G+_Shooter McLovin Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 I love TWiT. I have T-shirts, I have a brick, I've contributed video, audio, links and comments to several shows, and have a spreadsheet of timecodes for the end of the year "Best Of" episodes. I love Leo Laporte... I think he's leading a revolution, and I've said in public many times how I wish I could achieve just a fraction of what he has. And I also love both Android (Nexus 5!) and iOS (iPhone 5s and MacBook Air). My favorite shows are TWiT, TWiG (Gina and Jeff are a fantastic pair), and MacBreak Weekly, but I listen to and watch many others, from iFive to All About Android. But I've been enjoying MacBreak Weekly less in recent months. And while I really didn't want to be lumped into the same pile as trolls, haters, rabid fanboys, or whatever other terms that might be thrown about, I also love the show too much to say nothing. Look, I harbor within me an inner cranky old man, so I actually appreciate John C. Dvorak and Jerry Pournelle (though both annoy me as often as they delight). I'm also a journalist, so I totally appreciate a healthy -- even heavy -- dose of skepticism. But I have to add my voice to the seemingly growing chorus that feels that Leo is unreasonably negative on Apple. I am not looking for a show full of "cheerleaders" as was (again) alleged in the most recent show. I love that MBW has taken Apple to task for its missteps and failings (from the Mike Daisey episodes to the mess that was the Apple Maps launch). I love reasonable, colorful, fun conversation. It's my feeling, though, that Leo now has a potentially unconscious bias. And no, It's not playing "Devil's Advocate." This latest show is the latest example, but not the first, of Leo outright disregarding or failing to even hear what his fellow panelists are saying, because of his unwavering negative view. On the Beats acquisition, on several shows, he asks, "Someone please explain to me why this might make sense?" His panel responds with some fantastic theories, as well as some healthy skepticism, answering his question and giving a well rounded view. Leo's constant conclusion, as if he was just waiting to say it, is, "I just think it's stupid." After a good ten minutes of thought provoking conversation, those quips are almost disrespectful. Or on Apple after Steve Jobs, Leo loves to ask, "Has Apple lost its mojo?" It's low-hanging conversation fodder, almost unavoidable. Yet again, the panel responds with articulate, insightful feedback. Everyone else acknowledges that "new categories" and new products are still nowhere to be seen, but then moves on to debate more interesting points. Maybe what Tim Cook is doing, internally is innovative, or on the other hand, maybe there will never be something else as new revolutionary as the iPhone or iPad. Again, after a lively discussion, Leo's wrap up is, "Eh, this is all meaningless until we see a new product." That was stipulated up front, but still made for a good chat! In this past episode in particular, the fantastic Andy Ihnatko was putting together a brilliant response to Leo's skepticism on Apple's future, and Leo didn't even wait for Andy's point to land before talking right over him. I know Andy doesn't mind, as that's a talk show for you, but I was mad for him. Again, I don't want a show full of cheerleaders. I have my own concerns about Apple after a lifetime of being a fan, as evidenced by the fact that I'm now "bi" and am dabbling in Android and finding great appreciation for Google services. But as the permanent heart and soul of MacBreak Weekly, I really hope Leo can channel a little of that good ol' fashioned objectivity, or at least let his panelists have the last word now and then. Right now it seems like he sits in judgement, and it makes me leaving an episode frustrated rather than delighted. The only other way in which I can frame this that might be helpful is this: Let's say that Leo's role actually is to be the skeptic, to be the devil's advocate, to shoot down the idealism and fantasies of the other Apple fans on his Apple show. If so, there is a notable absence of someone in that role -- the dedicated, unilateral doubting role -- on AAA or Windows Weekly. I've heard the hosts on every show p'shaw another guest's opinion or point... but not so universally. Just one geek's opinion. I suppose I've over thought and over written this. But again, that's how much I love TWiT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Joe Sarsero Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 I have listened to every single episode of MacBreak Weekly. I completely agree with your (detailed) opinion. I still listen solely because of Andy and (now) Rene. I also bought a brick. I once subscribed to a dozen TWiT podcasts. Now it's just three. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_bryant thompson Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Thanks to my TiVo roamio I get the main shows if U do indeed miss them live, can'tt quite get them all, someone at twit contacts TiVo that too would be fixed. As a TiVo Advisor they regulaly get and read emails from me regarding various things and lately I've been harping on video podcasts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Michael Deis Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Have to agree with your view. It is fine to be the skeptic but let Andy and Rene, who tend to be more informed, finish their thoughts. ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Randy Hudson Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Andy has trouble finishing his own thoughts. He doesn't need any help to be interrupted. He seems like he knows what he want to say, he just has trouble saying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Peter Phillips Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 I've been saying that about Leo for a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Steve Huffer Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Agree with the praise and the criticism. I'd go further and say that Leo has been far too easy on Google in the last few months and that the change to this approach was extremely sudden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Bram Moerman Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Andy has trouble getting his thoughts out? I would not have thought so! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Randy Hudson Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Everyone has an opinion to be certain. I like Andy. He is well informed and all, I just find him difficult to listen to because he is not a good speaker. This isn't all that uncommon. A lot of Bloggers can write up a storm, but ask them to speak publicly and it is a disaster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Kyle Aisho Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I have the opposite opinion. I stopped listening to MBW because there was too much cheerleading. I much prefer WW with Paul and MJ's analysis. However sometimes I feel Paul is too hard on every other company. I would like someone tougher on Apple in MBW, I feel Andy and Rene's criticisms lack any real substance and it feels to me like they are doing it so they feel they aren't being too fanboy-ish. I think the mac version of MJ Foley would be amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Peter Phillips Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Kyle Aisho, it sounds your idea of an ideal Apple is MBW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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