How do people react when you tell them you do a podcast?
I was talking to my friend the other day and I told him I was starting a podcast. He really didn't understand what it was so I had to tell him it was online radio. It was interesting to hear and see his reaction. It was almost like he didn't understand how someone can do it. He asked me if I had to deal with the FCC. I couldn't stop laughing.
have you guys had any weird conversations with people regarding podcasting?
I do think it does really depend on how tech savvy the people you are talking to. Some of the hard core listeners have been listening to downloaded and then live streamed Internet Broadcasts for years. But there are still many in the older generation that are just more comfortable with getting their entertainment and information from the TV or radio. For them, they like the content they have there and what controls the FCC has over that kind of programming. Also it is just easier for them to get to. They may think that it is hard to access Internet Broadcasts as either a live show or a download or they may not even know it is possible.
We do need to keep in mind that many of us tech people know a lot more than the general public about how all of this works. So things that seem simple to us are not as easy for others. Plus most people are creatures of habit so if they where growing up with just the radio and newspapers, that is where they may go 1st and then to the TV 2nd. The younger generation that has grown up with iPods, iPads and smartphones is a lot more used to downloads and streaming.
I do think that the change is happening where there is more awareness of Internet Broadcasting as traditional broadcasters embrace the new technology. Not only by having exclusive content online but by using social networks like FaceBook and Twitter to promote it. So I would say to give it time. Many will find out about it and not be as confused or ask questions that may sound silly to us but are actually valid concerns. To the average person, Internet Broadcasting, TV and Radio can look and sound like the same thing so the reasons why the FCC is involved with one and not the other are good questions.
What I would do in that situation is use it as an opportunity to teach them about what good and bad things that the FCC does so that they can be on our side of not regulating Internet Broadcasting. The more they know and can understand about what we do and why we do it the better.
So far I've always had a good response. People say "that's really cool" or "that sounds fun." And it's always followed with the question, "What do you guys talk about?" And sometimes I get a "I should do a podcast." A woman we were chatting with in front of a movie theater recently even said she was thinking of starting her own podcast after we told her we did one.
I always try and give folks a card when I do mention the show even if they don't know what podcasting is.
I always think no one bothers to watch my videos. But every once and awhile I run into local fans. The other day I was riding in a taxi with a few other people I didn't know. We chatted about the rash of arson fires in the neighborhood that happened in April & May of this year.
I mentioned that I took 100 photos of a fire scene, and posted a video on YouTube. A guy in the front seat turned around & said he thought he recognized my voice. He mentioned a video I did about a crush I had on a lady taxi driver. He's a fan.
I'm shy, and don't always talk to strangers when I'm running about town. But every once and awhile, someone looks at me like maybe they know me. I think I'll make a custom t-shirt with my photo, and something like "Yes, I'm on YouTube!" See if I can attract more viewers!?
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