No Worries, Here
13 February 2006
One CommentI’ve only just read the Wired article on podfading – the phemonenon of podcasts fading away before the 10th episode.
Although hard figures are elusive, host Rob Walch of the podcaster-interview program Podcast411 estimates at least a fifth of podcasters don’t make it to their 10th show; he expects the podcast graveyard to become even more crowded as podcasting becomes easier. Walch instituted a rule that he won’t interview a podcaster until the show has at least 10 episodes.
20%? That does seem about right.
It’s a funny thing. I’ve never hit that wall, that place where I’ve seriously (or even lightly) contemplated giving up The Roadhouse. The first year (the first 10 shows x 5.2!) has actually flown by quite quickly. Many around me didn’t think it would last this long – I do have a bit of a reputation as a short sprinter and a little lacking in the marathon. But, it’s never been a consideration to turn my Saturdays back over to idle time, a bag of Cheetos, a little sports television, and a nap.
Isn’t that what Sundays are for?
I can only speculate as to why it is that The Roadhouse hasn’t just faded away. First, I’m passionate about the music presented in each week’s show. Literally, it’s the musical highlight of each week to pull 12-14 cuts and attempt to assemble them into a coherent and flowing show. I don’t always succeed, but the joy of the challenge and the fun along the way just isn’t to be missed.
Second, I was fortunate to get some very good exposure very early, which brought a lot of listeners pretty quickly. There were several times early on that I sat at the computer, mouth agape, somewhat staggered by yet another huge spike in subscribers.
And, I’d make the case that The Roadhouse listeners are perhaps the most vocal and supportive of any online venture I’ve every been involved in. I get a fairly steady stream of comments on the show, almost all of which have been complimentary nearly to the point of embarassment. That really helps imbue my process for building the show each week with a sense of responsibility – a responsibility I’m glad to have. Not everyone who jumps into podcasting gets that.
So, no worries, here, about podfade. Y’all might just be stuck with me for awhile.
You’re not podfading because your podcast rocks the house and you know it….hehe Seriously though, you have a large audience, and your show is the best of it’s kind. Many podcasts lack quality both in the author and in content. Proof that just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. The roadhouse is the exact opposite. Somthing that should have been done a long time ago, but couldn’t be done before podcasting came along. Keep up the good work.