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Before I answer with the obvious, let me slightly re-state the question? What do you ultimately hope to accomplish with, or by, podcasting?
Is it just something that you like to do or is it a burning passion from within you to communicate your thoughts, knowledge or view of your chosen subject or subjects? Could it be that you do what you do to accommodate people that can’t read your written words because they are visually impaired? Perhaps it is because you know they want, or need, to hear what you have to say? Maybe you just like to talk and think you have something to say that others want to hear? These are all good reasons for spending the time that takes to make a podcast, but, what is YOUR ultimate purpose? What is it that will make yours ultimately unique and will set you apart from the rest?
Think about it for a moment. What is your purpose for making a podcast or being a podcaster? It is important that you answer that question before you get too far into your podcasting experience. I can tell you that without a clear direction and a love for what you are doing, you won’t last long.
Because of personal reasons, I haven’t been blogging or podcasting for a while and, honestly, I hope I was missed but I don’t think anyone much noticed. The only fortunate thing I have going in my favor when I took the extended leave is that I have almost two years of content out there. Some of it is pretty good (even if I do say so myself) and some of it … well … it’s even better. That’s because, though I do get sidetracked at times, I have a lot of interest in this thing called podcasting and the recording and editing of audio and video. You do know that this thing most often called podcasting has really only been going on in its present form for a little over four years.
Just in case you haven’t had time to notice, a lot is going on in this communication field and it is becoming more and more popular all the time. More people than ever before are finding audio and video podcasting as a means of getting their message across to the masses.
I am not so sure that every podcast that’s popular sounds like just another radio program though. It seems more and more are discovering that the message is more important than the fancy “radio-type” production. In fact, it seems that the ones that provide the most pertinent information to their audience are the ones that are growing in popularity.
That’s why I think it is important for you, the beginner podcaster, to think about what drives you to be a podcaster. Just what is it that you desire to accomplish with it? What is so important or interesting about it that makes you and your audience keep coming back for more?
I would like to be really transparent and tell you that my biggest problem more often than not is deciding what to focus on. Some people ask me what equipment to use and others ask me to try out different and diverse software. Some, by their questions, have even forced me to become more familiar with some of the technical aspects of podcasting software and equipment that I used to just take for granted or think that most people somehow just understood. Now I admit, I do have an interesting time with some of the equipment and software but honestly, I’ve discovered that some of it is just a total waste of time and energy. More often than not, whatever you choose, simple is better.
The redeeming value to all of it is that I have the opportunity to learn something new all the time. When I learn something of particular interest, (or something that really surprises me with how well it works or how easy it makes a task) I share it with you as quickly as I can. In future articles, I have some interesting things to share with you. In fact, I have a bunch of ideas in my “article oven” right now. Soon you will able to tap into what I think is some really interesting stuff right here on “Podcasting Resources” at podcastnorm.com.
For right now though, I just want to talk to you beginners about what you want to accomplish with this form of communication called podcasting. If you haven’t started yet, now is a good time to take some time and think through your plans for the future. Try to visualize yourself a year from now. Does your chosen direction still look appealing? Do you look forward to each new podcast with the same excitement you used to.
If you’ve already started with your podcasting adventure, take a little time to evaluate where you are and how far you’ve come. Does this “podcast thing” still hold you in its grip with anticipation for every new show or do you dread even the thought of having to turn your next one out?
In the mean time, take a look at why you want to be a podcaster and what you want to accomplish with your podcast and be on the lookout for the next article, “Three Questions You Need To Ask Yourself Before Making The Committment To Be A Podcaster.”
See you next time …
Russ
