Art Bell Quits Dark Matter

[sherry440]

Maren, I can understand it. Performing on radio as a talk show host isn't all that different from being a musical performer. If that is & was your life, it's kind of hard to retire. You miss the applause and it's not fun to just be an everyday person...much more fun to be a star! But, when you get older and go back under the spotlight it really is fun for the first little bit but it doesn't take long for the newness to wear off and just like any other job---you can prefer to just go back to your easy chair and put your feet up.
It's a conundrum -- old performers never die--

And, with your own stream you get to make your own flexible hours, right? And just play it on your own schedule.  He knew what he was risking and that was ok with him. I can't explain it, but I've been there myself.

[ItsOver]

Maren, I can understand it. Performing on radio as a talk show host isn't all that different from being a musical performer. If that is & was your life, it's kind of hard to retire. You miss the applause and it's not fun to just be an everyday person...much more fun to be a star! But, when you get older and go back under the spotlight it really is fun for the first little bit but it doesn't take long for the newness to wear off and just like any other job---you can prefer to just go back to your easy chair and put your feet up.
It's a conundrum -- old performers never die--

And, with your own stream you get to make your own flexible hours, right? And just play it on your own schedule.  He knew what he was risking and that was ok with him. I can't explain it, but I've been there myself.

This. 

[Stan_Holeman]

I believe Art is representing himself honestly -- it's how he views the situation.

So, we should be thanking Art for fighting against those ruthless corporate thugs at Sirius who made him his studio and gave him total creative control? Art bravely fighting the man on behalf of the oppressed underclass of Internet streamers? Art, the new Jesus of radio, martyring himself so that we don't have to listen to truckers call in on cell phones?

Again, I like the guy, he does a great show, but this is too much. I'd be on his side if this wasn't a subscription service where lots of people really have lost money on this.

[Bigfoot]

This thread has more conspiracy theories than the average Alex Jones show.

Alex Jones is CIA. 

[Stan_Holeman]

I don't think so, I think it was always meant to be a 4 hr show.  There were hopes that he would sometimes extend here and there, but he never did. 

My opinion is that he did it just to see if he still could.  After a few weeks, the novelty wore off. 

A very vocal minority complained about the streaming webapp.  Art took it and blew its severity up in order to use it as grounds for countersuit, should it be needed.  Apparently SXM, in their discretion, essentially gave him a free out of his contract so it wasn't needed after all. 

He could even pay off the NC most likely or even fight it, but he won't.  Face it, shit ain't happening

I'd love to be able to eat my words, however.

This is what I believe as well. Well said. I even agree with the contractual aspects with the streaming...I think he was shielding himself for breach of contract.

[ItsOver]

B. B. King - The Thrill Is Gone (Live at Montreux 1993)

[Foodlion]

This thread has more conspiracy theories than the average Alex Jones show.

And 90% less shady advertisments.

[tertiaryimam]

I thought the early shows he was clearly excited, but then he started talking about moving all his assets back to the Philippines. ....and he didn't make any mention about a contingency plan for continuing the show--he just made it clear if there was a default he was outta here.  Considering that had nothing to do with streaming, I was worried he wasn't into the show.

As far as the extra hour--I have a feeling he bit off more than he can chew. It's been a LONG time since he's regularly been doing a show for the majority of the week. That's a completely different lifestyle than retirement. Someone else here mentioned that coming back just for the weekends would make more sense, and I have to agree (even though I'd like him on 7 days a week). Two awesome shows where he was content would be fine by me...certainly better than quitting over streaming.

I still haven't got it all figured out.

For one, his actions on the show do indicate, to my mind, that he wanted to continue the show and expand the show. I think he did get a kick out of it and though he had some shitty guests, I don't think that really sweated him. We're used to hearing old torrent mp3s of his best shows and don't remember all the duds he had periodically. It comes with the territory, I think.

