This is really discouraging. I didn't intend anything I said to be a complaint, and I don't think Busdriver did either. There were so many angry responses that I reread my posts and busdriver's several times to see what could have caused all that animosity, but I just can't see it.
I find it really discouraging, and get a little hot under the collar, when people complain about the effort that someone else puts in with the best intentions. It's like someone walking up to an artist that has just painted a mural and saying "I hate murals, I'll never look at this, why did you even bother?" and all the artist wanted was to create something that others might like or find useful. Note that it's not the same as saying "Yeah, it was ok, but maybe you should have done XYZ" - there's healthy criticism in the spirit of making things better, and there's criticism of the whole IDEA, which is simply rude. You may not like something that someone does, but to tell them not to do it is unacceptable in this forum, and usually, in life. ;-)
If you look back on this thread, things didn't start to get tense until Busdriver's fourth post complaining about the concept, the lack of a transcript, etc. I don't believe it was his intention to attack the concept, but I think there's only so many "yeah, but..." comments can be made until people get irritated. I know I heard him the first time - I even agreed with both him and you in saying that I don't listen to audiocasts very often either, but that doesn't mean I think any less of Ed's efforts.
Anyway, I think this whole thing has been blown out of proportion, and a large part of that is my fault. Ultimately I think everyone needs to realize that not everything we do will be a "perfect fit" with every single reader, but that doesn't make it any less valid. The 1500+ people that downloaded Ed's first ThoughtCast are proof of that. ;-)
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Well, to bring things to a more positive note, I just want to say that I like this format. I have a longish commute to work as well, so I enjoy catching up during that drive. Plus, since I code for a living and have deadlines, I don't always have time to sit and read an article (though I enjoy doing that, too). So, listening while I work is quite nice.
Here's my 2 cents worth. I think the 'Thoughtcast' idea is great, and very well done. I even liked the background noise in the first episode!
I'm sitting here in New Zealand having my breakfast and clearing my email while listening. Now I couldn't possibly read all of that opinion while doing those things, and I would miss the emotion and emphasis if I was just reading the words anyway. Surely that is the point... this recording is a new feature that suits some of us down to the ground. Others feel that the written word is the only way to go.. then fine, there's plenty of written word around too, just don't get your knickers on a knot when someone provides great audio without a transcript.
I do work in radio though, so I'm pretty used to this argument. "Hey I loved that interview this morning, can you send me a transcript?" My reply goes like this "There is a recording of the interview on the Web site, and you are welcome to listen back to it. We can't provide transcripts, but there is a firm who will do it for you at (09) xxx-xxxx. They will charge you around $50" They generally lose interest in getting a transcript very fast!
Ed, I really enjoyed your thoughtcast. When will you be doing you next one?
Cheers,
Brendan
PS. If people really want transcrips, I'll glady transcribe the thoughtcasts for my standard rate of $1000USD per thoughtcast (of which 20% will be donate to support pocketpcthoughts) :devilboy:
Ed, I really enjoyed your thoughtcast. When will you be doing you next one?
My goal is to do one roughly weekly, so there isn't a set day and I won't feel pressure if I skip a week or feel like I have to wait a few days and get the urge to do 2 in a 3-5 day period.
I normally just lurk here (and find the information very useful), however I wanted to support your efforts in producing the Thoughtcast's.
Ever since I had my first iPAQ (36xx) I wondered what I would use the media player for (I'm not a music lover), now I have for the first time found a real reason to listen to something on the device.
I too spend a lot of time in the car, so can't keep up to date with the web site as much as I'd like. The Thoughtcast is perfect..!
Cheers
Simon
ps As a novice to this type of media, is there a way to automate the process of getting the Thoughtcast on to my iPAQ..?
ps As a novice to this type of media, is there a way to automate the process of getting the Thoughtcast on to my iPAQ..?
I use FeedDemon which will automatically download enclosures and insert them into a Windows Media Player 10 playlist. WMP10 can be set to automatically sync specific playlists with a device.
FeedDemon isn't free though and buying software might be a bit much for one purpose like this. Perhaps someone else knows of a freeware alternative that will do this?
FeedDemon isn't free though and buying software might be a bit much for one purpose like this. Perhaps someone else knows of a freeware alternative that will do this?
If I recall correctly, FeederReader supports <insert word here>-cast listening which is a handy feature to have on the Pocket PC. As far as I'm aware, it's donation-ware.
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Perhaps someone else knows of a freeware alternative that will do this?
If I recall correctly, FeederReader supports <insert word here>-cast listening which is a handy feature to have on the Pocket PC. As far as I'm aware, it's donation-ware.
You do recall correctly! FeederReader can handle any enclosure that can be played/launched on your Pocket PC. I maintain Forums for questions, comments, suggestions, and discussion. Check out www.FeederReader.com and click on the sidebar "Forums".
Of course, *I* think it's worth the donation. I hope you do, too. Free to download and try. If you're still using it in a month or two, I hope you find the time to donate
Greg Smith
Author, FeederReader - Pocket PC *direct* RSS text, audio, video, podcasts www.FeederReader.com - Download on the Road
I just got a chance to listen to your podcast. Great work.
I think the part that stood out was was how well you formed your thoughts while driving.
Either you have a really placid commute, or you can really multitask.
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It's Great!!
Linear Mode
