May 29, 2007
Dear PodcastPEN Members and Guests,
When we started TSFPN (now the Podcast Entertainment Network) two years ago, podcasting was in its infancy. The iTunes podcast directory didn't exist and the only people who knew what podcasts were were the people creating them. We were the first organization to promote podcasts in specific genres, we were the first organization to offer listener ratings and we were the first to offer podcasters and their fans a chance to participate in a network community.
My, how times have changed!
We set up the network with a few goals in mind: One of those goals was simply to bring this exciting and revolutionary form of entertainment to the ears of the masses. Another was to help podcasters set and achieve goals for their shows. Yet another was to build alliances between podcasters and other visionaries in like genres.
We thought it would take years to achieve our goals, but our success was immediate! In its first four weeks, the network had a quarter of a million visitors; in its second month, another half million. From there, the numbers sky-rocketed.
In addition to achieving our goals in short order, we've had the pleasure of working with some of the most outstanding names in podcasting. We've made friends, we've watched their shows grow, and we have helped to forge lasting bonds in the science fiction and gaming communities. We have born witness to the next generation of podcasting.
However, the demands of maintaining the network are extraordinary. And as many of you know, the other realities of life, other commitments and goals make demands, as well. Our lives have gone ahead full speed and demanded more of our time and energy:
In the past two years, Mike has written four novels, several short stories, co-authored two screenplays – one of which won the prestigious Fade In Magazine Grand Prize for scriptwriting! Mike has also won two podcasting awards for his ground-breaking show, The Secrets, and joined the DragonPage C2C podcast. He's managed to keep up his busy travel schedule, his work on the GAMA board, and helped found the International Horror and Science Fiction Film Festival (http://www.horrorscifi.com). It is one of the world's largest genre film festivals and Mike is the Director of Science Fiction Programming. He's just launched the Fortress Draconis podcast (grab it at http://www.fortressdraconis.com) and has spent the last two years heavily promoting podcasting to and within the gaming industry.
Kat wrote her first book and sold it, launched two new companies – TerraVerde Power (a green energy company), and KatAlley Hosting (http://www.katalley.com), a web hosting business which serves several premiere podcasts, as well as a number of blogs, online stores, and other business and personal sites. Kat was also invited to serve on two industry-based ethics committees – the DSA and the TNEC, and has committed to consult on a presidential campaign. She will be re-launching her motivational podcast, KatCast, in July. KatCast was canceled last year due to Podcast Entertainment Network considerations. And, mostly importantly, Kat has gone from being a single mother of two to a single mother of five.
In light of all the unforeseen changes in our lives and in podcasting, we have decided to close the network. However, the forums will remain open indefinitely. Technical questions, or any concerns regarding the forums should be addressed to Kat via email: kat AT katalley DOT com or via Skype: kassie_klaybourne (or same email address). Additionally, if we can be of any service at all, podcasting or otherwise, please do not hesitate to call on us.
It has been a very great pleasure to serve you. We look forward to interacting with all of you on individual projects, at conventions, and in other venues. Thank you so much for your consideration and your participation.
Warmest regards,
Mike Stackpole
Kat Klaybourne
