Hmm…WHY Would Mevio Remove the Last Episode of Geek Brief?

archdog77 says:

July 1, 2010 at 8:44 am

could Neil be thinking of doing it himself?

David Knighton says:

July 1, 2010 at 8:55 am

It’s probably just some dumb move advised by their legal department. Regardless, Geek Brief will always be YOUR show, Cali. I’ll never watch it hosted by anyone else. They could put gorgeous, naked, fembots on there, and I still wouldn’t watch it. And that’s saying a lot or me.

Markus says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:15 am

They removed it cause they lost you. YOU are awesome, and now their bitter. Hell with em’ – take it as a compliment.

Larry Wood says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:16 am

I remember back when Mevio was PodShow that they had lots of issues with their podcasters. Remember that very public blow up with Keith and the Girl? I hope they wouldn’t try to replace you, but if they do, I’d suggest you get a good lawyer. GeekBrief would NEVER be GeekBrief w/o Cali Lewis!

Mikie says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:16 am

Well, in some sense, it did not make that seem in the best light. Maybe legal, maybe just don’t like bad news.

In the last few days, LOTS of the links go to dead pages, general home pages, and not where the link would suggest.

If you want to keep this going, please make sure as many links as possible go somewhere useful. Dead links are not shinny-happy.

Nika says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:22 am

Cali – you reminded me of a post I put up TWO YEARS AGO regarding Mevio. Not terribly shocked that they’re finally getting around to screwing you over also…

from – http://nikadreamscape.wordpress.com/2008/09/20/screw-mevio-that-failure-of-a-company/

“A very brief summary for those who don’t know what Mevio is. Remember that old VJ on MTV from the 80′s that everyone used to make fun of, Adam Curry? Back when podcasting started, he formed a network called Podshow, and offered up a contract to select podcasters with the promise of being able to ‘quit your dayjobs’ and get paid podcasting. A contract was sent out for people to sign to join Podshow. The contract basically stated things like if they ever left Podshow, they would no longer be able to keep the podcast name or do the current show, Podshow owns the name of the podcast and all their content while under contract. They can’t sell their own merchandise, etc. There were a bunch of rules. Many podcasters joined anyway- I know one podcast DID lose the right to its name when they left Podshow.

A few months ago, Podshow decided to make some changes, and renamed theirself “Mevio”. Co-founders Adam Curry and Ron Bloom were heard in a recorded statement laughing at the podcasters who joined Podshow by signing what they called ‘the dummy contract- because only dummies would sign it.” They also said something about never believing in independant podcasting as a means of entertainment. I don’t have the exact quotes- but if you google anything about podshow sucks, you’ll probably find them.

The next thing they did was start releasing all the podcasts who followed them by not renewing their contracts, leaving them now without jobs or pay. Dawn and Drew and Yeast Radio definitely got the axe, not sure who else.

Here is why I’m pissed off, now. I have heard Keith and the Girl complaining many times that Podshow/Mevio has put KATG on the Mevio site as a way to use their name to drive up Mevio’s numbers. They did not have permission to place KATG on the site.. I heard they are doing it to other podcasts, now. I did some searches, and sure enough.. SLPN VIDEO and KEEMECAST is on the Mevio website, as if they are with Mevio. Who knows how many others are on there also, I don’t have time to look.

Mevio is using our podcasts to inflate their own web hits. Screw them.”

You think they are going to try to replace you on your own show? You BET THEY ARE!

Emilio says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:32 am

John C. Dvorak was complaining about them way back in 2006 – On an episode of TWiT he said “…It would be nice if we actually made some money.
I’ve been complaining about this with Adam too…”

How can a company stay in business so long when they treat their talent this way? I guess it’s no wonder that they have no big talent left with the exception of John Dvorak him self… That speaks volumes.

Susan says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:36 am

Cali,

I hope they aren’t going to try and replace you! But let’s give them the benefit of the doubt.

