What's the best way to implement a comment line?

[Four-Oh]

I've had a toll-free number in the United States for over a year now, and I haven't had a single, solitary question or comment come in on it. Yes, I give it out in every episode. Yes, I have it on my podcast's blog (although it could be more prominent.) Yes, I ask people to send in questions and comments.

I chalk it up to people not wanting to use the phone. My subject matter is geared to bloggers, and they're the type of folks that'd rather make a Skype call or equivalent than call a phone number or record an MP3 and attach it to an e-mail.

So my question is this: If I wanted to allow for computer users to contact me and leave audio questions or comments, 24/7/365, internationally, without tying up my computer running programs or being logged in to a particular account all the time, what's the best way?

I'd considered a Skype-In account, but wouldn't I need to be logged in to that account all the time?

[EndGamePR]

Comments have a lot to do with content and audience size. The shows that prompt people to outrage or to talk about themselves are the ones that get lots of comments. Bear in mind, however, that only a small percentage of your listeners are likely to comment no matter WHAT you're talking about, which is why you need a pretty decent size audience.

Keep in mind as you're reading this post that I didn't bother to look to see what your show is about. Maybe you do meet those requirements and I just don't know it :)

[Four-Oh]

While that certainly addresses the "why", I'm much more interested in the "how".

[EndGamePR]

While that certainly addresses the "why", I'm much more interested in the "how".
Build your audience and change your content.

Does that help?

[Filmmaker One]

Jump-start the process. Seed the show with some phone messages to get things started.

If your audience hears you using the calls, they are more likely to call in. As a listener, if I don't hear you playing any calls on the show, then why should I bother?

[Four-Oh]

Perhaps I'm not making myself clear. I'm concerned about the method, not so much the reasons behind a comment line.

Why would someone in Denmark use a toll-free phone number from the United States? Also, with a Skype-In number, I'd have to have a PC running Skype and some means of recording incoming calls, would I not?

I'm looking for a system that's
International
Constantly available/passive
Delivers my phone messages in .WAV or .MP3 format
Doesn't cost a whole lotIs there such an animal?

And BTW, Tracey? I'm digging Filmmaker One... have been ever since The Podcast Brothers intro.

[EndGamePR]

Perhaps a web-based comment recorder would work for you? If you do a Google search for "record voice messages through website" you'll find several.

[Rasheed]

There are some shady operators out there. Please, be very careful, and do your research before committing to a service.

Many podcasters, including Rob Walch of Podcast411, seem to like MyChingo (http://www.mychingo.com/).

[Filmmaker One]

I'm concerned about the method, not so much the reasons behind a comment line.

Oh, I see. I am interested in that as well. I sometimes here podcasters requesting people email them MP3 questions, but this seems less than ideal. MyChingo looks like a good idea. Too bad it's a monthly fee.

And BTW, Tracey? I'm digging Filmmaker One... have been ever since The Podcast Brothers intro.

Thanks! It's really cool to hear feedback like this. I have been struggling with some WordPress issues lately, so I will be checking out your show as well.

[Rasheed]

MyChingo looks like a good idea. Too bad it's a monthly fee.
Besides that there is no such thing as a free lunch, asking money for a service is actually a good idea, from a business perspective. No hidden fees, or other hidden agendas, like with some of the more shady operators. After all, Skype also asks a fee for extra services (SkypeOut, SkypeIn, etc.).

[Four-Oh]

Thanks! It's really cool to hear feedback like this. I have been struggling with some WordPress issues lately, so I will be checking out your show as well.

Oops, sorry about the extra 'e' in the name, it was late and I should have looked closer.

Sure, Skype, IM or call me anytime you need help. Better yet, call my comment line at...

...Just kidding! Seriously, let me know if there's any way I can be of service.

[Filmmaker One]

asking money for a service is actually a good idea

Yes, of course you are right. A paid-for product is more likely to be a professional, supported product. I still prefer using a product with a one-time cost rather than a monthly fee . . . if one existed.

[Rasheed]

Well, you could look for a combination of a server-side/client-side app, or have one built for you. I think it either has to be a Flash or Java app on the client side, because it has to be able to access the client computer's audio in and out. It also should have a server side, to receive the audio from the client, and send it to your e-mail address (you don't want that e-mail address client-side, because it could be hacked).

I guess it will cost you a few thousand USD to have it built and maintained for you. The minimum wage for a programmer is iirc around $100 USD per hour, and in the hundreds of USD per hour for an experienced programmer.

I would pay the monthly fee. It's much cheaper.