NEUMAN ACKNOWLEDGES DEN’S FAULTS

During a candid, nearly hour-long address Monday at Streaming Media East, former Digital Entertainment Network President David Neuman owned up to his role in the company's recent collapse while also blaming the media, questionable management decisions and a mercenary mindset among some Web employees.

With backing from Microsoft, Dell and former Warner Bros. chief Terry Semel, among others, DEN operated Web sites with audio and video content targeting teens and twentysomethings.

During a frank, sometimes humorous address, Neuman pointed out the "10 lessons" he learned during the DEN roller coaster ride, taking shots at the media—specifically The Los Angeles Times for its portrayal of the company—the "inside Hollywood crowd" and venture capitalists, while praising the Internet's promise as well as dedicated DEN staffers who went down with the ship, The Hollywood Reporter said.

While not revealing his next step, Neuman railed against widespread reports that DEN execs were overcompensated and waxed philosophical about the Web business.

"You may wonder what I'm doing here, being that I'm unemployed," Neuman began. "I don't have a job in streaming media."

Neuman distanced himself from his former employer, saying he was brought on board by DEN as a "hired gun" and was in charge only of video content development, not running a business in which he had no experience.

Neuman referred to DEN as a "fireball" and said he thought of titling the company's saga "Titanic 2," "What A Long, Strange Trip It's Been" or "Other Than That, Mrs. Lincoln, How Was the Play?"