Tech & Tea

I actually first heard about 5by5 while looking into the 960 grid system last year, the 5by5 website was listed as an example of the 960 grid system in use on 960.gs. 5by5 is a network of podcasts founded by Dan Benjamin, and from what I can gather it’s been running for a year or so. The important thing here is that listening to 5by5 made me realise what I had been missing for so long, and filled the void that for the most part was being neglected by TWiT which seems largely focused on news rather than in-depth analysis.

The formula is simple on 5by5, each show is hosted by Dan and one expert in a particular field. It’s this simplicity that makes it work so well. In each episode we are treated to analysis of some particular part of technology, development, market trend and sometimes even kitchen devices. It’s this kind of in-depth discussion that makes these podcasts so worthwhile. While I can appreciate the value of news programming and light-reporting of events, I always find myself waiting for the next episode of Hypercritcal or Build & Analyse.

That brings me to TWiT. Let me first say that I love the TWiT network and I’ve listened to their flagship show TWiT since it was called Revenge of the Screensavers. When it first started out TWiT was amazing, a panel of journalists with inside knowledge throwing stories and industry information back and forth with interesting guests. But somewhere in the midst of wine-fueled TWiT episodes it was lost. Strategically guided shows became wandering conversation and self promotion. There are a few gems on the TWiT network, This Week in Google, Windows Weekly and Security Now spring to mind, and the reason is obvious – all of these shows follow the same formula that I mentioned above, they have industry experts such as Jeff Jarvis or Paul Thurrott analysing, not just reporting.

In all fairness, I have heard Leo Laporte mention that TWiT will be a tech news network, which is what is does seem to be becoming. At the moment it is occupying the space between mainsteam and niche geek programming. Which means that the market for the latter is now free for the taking by 5by5.

The conclusion? TWiT still has some amazing shows, but it seems to have lost it’s geeky edge. The result is that 5by5 has seemingly risen out of nowhere to take away what TWiT once owned. If TWiT becomes the news network that it seems to be becoming then the two should be able to coexist, it all depends on what route TWiT takes when they get into their new studios. But for now if you want in-depth, interesting and meaningful analysis then without a doubt you should check out 5by5.