What Would You Like To Hear In A Techdirt Podcast?
from the questions,-questions dept
Many years ago (many, many, many years ago) before "podcasting" existed (actually, before iPods existed), we briefly tried to do a "Techdirt online radio show," which had a terrible name I won't repeat here. We ended up doing two or three episodes, I think -- and the only one that was any good accidentally got deleted right after we recorded it. That said, in the intervening years, the whole podcasting thing sprung up and it's all pretty well established now. We've been tossing around the idea of doing a podcast ourselves. I've got some ideas for what I think it should be... but I'm also curious about what people here would like to hear in a podcast. There's no guarantee we'll end up doing exactly what anyone suggests, but we're hoping it provides some ideas. Would you like to just hear me and some of the other contributors talking about the week's news? Or would you want interviews with interesting guests? Something entirely different? Do you prefer longer podcasts or the quick hit types? Let us know what would be most interesting. Thanks!
Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
Let's make it useful
That way, you can educate Lawmakers in the process.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
If so I won't be listeing because Bratty 12 year olds are annoying
[ link to this | view in thread ]
I'm lazy
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Don't care
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
A Techdirt 'week in review' podcast would be useless to me, as I check Techdirt four days a week anyway. A spoken review is rather a waste of the medium - I don't need someone to tell me what I can see is plainly available.
I'm excited about the idea of podcasts, though I probably wouldn't be able to check them at work (policies against streaming and all that).
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Re:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Re:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
How bout....
That being said, topics that lend for pondering solutions to issues we often discuss here.
We know the problems, lets chew on some solutions, theoretical or otherwise.
Nigel
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Four Words:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Four Words:
N.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
I like to hear the jokes, the thoughts and opinions, when it interest me.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
All Streisand Effect... All The Time.
Oh, and maybe talk about how Film and Music execs are killing themselves by refusing to explore new production, distribution, and revenue models; how they're really just presiding over the slow death of their companies and shutting themselves out of what's next.
Seems like you never talk about this stuff on your blog.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
I'd like to see the interviewee talk about their experiences, their failures, their successes, the challenges they've overcome, and the challenges they still face in a frank and honest way, with the host taking the "Larry King" approach - minimal interruptions, just poking and prodding and listening.
I fear that if the interviewer tries to bash the uninitiated subject over the head with the regular TechDirt point of view, the guest may get defensive, or feel like they are being talked down to, or otherwise close down and not reveal anything interesting.
I'd steer away from serious debate in the podcast, this isn't the best format for debates - those are often won on form, style, and recall of random factoids, not on who's side is actually correct. Text, where people can read, research, organize their thoughts and edit points is a far better medium for debates than live discussion.
For that reason, I'd suggest using the podcast as a way to round up creatives who are trying to get their name out there and learn about their needs, then follow that up while a text article (sort of like case study) about your thoughts on what they could do differently, what could be tweaked, what interesting strategies are they using, what they aren't using, etc.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
A Golden Opportunity
[ link to this | view in thread ]
And tell us the the terrible name that makes baby moses cry.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
I would like to hear....
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
podcast
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: A Golden Opportunity
I think we have a winnah.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
dialog
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Four Words:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Music and Geeks
Meanwhile, I want to hear tech geeks talk about esoteric stuff, and semi-fringe players say smart things that make the status quo cringe.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
A Show Down
Corner Two: OK GO, Amanda Palmer, Alex Day, Trent Reznor
Could be fun for the first podcast.
Then we move on to lawyers and law experts, like Michael Geist, Larry Lessig, and Ray Beckerman and I'm sure there will be no shortage of lawyers from the other side.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Interviews about new Business Models..
Focus on how they are connecting w/ Fans and giving them reasons to buy. Talk about new business models; trials and tribulations of making a living in this constantly connected society.
Be sure to interview the folks who fail in addition to the ones who are succeeding.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Oh, and can you intro each show with that audio of the supposed sounds from hell that some Russian oil drillers recorded, and announce that, that is the sound of the RIAA/MPAA/Book Publisher's business models dying a slow death.
Oh, interview A+D about the mashup and remix community they've built that puts on shows around the globe(Bootie).
If there is to be no interviews etc for a particular show, call for questions on the site a couple days before and you pick the best ones to talk about during the show.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Business "models"
[ link to this | view in thread ]
I think you run the risk of splitting the 'full story' between the website and the podcast.
