I'm moving on from writing "mostly" about Broadband Wireless Internet Access. I explain this all in 73, and Thanks For All The Fish.
That calls into question the fate of Wireless Tech Radio.
I honestly don't know... for sure... but here's what I'm thinking at the moment.
I believe strongly in the power of podcasting. I think of podcasts as independent radio shows. The best ones are every bit as good as what passes for "broadcast" radio shows. The big difference is that with podcasting, you can start very, very small, and if you want to, remain totally independent. The costs of podcasting, done right, aren't cheap, but they're bearable if you have a decent day job.
You cannot say that with "broadcast" radio.
So, what does that have to do with WTR? WTR, in my mind, wasn't "supposed" to be mostly about Wireless ISPs (WISPs) or Broadband Wireless Internet Access (BWIA). What WTR was about, to me, was, literally... wireless technology. All kinds of wireless technology. And, I think that outlook is still valid, for me, post-BWIA.
So... here's my plan-of-the-moment.
1. I really need to get the old WTR episodes converted and posted as MP3's. Not easy - the archives are pretty scattered and disorganized.
2. I need to develop a new production model for WTR. I think that will be using a conference call service like FreeConferenceCall.com and use Apple's Garage Band on the Mac to massage the audio. Initially, it'll be pretty rude and crude, but eventually I'll get better at the effects and massaging and fix it.
3. I need to develop a new distribution model for WTR; almost certainly that's going to be iTunes. There just isn't anything else out there, from my perspective.
4. I need to produce WTR on a regular schedule.
5. I need to develop an integrated business model for WTR that has some path to at least modest profitablility. Jim Sutton, WTR's founder and I talked about much of this and probably could have executed it if we both had more time to devote to it and some modest capital to invest. It will include the podcasts being available free on iTunes, an email newsletter, a blog, advertisements / sponsors, and merchandise / products, such as transcripts, logo'd merchandise, etc.
6. WTR needs to address a wide range of stuff that's fun about wireless technology, such as:
- Cool new wireless gadgets for the home, like wireless phones, FRS/GMRS, Wi-Fi, etc.
- Cutting edge topics like Zigbee
- WTR should regularly cover all things cellular, but again, trying to talk more about the technology than "fashion", pricing, etc.
Bottom line is that I do think that resuming Wireless Tech Radio is doable, and without the "distraction" of my primary task being writing about Broadband Wireless Internet Access, Wireless Tech Radio might well be even more viable than ever.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about this - feel free to write me - [email protected].
By Steve Stroh
This article is Copyright © 2008 by Steve Stroh except for specifically-marked excerpts. Excerpts and links are expressly permitted (and encouraged).
This article was written and posted via Broadband Wireless Internet Access (BWIA); Clearwire service using a NextNet Wireless / Motorola Expedience Residential Service Unit (RSU).
