CHRISLEYDON.COM

I’ve been quiet as of late, mainly because I’m doing very uninteresting things. I’m currently working on finishing off a Graduation video for my father, but that’s pretty much all of the possible excitement that I seem to have.

The previous statement, I suppose, could be called a lie because I’m also working on several other ideas and projects that I have. I say several, I actually mean three. One I’ve already discussed, but the other two not so much.

Keyone Productions is about to go under a rebrand; not an extreme one, we’re not doing a PodShow, but a reinvention. Before hand we’ve been all about having fun and making short lived projects. Whilst this is all well and good, it doesn’t pay the bills. As a business we’re starting to move towards short serial internet based content, in which advertising can be sold. We’re going to monetize off of the fantastic stuff that we create. I personally don’t believe in charging for internet content; one it’s not a profitable business venture and two, I personally don’t like paying for my entertainment.

With that in mind, myself and various others are finalising the details for two new Keyone ventures. Both of them will be online video shows, that will be offered through a podcasting medium. One will be made solely by Keyone Productions, whilst the other shall be a joint production with another creative digital media organisation. I can’t say more than that at this current moment in time, but all shall be revealed soon.

Chris Leydon.

So the story that’s quite important for me today, as it affects me directly, is the news that PodShow (Podcasting pioneering company extraordinaire) is changing its name. What to? I hear you ask… MEVIO.

Yep, they’ve dropped the “Pod” from their name and the “Show” too, but that’s besides the point. There are rumours that MEVIO will be a video network, this has a slight truth to it. From what I can gather MEVIO will be more video orientated in nature but will still support and have audio shows.

This would be the point where I say that myself and The Podzone will still stick by MEVIO no matter what, and I’m sure I will, however I’ve just realised that my contract with PodShow UK expired 2 weeks ago. That’s a bit of a bummer, still here’s hoping that it gets renewed, I haven’t heard anything to say otherwise.

Chris Leydon.

The second of my three posts today is concerning PodShow, more specifically, the rumours circulating about PodShow’s current state. I’m not allowed to go into much detail about this, due to contractual reasons and moral obligations, but I shall try to clear the air a bit.

It has been reported on Valleywag that PodShow are making radical changes to their company. First of all I’d like to point out that Valleywag is a rumour blog and nothing more, there are no quoted sources and most of it is speculation. Second of all what should it matter IF PodShow is making layoffs, IF it needs to downsize, let it.

Adam Curry, President of PodShow, has contacted PodShow producers today to inform them of exactly what’s happening within PodShow. As an independent PodShow producer myself, I too have been informed of these changes; they are not as radical as certain “publications” and fabrications are making them out to be.

This is a typical example of a rumour snowballing. Valleywag has no evidence of these layoffs and there has been no word from PodShow itself. PodShow is still committed to creating fantastic content and supporting its producers. Version 2.5 of its site launched this week and this sees a whole fresh look on PodShow itself. 2008 is set to be a big year for PodShow and I for one support them 100%.

My 12 month agreement with PodShow UK Ltd is up for renewal within the next few weeks, I have no plans not to agree to an extension; and as far as I’m aware, neither do PodShow. My experience with PodShow has been fantastic and I think that we are great partners together. The Podzone isn’t a huge internet sensation, but it is indeed great content that many people do want; PodShow and I see this and hopefully we’ll continue to produce fantastic content with each other for another 12 months. The money hasn’t been that bad either.

Blogs such as Valleywag exist to spread and fuel rumours. This is just PodShow bashing, it must PodShow’s time again. After all there’s no Apple news in sight to wank over, so it must be a slow “news” day.

Chris Leydon.