Mevio has a lot of shows on its network and I can’t help but believe that they would be more focused their future and taking care of their current podcasters than getting involved with a losing battle like this. Sure they can launch a show with a different host but it won’t be the same GeekBrief that we’ve all come to know and love. YOU are GeekBrief and NO-ONE ELSE.

Anyways, you just have too many fans out their who would cry foul for this to be worth their time. Donchathink?

We LOVE YOU CALI – We’ve got your back!

David says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:40 am

Sounds suspicious, but doesn’t matter to me. I won’t watch GeekBrief without Cali.

hermann says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:49 am

Could it just be that they didn’t want to discuss or have discussed legal wrangles – like not being able to settle the differences that lead to GeekBrief ending?

Rocky says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:52 am

Why would they do this? Probably because that Curry clown is a pig. Isn’t he loaded all the time? Probably makes all his decisions while in a purple haze. He probably has so much alimony to pay the only way he can do it is to steal shows and then try to profit from them… while they self destruct…. Ethics be damned at Mevio I guess.

Blue Gomez says:

July 1, 2010 at 10:05 am

Cali, when you are on the top there will always be misdeeds from the zealots. Who is CEO and Founder of Mevio? Adam Curry who is Adam Curry just ask his brother Mark Zuckerberg. I know Adam Curry and the crap he tried to pull with MTV and the MTV.Com fiasco. But here is some advice for you Cali “Always Take The High Road”.

Love you for what you bring to my life and my career Shinny Happy Tech. I will follow you @ GeekBeat.TV.

Martin says:

July 1, 2010 at 11:11 am

May not have liked the possible implication that they are difficult to do business with. Most would not take it that way, but some might take it that way.

I also will not be watching any new GeekBrief, and love that you are on Rev 3 which is probably where you should have already been with the cool shows.

However, unlike David, if they did produce a new Geekbrief with tons of gorgeous naked fembots, I would at least watch it a couple times….. a day.

Dan says:

July 1, 2010 at 11:27 am

I think people are overlooking the obvious answer here. While Cali was extremely tactful and polite in her final episode with Mevio, it did point out that there were some internal problems within the company. From a PR standpoint, they are better off taking down that one episode so future viewers don’t see that they have a situation going on.

John says:

July 1, 2010 at 12:27 pm

Cali,
Remember when it was the GIA (Geek Intelligence Agency I Think?) Just do that. Find another way to produce it. Call it Cali-GIA. You have done a wonderful job. Your podcasts were short, and to the point. I especially liked your travel podcasts when you were on the road.
Hang in there!

Ian Wizard says:

July 1, 2010 at 12:30 pm

They probably took it down because of how you explained what a terrible corp the are. Weather your intention or not, you made them seem like bad guys. I’m not saying that you did anything wrong, and I didn’t like them to begin with. Have a Nice Day

Bert Singels says:

July 1, 2010 at 1:17 pm

Damn, that’s harsh.
You were very professional in handling the last episode,
so there was no reason to do that.

But whatever. Cali you are the show, so no matter what they do we’ll keep watching you.

Short note to Adam Cury: Man ga je schamen in een hoekje, valt me zwaar van je tegen.

Mike says:

July 1, 2010 at 1:22 pm

I think it’s so sad that for 4 1/2 years GeekBrief was the creation of Neal and Cali but now Neal says it was his creation and Cali says it is her own show. Just another example of why a couple shouldn’t do business together.

Ron Collins says:

July 1, 2010 at 1:30 pm

Since I hadn’t seen it yet (but did have it already downloaded to my iPod, I immediately went to my iTunes and created an ipod version so that I can keep it in my movies section forever! Take that Mevio!

Marc says:

July 1, 2010 at 1:53 pm

The reason they pulled it is not about keeping their reputation, or keeping the Geekbrief name. They pulled it because Cali told the viewers to go to another channel.

Shows get discontinued all the time. The worst thing that can happen is that the viewership “up and moves”. They want the viewers to browse around and “find” a new show on Mevio, not just leave for Cali’s new show. You can slam your network all you want as long as you stay with them. They would not censor Cali if she did so during her run, though they might send her an email.

