Category Archives: Medley

Blognation: The Blogger’s Prelude and Tale

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Canterbury Tales Woodcut 148
To telle yow al the condicioun,
Of ech of hem, so as it semed me,
And whiche they weren, and of what degree,
And eek in what array that they were inne,
And at a knyght than wol I first bigynne.
Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales – Prelude

Prelude

It has been said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. For this reason, it’s time to reveal the menacing germ at the center of Blognation, Sam Sethi’s deceptions. Oliver Starr provides the sordid details behind this, The Blogger’s Prelude and Tale, with all the dangers of courtly love, treachery and greed that Chaucer could have imagined. I’d recommend you follow his post for the facts and time lines. Here you will find a short story – my story.

Yes, the story begins with a knight, Sam Sethi, whose noble quest along with fellow bloggers was to create a global perspective on technology news and analysis. This trek was noble though the knight was neither virtuous nor pious as is the recounting of some knight’s tales. Au contraire! This knight is a faker and liar of unbounded proportion. Having been ousted from his realm one year ago, his single-minded desire for vengeful legitimacy and avarice drove him to beguile, tempt and seduce the bloggers to undertake the doomed trek that has been Blognation to date.

A worthy group was assembled and promises of shared success with rewards for hard work and positive attitudes was the motto and standard. There was much excitement and dedication at the trail head. The group’s core produced and shared individual resources in an effort to help build a solid and successful company. One-for-all and all-for-one sort of commitment was the norm.

For my part, I was pleased to be asked to join with a group of professionals providing technology news and analysis with a global perspective. Some of my fellow travelers were already known by me at varying levels. Ewan – I work with at Mobile Messaging 2.0. Oliver – I knew by his success at Mobile Crunch, our meeting in Monte Carlo for Mobile Messaging 2.0 and subsequent communications. Nicole – I had worked with on the early Blogher site and a podcast called Media Slaves. We met in person at the first Los Angeles Bar Camp. Knowing that my colleagues were involved made the trek seem all the more pleasurable in prospect.

The Tale

What none of us were prepared for was the pathological nature of Sam Sethi’s deceit. The transcripts to be revealed by Oliver tell a story that is common to those of us offered contracts by Sam. The many promises to reimburse travel expenses that went unattended. The statements of email-in-progress to address questions or promised phone calls which mostly were simple prevarications by Sam. The two months of declaration that Blognation’s funding was delivered and “in the bank.” It’s difficult to understand such irrational behavior with a rational mind.

As far back as October, we were all told that the money was “in the bank.” No one could imagine that anyone would make such claims were they not true. And then Sam’s delays, stalls and explanations began. Sam continued and continued long past our collective credulity. In the final analysis he is, in fact, not the chivalrous knight, but instead, “the monk,” corrupted by previous good fortune and a smooth flattery.

I’m one of the lucky ones joining the group late on Sam’s reckless trek toward blog stardom. Sam’s debt to me is minor compared to most which is due, in part, to fate. It’s difficult for me to excuse myself from all blame as due diligence is required of us all whether joining a new employer, hiring someone or making decisions about contracts. My hope and redemption is that others will fare better and heed this cautionary tale. I have no expectation that I’ll recover monetary losses at the end of this sordid journey. Could be a moral will present itself through the eventual infamy of Sam Sethi.

Bloggers be aware and as with Chaucer’s The Nun’s Priest Tale:

“truste on flaterye,” ending with an “Amen!” And so it is with Sam Sethi.

Tech Crunch 40

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I’m travelling to SF this weekend in order to attend Tech Crunch 40.  Would love to meet any mobile companies in the area.  If you or your company is interested, I have some time on my calendar Wednesday, September 19th.  My contact info is on the About page or you can leave a comment here.

More over the weekend.

Eric Schmidt confirms Google 700 MHz bid

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While speaking at The Progress and Freedom Foundation Aspen Summit on August 21, 2007, Eric Schmidt states that Google plans to make good on their 700 MHz bid of 4.6 Billion with a caveat. He explains that the FCC’s final language will be “important.” The principles that the FCC embraced need to be reflected in the actual rules when they are published. At about 30 minutes, you’ll hear the confirmation. In addition, Schmidt seems to indicate Google is collaborating with others on their bid.

