I saw the story in Wired this morning about the failing radio station that is switching its format to "all podcast content." It's calling the experiment KYOURadio. This is my early take as I'm still learning about it, but I have to say that I'm underimpressed so far.

Here's the deal. They are taking podcasts, screening them for profanity and (one supposes) production quality and then airing them over their transmitter and live stream. They are continuing to run their ads. The thing I have not noticed is any statement about how or whether they are paying the podcast producers. My guess is not. So, they are taking citizen media they get for free, airing it on an obscure AM station and getting paid for it.

What an uncompelling proposition for me and any other podcaster. In fact, I urge everyone to not participate unless or until there is something in it for you. Otherwise this is just a Tom Sawyer whitewashing the fence stratagem, trying to trick you into to doing their work for them for free. Sounds like they are banking on podcasters being so flattered to be on gasp actual radio that they'll jump at this shitty deal. I've been on actual radio - commercial, college, and nationally syndicated public radio. I'm not in a hurry to get back on airwaves just for the sake of it. I find podcasting way more exciting than radio ever was. Ask yourself why you would want to participate. What would you get that you aren't already getting out of your podcast?

Folks, be strong. If you let other people make money off you and give your stuff to them for nothing, you just undercut yourself and allow them to devalue your labor. Doing this for love and not getting paid is fine. When you do it for love and someone else gets paid, that is not fine. KYOURadio, wake me up when you have a check for me.