Sometimes feedback surprises us. What’s something unexpected a listener told you that influenced your format, tone, or process?
I think this is best thought of in two parts: Feedback from other podcasters, and feedback from normal listeners.
From normal listeners…
- KEEP GOING — Craig, just shut up, keep it simple and make more episodes… No one (remember, normal listeners) gives negative feedback or constructive criticism.
- STOP TRYING SO HARD — Literally, no one notices the things which I obsess over. Exact episode length? …nuances in show notes? …the episode artwork? …that fire-truck that went past in the background? It’s just 80/20-Pareto all the way (80% of the benefit to the listener is accomplished by the first 20% of the effort I put in.)
From other podcasters…
Here, the feedback is too numerous to detail! I’ve had people criticize my intros, my energy level, my podcast mix, the editing, everything— and I do mean constructively criticize.
Some problems (such as the final mix-down’s target loudness) have objective answers; those things I fix.
I’ve been told about energy levels, and talking too fast. About needing to do in-post introductions, about needing outros, or even that whole ideas for shows were not nearly as interesting as I thought they were.
…so I guess the takeaway from other podcasters is: ITERATE. Do good work, then do more good work, then try to do some slightly better work. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
How about you?