I just published the 500th episode of The Digital Story, a project that has spanned 10 years.
At the time of the first show, October 2005, I was working for the publisher O'Reilly Media and writing photography books. My side business of shooting weddings and other events keep my photography sharp. And I had developed a good reputation in the Apple community as a writer for Macworld Magazine, speaker at Macworld conferences, and the editor for macdevcenter.com.
So, with all this going on, why get into podcasting?
One thing I had learned in my years of technology, is that you can't stand pat. A lot of people hate this reality. But as I watched companies like Netscape rise and fall, I knew that this possibility applied to me too. My position at O'Reilly and in the Mac community had an expiration date. And it came sooner than I thought.
I embraced podcasting because I felt it was the best way for me to become a legitimate publisher on my own, not depending on anything other than the Internet and unfolding news. I would build the site, record the shows, and syndicate them using RSS and the new capacity that the iTunes Store added for podcasters. That decision turned out to be a good one.
Months later, I was laid off from O'Reilly, followed by severe cutbacks at Macworld Magazine, and the closing of the Macworld Conference. I was now on my own, whether I wanted to be or not.
The Digital Story became my career lifeline. Its popularity secured press passes to major events, access to manufacturers and their products, and raised my standing in the photography community. It bought me time while I reinvented myself once again.
Even though the show is free to download, it gives back in so many ways. That's why I love to thank listeners for their support.
Now I'm working on a new endeavor: The Nimble Photographer Show. I'm taking a different approach with it, and I look forward to sharing the details with you soon.
I'll continue with The Digital Story for as long as the audience supports it. I like that show. And The Nimble Photographer podcast will start a new chapter in my continued effort.
Which is as always, to ride the winds of change. And try not to be swept way in the process.
-Derrick