So, if that's true, it's clear he didn't play hard ball with Sirius to get out of doing it. I think his reaction about the default was just a typical response for him --- i.e. make a snap decision and flee the scene.

I don't think he anticipated Sirius would deny his request, which was why he was so confident he could put it in the terms he did. When he was denied, he didn't really have a plan B in mind, so he shut down his facebook, fearing the worst of a backlash. And he was somewhat correct --- he was eviscerated by me and many others. However, a calmer mood set upon him and he thought of some alternatives, came to the board to explain himself, etc. All of which was admirable.

Now he's in a tough situation. Does he regret it? He says he doesn't and, in fairness to him, I'll take him at his word. But there is a lot to regret in this situation. We've spent days brainstorming all the myriad better possibilties for what went down, but it's Sirius's call, now. I'm sure by the end of next week it'll all be sorted out, finalized, and we'll get the closure we're all groping for. Then we'll go our separate ways, older and wiser. It will be a two year art famine, perhaps, but why think about that when all the golden lands ahead of you and all kinds of unforseen events wait lurking to surprise you and make you glad you're alive to see?

That last sentence was stolen from Kerouac, by the way.

[Skyehype]

The 30 Day waiver.
I was trying to figure this out too.
So if it was not 30 days notice of quitting.
Why not quit before the first 30 was up - would that have enabled walking- with the contract dropped completely, along with the N/C?
Yeh - its for the lawyers to figure.
But curious if the issue was ongoing if the carrot was that they were getting it fixed and the 30 days came and went .
The A&O utube vid did seem to admit the dropping is an issue.
Wonder if Art can comment on this?  Tho likely not.

[maren]

I thought the early shows he was clearly excited, but then he started talking about moving all his assets back to the Philippines. ....and he didn't make any mention about a contingency plan for continuing the show--he just made it clear if there was a default he was outta here.  Considering that had nothing to do with streaming, I was worried he wasn't into the show.

As far as the extra hour--I have a feeling he bit off more than he can chew. It's been a LONG time since he's regularly been doing a show for the majority of the week. That's a completely different lifestyle than retirement. Someone else here mentioned that coming back just for the weekends would make more sense, and I have to agree (even though I'd like him on 7 days a week). Two awesome shows where he was content would be fine by me...certainly better than quitting over streaming.

I thought the hightailing it back to the Philippines was purely based on the fact that he felt the value of the dollar would plummet if we defaulted.  Don't know why he couldn't just put his money in foreign currency, but maybe just felt it would be too expensive to keep living here.  Not sure.  I've never gotten the idea he's pining to return, but then, how could I know?

I think I'm right on the 3/4 hour thing, but it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong.  And I see what you're saying about biting off more than he could chew, but man, he sounded ENERGIZED.  When the numbers didn't live up to his expectations (I'm guessing) and if he was getting a lot of complaints, that may have taken its toll and worn him down.  I'd be happy with whatever works for him.  I just like having him in my life -- like a friend.  Isn't that strange?

[BattyBrooke]

Gone just a tad over 24 hours and now we've graduated to conspiracy theories?! Hah! I have to admit, this thread keeps it fresh. Have a great weekend, Gabbers

[Ravenna]

Now he's in a tough situation. Does he regret it? He says he doesn't and, in fairness to him, I'll take him at his word. But there is a lot to regret in this situation. We've spent days brainstorming all the myriad better possibilties for what went down, but it's Sirius's call, now. I'm sure by the end of next week it'll all be sorted out, finalized, and we'll get the closure we're all groping for. Then we'll go our separate ways, older and wiser. It will be a two year art famine, perhaps, but why think about that when all the golden lands ahead of you and all kinds of unforseen events wait lurking to surprise you and make you glad you're alive to see?

That last sentence was stolen from Kerouac, by the way.

Well said.  I will be eager to get some closure:  I don't want to be left hanging on like in that old song.

