An Ode to Women Podcasters...
November 05, 2007
by Guest Blogger, Lena West, Chief Social Media Strategist at xynoMedia Technology
Maybe I'm missing the boat a bit (and if I am, feel free to pull my coattail), but where are all the 
women podcasters? Ok, I know there are a few (and boy, are they good!)...but by and large, I see a lot of men podcasting.
The last time I checked, at least amongst my closest colleagues and friends:
- women liked to talk...ahem...communicate :)
- we all know interesting people - especially other interesting women - to interview
- when passionate about an issue (when are we not?), we can get on a soapbox to prove our point
- we liked the idea of marketing our business in a non-slimy/salesy way
But, still we shun the podcast. Why?
Podcasts haven't got as much media attention at it's text-based cousin, the blog. Alas, the humble podcast has almost become the step-child of blogosphere tools. <crying jag>
Why is this? I'm not sure, but I venture a guess that it has something to do with technology. Great! Technology rains on the collective parade again!
For some reason, people can wrap their mind around typing and having people read what you write (a blog), but podcasts still don't compute. People ask me all the time what technology they need to deliver a podcast and they are constantly amazed at the short, inexpensive list of tools needed:
- a podcast treatment (similar to an outline of what happens when during the podcast)
- a means of recording audio (start with Audio Acrobat if you don't have a huge budget)
- a means to edit audio (Audacity is free and easy to use)
- a means to disseminate the audio - via a blog platform, RSS feed or podcasting service
- a place to store the audio (depending on the length of the podcast, storage can be a challenge for some so plan for this early on)
So, if you've ever thought about podcasting, here's how to know if podcasting is for you:
- If you hate the idea of sitting there thinking about typing in your ideas into a little box.
- If you want to add a creative bent to your marketing efforts (podcasts allow you to add music, etc.)
- If you're a better speaker than a writer.
- If you'd rather interview other people from time to time.
- If your audience prefers to be "on the go" rather than sitting and reading blog posts
And, if you know if any good podcasts run by women (and, yes, I know all about Anita Campbell), please post them here and let's create a podcast version of the famous W list, huh?
To women podcasters everywhere! Long live women podcasters!
Only you can prevent podcast fires, only you. A podcast is a terrible thing to waste.
Lena,
I did read your article, carefully, in its entirety. That is why I made a comment. :) If I hadn't read it and found it worthwhile, I wouldn't have invested my valuable time by posting a not.
I get the feeling you missed my point entirely. :( A "podcast treatment" is a nonsensical term. It means nothing. If you were trying to say "an outline of what happens when during the podcast," then why didn't you just say, An Outline? These are words and context that everyone understands.
As someone who's worked in tech a very, very long time, I can tell you that the harder we work at using fancy terms, the farther away we push users. Fancy official-sounding terms make technology sound mystical and inaccessible, not more easy-to-use and endearing. I was simply trying to encourage the use of plain street language. If you mean "an outline," SAY "an outline."
As for my interest, I have long wanted to podcast, but have yet to find the simple and effective tools to do so. Sadly, not even you recommended simple, free, straightforward tools I can use to make a podcast. The programs you suggested do not work on my computer, and I do not have a microphone. End of story. :\
The multiple things needed are about 3 levels too many to make such a task feasible for most users. As it stands, the hassle of steps and tools and learning the complexities of how to do this project, very much outweighs the end result. Until the equation flip-flops so the payoff becomes worth the effort, we're not going to see podcasting in the mainstream.
I know that we tech afficionados don't particularly like to hear that :) but unfortunately it's just the way it is. You were wondering why more women aren't podcasting, well, I'm sharing what I believe to be the answer based on my first-hand close-up observations with technology users who've tried, became totally overwhelmed just from the technical side of things alone, and as a result haven't pulled it off.
Just 2ยข worth from the front lines :)
Kay
Posted by: Kay | November 07, 2007 at 06:55 PM
Great point, Sonya.
Thanks for adding that one...
-Lena
Posted by: Lena West | November 07, 2007 at 01:58 AM
Podcasting is also nice because there is no mistaking what tone you are taking. Sometimes, with blogging, it's hard to tell between sincerity, sarcasm, or other tones.
Posted by: sonya | November 06, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Mary:
Thanks for this. I had not heard of this podcast at all. From the handful of episodes I listened to, it needs a bit of "energy", but the content is solid.
I'm glad to hear you're starting a podcast. I would love it.
Also, I guess I was looking for a stand-alone podcast - one that's not connected to a blog - just a podcast.
Thanks for always reading and writing,
Lena
Posted by: Lena West | November 06, 2007 at 07:21 PM
*Isn't interesting that people who don't fully read what you write always leave anonymous comments?*
Hi Kay:
I actually did explain what a podcast treatment is: "(similar to an outline of what happens when during the podcast)".
It's just that...what happens in the first minute, the second, minute 15, etc. Is there music first? Talking? It's an outline of the rundown/flow of the podcast.
And, honey, if you let one bit of jargon stop you from creating your podcast (if that's what you want to do), then you might want to check in with yourself to make sure it's something you really want to do ;)
Toodles,
Lena
Posted by: Lena L. West | November 06, 2007 at 07:13 PM
Honey, you lost me with requirement #1, and I'm a gearhead! What the hell is "a podcast treatment" ??? Never heard of it! No wonder girls don't podcast....... it would help if it was a little more accessible. ;)
Posted by: Kay | November 06, 2007 at 02:16 PM
Lena,
Check out Dawn Rivers Baker podcasts over at the Journal Blog.
And once I get my new site up and running, I'm planning an interview/roundtable series, talking about "real-world marketing" - Guess who one of my first invitees will be? ;-)
Posted by: Mary Schmidt | November 06, 2007 at 09:32 AM