TWIT - Leo Laporte

About TWIT: I like the episodes with John C. Dvorak as he tends to keep the show on track, but the 20 minute running commercials for Audible annoy me.

I have to respectfully disagree about the "community" aspect you mention. The hosts of TWIT are completely unapproachable unless you're part of the social media elite. This is not a lot of fun to me. 

The AGP keeps it real. I like that a lot better than an ePeen race to 100.000 followers.

yes but that is like saying Brat Pitt wont talk to me any more - TWIT is a model of new media as Dave asked about  - TWIT is that new model   - and audilble pays for the bandwidth  - sooner or later if this site expands it will need sponsors for the bandwidth 

and if you can't listen because of 3 two  minute ads in an hour plus podcast  then what is your model ?  I like dvork too and cranky greeks and in one ep of cranky geeks you get more ads than anywhere else

Your issue with twit is that you cant get in 'the click' or they wont listen to you  - well have you tried  ?  - I have

Yes they have now gotten so big so as people find it hard to get thru the noise  - but imagine if this site went that way  - how would you reply to 10,000 emails etc  -

if it is a twitter race you are refering to then (1000,000 followers ) you must know they opposed twitter and set up a alternative  - TWIT army basic on open software - and have a  podcast dedicated to open software  -

and a sponsor her might get this site a spell checker her lol

Twit and carpools are the future  - hopefully 

I understand that you enjoy mass media. I hope you understand that this is not to everyone's taste. There will ALWAYS be groups of enthousiasts that will cater to the niche.

Not everyone will be part of your ideal of 1.000.000 sheep floks. Sorry, not me. I only deal with trusted friends.

For all its shortcomings mentioned above, the TWiT group of podcasts are professionally done and I think set a high standard. I think we're looking at two ends of the same spectrum. The smaller tech podcast, steadily building followers is bound to be more approachable than the big frontrunner with thousand of dedicated listeners. You've obviously much more chance of being 'heard' on the smaller podcast.
Coincidentally, this month marks the second anniversary of my discovering tech podcasts. I've tried quite a few now but interestingly only two or three have made it though from the beginning - TWiT, The Knightcast and of course the GGP/AGP.

I wonder what you think about "Buzz Out Loud" techandlife? Very high production value and their show has survived numerous cast changes and never lost steam.

http://reviews.cnet.com/buzz-out-loud-podcast/

They're pretty much the "paper" I "read" on my bike to work every morning.

Yeah... the TWiT and Dvorak podcasts are very commercial.

I sometimes listen to the "Cranky Geeks" podcast (and fast forward through the commercials), and I occasionally watch TWiT Live if he has a particularly interesting guest on, but for the most part they're not telling me anything I don't already know, they're just rehashing the feeds I've already read.

I think the difference between podcasts like AGP and TWiT is that the AGP isn't looking to make a quick buck from their audience...

The problem with TWIT is their podcasts are too long. They are an hour plus but only have maybe 10 - 15 minutes of actual Tech talk. Otherwise it is all about Leo plugging his sponsors or stroking his own ego.

I am not one to shy away from popular media because it is popular. But I really don't understand why Leo Laporte is so polular. TechTV was a good TV show when it was on. But his podcasts are not good

I am not big fan of twit, I agree with many of the comments above and think that those shows are jsut to long with not enough actual content.

Talking of new media have any of you checked out Geek Brief TV with Cali Lewis they are short to the point and very informative.

Thanks for the Geek Brief TV link, that goes on my rotation. It reminds me a bit of the daily shows Tekzilla does with Veronica Belmont (rawrrr eh lads?)

Too bad Maholo daily doesn't exist anymore. :(

DISCLAIMER: before you read my post, sorry. i was tired and i guess this hit a nerve, basically there's a big RANT coming. If you dont want to read it all, here's some bullet-points;
*RANT RANT RANT
*AGP is awesome
*mass media - dead
*niche media - new age
*RANT RANT RANT
*AGP hosts rock

well, i began reading the first few posts in this thread thinking to myself, "just don't get involved, don't stick your nose in and it will peter out by itself", but then i kept scrolling, and scrolling and i saw that more and more of the AGP Community got in on what, i'm sorry to say, i can only describe as a bit of "TWiT bashing". I must say that after being a proud member of the AGP Community for as long as i have, this is the very first time i've see anything remotly like this. maybe it's just because @seano is the sole TWiT fan here? maybe he struck a nerve with the other listeners? i do know that this IS a seperate thread entirly fromt the recent #I'veBeenRuinedByTheAGP where many of us, including me, have expressed our bitter-sweet feelings over Dave, Cait and Keith's high production values where-by we all appriciate them but on the flip side, it makes other 'lesser' podcasts un-consumable to us.

