# Cnet on The No Agenda Show

Cnet comes up in 38 chapters across 37 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from January 2008 to July 2026.

- **Chapters:** 38
- **Episodes:** 37
- **Discussed:** January 2008 – July 2026
- **Related topics:** [Halsey Minor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halsey-minor.md), [Molly Wood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/molly-wood.md), [Leo Laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), [San Francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [Silicon Valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [Vhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vhs.md), [Adam Curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [Buzz Out Loud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/buzz-out-loud.md), [Fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [John C. Dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 38

### Final Tributes and the Impact of JCD's Career

- **Episode:** [1890: Flock Off!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1890-flock-off.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-30
- **Time:** 2:47:29–3:02:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1890-flock-off/chapter/final-tributes-and-the-impact-of-jcd-s-career.md

Donors recount Dvorak's long career in tech journalism, from his PC Magazine columns to his appearances on TechTV and CNET. Many express that they felt they knew him personally through his decades of work. The hosts read messages from pharmacists, realtors, and "gray beards" who all credit Dvorak with teaching them critical thinking and media deconstruction.

Keywords: [pc magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pc-magazine.md), [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md), [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [media deconstruction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-deconstruction.md), [legacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legacy.md)

### Sir Cabral and the Silicon Spin Legacy

- **Episode:** [1889: Producer's Tribute to JCD](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-27
- **Time:** 6:56:29–6:58:21
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1889-producer-s-tribute-to-jcd/chapter/sir-cabral-and-the-silicon-spin-legacy.md

Sir Cabral of Masarictown traces his following of John C. Dvorak through PC Mag, CNET, ZDTV, and TWiT. Chris O'Brien from Boston also cites Silicon Spin as his starting point with Dvorak's work. Sir Kevin McLaughlin, Archduke of Luna, contributes a "BOOB" donation of $80.08 in honor of the show's traditions.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [zdtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zdtv.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [archduke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/archduke.md)

### Marty on CNET Pilots and Dvorak's Polymath Nature

- **Episode:** [1888: In The Mourning](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-24
- **Time:** 20:54–24:55
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning/chapter/marty-on-cnet-pilots-and-dvorak-s-polymath-nature.md

Marty, a former joke writer and collaborator, recounts working with Dvorak on early CNET pilots alongside Leo Laporte. He describes Dvorak as a polymath who could converse expertly on topics ranging from Oswald Spengler and modern art to the direction of the music industry. The segment touches on Dvorak's "avuncular" but grumpy personality and his history of leaking Microsoft development secrets to the press.

Keywords: [halsey minor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halsey-minor.md), [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), oswald spengler, polymath

### Sir Michael Dunn, CNET Central, and Belly Laughs

- **Episode:** [1888: In The Mourning](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning.md)
- **Published:** 2026-07-24
- **Time:** 5:06:54–5:09:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning/chapter/sir-michael-dunn-cnet-central-and-belly-laughs.md

Sir Michael Dunn, Baron of Southern Kentucky, recalls watching Dvorak review CD-ROMs on CNET Central in the 1990s. He credits Dvorak and Adam for providing a healthy view of the world and hundreds of "belly laughs" over 15 years of listening.

Keywords: [michael dunn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-dunn.md), [cnet central](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet-central.md), [1990s](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/1990s.md), cd-rom reviews, [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md)

### Value for Value, Podcasting and Ad Economics

- **Episode:** [1810: golfball](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1810-golfball.md)
- **Published:** 2025-10-23
- **Time:** 2:00:37–2:10:31
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1810-golfball/chapter/value-for-value-podcasting-and-ad-economics.md

The hosts thank producers, explain their value-for-value model, and reject ad-driven media economics. They compare modern podcast advertising to the early web era, criticize dynamic ad insertion, and argue that audience size matters less than direct listener support.

Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [no agenda stream](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-stream.md), [podcast advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcast-advertising.md), [cpm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cpm.md), [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md)

### Bill Gates, Digital ID and mRNA Vaccine Expansion

- **Episode:** [1791: Bolt Muncher](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1791-bolt-muncher.md)
- **Published:** 2025-08-17
- **Time:** 1:53:14–2:00:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1791-bolt-muncher/chapter/bill-gates-digital-id-and-mrna-vaccine-expansion.md

Bill Gates discussed the necessity of digital identities to combat deepfakes and verify online personas during an interview with CNET. He also detailed the Gates Foundation's plan to use mRNA technology for a wide range of diseases, including HIV, malaria, and TB, within the next five years. Gates emphasized the goal of building worldwide factories to produce $2 vaccines using lipid nanoparticle technology.

