The Reason Why I Left BlogTalk Radio (BTR)

Tha Artivist Says: Over the last several months fans and supporters have been calling, texting and e-mailing me to find out what has happened to the popular "Tha Artivist Presents...W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Radio" program...I had decided back in January 2012 to sever ties with our broadcasting/podcasting platform partner Blog Talk Radio (BTR)...The decision was both business and personal...I decided that in the 21st Century I as a person of color wanted full control and respect over the product that I produced: Eliminate the middle man to become a better man and to truly control my destiny by controlling the economics of my culture...I believe in creating a leadership style and organization that sets the example and standard for others to follow and even surpass...With that said I have taken a short hiatus or vacation to create a strategy to implement such a vision as well as to get other elements/aspects of my life back into a healthy balance...I truly embrace my role  as a prophet/pioneer of the things to come and I look forward to helping make the transition or shift into a new matrix or paradigm an enjoyable and welcoming one...However, you can still listen to past episodes of our pioneering program at the following link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/weallbe...The best is yet to come from W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Media...Be on the lookout and enjoy the journey...One heart!

Their Response:

BlogTalkRadio Survey Follow Up

Inbox

x

John Sweet johnsweet@blogtalkradio.com	12/27/11
to me

HI Ron, I received your survey results and would like to help, please let me know a good time to reach you and the best number,

Thanks and I look forward to talking with you!

Best,

John C Sweet

Assistant Director of Operations, BlogTalkRadio

P: 646.807.0832

E: johnsweet@blogtalkradio.com

http://blogtalkradio.com

http://cinch.fm

               

 My Response:

A gentleman will not insult me, and no man not a gentleman can insult me.
~Frederick Douglass

That message from John Sweet was 12/27/2011…As of 5/5/2012 I have yet to hear from John Sweet concerning my departure from the BTR premium host status as promised. As a matter of fact that has been the problem with BTR service: the promises of follow up never being followed through…

After 5 years and 230 shows I decided to call it quits as an active dues paying host of BTR…I think, especially in my case, that BTR takes many of its longtime hosts for granted…Before BTR became Hollywood it was Neighborhood: it was the everyday folks that created the content that built the platform that created the buzz that generated the interest from the powers that be…Lesson: Never underestimate the power of the people and never take the people for granted…

As much as I have enjoyed the BTR platform over the years I just can’t see myself paying for poor customer service for one more year…John Sweet is notorious for leaving me hanging…When I have a tech issue or concern he would always say he will call me back to resolve the issue but he never does and true to form he did not let me down…Hate to sound like a scorned lover but I am passionate about communication and although I benefited due to my association with BTR I need the relationship to be reciprocal and not one-sided with me giving it all that I got while BTR takes me and my efforts for granted…The key to any successful business is really customer service: giving the customer what she or he wants while at the same time showing same customer true value by treating them with the utmost respect and importance…This of course in many instances lead to brand loyalty and great word of mouth which in turn leads to not only repeat business but new business…BTR cannot last long with mistreating loyal customers because bad business practices cannot generate new and continued business and support…There are other options to podcasting meaning that BTR isn’t the only game in town and when the people have options they will respond accordingly…I really do feel that those who have been with BTR close to the beginning (5 years) shouldn’t have had to pay for premium services because those of us that consistently produced content at the start created the foundation for BTR’s current success…

I am also troubled by BTR handling of actual archive listen numbers as well as royalty pay…I remember last year seeing my listening numbers both live and archive as well as my royalties taking a weird dive after a spike which left me befuddled and concerned…I reached out to John Sweet for an explanation and as usual never got one or a follow-up…

Also I have had exceptional folks on my show, but ever since Phillip Recchia left, I have been out of luck in getting many of them featured or promoted by BTR…I understand that BTR is a business and that businesses should first and foremost be about making money but I also believe that businesses have a responsibility to the community that patronize it to make a difference...With that said the media should not only entertain but also educate, exposing  people to new ideas, people and ways at looking at their world and own potential…I know BTR has limited featuring capacity but it should strive for balance, the operative word is strive…

In conclusion, I must truly say that my overall 5 year broadcasting experience has been a positive one…I have been able to break stories and make a difference as well as many lifelong friends because of the BTR platform…However, I refuse to be treated or disrespected as a paying customer like this for another year…I spent 5 years adding value to the BTR Brand now it is time to add greater value to my own brand and platform…Alan Levy thanks for creating the BTR platform (out of a tragedy a true triumph was born) and setting the example,but I must now leave the plantation and be free to make my own way.

No hard feelings, but something you all needed to read and hear.

Ron Herd II aka Bro. Ron aka r2c2h2 tha artivist
Founder Of W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Media