What would you like changed?

It's all about style..

from JoeUser Forums

One of the things we're trying to go for is a bit more light-hearted podcasting.

When we were first starting up PowerUser.tv, we listened to a lot of podcasts and we noticed some trends:

  • Nearly all are by men
  • Nearly all are very dry
  • Nearly all are very very serious

So how do we stand out?

First, we wanted a female host.  Kristin Hatcher was the logical choice because she has a lot of experience in both public speaking and sound editing (she's more than just the host, she's the producer).

Secondly, we wanted to keep it light and entertaining. That meant we needed to make sure our guests knew the topics so well that they could also have energy to try to be funny as well.

So that's what you've been seeing so far.  Each one we do I think we get a little better at.  But what do you want to see?

poweruser
5,173 views 17 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
beer
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
beer

I would add that too

Frankly, it's a bit to soon to see what to changer, I beleive it's true that so far, it's not like any other podcast I,ve heard. It doesn't actually sound like someone recorded it in a garage. it actually sounds great. Humour is there, though, not always funny.

I'm sorry Brad, but i'm happy it's not too "stardock", I was afraid that it would sound like a publicity and i'm quite satisfied with the result.

What to change really? like I was saying it's a bit early, Kristin as a good tone and voice, brad is....well, brad (that's actually good) and so far the guests have been well chosen. Hope to see more on PC personnalising, more on skinning and of course, more jokes, I do like the jokes after all.

As the time passes, more suggestions will come, i'm pretty sure. Do you have any idea on how many people downloaded the cast so far?
Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Two ideas:

- Since users will probably be driven here quite a lot from WC, and some of them may not know much about podcasts, it would be good to have a bit of summary somewhere of what they actually are.

- A gadget or widget for Poweruser.TV to make new shows more noticeable. It could also have the ability to automatically download podcasts as they become available, and then play them when specified.
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
Having ran and Internet Radio station for 4 years and having done a few hundred live shows, you guys are doing EXTREMELY well. The hardest part by far is getting the groove and nitche down - but you have accomplished that.

One thing you may want to try, is a Q&A segment. The "peepz" send in emails, you answer the questions.

Actually, while I have you here; I have this burning sensation between my toes......
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top
I would like to see more attention paid to normalizing the volume between the different speakers.

Brad tends to be *very* loud, compared to Kristin's somewhat softer voice, with other guests somewhere in between. It's hard to get a comfortable volume from my speakers due to this...

It's a common problem with podcasts, but I'd still like to see it fixed.
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
Can't say I noticed any level problems myself but there are normalising plugins available for most players or they might even come built in with your sound cards driver.

I've made a few off the top of my head suggestions already but as far as changes go, I wouldn't change anything, or listen to anyone outside of the group that originally put this together. The reason I'd say this is it works so damn well just as it is.
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
I'd like to second the Q&A idea.

First question to everyone: boxers or briefs?
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top

I believe there arn't enough songs being sung Last song I heard was "I'm a lumber jack and I'm ok" Very sad to be missing the occassional song lol. But on a marginally more serious note. You guys are doing a great job. I can't honestly suggest anything that should be changed. You even release on a nice day (when I have booooooooring classes )


Regards

Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top

A low bandwidth download.

Skype only uses a 32k 24khz mono codec.  Encoding the show to 128k 44khz Stereo is kinda wastley.   Spacewise and Download bandwidth.

Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top
I do like the idea of a Q&A session, and boy does that time FLY when your stuck in traffic! I couldn't hope to get a all day Power User channel could I?   Maybe Sirius could pick you guys up! But as for the suggestion of a lower bandwith show...I would strongly disagree.
Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

I luv these podcasts!



The only thing that bothers me is the size (over 50mb)!



It would be just great if anyone could: Stream @ 32kbps(mono)(you could use standard .m3u streaming system), Download @ 32kbps(mono) and Download @ 128kbps (stereo)...



Afterall... It would cut down the bandwith a lot; and it doesen't take long to make all of the above mentioned things... (10min more work per podcast).



Good Luck!

Reply #12 from Stardock Forums Top
gah, donty put the podcasts in mono, they sound horrible

then again, i convert them once ive donwloaded an episode to the size i want to go on me mp3

a q&a section would be fun, you could tell us a day before u do the show to send u emails, and then we would

//edit\\
oh, and th ite, possilby get a little image in the adressbar at the start of the url
it isnt veyr much to do, but it does look better in my bookmarks
Reply #13 from Stardock Forums Top
The file size is a little on the large side. Everytime a new one is released I have to clean songs off my iPod.
Reply #14 from Stardock Forums Top
I like the format now. The size is fine for me, I haven't fallen for the ipod thing. The sound quality is good if that means a larger file size so be it.

Personally less singing would be nice. Maybe a target of no signing would be good.

Listener questions are good.

You might try to get representation from other companies like Microsoft. A guest from Microsoft would be good. Then we could listen to a fist fight, that would be cool. Seriously I would like hear someone from Microsoft or Sony try to defend their products.
Reply #15 from Stardock Forums Top
I think that if there is a guest on the show, such as Kris this week, Kristin or someone should say their nickname as I don't really know the names of the people behind the nick.

But none-the-less, the show is great!
Reply #17 from Stardock Forums Top
get drunk before the show
You have no idea how many times we've seriously considered it.