Art Bell Quits Dark Matter

[zeebo]

He's the guy that travelled to Mars with Obama when they were kids in an elevator. Also he's running for president.

Basiago rules!  He's one of my fave guests regardless of what his reality is.  From the Civil War to Mars is pretty epic man!

[SaucyRossy]

If streaming is allowed on his website and there are still "...Is it me?", poor sound quality callers that never make a point - then where should the blame fall?

Dude, let's just see what happens. Is it me? Callers will always be there.

The audience reach and listener pool was obviously too small for what Art wants to be able to reach. That's what it's boiled down to, he wants anyone in the world to hear him reliably.

[Bigfoot]

Art is a smart dude, and he has his reasons. None of us know what's going on in the back channel conversations. We don't know what's in his contract. We don't know what crap they've dished out to him.  I have no idea if him and SiriusXM will be able to work things out, but I stand by him in his decision because I know that he must have good reason. Because I didn't listen live when streaming from XM, I never experienced any problems streaming archived shows. But whatever. Who cares.

The oven scrapings who post here seem to not be able to grasp the fact that this is Art's business, his life, and his career. I admire and respect him for making the choices that he feels are best for him and his career; not for blabbering imbecilic twats who sling feces at him anonymously on an internet forum like moneys. If you don't like what he's doing, or the choices he's making, go listen to some other radio show! Blah blah blah. This story is as old as the internet.

You make it sound like Art was forced into chains of bondage or something.  Like Sirius is literally holding this man hostage, forcing him to broadcast Dark Matter at gunpoint.  The reality is that this man entered into a consensual obligation with SXM, most likely only after lengthy negotiations.  Especially after getting fucked over by PremRad, you would think he would prepare himself for getting into this. 

So no, the big old meanie corporate radio excuse doesn't quite cut it here.  Some of you seem to have something akin to battered woman syndrome.  Perhaps if you occasionally, maybe--just maybe--actually CALLED him out on his "mysterious disappearances" once in a while, you wouldn't be left holding the bag every time and wondering what the hell just happened. 

[tertiaryimam]

You make it sound like Art was forced into chains of bondage or something.  Like Sirius is literally holding this man hostage, forcing him to broadcast Dark Matter at gunpoint.  The reality is that this man entered into a consensual obligation with SXM, most likely only after lengthy negotiations.  Especially after getting fucked over by PremRad, you would think he would prepare himself for getting into this. 

So no, the big old meanie corporate radio excuse doesn't quite cut it here.  Some of you seem to have something akin to battered woman syndrome.  Perhaps if you occasionally, maybe--just maybe--actually CALLED him out on his "mysterious disappearances" once in a while, you wouldn't be left holding the bag every time and wondering what the hell just happened.

You wouldn't say that shit about Dan Aykroyd. Be honest now. You wouldn't talk about Dan Akryoyd like that.

[ringthane]

If streaming is allowed on his website and there are still "...Is it me?", poor sound quality callers that never make a point - then where should the blame fall?

I don't think the 'is it me?' was an issue related to the streaming debacle, but the way the sirius/line handles the callers. Call in to a radio show (at least the one's I've called into) and it's audibly obvious as there's a click and a change in tone... while you're on hold it sounds like you're listening to the radio through your phone (i.e., sounds heavily bandpassed); when you're live, it sounds like you're taking part in a normal phone convo. Sorry for the lame explanation.

From what I gather, there isn't an audible demarcation when calling a Sirius show (or at least Art's live studio line).

Callers not getting to the point -- Art doesn't suffer fools. Shit or get off the pot, Margaret, I got a show to run.

[SixWeekTenure(tm)]

Dude, let's just see what happens. Is it me? Callers will always be there.

The audience reach and listener pool was obviously too small for what Art wants to be able to reach. That's what it's boiled down to, he wants anyone in the world to hear him reliably.

That's my point though, open lines means there will be dumb callers who don't know to turn off the radio/stream or that pulling over to the side of the road would make their phone quality much more clear. I'm not mad at Art, just pointing out that every caller will not be as concise as Michio Kaku. 

[dortmunder]

Who on Breaking bad was most like art bell?

The one who was running a radio station from a winnebago? Oh, wait...

