Radio: Stop him before he lies again!

Being in this business as long as I have you witness and encounter some…well let’s say interesting events.
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I won’t tell you who – that’s not essential to the story. There was a famous rock star. In fact, he still is. He’s a talented and ingenious songwriter and performer. Like others in his profession during the 70s and 80s, excess of drink and drugs was a given.
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His manager, recognizing his quandary, hired someone to protect him from himself.
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In advance of his client using a bathroom, his hired guardian would do reconnaissance and check under the sink, behind the toilet, and anywhere else one could hide drugs.
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This person wasn’t all over him like a dog. Most of the time I wasn't even aware of his presence.

I witnessed one incident where the rock star reached over to grab a quick sip from someone else’s drink. His guardian appeared and calmly took the glass from his hand. If I wasn't looking in his direction – I would've missed it.

This was back in the eighties. Today, this rock star is still performing, occasionally touring, and more concerned about getting enough fiber in his diet than trying to score blow or booze.

I'm proposing we hire a guardian to protect Merchant of Doom Peter “Sgt. Bilk-o” Ferrara from himself. The poor guy needs it. He’s not only doing permanent damage to his own reputation, he’s damaging an entire industry.

His HD Radio Alliance leaked a rumor that Steve Jobs approved the manufacturing of an Apple iPod boom box that would include an HD Radio.

Earlier this week at the MacWorld convo, Steve Jobs let it be known that Apple will not be involved in any technologies that are geographically limited. I don’t know if Jobs’ remark had anything to do with Bilk-o’s poorly planted white lie– but, it’s obvious that when Jobs does put radio into the mix – it will be the kind you receive from the Internet.

So what does the HD Radio Alliance do? Announce a quasi-deal with Microsoft. You’ll read all about it on the pro-HD radio sites today.
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Yes, Microsoft. They’ve been a ragbag for the past decade. When they controlled everything, they were pricks to their patrons. They’re still sitting on top of the heap – but their exclusivity is eroding.

What comes to mind when you think of Microsoft these days? Poor customer service? Vista? Erratic performing programs? The blue screen of death?

When Microsoft released Vista - there was little expectation or need for it.

How about Sync? Even I had high hopes for that one. Now, early adopters are complaining that its performance falls short.

Memo to Bilk-o: PR firms can get you press. That doesn’t mean it will translate to sales. Get used to it. HD Radio is not going to happen.

Think Apple and innovation, creativity, and a company that invents products that debut as wants and become needs comes to mind.

Since HD Radio was launched, Apple's released numerous models of iPods and iPhones, which sell in the multi-millions – and have become part of the culture – while the mere mention of HD Radio to clerks at retailers Bilk-o claims they’re sold in look at you quizzically and ask if you mean HD TV.

How long will be perpetrate a dead product even he doesn't believe in?

There's drug trafficking, fencing, hijacking, shylocking, gambling, prostitution, extortion – all serving the desire for fast financial gain. Can we add HD Radio peddling to that list?

Repuation is a funny thing, Bilk-o. It’s built from little things like a house is made brick-by-brick. Over time, a name and face get coupled with words and action. In time, that man’s life is bordered by an imposing edifice, good, bad, or indifferent that can never be altered.

Bilk-o, you’re in need of an intervention. Too bad nobody cares enough to set one up for you.