Think of Conan. The networks were so afraid that his audience would move with him that they prohibited him from doing a show for a time. This is no different motivation.

Craig says:

July 1, 2010 at 2:13 pm

I’m inclined to agree with Marc. They pulled your episode because you told people how to find your new show and fundamentally, people watch the show for you, not “because it’s GeekBrief”. Consequently, if they want any hope of doing anything with the name they now own, they need to make sure every viewer doesn’t immediately unsubscribe and move away from their network. Writing this did just make me realise I should go and unsubscribe to the old podcast, lest they start delivering some pale imitation.

monte says:

July 1, 2010 at 2:45 pm

In addition to the above points, technically, geekbrief was a tech info show. So technically the last show was outside the format of the previous episodes ie. no technical information. On that ground they may have decided to remove it. Never the less, Geekbrief had alot of human interest and that is why we loved it. This isn’t a beginning or an end, it is a continuum.

Marc says:

July 1, 2010 at 3:03 pm

I don’t know… Mevio just cares about viewership, and content is really up to the contributor. I don’t think they care why people are watching, just that they are.

Someone probably noticed that the Geekbrief feed dropped in subscriptions substantially, and they were just trying to halt the exodus. I certainly unsubscribed immediately. I suspect that 1/2 the people who saw the last episode did so as well.

TeamPiper says:

July 1, 2010 at 4:22 pm

Hi Cali,

We told you when we started Piper’s show that you were a huge inspiration behind what we were launching. She was 7 at the time. That was over 2 years ago. The show has evolved so much…and it’s changed our lives – big time. We’ve switched coasts and have met amazing people. Piper’s recognized at events now. Kids write to her asking for advice. It’s very surreal and we’re very grateful for it.

You had a very big impact. Keep smiling and being yourself. At some point you might find yourself on the other end of her microphone. When she’s asking you wacky questions, remember that your partly to blame. Thank you! We’ll be watching!

All the best,
TeamPiper

Lisa says:

July 1, 2010 at 4:51 pm

Who gives a rat’s ass about Geek Brief now anyway? It’s all about
Geek Beat now. Even if they do throw another host in there, I’m not
even going to bother checking it out…I’ve got Geek Beat to watch now.

drew says:

July 1, 2010 at 4:54 pm

sounds suspicious to me…
best of luck to you cali in your new diggs

brandon says:

July 1, 2010 at 5:19 pm

Who’s Mevio….

Cali.Tv would be a better name anyway.

Guru says:

July 1, 2010 at 9:40 pm

and why is it that geekbeat.tv is not available right now???

rob t. says:

July 1, 2010 at 11:01 pm

Cali,

Weird it is. Don’t worry NO ONE can replace you. It would be like David Lee Roth replacing Howard Stern. You are the best. Don’t get toooo slick, stay you on the new show. thanks keep up the great work.

rob t. says:

July 1, 2010 at 11:03 pm

Two requests, would you update on jailbreaking OS 4 please. And keep the bangs, let the hair grow a little longer, keep smiling. Be Cali.
Good luck on the new show.

Justfyi says:

July 1, 2010 at 11:10 pm

Dunno, but I noticed this:

You might want to not want people to be accusing your Ex of criminal activity on Twitter. I just got a spam “let us follow you” attempt by someone named @alliebaldwin. Does she work for/with you? She is accusing Neal of criminal activity, which is libel, and actionable i civil court. Here is her (@alliebaldwin) tweet stream:

alliebaldwin

* Follow
* Lists
*

Your lists:

4.

@Ronnie_Morgan My boss knows both of them very well and you just might consider not assuming that he’s right and she’s wrong, that’s all. about 7 hours ago via web in reply to Ronnie_Morgan
* Reply
* Retweet
5.

@Ronnie_Morgan I only ask because there are some pretty heavy reasons why she left him. Like criminal activity type of stuff… about 7 hours ago via web in reply to Ronnie_Morgan
* Reply
* Retweet
6.

