Impacting Your Audience
The Legend that is John C. Dvorak
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BEFORE WE START: Question of the Month
I start pulling clips tomorrow, so if you want some free exposure for your show all you have to do is record or upload an answer to the question of the month.
So you find out someone is a podcaster, what book would you recommend that they read. Obviously this could be a book about podcasting, or business, or storytelling, or, or... you get the idea.
I need your answer NOW (July 24th)
Don’t forget to say a little bit about your show and your website address (so I can add it to the show notes).
I’m Feeling Reflective
I wish I knew who to attribute this saying, but it’s a good one (and it’s not me).
Legends don’t ask to be remembered. They make it impossible to forget them.
Funeral in the Morning
It’s been a reflective day. I drove an hour to be with my ex-wife and her kids who were part of my life for 10 years. She lost her sister suddenly with no warning. Yes we are divorced, but if you can have friendly divorces, I’ve had two. It was great to see the step-kids and get caught up, and before I sound like a nice guy, for me, there is nothing better than giving a hug to someone who really needs one. It felt good to be needed.
A Two Hour Tribute To John C. Dvorak
I had no idea when I listened to episode 1887 of the No Agenda Show that it would be the last time I would hear an episode (which I’ve been listening to since 2007) with both original hosts (Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak).
John passed away quietly on Monday. He was 80. For years he said he was six years younger because he wanted to prove the New York Times doesn’t fact check.
The next episode was four hours long, and half way through they started reading people who donated to the show. John had a thing for the number 88, and TONS of people (myself included) donated 88.88 (and more).
So after Adam and John’s wifi Mimi, his kids and some close friends told some stories, they turned to the audience. I looked at my phone. The episode was only half way over, and for the next two hours it was person after person after person saying how they couldn’t believe the loss they felt for a man they never met (My sentiment exactly).
John C. Dvorak made an impact.
The Lightning Strike That Is the No Agenda Show
Two friends (one in London and the other in California) were talking over skype on a regular basis. John said, “We should record these.” If you’re new to this newsletter, I’m a believer in “Not every conversation needs to be a podcast.” I need to add, “Unless you’re John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry.
Adam has been in the media since he was a teenager on radio, TV, and most notably MTV. John was a tech writer who also was on TV, PC Magazine, and more. It also turned out that John has had every job under the sun. The beauty of the show is they didn’t hate each other, but they both came with different points of view as they deconstructed the media.
So let’s go over the checklist
laugh (yes)
Cry (not typically, but today yes)
Think (always)
Groan (it’s the news, so yes)
Educate (yes)
Entertain (always)
Save me time (they watched Cspan so I didn’t have to)
Save me Money (John had a tip of the day, so yes)
Information you can’t get any place else (the perfect blend of news, commentary, and humor).
The Originators of Value For Value
Instead of having advertising they launched a new monetization strategy and called it “Value for Value.” If you find value in the show, they just asked that you give some back in the form of money. They got enough money to support two families for 19 years. They thanked every person who donated above $50. They had tiers. You could be a “Knight of the No Agenda Roundtable” once your support went over $1000 (and you then get a ring - I’m currently a “Silent Knight” as I’ve never asked for my ring).
So these two guys we the creators of the strategy that people now called “Crowdfunding.” They don’t have listeners. They have producers who all help the show with either their time, talent, or treasure.
Community, Community, Community
Their audience all seemed to feel the same way, and started doing meetups without the hosts. That is a TRUE community. When you have your audience talking to each other, in my book that is the definition of a thriving community.
My Heart Goes Out to All
May Adam have the luck of Eddie Van Halen and help him find his Sammy Hagar. My heart goes out to all who knew him. John is truly impossible to forget.
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The Amp Accords
Dave! Where is your opinion about the AMP Accords??? I am reading that tonight and I’ll be watching this tonight (so it’s strange, but I might want to consume the content before I share my opinion.
Paymo Payment Processing
Last week I talked about how I was looking for a payment processor where I could have a retainer (along with the typical payment stuff) and I found Paymo. They have a free plan, and then the next plan up uses something I’ve never seen. It’s $10 for the first three months and then goes DOWN to $6/month.
According to their website, “The go-to platform for independent professionals and small teams to manage client work, track billable hours, send invoices, and stay profitable.” Check it out (aff)
What’s Coming In The Future
This week is the question of the month (if you’re reading this NOW, you need to answer NOW) Got feedback for the newsletter? Let me hear it.
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Loved this tribute to someone I never listened to and I really need to go back and listen. Thank you for that. One typo wifi where I know you meant wife when talking about Mimi.