Podcasting for Dummies®, 2nd Edition

Chapter 13. Speaking Directly to Your Peeps

In This Chapter

• Encouraging listener feedback

• Starting a discussion group online

• Finding conversations on the Web

• Handling listener feedback

Communication can be defined in a multitude of overly complex ways. For the sake of argument (and not to copy each and every dictionary entry we can find), we define the term as

• The exchange of information between two points.

Note that last part — between two points. To us, this implies a bi-directional flow of information, to and from both parties.

If you've had the pleasure (note how well we can say that with a straight face) of attending any productivity or team-building seminars, the presenters really drive the message home: Effective communication is not a one-way street.

Over the past few years, podcasting has evolved as a more effective communication than traditional media (such as radio or television). We all have same tools to communicate at our disposal — e-mail, Web sites, phone lines — so why do podcast listeners seem to get more involved with podcasting? Two simple reasons

• There seems to be a closer bond between podcast listener and podcast producer. The simple fact that anyone can do this makes the producer seem more like a real person than a personality and easier to relate to.

• The podcasters are asking for the feedback — and getting it. Audience size doesn't matter. We've seen some instances of shows with a couple hundred loyal followers where the podcaster has to spin off a second show just ...