Or would you want interviews with interesting guests?
Yes, please make the podcast mostly interviews.
Something entirely different?
No
Do you prefer longer podcasts or the quick hit types?
Let the material determine the length. If it's interesting, I will listen to a long or short show.
I think the podcast and the website should compliment each other, and not compete. Unless you want to think of the podcast as the audio version of the website.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Interviews--Value Added.
Let me second the idea of interviews. A podcast should be value added, something more than a way of making content without typing or editing. I like Techdirt a lot, but it is quicker to read text than listen to a podcast, so I'd only listen to a podcast if it offered me something more than I'd get from the text, such as nuance, or repartee or entertainment value you get from two or more people talking.
Nerdist is a good example. The podcasts are entertaining in their audio format. And not something I'd necesarily find as interesting as text.
Editing
Many of the best podcasts are good, in part, because they are edited down from longer interviews. The interviews on Fresh Air are edited down, but so are the interviews on many quality pocasts made by individuals or smaller organizations, such as the "Skeptics with a K" podcast.
If you want to maintain unbiased transparency you can always post the un-edited interviews separately.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Business "models"
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Re: Business "models"
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Longer is better
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Business "models"
that was hilarious.
Now if we can get this "Pirate Mike" troll and Mike together to talk the *spoken in a deep voice* 'lo-uuuve connection' might also happen.
Bwahahahahahaha
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Definitely Interviews
Interviews are way more interesting to listen to (it isn't the same old same old voice each time) and you get to explore ideas in new ways with each guest.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Also... Get Jad Abumrad to help you... I hear he's good at explaining complicated topics in podcast format.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Culture lost. Now you have no reason to bitch about 40 year old BBC programs, you have the same problem they do.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
read to me please!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Re: Re: Business "models"
On Topic,
While I love bob I'm not sold on the audio value of his rambling discourses.
I think the first guest should be Mrs. Carreon.
If she is unavailable the get Babs to explain her effect.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Re: A Golden Opportunity
[ link to this | view in thread ]
http://hackaday.com/2012/08/02/building-an-isolation-booth-for-your-home-recording-studio/
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Context
You could also take a page from an old PBS series, "The Constitution: A Delicate Balance" and have a number of participants play the various stakeholders in a situation you're following to explore how a hypothetical might play out, with time to talk about the rationale used by the various stakeholders.
Fiction can be a powerful tool to explore ideas. That's what I use my own blog for.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Interviews--Value Added.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Business "models"
Writing for the site means I usually have to take an either/or approach because of time available. I also had (well, I still have it) a personal blog I was focusing on (the one linked to my avatar name) that chewed up some time as well.
However, I'm hoping that at some point in the new future, I'll be able to spring myself loose to do a bit more interacting.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Interviews--Value Added.
+1
Btw. I really like the idea of a podcast.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
In total agreement with what's written above: "Sorry, I used to listen to podcasts but over the years I've learned that listening to podcasts takes too long and it's faster to read the information I want." With the addition that while I'm reading I can listen to music.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Soundquality
Maybe you can even collaborate.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: I'm lazy
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
Personally, I'm on the site enough that I catch stories within a couple hours of when they're posted (at most), so a recap show wouldn't be useful to me - but don't let just me stop that idea if others want it.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: A Golden Opportunity
How about a weekly show reporting on national and international media and their influence on the world?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
My serious response
[ link to this | view in thread ]
late to the game....would like to be involved
You should have a "devils advocate" who NEVER breaks character.
Mock him senseless for his stupidity every cast.
It has to look legit.
Setup an anti-piracy blog for him/her and create a standard baddy persona. NOT evil, just stupid, uninformed and lovable for his naivety.
You also need writers to inject lulz into his argument.
(finding the right way to say a sentence can make all the difference)
Format should be...
The writers, write ridiculous perspectives on the weeks stories for the "baddy", use fallacies and stupid arguments etc... for him to lead the show with.
Eg..
1. you mention the story, bring up the topic. (you know more) Ask the "baddy" what does he think.
2. the "baddy" rambles on with loosely scripted and outlandish opinions that invite you mock him senseless.
You and whoever else, just respond naturally (unscripted) and with humor, to the mental ramblings of a lovable madman.
3. you pity him, laugh at, and with him, about his ridiculous thoughts on the stories, while pointing out the truth.