No, this thread is about TWiT, and apparently there are many of the AGP Community who have listened, most of those don't like it, yet one or two of us do. Yes, i've consumed many a TWiT episode and i really don't mind them at all, however in recent weeks, i'll admit i removed the show from my podcatcher. TWiT has ads, as do most other podcasts, including the AGP. the difference as many have pointed out is the AGP advertises other podcasts for the sole purpose of building further communities, not to pay for their bandwith. we AGP-ians are blessed and some of the luckiest community members in the world because our show producers are as interested in the subject topic as we are, even more-so because they have given up their time and resources to create and put out the show. Sadly, however, this is a rarety. To find any other podcast with the same level of production values would mean one thing, sponsored ads. Leo's show caters to many, and i must try to not be so judgemental but, most of his listeners, i believe, simple watch/listen to his shows so they feel like they are 'up-to-date' and 'with-the-in-group'

that isn't why we are here at AGP, we are all here because we understand that mass media, in any and every form, is dying (if not dead already...newspaper?)
this exciting new world that we enter is full of niche markets, niche communities and so on. with the world of technology at our collective fingertips, we have access like never before, to anything and everything we want.
it's because of that power that we as consumers now have, that will stop us from sitting through ads, however few, and we will move on to something better, something taylored specificlly for our niche.

i don't believe the AGP will ever get as big as TWiT, or many other similar shows, and that's exactly why. all the big shows are the same, right down to the ads.
the AGP is ours (and i hope i'm not stepping on your toes Dave but) We the community own it and control it, that is what keeps it in our own niche and thats why we all love it so much, because our hosts understand.

mattoid12: I think you've summed things up really well there.

woollymittens: Yes I have tried Buzz Out Loud and quite liked it. Trouble is I don't have a daily commute to fill so tend not to go for daily podcasts. I load up my player once or twice a week and that's it. I also prefer shows with a mix like the AGP rather than just tech news.

Sorry if my posts came accross as TWIT-bashing. I was only trying to say that my attention dies off when the community gets impersonal. This is the same reason why I don't work for large corporations and only for small companies.

Having said that, I do enjoy the shows of Leo Laporte with John C. Dvorak on, who's a cranky geek indeed and keeps the rest from floating off on tangents.

Speaking of cranky geeks... that's a tremendously fun podcast Somehow I can tolerate the commercials in that better too. Maybe it's because there's a clear break between topics.

Seano, great post that has created some lively discussion.

For me, I have just under a 2 hour commute per day.  It's on the train, so easy to listen to podcasts.

I listen to lots of different podcasts TWIT makes up some of them. I listen to TWIT, Security Now, Windows Weekly, Net@night and more recently TWIF as part of the Leo Laporte stable.  I find most shows are a bit hit or miss as to whether they interest me or not, so I will fast forward a bit if it's boring me, and will always fast forward the ads. 

I think that Leo Laporte is pretty genuine and does a good job.  John C. Dvorak is another favourite of mine because he is not scared to play the devils advocate and has a very quick wit.

To Wooly - I also listen to Cranky Geeks - I agree, it's a good fun podcast.

In regards to AGP I rate it right up there in my top favourites and new format is shaping up well.