[zeebo]

I disagree with this, despite there being a number of cruel comments throughout the thread. Posters should have been more cordial but you have to remember that Art posted a message on Facebook, deleted it, and everyone was left in a panic, asking themselves "Are we losing him again?" The shock, anger and hurt in this thread were from fans who felt that the carpet had been pulled out from under them... now we have hope that he'll be back on with Dark Matter tomorrow night. Time to send SiriusXM messages in a show of support and see if they accept.

It's true - being upset justifies anything you say or do.  Our whole legal system is based on that everyone knows.

[FlagstaffChris]

So no, the big old meanie corporate radio excuse doesn't quite cut it here.  Some of you seem to have something akin to battered woman syndrome.  Perhaps if you occasionally, maybe--just maybe--actually CALLED him out on his "mysterious disappearances" once in a while, you wouldn't be left holding the bag every time and wondering what the hell just happened.

When he's disappeared in the past, I haven't freaked out and started bitching and whining about it. It's his life, his career, his decisions. There's no bag to hold! If he decides to go off the air, it's his decision! I'm bummed when it happens, but that's life. Shit happens. Does someone "call you out" every time you change jobs? Maybe he did make a poor decision - I don't know! I can tell you that he's at least smart enough to have run all this past his attorney, who would have a complete and clear understanding of his contractual obligations. It's his contract, not ours! It's not a democracy where his fans get to dictate what he does with his career! We vote by whether or not we listen. If it upsets someone so much, move on and listen to something else!

[zeebo]

Uh,... No...
Just a test...

Hey Paul ... hoping if this comes through we may be able to somehow start the stream later than 7pm on the west coast, say around 10pm would be ideal for me and some other nite owls.

[Bigfoot]

I don't think the 'is it me?' was an issue related to the streaming debacle, but the way the sirius/line handles the callers. Call in to a radio show (at least the one's I've called into) and it's audibly obvious as there's a click and a change in tone... while you're on hold it sounds like you're listening to the radio through your phone (i.e., sounds heavily bandpassed); when you're live, it sounds like you're taking part in a normal phone convo. Sorry for the lame explanation.

From what I gather, there isn't an audible demarcation when calling a Sirius show (or at least Art's live studio line).

Callers not getting to the point -- Art doesn't suffer fools. Shit or get off the pot, Margaret, I got a show to run.

That's odd because that is never an issue with all the other shows on Sirius I listen to.  I suggest that it's on Art's end--however the program's call screening works.

[SixWeekTenure(tm)]

It's true - being upset justifies anything you say or do.  Our whole legal system is based on that everyone knows.

If you arrived at that conclusion, I'm not sure you followed my line of reasoning in that post. I'm not justifying posters saying terrible things about Art's past at all. Child bride, he killed Ramona, yada yada - it's idiotic and that's how you can spot the people here just to cause trouble.

[shell88]

         Yup, how much "anti-Bell" sentiment existed here as of this past weekend? A serial quitter, uh, quitting after 6 weeks shouldn't be treated as "thank you sir, shit in my hat to make it fit better"...then he blames US.

whiner

[tertiaryimam]

That's odd because that is never an issue with all the other shows on Sirius I listen to.  I suggest that it's on Art's end--however the program's call screening works.

Art sounds way different on the phone. That's why. His voice is very bassy on the radio, but when he's on the phone all you hear is clipped high end and he sounds like a different person at first. After a bit it sounds a bit more normal, when you catch the mannerisms and whatnot. But anyway.

[popple]

I'm assuming that their advertisements would run as is and that Dark Matter would only stream live on his website, no reruns or download links, giving fans an incentive to subscribe (at least an internet only sub) to gain access to the backlog of show content.

The more shows Art does (hopefully 3+ years worth ) the more incentive there is to sign up and get into the archives. And if he happens to get his own channel one day.... 

[Bigfoot]

When he's disappeared in the past, I haven't freaked out and started bitching and whining about it. It's his life, his career, his decisions. There's no bag to hold! If he decides to go off the air, it's his decision! I'm bummed when it happens, but that's life. Shit happens. Does someone "call you out" every time you change jobs? Maybe he did make a poor decision - I don't know! I can tell you that he's at least smart enough to have run all this past his attorney, who would have a complete and clear understanding of his contractual obligations. It's his contract, not ours! It's not a democracy where his fans get to dictate what he does with his career! We vote by whether or not we listen. If it upsets someone so much, move on and listen to something else!

