Last weekend Jennifer and I went to an event hosted by the crowdfunding site Patreon. Patreon is how Jennifer gets most of her funding for Captain Awkward. I came along as her plus one because I wanted to learn more about possibly funding this blog in the future.
Most of the people that were there were podcasters, with visual artist or webcomic creator, musicians and writers like Jennifer and I sprinkled into the mix. One of the things that a fairly successful podcaster said was not to worry about whether your idea is original or not. There can be hundred podcasts on a subject, but people listen because they like you.
This stuck with me. I had thought about having a podcast to supplement the blog from the beginning, but thought honestly, why would anyone bother to listen? Why does anyone bother to read my words either? Hopefully you read because you like my writing and the quest I am on. Maybe even like me. If you are hate reading my blog, more power to you. Is there literally nothing else you could do with your time?
My plans for the podcast are very simple. I will record myself (hopefully when no one is using a leaf blower in the yard right behind my house like they are now) reading the posts that I write on here and putting them up weekly. I do not plan to ever have audio that is not transcripted, as I believe strongly in accessibility. There will never be episodes of me hanging out with my friends just riffing and telling endless inside jokes. I cannot abide that type of podcast, and I would never subject anyone else to it.
Arguments for having a podcast:
I can reach people who may not like to read, but who enjoy listening to podcasts. I also have visually impaired friends who might like an audio version.
I’m a white male over 40. I am destined to make a podcast at some point in my life.
The startup costs are not significant. Honestly, I just need a decent microphone, and those are increasingly inexpensive. I already own sound recording and editing software.
Maybe it will help tone up my writing a bit.
Arguments against having a podcast.
It will take a significant amount of time to record and edit*.
This blog and my project might suffer for the amount of time recording, editing, and distributing a podcast can take.
It’s just me reading my own blog, is that even a podcast really?
It feels a bit hubristic and kind of a big jerk off.
*I have had some magical thinking about this already. I was budgeting four hours in a week to recording and editing, which is laughable. I would say at least eight hours is more realistic. I will likely need more time.
Please let me know what you think in the incredibly simple, yes or no survey below.
If you would like to discuss in depth or have any podcasting wisdom to parley, email me at: jeremydnichols@gmail.com
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