Keywords: [bill gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-gates.md), [digital id](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/digital-id.md), [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [mrna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mrna.md), [lipid nanoparticles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lipid-nanoparticles.md), [gates foundation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gates-foundation.md)

### CNET History and the Evolution of Podcasting 2.0

- **Episode:** [1698: Oxymoronic](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1698-oxymoronic.md)
- **Published:** 2024-09-26
- **Time:** 44:02–48:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1698-oxymoronic/chapter/cnet-history-and-the-evolution-of-podcasting-2-0.md

A retrospective on the early days of CNET Central in the 1990s details the high-budget startup environment in San Francisco before the dot-com bubble. The discussion transitions to the current state of independent media, emphasizing that RSS-based podcasting remains one of the last platforms free from corporate "slop" and algorithmic control. The Podcasting 2.0 initiative is highlighted as the necessary path forward to preserve digital sovereignty.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [halsey minor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halsey-minor.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-dvorak.md), [podcasting 2.0](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting-2-0.md)

### Tasmania, Lexus Reliability, Cranky Geeks

- **Episode:** [1561: Star Butler](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1561-star-butler.md)
- **Published:** 2023-06-04
- **Time:** 2:12:23–2:17:45
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1561-star-butler/chapter/tasmania-lexus-reliability-cranky-geeks.md

A long note from a listener in Tasmania prompts a discussion on the legendary reliability of 2003 Lexus vehicles, specifically the longevity of their light bulbs. The segment also reminisces about the "Cranky Geeks" show and host John C. Dvorak's habit of throwing index cards and CDs at the camera during his time at CNET Central.

Keywords: [tasmania](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tasmania.md), [lexus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lexus.md), [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [cnet central](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet-central.md)

### CNET AI Journalism, Permalancing Trends

- **Episode:** [1522: Boiling Ocean](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1522-boiling-ocean.md)
- **Published:** 2023-01-19
- **Time:** 2:32:28–2:35:40
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1522-boiling-ocean/chapter/cnet-ai-journalism-permalancing-trends.md

Tech news outlet CNET was caught publishing dozens of financial explainer articles generated by AI without clear disclosure to readers. The discovery sparked concerns about the future of entry-level writing jobs and the accuracy of automated journalism. The hosts also discuss "permalancing," a labor trend where workers are hired as long-term freelancers without benefits, allowing companies to avoid traditional employment costs.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [artificial intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/artificial-intelligence.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), permalancing, gail brayton

### Podcasting 2.0 and the Legacy of Buzz Out Loud

- **Episode:** [1434: Second Lady](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1434-second-lady.md)
- **Published:** 2022-03-17
- **Time:** 2:15:47–2:20:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1434-second-lady/chapter/podcasting-2-0-and-the-legacy-of-buzz-out-loud.md

A donation from a long-time listener prompted a look back at the early days of tech podcasting, specifically Molly Wood and Tom Merritt's "Buzz Out Loud" on CNET. Molly Wood's potential induction into a podcasting Hall of Fame was discussed, acknowledging her role as a pioneer in the video podcast space. The hosts contrasted these legacy media origins with the current push for decentralized Podcasting 2.0 technology.

Keywords: [molly wood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/molly-wood.md), [tom merritt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-merritt.md), [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [buzz out loud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/buzz-out-loud.md), [podcasting 2.0](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting-2-0.md), [hall of fame](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hall-of-fame.md)

### Host Origin Story, CNET 1992

- **Episode:** [1313: Q Victims](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1313-q-victims.md)
- **Published:** 2021-01-17
- **Time:** 1:58:59–2:05:57
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1313-q-victims/chapter/host-origin-story-cnet-1992.md

The hosts recount how they first met during the early days of CNET in 1992-1993. The story involves the development of "interactive television" and a pilot for a show that eventually became *Silicon Spin*. They clarify that their actual friendship solidified later through Skype and appearances on *Cranky Geeks*.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), [halsey minor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halsey-minor.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md), [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md)

### John Perry Barlow Obituary and EFF Legacy

- **Episode:** [1006: Congressional Jignitty](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1006-congressional-jignitty.md)
- **Published:** 2018-02-08
- **Time:** 17:51–21:52
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1006-congressional-jignitty/chapter/john-perry-barlow-obituary-and-eff-legacy.md

John Perry Barlow, the Grateful Dead lyricist and co-founder of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), has passed away following complications from a 2015 heart attack. His complex political history, including managing a campaign for Dick Cheney and his role in early internet activism, is recounted alongside personal anecdotes about his poetic nature and past disputes over the MTV.com domain.

Keywords: [john perry barlow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-perry-barlow.md), [electronic frontier foundation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/electronic-frontier-foundation.md), [grateful dead](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grateful-dead.md), [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [dick cheney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dick-cheney.md)

### CNET Tech News Critique and Smartphone Selfie Testing

- **Episode:** [995: Missile by Nike](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/995-missile-by-nike.md)
- **Published:** 2018-01-02
- **Time:** 6:17–7:07
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/995-missile-by-nike/chapter/cnet-tech-news-critique-and-smartphone-selfie-testing.md

A critique of modern technology journalism focuses on a CNET report comparing selfie quality across flagship smartphones including the iPhone X and Pixel 2 XL. The report is mocked for failing to provide a definitive winner, instead suggesting that user preference for beauty filters is the deciding factor.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [tech news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-news.md), [iphone x](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone-x.md), pixel 2 xl, samsung note 8

### No Agenda Show Origins, 2007 London Beginnings, and Early Meetings

- **Episode:** [984: Show X](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/984-show-x.md)
- **Published:** 2017-11-26
- **Time:** 3:46–9:08
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/984-show-x/chapter/no-agenda-show-origins-2007-london-beginnings-and-early-meetings.md

