If memory serves DMDN was around long before MITD with plenty of self-appointed seat warmers thinking Art would make them famous.
You're right about that. As best I can remember, Keith started the DMDN in 2013 as a proof of concept for SiriusXM. Its initial purpose was to demonstrate to Sirius that Art could provide a free online stream of the Dark Matter show on his own website, only until Sirius could solve their stream dropout problem. Keith installed a stream on Art’s website, not initially on its own website . The first broadcast was of the air traffic control transmission from the Las Vegas airport.
As negotiations with SiriusXM began to break down, Keith moved the stream to its own website, as the DMDN. I believe at that time Art still thought he’d be released from his non-compete and would be able to livestream on his website. Time passed and Sirius negotiations deteriorated, while the bellgab fans listened as Keith streamed “War of the Worlds†a few times, a Michio Kaku podcast, as well as one live broadcast of the Vandeven/Thornton Spec Sheet.
Eventually, SiriusXM wouldn’t release Art from the 2-year non-compete, an outcome which prohibited Art from broadcasting in any media on any platform. Art announced on BG that he promised to return in 2 years with a free, live show on the DMDN. In the meantime, Keith was to continue building the network and adding programming. Art made it clear that legally he could have no connection whatsoever with DMDN, with Keith having 100% ownership of the platform for Art’s eventual return in 2015. Art also made it clear that he never listened to any of the programs or hosts on the DMDN; though many of the “seat warmers†never quite believed his claim (I did).
From there, we all know how it turned out. In the 2 years while waiting for Art’s return, in a fit of pique Art formally ended his relationship with Keith at least once…maybe twice? Keith was always able to mend that fence with Art, even when it included Keith having to go on a Gabcast to repair his relationship with MV and Bellgab in the aftermath of terminating the Spec Sheet from the DMDN.
I really thought the DMDN would end when Art abandoned MITD. Then, I had no doubt it would end when Art died. Yet, here it remains, stronger than it’s been in 3 years. It seems that what we have with today’s DMDN is not so much Art’s legacy, as it is Keith’s legacy.
Congratulations, Keith Rowland. You’ve earned it.