Checklist for podcasters

[Ken Carroll]

I think the key to good podcasting lies in making it natural and conversational. However, you've got to use guidelines in order to reach your objectives for the podcast. (In my case podcasting is used as a language training tool.) Here's a list of some of the things I try to keep in mind when I'm doing a podcast. Some will apply to you, others may not. You're welcome to add to it:

Did I get the tone right? Is it success oriented, positive, forward thinking, aspirational, helpful, knowledgeable
The show opening: Clearly states the who and the what, , the objective
Preview: Do I preview with utter clarity what we're going to discuss?
Uses teasers, build momentum, give people a reason to stay with me
Use sign posts: Use verbal and audio sign-posts, guides, short summaries, transitions to let people know where we are in the show
Production: sound quality, editing, balance, pausing and spacing,
Relevance: use fresh, topical, useful, information
Cut out all dead space or irrelevant chatter
Humor: relaxed, humorous, natural,
Interaction: balance between hosts and guests, natural, flowing,
Pacing: Make it consistent, not too fast, not too slow
Expertise: Background knowledge, relevant/useful anecdotes, facts, numbers, stories or anecdotes
Forward thinking: stress the development dynamic, stress constant improvement of the show
Commuity building: Get listeners inviolved, comments on the blog
Tagging: tag the show titles to enable SEO
Pre-market the shows: tell people what to expect for the next show
Do regualr reviews and comparisons with listeners and the team
Try to do a viral concept as often as possible
Non-stop, obsessive inmprovements
New ideas - never settle into a formula



www.chinesepod.com

[tabulator32]

All that sounds like good general, generic advice and should be adjusted accordingly dependent on the format of each show.

I'm just curious, for those of us who are not in the professional marketing field, perhaps you can elaborate on the "viral concept" just a bit.

It sounds scary as hell.

:P

[jeffoest]

And don't forget the most important one,

"forget all the rules"...

[roadrageradio]

And don't forget the most important one,

"forget all the rules"...

If you learn the rules first, you can ignore them if you want to.

[SFEley]

I'm just curious, for those of us who are not in the professional marketing field, perhaps you can elaborate on the "viral concept" just a bit.

It sounds scary as hell.

Heh. It's not as scary as it sounds. Viral marketing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_marketing) simply refers to putting out ideas that people will naturally want to talk about or share, so that the word spreads to friends of friends of friends.

There are lots of ways that this can work, but one traditional sense (and probably the one Ken meant) is exemplified by TV shows like Survivor or Lost or The Sopranos, that generate a lot of water-cooler talk the next day. People who don't watch the shows hear everyone else talking about them, so the natural instinct is to start watching so you can be part of the conversation.

[SFEley]

If you learn the rules first, you can ignore them if you want to.
Very well said.

[Cheri]

Thanks for the info! I just did my first show and I am hooked! I did find it a lot harder to talk to myself than I had thought--but hopefully I will improve with each show.

This weekend, I am going for show #2--I definitely will include some of your tips!!
And thanks for clarifying the viral thing---it did sound a little funky!
--Cheri

[tabulator32]

Thanks for the info! I just did my first show and I am hooked! I did find it a lot harder to talk to myself than I had thought--but hopefully I will improve with each show.

This weekend, I am going for show #2--I definitely will include some of your tips!!
And thanks for clarifying the viral thing---it did sound a little funky!
--Cheri

It takes a couple shows to get used to talking into a mic in a room by yourself but when you get over hearing your voice on playback, it gets much easier.

I listen to the whole show right after I upload it to see how it sounds and to listen to what things I like and don't like and what I might want to avoid doing next time.

I will try something and, in playback, I'll think "That didn't come out as I intended." and I know better for next time.

[Will-Casel]

I listen to the whole show right after I upload it to see how it sounds and to listen to what things I like and don't like and what I might want to avoid doing next time.

I will try something and, in playback, I'll think "That didn't come out as I intended." and I know better for next time.
I actually listen the whole show, before I upload it. That way I can cut out the parts I don't like. It takes time, but you'll be more satisfied with it in the end.

I know what you mean though. After I upload it, I'll listen to it at least twice more between shows.

Will

[tabulator32]

Well, that's a given.

I listen to the whole show several times over as I'm putting it together prior to upload. I simply meant I listen to it AGAIN after the upload just for my personal evaluation.