The hosts recount the 2007 origins of the podcast, beginning when one host lived in Guilford, England, and traveled frequently to San Francisco. They reflect on their first meeting in the early 1990s during a CNET roundtable pilot and the registration of the CNET.com domain. The segment establishes the purpose of this special "Show X" as a definitive introductory episode for new listeners.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [guilford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guilford.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [podshow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podshow.md)

### Michael Dunn, CNET Central, and Sir MD2020

- **Episode:** [976: 10th Anniversary](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/976-10th-anniversary.md)
- **Published:** 2017-10-27
- **Time:** 2:38:20–2:41:37
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/976-10th-anniversary/chapter/michael-dunn-cnet-central-and-sir-md2020.md

Michael Dunn recalls watching one of the hosts on CNET Central in the 1990s, specifically a review of Madden 97. The host shares an anecdote about accidentally hitting a cameraman with a spinning CD-ROM. Eric Remington is knighted as Sir MD2020, the SOKY (Southern Kentucky) Knight, requesting a medley of jingles including "Don't Eat Me Hillary."

Keywords: [michael dunn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-dunn.md), [cnet central](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet-central.md), madden 97, soki, eric remington, [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md)

### No Agenda History, Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak Meeting

- **Episode:** [963: Born This Way](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/963-born-this-way.md)
- **Published:** 2017-09-10
- **Time:** 1:10:25–1:13:44
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/963-born-this-way/chapter/no-agenda-history-adam-curry-and-john-c-dvorak-meeting.md

The hosts recount their first meeting in 1992 on the set of a CNET television production. They reflect on their shared history in traditional media and how their dissatisfaction with corporate production standards led them to create the No Agenda podcast. This retrospective was prompted by a listener question regarding the origins of their professional partnership.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [podcasting history](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting-history.md), [1992](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/1992.md), [media production](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-production.md)

### CNET Pilots, Halsey Minor and Early Tech Media

- **Episode:** [850: 200.8 Re-Redux](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/850-200-8-re-redux.md)
- **Published:** 2016-08-12
- **Time:** 45:05–48:43
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/850-200-8-re-redux/chapter/cnet-pilots-halsey-minor-and-early-tech-media.md

The hosts recount their first meeting in 1993 during the filming of pilots for CNET. Curry recalls registering CNET.com and being paid $200,000 for the pilot, while Dvorak remembers the involvement of Hollywood producer Kevin Wendell. They discuss the early competition for hosting roles, noting that Leo Laporte was originally considered for the "McLaughlin Group" style roundtable.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [halsey minor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halsey-minor.md), [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), kevin wendell, [vhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vhs.md)

### Halsey Minor, CNET Founder and San Francisco Mansion Squatter

- **Episode:** [768: Terror Tuesdays](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/768-terror-tuesdays.md)
- **Published:** 2015-10-25
- **Time:** 1:44:13–1:48:04
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/768-terror-tuesdays/chapter/halsey-minor-cnet-founder-and-san-francisco-mansion-squatter.md

Jeremiah Kahler is arrested for squatting in a vacant San Francisco mansion owned by CNET founder Halsey Minor and attempting to sell $300,000 worth of stolen art on Facebook. The property at 800 Washington Street had been vacant for years following Minor's financial difficulties. Kahler allegedly produced fake documentation to claim ownership of the home before being caught by the San Francisco Police Department.

Keywords: [halsey minor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halsey-minor.md), [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), jeremiah kahler, [art theft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/art-theft.md)

### Amazon Dash Buttons, Mac and Cheese Crisis

- **Episode:** [749: The Big Jump](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/749-the-big-jump.md)
- **Published:** 2015-09-03
- **Time:** 2:46:34–2:52:04
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/749-the-big-jump/chapter/amazon-dash-buttons-mac-and-cheese-crisis.md

The hosts discuss the launch of Amazon Dash buttons, physical wireless pods used to reorder household products instantly. They mock the "Kraft Macaroni and Cheese" button as a "cheese crisis" tool and warn that toddlers will likely press the buttons repeatedly, leading to unwanted bulk shipments of detergent and snacks.

Keywords: amazon dash, bridget carey, [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [consumerism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumerism.md), [automation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/automation.md)

### CNET Pilots 1993, First Meeting of Curry and Dvorak

- **Episode:** [736: Show 200.7 Redux](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/736-show-200-7-redux.md)
- **Published:** 2015-07-05
- **Time:** 18:58–24:11
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/736-show-200-7-redux/chapter/cnet-pilots-1993-first-meeting-of-curry-and-dvorak.md

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak recall their first meeting in 1993 during the filming of television pilots for CNET. Curry mentions registering the cnet.com domain for Halsey Minor and declining a stock-heavy job offer to stay at MTV. They describe their eventual reconnection in 2007 via email and a lunch meeting that led to the creation of the No Agenda brand.

Keywords: [cnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnet.md), [halsey minor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halsey-minor.md), [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), gina st. john, [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [vhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vhs.md)

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