4. the "baddy" never "gets it", well he "gets some of it" in isolation but as a whole he lacks the mental capacity to understand the bigger picture.
5. the "baddy" also as a defense, quotes trolls and "simples" in the user comments to get back at you. But always fails.
PROTIP: GOOD DRAMA is GOOD DRAMA
If it has a point = Bonus points !
[ link to this | view in thread ]
+++ # reverse troll
Get real anti-pirates on... I would agree to all their stupid arguments and make them stupider.
It's like a dream job.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Broadcast
Patrick Lynch
[ link to this | view in thread ]
commentary and thoughts on weekly news
discussion panels
interviews
Q&A's
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Podcasts
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Twit network
I know they already have TWiL (This Week in Law), so maybe they wouldn't take you guys up on it. Either way, I've been waiting for a Techdirt netcast and I'm excited to hear that you're considering it.
I think Mike would be a good addition, at least, to This Week in Tech.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Keep it tight!
Edit that Puppy
Ums, aahs and dead air are a very bad thing.
Asking the same question half a dozen times in different ways is good reporting, but broadcasting the raw interview is awful. Don't be afraid to edit questions and responses down to their essence - just be sure to maintain context.
FYI, I'll throw my hat in the ring if you need extra help editing - contact me if you're interested.
Keep it Topical / Shorter is Better
Unless you're creating something for an hour-long radio show, don't make it an hour long. Do a single topic per podcast and keep it short - between 10 and 20 minutes, adjusting for the amount of content you have (see next topic).
If you have a large topic to cover, break it up into parts.
Pack the Content Tightly
Pack those podcasts tight. Even a long podcast can engaging if it's constantly moving and presenting new information.
Quality is Better then Quantity
It's better to produce fewer, more interesting, better edited podcasts. Too much content will just cause people (a.k.a. me) to tune out.
We Don't Need FLAC
Compress the crap out of the final product and save yourself some bandwidth. This isn't hi-fi studio recording of original music you're doing. It's just speech. By intelligently choosing your bitrate (VBR = good) can get you small files that are relatively free of artifacts.
Examples of Good Podcasts
An Example of a Not-So-Good Podcast
That's my $0.02.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Podcast
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Dark Helmet reading his own posts...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Video podcast
I would love to see Mike interview:
- Politicians who are trying push good Techdirt type bills through congress
- People successfully using free in their business model
- Michael Geist
- Trent Reznor
- Kickstarter
- Spotify
- EFF
- Google Transparency Reports
I could list 100 more, but you get the idea. Don't forget to include people you respect and have something worthwhile to say, but have different view point than you do.
I agree with what Ingmar said in his "Keep it tight!" post.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
The "Suck It" Of The Day
The RIAA can suck it.
The DOJ can suck it.
ICE can suck it.
Craigslist can suck it.
Morality In Media can suck it.
The so-called "Free Speech Coalition" can suck it.
Republicans can suck it.
Democrats can suck it.
Warner Brothers can suck it.
Sony can suck it.
The Olympic Committee can suck it.
The U.S. military can suck it.
Adam Lambert can su...oh wait, he already does.
Well, you get the idea.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
THIS. If the podcast is offered in mp3 format, it should be offered in ogg format as well. Also I would expect it to be licensed under some variation of Creative Commons. Anything else would just be antithetical and self-defeating.
Supporting Open Culture requires supporting Open Formats. Supporting closed formats actively damages the wider usefulness of the web. Keep up the good work!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Interviews--Value Added.
For those reasons, a 'week-in-review' type format would be nice. For those that don't think that adds enough value to the text format, I'd love to see it be a live podcast with a chat room or something along those lines to keep an active conversation going with the TD community. That would be amazing and something I'd probably even pay to be a part of.
Beyond that, I think that interviews are a must-have. They're something that are very hard to fit into a text-based post and, as Scote suggested, it would be easy to edit a longer interview down and release the full, unedited version separately. That's how many talk shows manage to fit into their time slot while still getting really great interviews, so why not for TD?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Better to have an organized interview show where we get to hear the interviewee speak and the interviewer is adept at getting beyond the soundbyte.
Interview creators, inventors, business people, lobbyists, politicians, - anyone that impacts technology today.
I would gladly listen to your podcast regularly.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Just read the blog
[ link to this | view in thread ]