@Ronnie_Morgan Interesting… So with no consideration about why she left? Just choose his side? about 7 hours ago via web in reply to Ronnie_Morgan
* Reply
* Retweet
7.

@Ronnie_Morgan Why are you not going to be watching Cali any longer? You know she has a new show, right? about 11 hours ago via web in reply to Ronnie_Morgan
* Reply
* Retweet

Marc says:

July 2, 2010 at 12:13 am

I’m sorry for this Luria (Cali):

Though rumors cannot get it correct I think it’s important that someone forward and state some insight:

http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/digitalsavant/entries/2010/06/28/cali_lewis_exit.html

Neil and Laria’s breakup is private. We’ve all been there. We all know. I’ve certainly been exactly where Neil is – upset and clutching at straws. Like most break ups there are causalities. Geek Brief is just one of many over the millennia of human history.

Then, there;s Luria: She may think Neil has something to do with the last episode ‘going away’ having something to do with Neil. Okay… maybe it does, however Mevio is a business, regardless of emotions. They are only going to act if it’s in their interest.

Did Neil get it off Mevio? Maybe he made a phone call or so. Maybe he brought the last episode to their attention. Maybe he simply said, “The Luria/Neil partnership is dissolved, and the contract with Mevio is in dispute.” and maybe there is truth in this. Maybe.

Me? I think it’s possible Neil made a plea to Mevio. I think it’s possible that it’s the reason they looked at the video. But still… I go back to my original hypothesis: Mevio is in business to make money. If I were a Mevio employee I’d remove the last episode purely on content. It’s simply not in their interest to keep it up.

Again, sorry Luria – It’s your life. All of this should remain that way. You don’t need it displayed in public.

I was concerned enough about your divorce that I created a video-letter to send to Neil. I didn’t send it because in reality my message was about myself, and how I felt about my failed relationships. Maybe that’s why anyone is interested at all.

Certainly, the discussion around love and loss is not over. It’s not over until there are no people left.

Jas says:

July 2, 2010 at 4:36 am

I wonder what the legalities are in this. I thought GBTV was owned by Cali & Neal and Podshow/Mevia was just the “network” or distributor of the show.

Kind of like on television. Take the TV show Charmed, for example. It was produced by Paramount, but aired on The WB. Now, The WB doesn’t own the show. Paramount does. But while the show was on The WB, the network had control over the content, distribution, etc. But if Paramount ever wanted to bring Charmed back, they could sell the TV rights to any network they want.

I just assumed that the same was true for podcasts. That Cali & Neal own the “studio” that produced the show while Mevio was the network/distributor. Ownership rights still belong to C&N, but so long as Mevio cuts the checks and provides hosting, etc. they can make creative changes (unless otherwise specified in the contract).

Cali, would you mind shedding some light on this? I’m curious to know who actually owns Geekbrief — you/Neal or Mevio.

Ben says:

July 2, 2010 at 11:33 am

Whatever the reason for pulling the last show of the mevio site…

I have unsubscribed to Geekbrief and subscribed to Geekbeat.

You were always the reason I watched the shown. Keep on giving us shiny, happy tech news.

Dan says:

July 2, 2010 at 11:40 am

Geekbrief had a winning format, I look forward to Geekbeat with the same expectation.

Its good to have a change once in a while, keep posting tech news with a smile and enthusiasm and ill keep watching.

Thomas says:

July 2, 2010 at 1:55 pm

Thanks god you started a new show, though we “lost” you. Off cause Mevio dont want the bad publicity, BUT taking it down, only makes them look worse!!!

Love your work!

Ryan says:

July 2, 2010 at 8:47 pm

SUE THEM!!!! *evil laugh*

Khz says:

July 3, 2010 at 4:46 am

Mevio probably doesn’t want to publish material that goes against them. Just like you probably would remove comments that are not supporting your brand.

I’m subscribing and waiting. The new show has very little content, most of which is ads, bestofyoutube-style clips and US-specific topics. I think I’m just subscribing to see you smile. For now.

