critique my podcast

[ComputerClinic]

So I've decided to make a podcast on my website for my customers. This will be in video format when needed but mostly audio. Under the podcast I will have the main points and links in text form, so google and other SEs will know what its about. Anyway, I made episode #1 and I would like some constructive critism. I realize that the audio doesn't sound perfect, and I'll have to mess around with audacity to figure out why, but I'll worry about that when its time to make it live.

link (http://www.bozemancc.com/files/podcast/1.mp3)

[basic]

I haven't finished listening to all of it yet, but I can tell you that you are already better than Carey Holzman. Probably one of the more overrated techs that do podcasting. Some paraphrased quotes from him:

"I don't know why it fixed it or how it worked. All I know is I run the program and it fixes it."

to a customer: "Why are you asking me about Windows 7. I don't know anything about it yet...it's only been out officially for a few days. Just go back to XP."

I swear, all he knows how to do is run anti-malware programs.

[JosephLeo]

Alright, I'm going into "harsh" mode right now. I really believe that the web has A LOT of podcast out there, so we need to filter out the trash from the gems here. Remember, I don't mean to be offensive in anyway. This is strictly constructive criticism.


Intro Music
It's a little too mellow yellow for my personal taste. However, it does sound like a news jingle with a digital feel to it, so it can stay. However, Drums & Bass should be added for a more "urgancy" to it.

Voice
Your voice doesn't have a lot of confidence and it seems like your talking one-to-one with someone instead of one-way. I can almost imagine myself actually talking with you which is something you don't want with your radio/podcast. I also noticed that once in a while your "th" came out as a "d" which is common but keep an eye (or ear) out for that in the future. Another note, your S, P, F and Uh's are "loud", but this is the bane of every radio broadcaster. Professionals spend years, sometimes decades working on their voice to remove the hiss and peak from those dreaded letters. Having a mic filter really helps this out, but you still have to watch out for those.

Content
Excellent content, however it sounds like a "rough script" instead of a practiced script due to the slight pauses. Another thing, you mention the word "Porn" and "Pornography". People don't really expect to hear that on radio. "Adult Websites/Material/Entertainment" is a more appropriate word. On the news this is an entirely different story- but it's still a bit taboo for radio.

Summary
I think it's very good. Sure, I'm nitpicking here but you asked for critique, not comments ;)
I give it an average to above average rating since the stuff I hear around the web are of really low quality. Just tossing some constructive criticism, nothing meant to be offensive.

[ComputerClinic]

I haven't finished listening to all of it yet, but I can tell you that you are already than Carey Holzman.

Is this a complement? The wording kind of confuses me. But I think its a complement so thank you!

Alright, I'm going into "harsh" mode right now. I really believe that the web has A LOT of podcast out there, so we need to filter out the trash from the gems here. Remember, I don't mean to be offensive in anyway. This is strictly constructive criticism.


Intro Music
It's a little too mellow yellow for my personal taste. However, it does sound like a news jingle with a digital feel to it, so it can stay. However, Drums & Bass should be added for a more "urgancy" to it.

Well I don't know how to add anything to it as I bought it and didn't create it. Do you mean a bass instrument or just turning up the bass?

Voice
Your voice doesn't have a lot of confidence and it seems like your talking one-to-one with someone instead of one-way. I can almost imagine myself actually talking with you which is something you don't want with your radio/podcast. I also noticed that once in a while your "th" came out as a "d" which is common but keep an eye (or ear) out for that in the future. Another note, your S, P, F and Uh's are "loud", but this is the bane of every radio broadcaster. Professionals spend years, sometimes decades working on their voice to remove the hiss and peak from those dreaded letters. Having a mic filter really helps this out, but you still have to watch out for those.

Haha I know it doesn't sound very professional. I struggled through the whole thing and this was actually like my forth try. The first few times I would say something I didn't mean or just not know what to say next and have to start over. I've never recorded myself before so this is definitely a challenge, but I think it'll really help my business once I get it down. I really appreciate the feedback and I'll re do it with these things in mind.

Content
Excellent content, however it sounds like a "rough script" instead of a practiced script due to the slight pauses. Another thing, you mention the word "Porn" and "Pornography". People don't really expect to hear that on radio. "Adult Websites/Material/Entertainment" is a more appropriate word. On the news this is an entirely different story- but it's still a bit taboo for radio.

It was basically a table of contents and I talked about each thing as I went down the list. I tried to read a script but you could definitely tell that I was just reading and it didn't sound right. But yes, I definitely need more practice and hopefully as I continue to make new episodes I will get better. As for the "porn", it did feel a little weird saying that. I will use "adult websites" for the revised podcast.

Summary
I think it's very good. Sure, I'm nitpicking here but you asked for critique, not comments ;)
I give it an average to above average rating since the stuff I hear around the web are of really low quality. Just tossing some constructive criticism, nothing meant to be offensive.

No offense taken at all. In fact, this is exactly what I was hoping for. I'm nervous about the whole thing but I thought it would be wise to have it critiqued here and get up front criticism before I release it to the public. So thank you for helping!

[JosephLeo]

Okay, lets see here.

First, I didn't know you bought the song. Next, it just doesn't appeal to my personal taste- that is all.

Don't strain yourself on professionalism on your first podcast. If you want a masterpiece every time then you're never going to get anywhere. Settle for what you have for now and then learn as you go. Radio isn't as easy as people might think.

I'm glad I can help you out here :)



YAY, 600th post!

[ComputerClinic]

Ok, so I have some a more specific questions. But before I ask them, I will state my purposes for doing this podcast.

1. Provide clients with useful information and keep them as clients.
2. Increase potential client's confidence in my services and help them get to know me before calling.
3. To build links and increase overall SEO.

So my questions are:

1. Do you think that this information is useful for the common computer user?
2. Do you think potential clients will be more likely to use my services after listening to this?
3. Do you think this podcast is link worthy?

Please be honest. If this podcast wont fulfill these purposes then it is not accomplishing what I would like and is likely having an adverse effect. ANY feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

[basic]

Ok, so I have some a more specific questions. But before I ask them, I will state my purposes for doing this podcast.

1. Provide clients with useful information and keep them as clients.
2. Increase potential client's confidence in my services and help them get to know me before calling.
3. To build links and increase overall SEO.

So my questions are:

1. Do you think that this information is useful for the common computer user?
2. Do you think potential clients will be more likely to use my services after listening to this?
3. Do you think this podcast is link worthy?

Please be honest. If this podcast wont fulfill these purposes then it is not accomplishing what I would like and is likely having an adverse effect. ANY feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

Yes, I think people would find it useful. I know that at Micro Center, the in-store clinic classes are always packed with people wanting to learn about stuff. It could also increase your visibility, which is always a good thing. The only thing I would say is to make it not seem like you are reading off a transcript and make it more natural sounding.

[Blain]

I wish I had a Micro-Center around here.