Online Media Cultist

The TechCrunch 50 versus DEMO battle is raging.

What’s interesting to me this morning is the part of the story that is developing on places like Twitter and UStream.tv.

In fact, I believe it was Michael Arrington’s comment that “DEMO must die” on Twitter that kicked off the wave of coverage this morning.

As the media wave ramped up, Jason Calacanis then announced on Twitter that it was time to head over to Ustream.tv for an “emergency meeting” of the “Jason Nation.” Calacanis partners with Arrington on TechCrunch 50 so it’s not hard to imagine which side he is on.

Calacanis, with his 15,000+ Twitter followers, managed to bring more than 300 people to the impromptu live streaming event on Ustream.

I will now present some choice Calacanis quotes from the meeting, which speak for themselves:

“Entrepreneurs are being asked to pay $18,500 for 6 minutes on stage. BOOO! That’s right it’s terrible. It’s so ridiculous that DEMO is charging that much.”

“We at Jason Nation need to stand up to this abusive practice”

“TechCrunch50 does not abuse the entrepreneurs. We are entrepreneurs ourselves. Can I get an amen?”

“We will not stand for the abuse of our fellow entrepreneurs.”

“Conference payola is wrong!”

“They had 60 or 70 companies last year pay that fee. It’s criminal!”

“The power of Calacanis compels you!”

More than the Tech Crunch 50 v. DEMO battle royale, I’m fascinated by the way in which services like Twitter and Ustream are shaping communication, collaboration, and media coverage.