So I was right  - Matt88 such wise words and so well said  - beer indeed is the answer  -if I can just stay sober enough to figure out the question  -

I had lost all interest in tech and then saw a show on cable  - the how to channel  - called "call for help " which became the lab with Leo  - and then suddendly (after a 100 plus daily shows)  it got axed  - it was a fun show some tips some free sofware  - a magazine type tech show  - then I started finding him on itunes and got really interested in tech again  - I was from the sinclair spectrum gang  - then upgraded my mobiles and got an iphone which I never use as a phone but do use as an ipod and coz I drive alot can listen to a lot of podcasts - all twits then astromny cast ( brilliant  ) then skeptics guide to the unverivse  - spectic zone etc

and expanded to find this one AGP so leo is directly reponsible for my membersip as the more I hear the more I want hear

Now the skeptic zone  - bad astronomy - astronomy cast - skeptics guide to the universe - all support each other but here it was like Twit is a commercial sell out  - if you watch him live  - hes funny he has a very costly set up and he is right accross all the issues hardware and software - he knows his stuff  - he was the first to start on about twitter  - he has the news on everything  - and it is heavy on the bay area but that is were silicion valley is - so unless usa stops ruling the tech world and setting all the trends he is a must listen to

But wow what a response

Ironicially Net at Night like to promote other Podcasts and if someone emailed Amber she may well plug this site but then it may become popular and too big for its boots like TWIT eh

Crap! I can't believe what an awesome community you guys really are, phew. Not sure if I can add anything that has not been said already.

I used to listen to TwiT many many moons ago and Cranky Geeks but I lost interest. I felt that it was a bit same same and to be honest the tone of Leo started to get on my nerves. Must admit though I also got into podcasting myself and my time for listening dried up somewhat.

I actually still listen when I can to Security Now which I enjoy but not for Leo's input.

New the freeking Audible ads at the start give me the shits - they may as well read a script, but Leo sprouts it with what appears to be fake excitement... not sure if it is or not, but it feels a bit "wrong" and insincere - causing you to feel like he is saying it because he is being paid to. Personally no amount of money is worth it to push that crap in that way to my audience.

The AGP's most important asset is the community, period. Every single one of you matter to me personally. I love sharing your good times your successes and failures and mine. It is aweosme that we can develop, change and evolve and the community is there supporting us and understands that we are after all human.

I could go on and on about the things you guys have said, I was greatly encouraged to see you guys rally as the AGP community to protect the thing we value - each other. That's what we have that Leo doesn't. A very real relationship with our listeners. Mattoid is probably right - we won't get as big as other shows for the very reason that I don't think we have ever tried to be the same as the rest, as big, as dollar driven. Our focus has been pretty different. Sure I would love to be doing this for a living. But then I am not sure I would want to become what I would have to become in order to do that.

That said I also think that Seano is right, Leo was doing stuff that other people were trying to do long before a lot of other shows and networks. There is certainly an element of leadership there in the medium producing original content of a good quality. Just had a thought too - what would happen to TwiT and others should Leo fall off his perch or decide to "retire"???  I also think that it has somewhat lost some of that direction over the years and is floundering with commercialism. I think that the feelings this community has about that "tone" that I mentioned is reflected in the like-mindedness of listeners of the AGP in relation to TwiT etal.

Yet that is exactly what we have tried to do, be different. I can't compete on numbers with Leo but I can compete in so much as attracting those people that want to create something great and special. I would like to think that is what sets us a part.

Hence the reason that we encourage adding fellow listeners to your twitter, why we started the forum, being active hosts. I just provide the catalyst for that in the show. You guys are creating the discussion and the interaction, talking to each other starting and contributing to threads like this one.

It is also why you get to talk with me in a way that you won't see Leo doing. Why I share things about my life and family. Why I see some of you as friends. Why I send email responses to a lot of thoughtful feedback that we get from listeners through email. Why I am taking the time to write something here.

I am not sure how off topic I have gone now, that was not my intention, but sorry :P I just could not leave it without contributing something. I was blown away with everything you guys have said. I just really hope that @Seano doesn't feel like a punching bag! Is this the second thread you have been knocked in?? Mate welcome to the club - it is not exclusive but bloody hell these guys are loyal, they speak their mind and defend the AGP, the hosts and each other regardless of topic! AGP LISTENERS ROCK! So I guess I am saying it is not personal, they are loving it I am sure.

So is Leo my competition, well yes and no. They do tech and they are a dominating force as far as a network and numbers. Can I compete with that, nope.... Can he compete with the AGP? Depends on what we value and how we are measuring that, I say no. I am not giving up our community for quids!

Mattoid, no you are not stepping on my toes.

