction we expected.
Despite that, based on discussions we had with TPN, we believed would be permitted to post a final episode and note. We really wanted to say goodbye to our listeners in the actual show, since the vast majority of them don't read this blog.
In the final episode we taped for TPN, which you apparently will never hear, we said our goodbyes. We let everyone know where they could find us in the future (which is, for now, right here on www.scottsphotoblog.com). We said we would be starting a new show soon, and that it would feature the same kind of commentary, review, instruction and interviews that we love doing. We expressed our appreciation to TPN for giving us our start, and we wished the best to any new hosts who might take over The Digital Photography Show (exactly as I did in my October 10th post here).
I have to take a moment for a brief aside here. Since it breaks up the story of Why You'll Never Hear Our Last Episode, I'll indent it.
After we ran through all our thank-you's (we actually had more of a "script" for the show than we usually do, since we didn't want to leave anyone out) Michael said there was one more person he wanted to thank. As we had already written and rewritten the list a number of times, I had no idea who he could be thinking of.
"Who?" I asked him, wondering who we could have overlooked.
"You," Michael said. He went on to say a couple of nice things then, which I really can't remember because, to be honest, I was too concentrated on not choking up.
As you can imagine, taping our last episode - saying goodbye to all of you and and putting closure to something which had been such a highlight of our lives - well, the whole thing was pretty emotional to begin with.
Leave it to Michael to almost push me over the edge.
And yes, I said nice things about him too, none of which were sufficient to let the guy know just how much I love and value him, though. No point in both of us blubbering.
Those of you who know us know that we would never have recorded a show that was ugly, unkind or unfit for posting. We just wanted to put closure to the endeavor which had been our passion for two and half years now.
We sent our farewell episode to TPN three days ago. We were subsequently informed that they wouldn't post the show, nor would they post the note we had written. Instead, they put up their own notice.
Their notice didn't mention that Michael and I would be doing a new show and it didn't link back here. Hence, the vast majority of people who listened to the show or even read the TPN blog will never know where to find us or that we'll be back on the air soon. They'll just think we disappeared and left without even the courtesy of a "so long."
They'll think "oh, those guys went on and on about how we were a community of friends and then they just quit without even saying goodbye. Jerks."
You can imagine how that makes us feel.
I won't try to characterize, explain, defend or criticize TPN's decisions in all this. It is what it is. Once TPN changed our passwords, they had total control over what got posted on The Digital Photography Show, and they have chosen to exercise their control in this way. Give us the serenity to accept those things we can't control, right? And move on.
But we did want to let you know that it was never our intention to so abruptly disappear or leave without saying "goodbye." If you know any other listeners of The Digital Photography Show, will you let them know too, please?
So, that's our story.
Starting our new show will be harder without the ability to tell listeners of The Digital Photography Show where to find us. But Michael and I are resourceful. We've also made many wonderful friends in the digital photography business over the years - you know who some of them are. Heck, you are some of them.
We'll be counting on all of you to help us get out the word about our new show. Stay tuned! And thanks for all the nice comments and emails. We really appreciate your support, understanding and patience through all this.
I only found your great podcast a few weeks ago. We know your names, and we know how to use Google and itunes. We'll all find you again, and rather easily. I have no interest in any photography-related podcast that doesn't involve the both of you. What you created isn't gone. You just moved across the street. We'll be there when you crank up the new show.
Posted by: Darrell | October 13, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Hey - DRAMA QUEENS - relax, no one is listening anymore. Your fans probably left you about eight months ago! Sorry but that's the truth. As far as your explanation, you have told us nothing. If you cannot tell the truth about your situation with TPN than your burying the lead and it's about time you stop BS' ing the listeners. Shame on both of you for not sacking up and be honest about your situation. These sappy apologies wouldn't be necessary if you allowed yourselves to just be who you are. You of all people should know that Scott!!! Stop censoring and just do the show. I hope you keep some of this in mind when preparing for the new show. You are photo enthusiasts and not broadcasters so just stop the attempt at formality and just speak to each other like 'normal human beings. That means you'll have to open up too Michael and stop letting Scott force out your responses.
I still listen guys - I'm not going away - I'll haunt you guys forever ...
Posted by: Michael Cortina | October 13, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Wow, Darrell, I can't imagine a better, more encouraging and nicer first comment than yours. Thanks, pal.
Posted by: Scott Sherman | October 13, 2008 at 04:03 PM
"If you build it, they will come." That's too bad they wouldn't let you officially sign off. Oh well, time to move on to greener pastures, and seeing the way they viewed your departure, look back on TPN as one of the cow patties in life. Looking forward to the new project guys! Keep us posted!
Posted by: -Harve- | October 13, 2008 at 05:16 PM
What Darrell said!
Looking forward very much to the new show, and hoping there's not too much attempt to expand, add features, upgrade, or otherwise depart from what really makes the show great: Scott and Michael talking to each other about digital photography. Best of luck,
Mike
Posted by: Mike | October 13, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Is there any way you can post the last episode yourselves, perhaps from this site? Many listeners would download it....
Good luck with the new project,
Frank
Posted by: Frank Slack | October 13, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Count me as another one happy to see your show is continuing. All you need to do is leverage the blogosphere, and let the Kelby's, the Sammons and other great guests you've had on your show alert their readers that you have moved. You guys have a great show - best of luck!
