Rob has stated that though Real goes close to the legal edge, it is on the right side of the law. However, this is not always true and I think Real’s practices have to be scrutinised a little more, and I don’t mean in the US or with regards to Rhapsody, which stays clear of legal minefields.
Real’s highest user growth is likely to be in China and closer examination will also reveal that the Real player is offering some dubious content via money-paying partners who are pirating music.
For example, within the Real Player in China, they have a partner called Bala (www.bala.com.cn) that offers music streams just like Rhapsody but none of the revenue earned via advertising by Real/Bala ever goes back to the music copyright owners.
The “when in Rome” concept is well and good, but Real management sitting in the US not only benefits from the installed based growth contributed by China but they cannot at the same time claim to have clean hands while the US collectively bashes China on music IP issues. Real is also providing the infrastructure that exacerbates this very same piracy.
Om, you mentioned that you have a post coming up on Real – you might want to write to me first and I can show you the screenshots that shows you what Real is actually doing

Rob has stated that though Real goes close to the legal edge, it is on the right side of the law. However, this is not always true and I think Real’s practices have to be scrutinised a little more, and I don’t mean in the US or with regards to Rhapsody, which stays clear of legal minefields.
Real’s highest user growth is likely to be in China and closer examination will also reveal that the Real player is offering some dubious content via money-paying partners who are pirating music.
For example, within the Real Player in China, they have a partner called Bala (www.bala.com.cn) that offers music streams just like Rhapsody but none of the revenue earned via advertising by Real/Bala ever goes back to the music copyright owners.
The “when in Rome” concept is well and good, but Real management sitting in the US not only benefits from the installed based growth contributed by China but they cannot at the same time claim to have clean hands while the US collectively bashes China on music IP issues. Real is also providing the infrastructure that exacerbates this very same piracy.
Om, you mentioned that you have a post coming up on Real – you might want to write to me first and I can show you the screenshots that shows you what Real is doing in China

There is real chemistry btw You and Joyce. You’re really starting to playing well off eachother. I can’t wait for the next episode.

Keep doing what you’re doing Om, don’t listen to these clowns :)

I think you are a good journalist and I have been a long time reader of your blog. I have also watched all your show episodes till date. So here’s my feedback:

1. Improve your wardrobe. Looking good on TV is important. It is a visual medium and while we all wish we didn’t judge people based on how they look, it matters if you are on video.

2. Really work on your interviewing style, enunciation etc. You are may be the best writer and a great print journalist but on TV you are a rookie you have to recognize that. You are here to prove yourself and you have to really work on it.

3. Make eye contact with the camera/your interview subject at all times. Sometimes you come across as very shifty on camera.

Finally, I would agree with some commentators above that you would be better off getting a new host. You don’t need the criticism and the jokes about you that come with this show. Is the GigaOm show worth all that for you?

I love your shows but please leave the presenting to better speakers. Your indian accent is not very clear and your interview style is very argumentative.
The content and show being named after you is enough. Please bow down now.

With the amount of crap Real has done over the years, it’s interesting that all of the questions were happy fluffy questions and none about spyware or infestation.