BTW It’s not a good sign that your site is full of references to sites that security software and Google considers harmful and potentially containing malware. That includes the show’s “producer/director” website and the advertiser, glomobi or whatever.

sgtret says:

July 3, 2010 at 6:09 am

I missed seeing this farewell on Mevio. Thank you for posting it here. When you speak so seriously it is really touching. However, your innate enthusiasm is never far below the surface. This gives hope to all of us. Thanks!!

Jude says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:03 am

Well if you can start a show called “GeekBeat” that’s exactly the same as “GeekBrief” I’m sure they are within their right to continue a show that they have been running in the past. Shows switch anchors all of the time in old media. I wouldn’t worry about it unless you have ownership in that name and are not compensated.

I think a break from that name entirely to “TechBrief with Cali Lewis”. Always good to have your own name in the title and own the rights to it.

The Real Nika Dreamscape says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:23 am

Whoa! Got a trackback on my blog and came to see what it was about. Whoever posted the 7th comment is not me, but someone impersonating me. Not sure why they would go to the trouble of pretending to be me and not have just said, ‘Hey, this blogger posted about this 2 years ago, here’s the link to her article’, lol. Not sure if I should be alarmed or flattered. But regardless- my opinion still stands- Adam Curry is a dick. Sorry you’re finding this out the hard way. Screw Mevio!

Allie Baldwin says:

July 3, 2010 at 12:50 pm

@Justfyi – I dunno either. I don’t work for anyone anyone involved here. I’m just a fan and have friends who know them. So, I don’t have any direct information about what’s going here.

I have seen a few different things online that insinuate that there were issues involved that caused her to leave. These issues were clearly in the realm of unlawful behavior on his part. I’m not going to repeat them here because I don’t want to invite a lawsuit. But if I can be sued for libel because I commented on twitter that I saw public information regarding an undefined behavior that may be criminal then I guess I need a lawyer.

In the situation you were referencing from twitter, I noticed that a person (Ronnie Morgan) was a fan of GeekBrief but was saying he was not going to watch the new show based upon Neal’s online rants. I thought it was unfair of him to make that decision based upon Neal’s very public statements about very private stuff while not even considering the other side of this situation. Since Cali has enough class to not air her dirty laundry in public, unlike Neal, it’s important that we stand up for her when and where we can.

Does this seem reasonable?

Walter kessler says:

July 3, 2010 at 5:55 pm

Well Mevio might try to replace you but I will look for you on a new show. I will only follow the host. Best of luck on your new adventures.

mark says:

July 3, 2010 at 9:15 pm

cali, im thinking they just didn’t want to drive people to your new show. For those of us who subscribe, we all caught the episode anyways so we have already moved over to geekbeat. If they replaced you on geek brief, they would have an angry mob on their hands.

Melvyn in Cincy says:

July 3, 2010 at 11:21 pm

Cali, very professional exit. We are excited about your new GeekBeat.tv show and will be there to support you as you move on with the new chapters in your life. Do you have any in person meet and greets in Dallas? I am there twice a month.

Tim says:

July 4, 2010 at 5:30 am

Cali, YOU’RE the reason we loved Geekbrief and we will continue to support you in your new projects! You have made our lives better by sharing your passion with us! Thanks and I look forward to a happy, shiny tech future with you!

Jim says:

July 4, 2010 at 12:48 pm

Cali – I’ve always enjoyed watching your podcasts. Hats off to you for going it on your own. Not many are willing to take the road less traveled. Congratulations and can’t wait to see what you do!

Bob says:

July 4, 2010 at 8:35 pm

The show may have been called geek brief but I watched it because of you. Whenever you decide to start a new podcast I’ll be watching that not geek brief. Good luck & I hope to see you on a new podcast soon!