Sometimes I wait until the next evening to do so. Then I get a fresh perspective. Sometimes I find myself saying "Why did I do it like THAT?"

:lol:

[gregleck]

I personally don't give a crap about the quality of my podcast, it's just a hobby for me and a way to piss off my friends.

Oh, and I love Chinespod. I'm not caught up to date and will have to refresh myself on some lessons, but it's one of the best "learn a language" podcasts out there.

[ElNacho]

I personally don't give a crap about the quality of my podcast

well i hope ur not hoping to get many more listeners...

[gregleck]

I personally don't give a crap about the quality of my podcast

well i hope ur not hoping to get many more listeners...

Can you please use actual words when responding to me? "ur"? Seriously.

[ElNacho]

excuse me

u'r

[tabulator32]

I personally don't give a crap about the quality of my podcast, it's just a hobby for me and a way to piss off my friends.

That's funny because, in the first minute of your latest episode, you are demanding all the (as you call them) "nimrods" and "freeloaders" that DO listen to your show to go out and vote for it.

I know...I already saw the memo on the front of your website.

"If you don't like my website, you can go to hell."

I'll go ahead and accept that as your response.

8)

Its like a Russ Martin wannabe.

[gregleck]

excuse me

u'r

I hate to be cruel with you, but one day when you are applying for a job, you will be thanking me. Let's face it, I put you on the road to proper spelling and grammar.

[ElNacho]

i havent listened to ur podcast, dunno the quality or anything...but what im gettin from u is that u know/think u suck, but rather than make an effort to improve the quality, u screw urself and advertise the bad quality of it, and i think i was gonna tye it up with somethin, but the thought was fleeting, and my typing was slow.

[gregleck]

I personally don't give a crap about the quality of my podcast, it's just a hobby for me and a way to piss off my friends.

That's funny because, in the first minute of your latest episode, you are demanding all the (as you call them) "nimrods" and "freeloaders" that DO listen to your show to go out and vote for it.

I know...I already saw the memo on the front of your website.

"If you don't like my website, you can go to hell."

I'll go ahead and accept that as your response.

8)

Its like a Russ Martin wannabe.


People from the alley shouldn't listen to my awesome (yet stellar) podcast because it will make their brains feel bad.

[ElNacho]

awesome yet stellar? right.

[gregleck]

i havent listened to ur podcast, dunno the quality or anything...but what im gettin from u is that u know/think u suck, but rather than make an effort to improve the quality, u screw urself and advertise the bad quality of it, and i think i was gonna tye it up with somethin, but the thought was fleeting, and my typing was slow.

The above post made no sense. You are obviously on drugs, or worse.

[gregleck]

awesome yet stellar? right.

Don't use my catch-phrase, or I will sue your daddy out of his BMW

[tabulator32]

I personally don't give a crap about the quality of my podcast, it's just a hobby for me and a way to piss off my friends.

That's funny because, in the first minute of your latest episode, you are demanding all the (as you call them) "nimrods" and "freeloaders" that DO listen to your show to go out and vote for it.

I know...I already saw the memo on the front of your website.

"If you don't like my website, you can go to hell."

I'll go ahead and accept that as your response.

8)

Its like a Russ Martin wannabe.


People from the alley shouldn't listen to my awesome (yet stellar) podcast because it will make their brains feel bad.

I think I can abide by that.

8)

[SFEley]

El Nacho, Greg, all other children:

Is there any chance you could leave the rampant stupidity and pissing contests in threads that began as rampant stupidity and pissing contests -- and leave threads like this one, that begin with worthwhile advice or questions, alone?

People who are here to learn something or to share knowledge deserve a little space to be heard, and garbage like this drives everybody else off.

[Metaphore]

And don't forget the most important one,

"forget all the rules"...

If you learn the rules first, you can ignore them if you want to.

You should have an art degree. Thats one of the basics and well said.

Most people that havnt studied art put down post modern and cubism and such. Trust me, Piccaso could perfectly render when he was 9. Only through Mastery of an art can you truely pervert it. Otherwise (and trust me, we can tell) your a no talent hack.

Me, I have a BFA and i'm still a hack. :)

[tabulator32]

your a no talent hack.

(should be) you're a no talent hack...with an apostrophe.

He JUST got done telling Nacho about that!

:lol:

*just kidding* sorry, couldn't help it.

