I recently wrote an entry about how unimpressed I was with the International Women's Podcasting Expo charging their presenters for the privilege of speaking. Sadly, it looks like these guys aren't the only people in this space that are out to lunch.
Tim Bourquin is busy putting together the Podcast and Portable Media Expo and part of his job has been trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with some of his potential presenters.
Google contacted Tim and asked if he wanted a presenter from Google to which Tim said "sure". Then Google sent him a 19 page application for to get a speaker.
Another company who had presented last year contacted Tim to present again this year. Tim said "sure", but asked if they wouldn't mind sponsoring a coffee break or ad in the program. The company declined stating that the market isn't really good for them. So they'll speak, but not advertise?
Sounds like there's a bunch of really, really strange ideas floating around in relation to expos and conferences. I have an idea - why don't we all do what we've all done before. Good content, decent venue, equitable price, mutual respect. Sounds like it might work than the current model of everyone trying to eek every penny out of whomever they can.
