It is probably safe to say that if you haven’t yet heard the word “podcast”, you are not paying attention. If you are not paying attention, do not worry. You’re missing out on lots of other things, too. If you are paying attention, you might be getting antsy, worrying as you did during the blog explosion, if you should be leaping on the bandwagon. If all the cool kids are doing it, shouldn’t you be doing it?
As we often do when faced with certain topics, we turn to Jill as an example. We like hanging out with Jill because we get the side effect of her natural extroversion (or, if you will, we are perceived as outgoing just by being there). Jill is a natural podcaster — she is funny and articulate and a seasoned speaker; many authors are not. Remember: this is not a personality flaw.
So many months ago, Jill started thinking of going down the podcasting road. She’s been thinking ever since. This should not be confused with inaction. Like with blogging, just tossing up the sound of your voice and hoping for fame isn’t enough. You need a plan, a schedule, and a topic. By the way, shrieking at your husband when he’s doing something stupid is not really a topic. You know who you are.
Her podcast, when it launches, will be a success because she’s planning for its success. This is as close as we can get to sincere advice: follow Jill’s example. For a relatively new phenomenon, there are already a lot of really bad podcasts out there. Don’t join those ranks.
Now, enough about Jill. We feel it incumbent upon us to end this post with a “huh?” moment. We like those, you know.
Podcasting, like blogs, allows anyone to speak their mind…literally. I find podcasting easier than blogging, since it is easier to talk than taking an hour trying to make your written word not only grammatically correct, but also enjoyable to read and gets my point across.
Clearly someone has never agonized over recording and rerecording his name on his outgoing voicemail message.
8 responses so far ↓
Steve Clackson // Feb 8, 2006 at 10:54 am
So far I have not caught the podcast bug. I like the quiet of reading a post after a day of phones, radio and T.V. blaring away. In fact I haven’t even hooked up my new speakers to my computer yet and its been 3 months since I got them!
Some of us are slower to react to a trend (like updating a blogroll) but in time we may get to it.
Bella Stander // Feb 8, 2006 at 12:26 pm
“I find podcasting easier than blogging, since it is easier to talk than taking an hour trying to make your written word not only grammatically correct, but also enjoyable to read and gets my point across.”
This is so ungrammatical that I had to read it at least 3 times till I got what the speaker was saying. Sure, talking’s easy, but as anyone who’s listened to radio knows, not all talking is entertaining, enjoyable to listen to, nor especially to the point.
Bella Stander // Feb 8, 2006 at 12:28 pm
P.S. I keep my computer speakers off.
Jill Monroe // Feb 8, 2006 at 3:46 pm
It never fails that Booksquare mentions me and directs traffic to my blog when I’m posting hunk pictures and stories about men who kidnap their wives and offer them sex contract. Honestly, I’m usually very professional.
And booksquare will be happy to know that I’ve gone more than thinking, I purchased a domain name as well as garage band for said podcast.
Booksquare // Feb 8, 2006 at 5:53 pm
I am going to (heroically) resist the urge to comment upon someone’s professionalism (see: blue vodka drinks, phone calls at midnight), and say I’m so proud of you…buying a domain!
As for speakers, well, I have them. And I have one of those woofers (or is it a tweeter?). It is the perfect height for a footstool.
Jill Monroe // Feb 8, 2006 at 10:57 pm
I did say the blog was professional. Now late night phone calls, especially after consuming vast quantities of blue drinks – those are never professional.
But every word I said that night was true!
Jennifer // Feb 9, 2006 at 2:12 pm
I am, alas, starting to think about podcasting. I am signed up for a workshop in how to do podcasting in two days.
I don’t even know WHY. I don’t have a mike, I don’t like my voice, I’m not a “sound” person, and I sure as hell am not even sure when I’d have time to do a show. Maybe I’m just a sheep.
Steve Clackson // Feb 9, 2006 at 11:43 pm
No Jennifer you are just being ewe:)