I agree with that, I do.  However, many of Bell's loyal listeners went out and bought satellite receivers and subscriptions for the new show.  Thankfully, they can get refunds on unused subs it seems. 

It seems more than a bit disingenuous to hype up the fanbase, promote a new show, only to cut out after about 2 months citing something as miniscule as an online streaming app...and then to get upset at all da haterz for having the audacity to say, "what the fuck, man?"

[shell88]

See. That's the issue.  Most listeners are listening live and on the road, I would agree.  So why the hell would Bell throw this hissyfit, threatening to quit, over some bullshit online player issue?

It's throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Yesterday's history
Tomorrows a mystery
Enjoy the present
That's why it's called the present

[zeebo]

If you arrived at that conclusion, I'm not sure you followed my line of reasoning in that post. I'm not justifying posters saying terrible things about Art's past at all. Child bride, he killed Ramona, yada yada - it's idiotic and that's how you can spot the people here just to cause trouble.

Basically I agree with you here, and sorry my previous response was a bit sarcastic.  Being upset, disappointed, emotional etc. is all totally understandable - I just got bummed out seeing the immense amount of hostility directed at Art, and felt it was way over the top. 

[Xitheron]

See. That's the issue.  Most listeners are listening live and on the road, I would agree.  So why the hell would Bell throw this hissyfit, threatening to quit, over some bullshit online player issue?

It's throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

It would be interesting to know the numbers.

Do you think most people watch "Breaking Bad" for instance live or watch it later on their DVR so they can fast forward the commercials?  I don't know...  In this day and age, I personally hate commercials of any kind and will do whatever I have to do to avoid them.  That's why I love the on demand aspect personally. Don't know how that will translate to the masses or to SXM's mindset.

[popple]

Here I am sitting at work at 5:40pm listening to a police scanner half a world away. I could have gone home half an hour ago.

Your wife is getting suspicious!

[secretlab]

So can someone explain to me just what SXM gets out of the proposed arrangement?

They pay the host (and his team), build him a studio, put him on air after advertising his return, and I'm sure I'm neglecting lots of other things...

all to have him give away the product for free online?

Sirius likely will insert a designated number of their commercials into the program, known as a barter arrangement in the biz, and they keep the cash from that.  Very standard practice, identical to the commercials local radio affiliates insert into Coast.  Win.  Win.

I think Art will be back soon, and he'll own the show, not Sirius.  Couldn't happen to a nicer fellow, really.

[Catsmile]

Hey Paul ... hoping if this comes through we may be able to somehow start the stream later than 7pm on the west coast, say around 10pm would be ideal for me and some other nite owls.

Except on Wednesday, 5:30PM EST would be ideal for me and others I'm sure.  :
Oh and could Art wear a blue polo shirt every Wednesday as well, as that would really put me in the mood for some Dark Matter.

[shell88]

I agree with that, I do.  However, many of Bell's loyal listeners went out and bought satellite receivers and subscriptions for the new show.  Thankfully, they can get refunds on unused subs it seems. 

It seems more than a bit disingenuous to hype up the fanbase, promote a new show, only to cut out after about 2 months citing something as miniscule as an online streaming app...and then to get upset at all da haterz for having the audacity to say, "what the fuck, man?"

Get over it!!! If your pissed walk away. don't listen. Hold grudges much?

[tertiaryimam]

Sirius likely will insert a designated number of their commercials into the program, known as a barter arrangement in the biz, and they keep the cash from that.  Very standard practice, identical to the commercials local radio affiliates insert into Coast.  Win.  Win.

I think Art will be back soon, and he'll own the show, not Sirius.  Couldn't happen to a nicer fellow, really.

How is going to squash the noncompete?

[SaucyRossy]

Your wife is getting suspicious!

Yeah I asked Art if he would say hi to Jaz on the stream! maybe he got his hopes up.


Or art could just play men at work.