[indigoo]

I find it interesting that Art will roll over and 'honor' the NC clause, but wouldn't be mindful enough to honor the originally signed contract before blowing it all to bits. I really don't know what to make of this anymore, but it doesn't sound good. Almost seems like an attempt at saving face; "oh, here's where I'll compromise, more years off the air."

[Ravenna]

Btw, the Infamous Jc posted to FB today, and he has THIS to say about the situation:

Jc Webster:
"HOW DARE ART BELL QUITE ! JC HAS A RIGHT TO REBUKE HIM AND NOW HE HAS GONE INTO HIDING IT BECAUSE OFTHE SOCIEL SECURITY SACM AND THE PERSONAL ARRREST WARRENT ISSUED BY JC WEBSTER HISSELF !
IF ANY OF YOU ARE HARBORING FUGITIVE ART BELL SURRENDER HIM IMEDIATLY TO JC ATHORITY !!!"

[Bigfoot]

The 30 Day waiver.
I was trying to figure this out too.
So if it was not 30 days notice of quitting.
Why not quit before the first 30 was up - would that have enabled walking- with the contract dropped completely, along with the N/C?
Yeh - its for the lawyers to figure.
But curious if the issue was ongoing if the carrot was that they were getting it fixed and the 30 days came and went .
The A&O utube vid did seem to admit the dropping is an issue.
Wonder if Art can comment on this?  Tho likely not.

It was a 30 day backout clause, which, after six weeks, he obviously had forfeited.  But SXM waived the clause and let him back out even past the due date.  Meaning, he's not in breach. 

His noncompete is probably in the form of a separate document, i.e., not merely a clause in that employment contract.

[maren]

So, we should be thanking Art for fighting against those ruthless corporate thugs at Sirius who made him his studio and gave him total creative control? Art bravely fighting the man on behalf of the oppressed underclass of Internet streamers? Art, the new Jesus of radio, martyring himself so that we don't have to listen to truckers call in on cell phones?

Again, I like the guy, he does a great show, but this is too much. I'd be on his side if this wasn't a subscription service where lots of people really have lost money on this.

No -- that's not even close to what I was saying, don't be ridiculous.  I said I believe it's how HE sees the situation.  Not saying I agree, not saying he's right -- but I think he believes what he's saying.  It's a very human way to respond to things, and we all do it -- convince ourselves we're in the right.

[SixWeekTenure(tm)]

I don't think he anticipated Sirius would deny his request, which was why he was so confident he could put it in the terms he did.

Precisely why he shouldn't have said anything other than "We're currently working on a solution, I'll let you know soon" and continued the show. Instead, he played hardball and tried to force management's hand rather than act like a professional and keep it behind the scenes. SiriusXM probably would have been more receptive to the independent broadcaster idea if he hadn't slammed them publicly first. Maybe they're still thinking it over: cost analysis, legalese which is why there's no final word yet. I hope Bob Crane is happy! 

[georgesucks]

Btw, the Infamous Jc posted to FB today, and he has THIS to say about the situation:

Jc Webster:
"HOW DARE ART BELL QUITE ! JC HAS A RIGHT TO REBUKE HIM AND NOW HE HAS GONE INTO HIDING IT BECAUSE OFTHE SOCIEL SECURITY SACM AND THE PERSONAL ARRREST WARRENT ISSUED BY JC WEBSTER HISSELF !
IF ANY OF YOU ARE HARBORING FUGITIVE ART BELL SURRENDER HIM IMEDIATLY TO JC ATHORITY !!!"

jc is funny.

[tertiaryimam]

I find it interesting that Art will roll over and 'honor' the NC clause, but wouldn't be mindful enough to honor the originally signed contract before blowing it all to bits. I really don't know what to make of this anymore, but it doesn't sound good. Almost seems like an attempt at saving face; "oh, here's where I'll compromise, more years off the air."

