As we are starting a new year I though it would be appropriate to reflect on where DiscussIT (http://www.discussit.co.za) is, and what we expect from 2010.
2009:
In January 2009 Graham (the black) Adler and I had released 2 episodes of the IT Security Pubcast under the ZATech banner: it was only in February that we started working with ITWeb, following which we opened After Dinner IT, Scamto, the short-lived PlanIT and Gadget, each podcast brand focusing on a niche topic.
In November and December 2008 we had 12 and 25 podcast downloads respectively. We have grown slowly but progressively: in December 2009 DiscussIT had 1510 downloads across the brands, with over 3200 downloads in the two months before year end: the most popular single episode ever was the Gadget Christmas episode.
Highlights of the year included the recordings done at the ITWeb Security Summit, the eDiligence Conference and ZAConn, each of which increased download numbers and grew listener awareness. Gadget went to the Rage Expo and recorded a live episode which highlighted both interesting technologies and people, while the NIA/Zuma Pubcast special episode
The biggest highlight, though, was the people we met and worked with: Helaine Leggat, Franco Rothner and crew, Matt Erasmus and Ralfe Poisson all joined as hosts, while Herman, Che, Justin and Cameron all provided back end support and guidance.
By the end of 2009 we had achieved the original objective and more.
2010:
Sadly, 2010 is likely to start with the loss of Graham Adler who has chosen to emigrate to the United States. As a founder member of both the Pubcast and DiscussIT, Graham has been foundational in helping make this all happen: he is both a partner and a close friend, and he will be missed.
The Pubcast, however, is a vibrant brand and it will continue to be produced by Matt, Ralfe, Helaine and I.
We also intend to add more brands to the stable: Legalise IT which will address the legislative challenges facing business in 2010. A social networking commentary is likely as well as other potential topics that are still under debate. Whatever the final outcome, we know that we will continue to search for the relevant issues that require debate and the right people to discuss them.
From all of us at DiscussIT we wish you a successful and productive 2010, and hope that you will keep listening and finding value in the material we provide.
- Tony