Posted by: Steven Hale | October 13, 2008 at 07:02 PM
I was thinking the same thing as Frank. Not sure if you can for legal reasons, but if you could, that'd be great!
If not, I understand, and remember, there are people that have your back who blog themselves! ;)
Posted by: Jason | October 13, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Oh Scott, this is such sad news. And happy at the same time, since you're starting a whole new show. I've been following the show since the start and it has accompanied me while I was getting into photography. So a special thanks goes to you guys.
I knew of the end of the show from TPN where Cameron posted a note. This is because i never managed to find a link to subscribe via RSS to your blog. I now figured out that i could just use the the blog's main address. Maybe it's worth putting a link to the xml feed on the main page for dumb people like me :)
Good luck for the new podcast guys!
Posted by: Mau | October 13, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Thanks for the comments, all.
Frank and Jason: Michael and I discussed posting our farewell episode ourselves, but given the behavior of TPN, we're concerned about what actions they'll take if we make available something that is called an episode of The Digital Photography Show.
I suppose we could edit it, but, to protect ourselves to the degree that we think might be necessary, we'd probably have to cut it into insensibility.
The situation is really unfortunate, but we are probably better off just moving forward.
Steven H - those are our thoughts exactly!
Mau: I don't know how to add an xml feed. This is a Typepad account and I don't see that feature listed. You'd think a major blogging platform like Typepad would establish a feed link by default, but they don't. Anyone know if there's a configuration option in Typepad that adds the feed address?
Posted by: Scott Sherman | October 14, 2008 at 03:18 AM
http://www.scottsphotoblog.com/atom.xml seems to work as a feed source for me.
Look forward to catching up with you guys in your new home.
Dan
Posted by: Dan Davies | October 14, 2008 at 05:43 AM
Hey Scott,
I wish you and Michael all the best in the future. I did post a link to this blog on the Digital Photography Show blog on the TPN site so hopefully others will find there way over here (if the post doesn't get deleted.)
Take care,
Mike
Posted by: Mike Smith | October 14, 2008 at 05:52 AM
Looking forward to a rapid return of The Guys! Geert Jan (Netherlands)
Posted by: geert | October 14, 2008 at 08:37 AM
I could have sworn I saw the title for Show 98 briefly appear in my RSS feed. So, let's assume for a moment that it did post briefly until the QC folks at TPN removed it.
In that case, for those of us with iTunes set to auto-download new episodes of podcasts, wouldn't it be in there? Under that pretext, what if one of us were to post our download on another outlet (with a different title, naturally...)?
Posted by: Jason | October 14, 2008 at 09:14 AM
I think it is ridiculous that TPN reacted this way, given that I never would have heard of them if not for finding your show on iTunes. I think between getting the word out and also the Flickr group that many of us will find the new show, which I am really looking forward to.
Thanks for many great shows and I look forward to many more.
Posted by: Jamie Sanford | October 14, 2008 at 09:20 AM
I hate that we all missed your last show, but I'm pleased you will have a new one soon! Looking forward to it. Also, glad to have this blog already in my rss feeds, so I can keep up to date!
Posted by: Beth | October 14, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Too bad for the ugliness at the end, but I can't say "corporate" ugliness is surprising. Unfortunately it is more the norm.
I have been listening since the beginning and look forward to more listening pleasure when the new show starts up. Hopefully this new format/ownership will allow you more freedom and independence to grow and develop as podcasters.
Posted by: Holly | October 14, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Hi Scott
Having been a listener to The Digital Photography Show for the past two years, you can count on me to be a listener to your new Podcast. I will also put a link on my web site to help promote you. Good luck with the new podcast - I really hope to be listening to you soon, I really miss hearing the both of you, listening to the podcast is always a bright spot in my week.
Posted by: Bruce Taylor | October 14, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Is there a mailing list we could join to know when the new podcast is available?
Posted by: jabilson007 | October 14, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Looking forward to catching up with you guys after your reborn ;) I have absolutely fallen in love with your show and can't imagine not listening to it ;]
take care!!
Posted by: Rafal | October 14, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Hi Scott and Michael,
Sorry to hear it all ended that way. Looking forward to your next show.
Have you kept your gmail account?
regards
Scott
Posted by: Scott | October 14, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Agreed - between the Kelby's, Sammons, Westfall's, and other mentionables, don't forget all - for those of us unmentionables with our own voices, we can help too once the new one launches.
Get on your blogs and pimp it out! If you don't have one - start one - it's free at either Typepad or Wordpress or Google! Take your pick, and start posting about the downfall of corporate mentality on the blogosphere.
Then when Scott and Michael launch their new podcast, help them out with your blog posts...put it in Google news, Digg, ShareThis, Newsvine, and everything you can think of. Let's get a 95% transfer rate from TPN to where ever they land!
We're here for you Scott (and Michael)!!
Posted by: Jason | October 14, 2008 at 03:25 PM
Don't forget to get them to change the image for the show. I'm sure that you mentioned that you'd shot it and we can't have them using your images! Look forward to your new show.
Posted by: Mike | October 14, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Damn.....I will miss the show and await the new one. Good luck.
Posted by: Norman | October 14, 2008 at 08:49 PM
You need to set up an email list ASAP to let interested listeners in on updates without having to bookmark/bisit this site.
Posted by: Jerry | October 14, 2008 at 09:07 PM