Absolutely. Some pros want diversity in content (you know who you are and I love ya for it), some want to network and self-promote and spruik up their works of variable content. I'd hate to see Natcons become writers' festivals (there are so many of them, some of which I've enjoyed attending) rather than passionate fora for fans to discuss, teach, learn and share their enthusiasms.

My own belief is that podcasts are the new fanzines, but that meme still has a little way to go before it becomes an axiom in fandom.