Why Jason Calacanis is Wrong
Last Updated on Monday, 13 December 2010 10:06 Written by Alan Sunday, 25 April 2010 02:19
I know I spend my time here writing about Windows in all its iterations. But today I’d like to take the time to write about something that has nothing to do with an OS.
If you are a geek/podcast fan/techie then you know Leo Laporte and you probably know Jason Calacanis. Jason has appeared many times on Leo’s This Week in Tech podcast and has never failed to be insightful and knowledgeable and nothing short of a great panelist.
Leo has built his TWiT Network from the ground up over the past few years and added great shows which he has painstakingly vetted. He readily admits that he does not own the “This Week in” name and that prior art prevents him from claiming it in the future. So, When Jason asked to use the “This Week in” phrase for a show Leo readily agreed.
Most people would understand this as a favor from a friend and be grateful for it. And for a while it seemed Mr. Calacanis would handle it in just that way. Then, however, he began to add more shows which all began with “This Week in” and even went so far as start and/or purchase the website thisweekin.com (I will not link it here). He claims he offered Leo Laporte the chance to purchase the domain, and I don’t doubt that he did. But, really? Why would anyone given an inch by a friend jump on it and take a mile? Clearly he has to know that his new network is riding on the coattails of TWiT? That most of his traffic is coming from people searching for TWiT? It really amounts to nothing more than domain-parking. No better than someone registering micrsoft.com for a link farm. He is building a network off of the confusion. Maybe his content is good. I wouldn’t know and don’t plan to find out.
Really, Jason? You made your money already. Was this really worth it for a few more dollars in your pocket?
UPDATE:
Jason responded to me via Twitter: “Jason
@alanbuckingham I agree I was wrong. 
And I commend him for it. I know he is a good guy and I have appreciated his contributions online. I hope he rectifies this situation.