Typhoon aside, I've often wondered if art isn't better off just moving to the Philippines, hoisting the Jolly Roger, and doing a show from there --- whatever form it might have. 5 US dollars is 215.93 Philippine pesos, so I'm thinking his money would go quite a big further than it does here. I know Coz seems to think Sirius will have proxy servers and hi-def modem routers and shit block him if he does, but I somehow don't see them too worried.

[Catsmile]

Hi everyone
Im not exactly new here but this is my first post.
I think Art is being treated unfairly. Whats the big deal. Sirius is already allowing others to be Independent Broadcasters whats with the double standard going on here. Art hasnt done a thing wrong except look out for us.

My other thought is this. Unless people are standing smack in the middle of the fire the way he is, no one has any room or any right to point fingers and criticize him.

Welp, there it is guys and gals.

{/thread}

Thread should now be locked {/sarcasm}  :

[Chine]

jc is funny.

I've been posting my JC cartoons on his facebook wall. I have a new one for him.

[Zoxo]

Btw, the Infamous Jc posted to FB today, and he has THIS to say about the situation:

Jc Webster:
"HOW DARE ART BELL QUITE ! JC HAS A RIGHT TO REBUKE HIM AND NOW HE HAS GONE INTO HIDING IT BECAUSE OFTHE SOCIEL SECURITY SACM AND THE PERSONAL ARRREST WARRENT ISSUED BY JC WEBSTER HISSELF !
IF ANY OF YOU ARE HARBORING FUGITIVE ART BELL SURRENDER HIM IMEDIATLY TO JC ATHORITY !!!"

OMG Ravena, that is hilarious!!! I'll go to FB and check that out!

[pepsiguy]

I was wondering the same thing. Surely you guys aren't saying Art wants out of radio? Hey, I'm brand new here, so I'm aware my opinion has about as much weight as Don Knotts in lunar gravity, but I think you guys are being way too cynical. I've got a good bullshit detector, and I don't think Art is giving us anything other than the upfront straight lowdown on all this. I don't think he's been deceptive in the least. Anyway, you can laugh at my naivety if this thing goes south next week and Art shocks us all by decamping back to the Philippines. Until then...

This!

[Zoxo]

OMG Ravena, that is hilarious!!! I'll go to FB and check that out!

Damn, I'm not on his friends list, so can't see it. Thanks for sharing that!

[Skyehype]

Yeh,
but I just wonder if the carrot past the 30 day deadline was it was getting resolved and it never did?
Guess will keep wondering till Art is in a position to speak out.

It was a 30 day backout clause, which, after six weeks, he obviously had forfeited.  But SXM waived the clause and let him back out even past the due date.  Meaning, he's not in breach. 

His noncompete is probably in the form of a separate document, i.e., not merely a clause in that employment contract.

[retired41]

hey all you gal's and guy's it's like the snake eating it's tail . yes I do mean all you that post here.

[Zoxo]

I wish Art would open his FB page again!

[Skyehype]

Potential:>)

Typhoon aside, I've often wondered if art isn't better off just moving to the Philippines, hoisting the Jolly Roger, and doing a show from there --- whatever form it might have. 5 US dollars is 215.93 Philippine pesos, so I'm thinking his money would go quite a big further than it does here. I know Coz seems to think Sirius will have proxy servers and hi-def modem routers and shit block him if he does, but I somehow don't see them too worried.

[Producer-Paul]

Pauls attitude is awesome, but he can only say so much without punctuating his friend's flakiness, I think that's why it's all mums.  This is why I don't think Art or Paul would ever give a live Gabcast interview.  Too much room for bullshit to surface.

Actually,  I don't call because I don't have any other info.
Anything I know, I've shared.
(Oh, and did I mention I was shy?)

As for Art being "flaky", He's actually one of the most un-flaky people
I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and I've known him as a good
close friend for over 14 years now.

[Zoxo]

hey all you gal's and guy's it's like the snake eating it's tail . yes I do mean all you that post here.

LOL, yes I must agree with you... It's just eating everyone up into nothing!