[HumanBeing]

Art bell, you are the sea.
You are all the glory of the Sun and the Moon and all the stars in the sky.
When the wind whispers through the fields, it sings of your name. It tells me of you, and I know that even in all the world's darkness there is still a shining light. And when it shines to the full, even the blackest shadow will glow with it, and sing. And we shall all enter into glory once more, free and alive as we were on that day we first learned to sing.

You are that light, art.

Welcome home.

okkkkkk... and some would accuse me of possibly being off center  : 

These are the folks who will blindly bend over for Art and take it good and hard over and over again... just zombies.
Unreal.

[Bigfoot]

Get over it!!! If your pissed walk away. don't listen. Hold grudges much?

A grudge? What the hell? No, I'm bitching online about a celebrity that you or I have never met, don't know personally, etc.

Why you're acting like someone just offending you personally is very strange.  Are you going to go cry now because someone somewhere is entertaining negative thoughts about a millionaire who doesn't give a damn about you?

[SixWeekTenure(tm)]

The more shows Art does (hopefully 3+ years worth ) the more incentive there is to sign up and get into the archives. And if he happens to get his own channel one day.... 

Perhaps that's why the reaction to Dark Matter being pulled was so bad - no explanation except for a Facebook post that was quickly deleted while fans had been dreaming before Spooky Matter that Art would announce his own paranormal channel or a fifth day because everything was going so well. That's entirely our fault, believe me I know. It was just a shock to the system to hear Art had walked but as we hear some details trickle out, we're getting a better idea of the situation. As for the backlog, I absolutely love it. If I miss a show, I can easily log into the app and pause/rewind as needed and, like you pointed out, after a three year run (assuming SiriusXM accepts) there will be some amazing shows to listen to again and again. Still, I wish they would stay on top of users posting the show content on YouTube - if they are so in favor of exclusivity with Art Bell, maybe they should make an effort to protect the content!

[ringthane]

You make it sound like Art was forced into chains of bondage or something.  Like Sirius is literally holding this man hostage, forcing him to broadcast Dark Matter at gunpoint.  The reality is that this man entered into a consensual obligation with SXM, most likely only after lengthy negotiations.  Especially after getting fucked over by PremRad, you would think he would prepare himself for getting into this.

And you make it sound like contracts/agreements are one way streets.

Sirius obviously held up their end of the bargain in regards to the studio and creative control. Streaming? Maybe, maybe not. We weren't inundated with hundreds of emails saying 'I can't stream your show.'

How could Art know whether or not Sirius' infrastructure could handle the load? Was he supposed to call 10,000 of his closest friends and ask them to sign an NDA and beta test a secret Sirius channel simultaneously and let him know if they had problems streaming?

No, there's this good faith understanding that's Sirius' infrastructure can handle the load, and conversely Art would deliver the goods and not sit in a corner with a coloring book, eating Elmer's glue for 4 hours like George.

I don't agree with Art's methods. But I don't question his motivations. Art delivered with the talent. Sirius didn't deliver on the streaming.

My iPhone (4G/LTE) was flawless. My home broadband was a nightmare. Not a 2400 baud modem. I deal with SQL server clusters, so I'm not a total clusterfuck when it comes to technology.

Granted, the feral guinea pig that powers my router keeled over September 17, so Sirius may be in the clear.

[phrodo]

See. That's the issue.  Most listeners are listening live and on the road, I would agree.  So why the hell would Bell throw this hissyfit, threatening to quit, over some bullshit online player issue?

It's throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

That's the problem - most folks with SXM radios are on the road .. because that's where the bulk of the radios are -- and they are not as inclined to CALL IN as much as someone listening online at home would be. And listeners at home were getting pissed off because of the crappy SXM streaming platform.

At least a fourth of his show (the last hour or more every night) is callers asking questions of his guests. When the majority of your audience is not available for the caller segment ... you're left with Aussie Andy calling in via skype every night. *kidding jaz* 

Spooky was a bit on the weak side ... and the open lines night was not REAL spectacular either -- and apparently Art felt that was due to a dropoff of renewals due to issues with the stream or the availability of a core of callers. I trust his judgement and don't pretend to know more about his show than him.