 

He also explains the power of the same features highlighted by John Stratton, CMO of Verizon Wireless that the combination of phone, camera, data network and GPS makes the advertising delivered to mobile subscribers enormously valuable.

Eric Schmidt confirms Google 700 MHz bid

Published by:

While speaking at The Progress and Freedom Foundation Aspen Summit on August 21, 2007, Eric Schmidt states that Google plans to make good on their 700 MHz bid of 4.6 Billion with a caveat. He explains that the FCC’s final language will be “important.” The principles that the FCC embraced need to be reflected in the actual rules when they are published. At about 30 minutes, you’ll hear the confirmation. In addition, Schmidt seems to indicate Google is collaborating with others on their bid.

 

He also explains the power of the same features highlighted by John Stratton, CMO of Verizon Wireless that the combination of phone, camera, data network and GPS makes the advertising delivered to mobile subscribers enormously valuable.

Live Blogging Nokia Launch, Go Play Event

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I’m live blogging Nokia’s Launch Event, Go Play over at Mobile Messaging 2.0 (MM2). The press conference this morning is already available. There will be more during the entertainment panel shortly.

Nokia, Go Play – part 1, OPK, CEO

Nokia, Go Play – part2, Xpress Music

Nokia, Go Play – part 3, Ovi

Nokia, Go Play – part 4, Q&A

Staying up late, so you don’t have to. The Entertainment Panel begins in about 30 mins, so check MM2 for more updates.

Andrew Keen, Attention and Moment of Zen

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Andrew Keen writes Cult of the Amateur, $15.

Andrew Keen speaks at Supernova, $2,000.

Andrew Keen on Politics

Andrew Keen reveals his inner amateur, priceless.

So now that he’s joined The Cult…wonder what his next book will be called?

IRONY ALERT: Didn’t Keen talk specifically about people on the Internet “stealing” from Steven Colbert? He forgot to mention that he was one of those people. Too bad he’s not funny like Steven.

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Andrew Keen, Attention and Moment of Zen

Published by:

Andrew Keen writes Cult of the Amateur, $15.

Andrew Keen speaks at Supernova, $2,000.

Andrew Keen on Politics

Andrew Keen reveals his inner amateur, priceless.

So now that he’s joined The Cult…wonder what his next book will be called?

IRONY ALERT: Didn’t Keen talk specifically about people on the Internet “stealing” from Steven Colbert? He forgot to mention that he was one of those people. Too bad he’s not funny like Steven.

Colbert Report Logo

Andrew Keen, Attention and Moment of Zen

Published by:

Andrew Keen writes Cult of the Amateur, $15.

Andrew Keen speaks at Supernova, $2,000.

Andrew Keen on Politics

Andrew Keen reveals his inner amateur, priceless.

So now that he’s joined The Cult…wonder what his next book will be called?

IRONY ALERT: Didn’t Keen talk specifically about people on the Internet “stealing” from Steven Colbert? He forgot to mention that he was one of those people. Too bad he’s not funny like Steven.

Colbert Report Logo

Andrew Keen, Attention and Moment of Zen

Published by:

Andrew Keen writes Cult of the Amateur, $15.

Andrew Keen speaks at Supernova, $2,000.

Andrew Keen on Politics

Andrew Keen reveals his inner amateur, priceless.

So now that he’s joined The Cult…wonder what his next book will be called?

IRONY ALERT: Didn’t Keen talk specifically about people on the Internet “stealing” from Steven Colbert? He forgot to mention that he was one of those people. Too bad he’s not funny like Steven.

Colbert Report Logo

Andrew Keen, Attention and Moment of Zen

Published by:

Andrew Keen writes Cult of the Amateur, $15.

Andrew Keen speaks at Supernova, $2,000.

Andrew Keen on Politics

Andrew Keen reveals his inner amateur, priceless.

So now that he’s joined The Cult…wonder what his next book will be called?

IRONY ALERT: Didn’t Keen talk specifically about people on the Internet “stealing” from Steven Colbert? He forgot to mention that he was one of those people. Too bad he’s not funny like Steven.

Colbert Report Logo