Techsploder

Tom Merritt

May 3, 2024

Long-time tech podcaster Tom Merritt and Jason Howell reflect on their tech careers, pivotal moments, and creating the Buzz Out Loud podcast. They discuss building communities around their shows, early internet memories, and the impact of technology on society. Tom shares his journey into tech journalism at ZDTV/TechTV and addresses AI content generation. Follow Tom's work on Daily Tech News Show and Substack for more tech insights.

52:33

Creator website

Episode guests

Tom Merritt

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Collaboration and friendship in tech industry impact career paths.

Value of consent and new regulations in data usage for generative AI.

Deep dives

Adapting to Technology Concerns

Concerns about adapting to new technology often mirror concerns from the past. Despite initial worries, history shows we are adept at adapting to new technologies over time.

Introduction

3min

Meeting Tom Merritt and Reflecting on Mutual Appreciation

12min

Nostalgic Memories and Encouragement

7min

Nostalgic Memories of Computer Camp and Internet Beginnings

3min

Nostalgia and Future Tech

19min

Information on Following Speaker's Work and Patreon Support

3min

Long-time tech podcasters Jason Howell and Tom Merritt take a trip down memory lane, sharing their career origins and the pivotal moments that shaped their paths in the world of tech.

Support this show via Patreon: patreon.com/JasonHowell

Jason expressing appreciation for Tom as a collaborator and friend in the tech industry
"Sliding door" moments in the professional lives of Tom and Jason.
Tom's origin story of how he got into tech journalism at ZDTV/TechTV
The creation of the Buzz Out Loud podcast at CNET in 2005
The Buzztownarchive.com project preserving the Buzz Out Loud episodes
The importance of the community built around their shows
Seeing fans' lives progress over many years through their interactions
Some of Tom's fondest early Internet memories.
Tom's fanzine and early Internet websites including Subbrilliant.com
Patron question: How Tom feels about his content being a part of generative AI databases.