While they point out in the 15+ minute Channel 9 video that he isn’t replacing Scoble, Rory Blyth will be starting in mid-October to fill the video shoes that Scoble exited to work for podtech.net. The last time I wrote about Blyth here in February 2005 was when he appeared on an episode of Caesar’s 24/7 trying to pick up chicks with his buddy Carl Franklin and some of the rest of the Dot Net Rocks crew. They all struck out of course. It was like an outtake segment in a bad sequel of Revenge of the Nerds. Of course in the Nerds episode they did get the girl.

I’m surprised Rory lasted 2 1/2 years as a presenter. Not because he was a bad presenter or didn’t know the material (.NET) but because he was just too out there. Strange dude, really. I saw him present twice and one of those times he awarded me — thank you — with the top prize: Visual Studio 2003 .NET Professional. He had trouble reading my name and the name of the city (proper pronounciation “pew-wall-up”). I also rowed with Rory back in 2004 here over his personal blog and mocking one of his readers who unsubscribed. I’d probably like to have that commentary exchange back (hindsight always 20/20), but still it’s there and I just winced a little re-reading it a couple years later. With this in mind, readers of this post should count me more than a bit biased on the whole Rory Blyth career critic circuit. I’m clearly not a member of the Rory Blyth fan club.

Despite this admission and disclaimer, I think Rory will do a good job in his new position. Creating compelling, entertaining video content requires people with some different thinking. Scoble had the goofy laugh and video shakes (and speaking of Scoble, he’s now busting out with a much more polished Scobleshow). Wonder what will be Rory’s signature moves?

Rory could be giving us a hint on the interview: “I have an unusually large knowledge of fine fragrances for men and women.”

Fashion and .NET Channel 9 hybrid? Rory says the imported jeans gig is just a hobby. Channel 9 Guy could probably use a little more fashion help.

We at Hmm wish Rory and Channel 9 the best of luck.

Did this post make you go hmm?

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