As you were

Still can't believe you guys... you really do rock

Put it like that Dave and it is a Microsoft v Apple type of issue. Leo like Microsoft have done a lot to be accessible to the general public. To create a product that anyone can pick up and understand and use.

Apple has always gone for high end good quality. And there will always be a market for quality produced goods. That is why we are all here. We all love the high quality that we get each episode (nearly said week there :-D ) from AGP.

Thanks for listening Dave, Thanks for sharing, Thanks for making this community a possibility

Dave thanks for your reply  -  Thanks for the welcome and yes two posts two wows  - I'm a big boy and have no problems with anything been said - as long as you don't say scientology is the answer

But if anything I now believe more in what I fiirst said - I posted this because you Dave read out an email and it belittled LEO  I could go back and listen exacly what was said but I think that is not in the spirit of this forum  - it should be flow and impressions  - and as everyone here listens to the podcast we all know  - that was my point on the post

Now theres been for and against LEO most ppl saying about the ads - well come on unless you are a socialist who doesnt want to make money  - but do you sell yourself out for the money no - The products he spooks are good products  - I have signed up for Carbonite  and squarespace  and I believe he actually does like the products  - I am very happy with both  -

The ads do go too long but they are side tracked and go off in varous ways  but that just proves they are not scripted  - as if you fake it will show

The first post I had was about Hulu and when  Dave said in the podcast its not available here lets not talk about it  and I started the post-  as in try it before you judge  - and looking at all the posts here the people who dont listen to twit are going  - yeah its a sell out  and those that do listen to twit go - your right it a bit of a sell out but then theres these great things too

and as I thought TWIT here is a durty word

and not sure you still get it  - like the Hulu issue my point was before you critise it make sure you know about it  - Thanks for the welcome and I don't mind argy bargy  lol

maybe you need a talk forum on the podcasts 5 min section  

I have nothing against Leo Laporte or TWiT... Leo is from a broadcasting background and "old media" where advertising is second nature. This doesn't make TWiT bad, but it decreases my enjoyment when I consume his podcasts. It's something like those websites, such as TechCrunch, that create blog posts that don't really say a lot, or re-hash someone else's story, just to get you to visit their pages and view their advertisements. They might as well throw up a "Hey! Look at my ads!" on Twitter.

John C. Dvorak also has a "traditional" media background, being a writer for magazines and a podcaster, and he also has a large financial interest in Mevio. Advertisements are also second nature to him, it doesn't mean I have to watch them or listen to them though. I have the ability to fast forward through them when I consume his podcasts.

Both Leo and John are making a living from their podcasts, so it is in their best interests to have advertisers paying the bills.

There are a lot of podcasts that I do not bother with because so many people say how "great" they are. I don't bother with Cali Lewis, for one. Not because Cali Lewis is bad at what she does, but I'm interested in the content of the program more than just a "cute chick" reading stories about tech. I subscribe to Diggnation, but I wouldn't say that it is a "great" podcast. It's amusing at times, but I think their popularity comes more from hype than it does from anything else.

There are hundreds of podcasts out there to listen to. Some of them are stupid, some of them are amazing, some of them are re-packaged mainstream media masquerading as a podcast, and some of them fill a much-needed niche. It is up to us as "consumers" to choose the good from the bad rather than going with the hype. Everyone will have a different opinion on what is good or bad, so I don't think we should be "bashing" any one kind of podcast over another. We each enjoy different things...

-just a little off topic for this thread, but this thread caused me to think about it. in a mad, scary alternate reality where the Aussie Geek Podcast stopped, was no more :(   (i know right)..i would still come back to this forum. what i'm trying to say is that for me, the AGP is no longer just about a podcast, it's no longer even mostly about a podcast, for me (and i think i finally understand you Dave) it's this community that i'm interested in interacting with and being a part of. the fact that it also happens to be home to the best produced tech podcast going? well thats just a massive bonus.

@seano i dont know exactly how i came off before, but like @Herne said, I am not against TWiT, Leo or JCD. i consume a great podcast by JCD and until recently, i enjoyed listening to TWiT. i dont mean that i no longer do, just that in my downsizing and 'clean-up' he happened to go :(
TWiT is not a dirty word, you've just hit on a community thats realizing that after the AGP, there's not too many podcasts left