Serotek, the makers of the System Access screen reader and the company behind the Serotalk Podcast Network, have parted ways with the majority of their staff, leaving the future of the company in doubt. Those losing their jobs include Buddy Brannan, Ricky Enger, Lisa Salinger, Joe Steinkamp, and Richard Wells. Steinkamp and Enger were let go last week while the other three announced their departures earlier on Friday. The staff members let go produced and participated in many popular podcasts including The SeroTalk Podcast, Triple-Click Home, That Android Show, and End of line among others. This leaves a bare-bones staff including long-time programmer Matt Campbell and producer Jamie Pauls who remain with the company, at least for the moment. According to a post on the @serotek twitter account, the 5 left on good terms and the company is alive and well. More information is promised from the company, according to founder Mike Calvo. We know a lot of you might like to post your memories, comments, or well wishes to those who have departed. Feel free to do this in the comments. Update: An earlier version of this post stated that the 5 were fired. We based this off earlier information we had received but are unable to 100% confirm, so have changed the wording to reflect this. We apologize for any confusion. We'll post more updates as we receive them.
Category: NewsWell I've already Canceled my subscription and I know about 5 others on the Sam net have follow. I don't know what went down, but to have five folks fired out of the blue seemed like the CEO is a either a Jack A or He found something that we don't know about, and to drop all the main members like that means there is basicly nobody to run the company. Also the CEO will not respond to emails, or postings so he is the one probley driving the company into the dirt. Until there is a big reason why it happen, I will not throw another dollar to a dieing horse. Peace. Long live the Host of Sero Talk Team.
GregTW Friday, 21-Nov-2014 6:48 PM ET:
Wow this just came out of no where and I am in a bit of a shock. These guys have been a big part of my life over the last couple of years. One of the first podcasts I ever listened to was That Android Show. I heard about it on the Eyes-Free list when I first started using Android back in 2012. Ever since then I have been a faithful listener to all the shows at SeroTek. I also remember the first time I listened to the EOL show. I got hooked after the first one and I binge watched the first seven or so episodes in one day. That show brought back a lot of memories from my child hood. I even signed up for Sam Net because of hearing about it all the time on the Shows. I wish all you guys the best of luck and hope I hear you on other podcasts. I also wish you luck in all your future endeavors. Greg Wocher(Sad in Ohio)
toonhead71 Friday, 21-Nov-2014 8:38 PM ET:
I'm pretty shocked over here myself. I especially enjoyed End of Line, that had to be my favorite podcast they did. It's like the end of an era. This is really sad news, but these guys are too good to not land on their feet and do other things. I have absolutely no doubt we'll hear from them again soon enough.
AccessAna Saturday, 22-Nov-2014 11:58 AM ET:
This news was as surprising to me and the other _That Android Show_ cohosts as it was to the rest of the community. I agree with the person who tweeted that the podcasts helped create the community, and as a host of one of the shows, I've enjoyed collaborating with Serotek and serving Serotek listeners. Best of luck to the five former Serotek employees with their new endeavors, and to the Eyes-Free Android community, gotta love a screen reader called TalkBack.
Pam Drake Saturday, 22-Nov-2014 8:33 PM ET:
No matter what the cause of this sudden development, I want to thank all those who have given such excellent service to the two of us in this household, not only over the phone from our desk chairs at home, but in response to our tweeted pleas for info on how to get in touch to retrieve a lost password or perform a remote function as we made our way down the highway to catch a train or plane on the way out of town. They were always willing to help, even when they could have ignored our requests during non-work hours. We wish everyone all the best in the future, wherever it may lead them.
blindgeek95 Sunday, 23-Nov-2014 2:51 PM ET:
Just want to wish the best to the 5 emploiees. Their podcasts and products have certainly changed my life. I'll keep you guys in my prayers.
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