Ken says:

July 5, 2010 at 3:51 am

Aside from bitterness, the last episode was pulled probably cuz it seems you gave too much info. Any info that shows the host company in a bad light should probably get pulled. A simple farewell or none at all would be just fine. We would find you, cuz we love you like that. Good thing iTunes saved me the trouble and automatically gave me Geek Beat. I didn’t go have to worry or go through Cali Lewis withdraws. So I didn’t miss a thing. And from my perspective, I didn’t mind not seeing the farewell episode.

Anyway, Cali I have and I will always be your fan (had to get a geek statement in here hehehe…). I love the new look and the new show. I hope you guys can keep growing, moving forward, and innovating ways to give us the news. I hope your new show becomes the type of show that dwarfs the old one in every way. It’s a Different World.

Ken

MacManiac says:

July 5, 2010 at 9:29 am

Can you say Rocketboom?

Sorry, just unsubscribed from GeekBEAT. I like Cali and I loved GeekBrief, but the new show is, for me, annoying. I preferred when the sponsor plug was at the end of the episode -in the middle it seems to break the flow of a 3-4 minute tech news update. Also, I can handle the fast talking and find it appropriate, but Cali is way too bouncy now and the rapid movement is distracting.

Just my two cents. I’ll still check out a few more episodes as I think this show is still finding its way. Perhaps in a few more weeks it will find what works and a good rhythm and when it does I will look at resubscribing.

All the best!

Bruce says:

July 5, 2010 at 7:03 pm

Sad to see so many ads…
1. The constant Revision3 bug/ad in upper corner of screen
2. Revision3 ad at start of show
3. Short ad promoting ad that runs in the middle of show
4. Ad in the middle of show
5. Ad for Revision3 at end of show.

Why did you tied yourself to another distribution channel? I suspect your personal brand was strong enough to allow you to stand on your own…. I sure hope you own the show this time around.

Pete says:

July 6, 2010 at 11:55 am

Please don’t take this the wrong way because I am a fan but was it just your own show? If other people had a part of it then I think it would be well within their right to replace a host that left. You moved on to what looks like bigger and better things. No need to make sure everything in your wake is dead. Like I said I’m a sub of the new show and wish you the best of luck but you asked so I put in my 2cents.

Loren says:

July 6, 2010 at 4:52 pm

Is this the wrong time to mention I’ve been asked to fill in as host of geekbrief.tv? ha ha kidding you’re irreplaceable Cali! Make it as clear as possible you’re not involved and move on with your show! People will figure out who’s the real deal!

Robert Geczi says:

July 8, 2010 at 12:26 am

I am sorry if someone asked this already, but I would like to know if there is ANY way to still watch the past shows in Geekbrief? I am assuming no, but I am hoping yes. The reason being is that I haven’t watched this show from the start, but was knocking them off one by one in the archives to catch with things. Then, all of a sudden, the change.

So, I really hope that I can access them somehow. Great archive it was.

Wade says:

July 10, 2010 at 11:38 am

“it looks like Mevio took it down (embedded below)”

Looks like they got you to take it down, too.

*unavailable*
*the content you are attempting to play is not found*

Rob Pickering says:

July 20, 2010 at 6:58 am

@Wade The Last Episode video is still playing from my Blog…just an FYI.

ZX-14 lady says:

July 21, 2010 at 10:28 pm

Electricity is really just organized lightning.

Carl says:

August 3, 2010 at 3:02 pm

I was WONDERING what happened to GeekBrief! The last podcast I received was the bloopers…and then it just went dead in iTunes! Awfully slimy of Mevio. I only learned about Cali’s new show on Leo LaPorte’s TWIT podcast today. I am signing up for it right now… I’m glad to get my daily Cali fix back!

hypotheek says:

August 12, 2010 at 3:29 am

Bereken zelf uw hypotheek. Hypotheek berekenen? Maak snel een indicatieve berekening van het maximale leenbedrag van uw hypotheek.

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August 13, 2010 at 7:31 am

I was just thinking about that yesterday

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Cali Lewis The Blog of Cali Lewis

Hmm…WHY Would Mevio Remove the Last Episode of Geek Brief?

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