[gregleck]

El Nacho, Greg, all other children:

Is there any chance you could leave the rampant stupidity and pissing contests in threads that began as rampant stupidity and pissing contests -- and leave threads like this one, that begin with worthwhile advice or questions, alone?

People who are here to learn something or to share knowledge deserve a little space to be heard, and garbage like this drives everybody else off.

You are quite the stupid bully. If you don't like free speech, then that's your problem.

[loganrapp]

Yes, smart guy. It is free speech.

It's also free speech to tell you to shut the **** up, which I would guess the majority of people in this thread would like you to do.

---


Returning to topic...

I think the 'Non-stop improvement' point should always be noted and almost a given, but some people think there's a destination to quality and once they reach it, they can relax.

Not the case. When you stop improving, that's the day you retire.

[SFEley]

You are quite the stupid bully. If you don't like free speech, then that's your problem.
Think deeper, Greg. I'm not challenging your right to play in the mud with the likes of El Nacho. I'm asking you to do it in threads that were obviously intended for it, which this one wasn't.

I'm not asking this to be a bully, and I'm not singling you out. You're not the worst offender here. I'm asking because it genuinely kills discussions. If you look at the first two-thirds of Page 1 of this thread, and then the thread after you and others started getting into it, the difference is striking.

[gregleck]

[quote="loganrapp"]Yes, smart guy. It is free speech.

It's also free speech to tell you to shut the f*ck up, which I would guess the majority of people in this thread would like you to do.

[quote]

Gotcha. It's free speech up until the point somebody contests what you have to say.

[gregleck]

You are quite the stupid bully. If you don't like free speech, then that's your problem.
Think deeper, Greg. I'm not challenging your right to play in the mud with the likes of El Nacho. I'm asking you to do it in threads that were obviously intended for it, which this one wasn't.

I'm not asking this to be a bully, and I'm not singling you out. You're not the worst offender here. I'm asking because it genuinely kills discussions. If you look at the first two-thirds of Page 1 of this thread, and then the thread after you and others started getting into it, the difference is striking.

Did you note the way I indicated how I really enjoy the original poster's podcast? No?

Don't feel bad. If I wasn't a published author, I'd probably spend my day on podcast alley too.

[ElNacho]

Gotcha. It's free speech up until the point somebody contests what you have to say.

wtf? no. just dont complain if he tells u to shut up, cuz he has just as much right to do that as u to say anythin else

[TALK RADIO SHOW]

Good to know that things are getting gayer in here each month.

Take your checklist and paper-cut yourself to death with it.

[gregleck]

Gotcha. It's free speech up until the point somebody contests what you have to say.

wtf? no. just dont complain if he tells u to shut up, cuz he has just as much right to do that as u to say anythin else

<sigh> So I have to shut up because he has a right to free speech? You understand the inherent contradiction, I hope.

[ElNacho]

i sed he can tell u to shut up. u dont have to shut up anymore than he does, but he can tell u to all he wants. as long as it's not anonomous and its not annoyin u :roll:

[gregleck]

i sed he can tell u to shut up. u dont have to shut up anymore than he does, but he can tell u to all he wants. as long as it's not anonomous and its not annoyin u :roll:

The only reason I put up with you is because you also seem to annoy the podiobook guy, who is my new enemy for life. :lol:

[ElNacho]

podio book guy? ther's plenty of people with podiobooks.
oh..that...sfelly person rite?

[gregleck]

podio book guy? ther's plenty of people with podiobooks.
oh..that...sfelly person rite?

Could be. I'm too lazy to look above in the thread.

[loganrapp]

You are quite the stupid bully. If you don't like free speech, then that's your problem.
Think deeper, Greg. I'm not challenging your right to play in the mud with the likes of El Nacho. I'm asking you to do it in threads that were obviously intended for it, which this one wasn't.

I'm not asking this to be a bully, and I'm not singling you out. You're not the worst offender here. I'm asking because it genuinely kills discussions. If you look at the first two-thirds of Page 1 of this thread, and then the thread after you and others started getting into it, the difference is striking.

Did you note the way I indicated how I really enjoy the original poster's podcast? No?

Don't feel bad. If I wasn't a published author, I'd probably spend my day on podcast alley too.

Which, of course, can't be found in Amazon or Powells.

You're a dumbass, and I hope you die. How's that for free speech?