About a year ago, I tried to produce a podcast called The Account, and for all sorts of reasons, it did not really work. To be candid, everything took too long to produce because multiple software tasks were involved.
A year on, it seems that a number of platforms have made massive advances in an attempt to solve this commonly faced problem and that this exercise might now be considerably easier.
However, before spending much time on this, it is clear that a pretty fundamental question has to be answered, and that is whether the right approach is to produce video or audio only.
I will be candid: video will simply be me as a talking head. Appreciating that most people I have discussed this with, including those who are younger than the average reader here, say that they would probably prefer a podcast, audio-only format.
But what do you think?
If I was going to increase spoken output on the blog what medium would you prefer?
- Audio i.e. podcast style? (64%, 174 Votes)
- Video .e.g. Youtube (20%, 53 Votes)
- Don't do it! (16%, 44 Votes)
Total Voters: 271
Loading ...And for those who ask, it seems producing transcripts is now a lot easier, even if they are AI-generated, but they seem pretty good, so I would always plan to post them as well.
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I prefer printed text as I’m happier mulling it over like that… but you could offer a transcript, I suppose.
I would, although it might be a bit rough and ready when it comes to punctuation.
No change there then 🙂
I loathe podcasts and videos – my attention wanders, I try to multi-task, miss the point or fall asleep but I suspect I am in a very small minority. Much prefer the printed word which I get through at twice the speed and with much more focus.
Meant to add that audio means you have to deal with sound quality, delivery quality and a range of accents – I find written word far more accessible.
You are not alone
But others like them
And the voice will largely be mine
Richard,
If you are going to expand from newsletter only then just do an audio podcast.
I often listen to “Coffee House Shots” and “The Steamie”. I really enjoy them.
However, I cannot make it through a whole episode of Spectator TV.
Interesting – and I woiuld agree
10 minutes good
1 hour bad
Richard,
Then again if you did a full length feature IMAX film, we would ALL buy a ticket.
Not soon….
I am a speed reader so I find a spoken presentation slow.
I know it will not be for everyone.
Heh. I used to be a speed reader, but advancing years are not kind to the eyesight. 🙁
Now the principal advantage(s) of a podcast are that I can download the audio file and then listen to it in a player that allows to increase the playback speed to a point approaching illegibility … er inaudability ? often around 1.3 times normal.
The youtube video player is not great at this. 🙁
Also podcasts allow to multitask while doing something else rather that having to dedicate that time block to only reading the written word.
Of course, Your Mileage May Vary. 😉
While text sucks for the masses on their mobiles, a taking head video seems to be a table-stakes requirement for da yooff of today!
😉
As I think Richard probably knows well, its the oldies who use RSS and automated local file downloads!
Thanks
Ouch!
I use RSS for this site and many others.
Side note, if you’d like to speed up video on YouTube, you can do so via the Settings > Playback speed, or use a Video Speed Controller web browser extension eg https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/video-speed-controller/nffaoalbilbmmfgbnbgppjihopabppdk
Me too, so I watch vids on 1.5 to 2 x normal speed.
I listen to loads of podcasts on PocketCasts, usually about 1.4 speed. It works well on dog walks and while doing chores.
I didn’t listen to The Account just because it wasn’t on my player.
I use an RSS reader Feedly for reading the blog, to ensure I know when a post has landed.
For me”Don’t do it” is my answer, but if you are looking to a younger (or maybe a multi-tasking) audience maybe you need to. I see folk walking the streets wearing ear-phones and I’ve no idea what they’re listening to.
I like to see the text and I like it silent, but I don’t claim to be representative of my own, let alone anyone else’s, generation. If you have the energy give it a whirl. I can’t be bothered with twitter, but an awful lot of other people can so you have to use what works. If you don’t try it you won’t know. Video or Audio only? I have no idea I’m afraid.
Thanks
Richard,
I take to opposite view, “DO IT”. I have do doubt your guest will further expand my knowledge of whatever you choose to discuss.
If the audio podcast does not work out and/or you do not enjoy doing it then “CANCEL IT”.
Nothing ventured; Nothing gained.
🙂
Just some quick thoughts:
There seems to be a trend of podcasters (e.g. Nate Hagens) who have moved from audio only to podcast + youtube. This potentially reaches a much wider audience, and of course you only need to make the one “show” for both mediums.
If it’s only going to be one talking head, with little in the way of visuals, maybe podcast alone would be better? But surely graphs and diagrams are essential to communicating concepts and complex data, so I think a vodcast/podcast is the way to go.
How long will the shows be? Many shows now stretch to an hour – or more! Unnecessary in many cases (US podcasts seem to be the worst in this respect). Will it just be you, or will you do interviews? The latter would inherently make it more interesting, but obviously much more work involved.
I think 15 minutes ample, and ten or less better
10-15 minutes is the length of most episodes of “Coffee House Shots” and there is one topic per episode.
My main uk politics podcasts are Today in Focus from the Guardian, and Owen Jones. The latter is rarely more than 10 to 15 mins and is perfect for this multitasker. But Owen’s podcasts are actually YouTube as well, so a perfect combo for either the multitasker chopping onions or the sitting and viewing non reading type. Personally I like all three mediums, reading, listening viewing, all for different times of the day , moods or situations. I’d go for a vodcast to pull in a wider audience. Give it a whirl !
Some platforms seem to allow for both options
Owen seems to go for minimum production
Audio frees me to work whilst listening to you
M
Richard. I’d look forward to hearing your podcast. Audio only is definitely better.
All the best for a healthy and happy 2024.
Jeff
Thanks
I would like downloadable video lectures, with slides (!) to present basic economics (of the right sort) and finance and accounting principles, to students overseas… At the moment they’re getting sucked into conventional textbooks and neoliberal dogma as ‘the only game in town’.
But I realise this is a wholly different ask!
Maybe I can persuade them (those who agree the syllabus) to use your existing YouTube ‘talking head’ shorts; and hopefully get reasonable transcripts, since they’re non-native English speakers.
For myself, a podcast and a decent transcript is good: giving the choice of listening or reading, or both. Thanks a lot for all you do, anyway! And pace yourself.
I think you are really asking what would ge the purpose of doing this?
It would be to provide solution focussed arguments. I am not sure these do need charts etc.
“Solution focussed arguments” and or discussions is a GREAT idea.
Go for it!
I any have more questiions to ask befroe starting…
It’s a pity nobody can organise a proper feature-length documentary like “Princes of the Yen” or “The Spider’s web”. Even better a docudrama like the Post Office scandal one that is really making politicians sweat and properly educating the public.
My local MMT group have been discussing the FT article and if we look at the comments it is depressing how many people think that MMT is bunkum. It is unlikely that more than 1% of the population realise that they are being hoodwinked about how the monetary system works. I watched this week’s Peston and it was amazing how many time “taxpayer’s money” came up.
I’m just an old dinosaur (81 this year) but I do understand accountancy and I started out life as a design engineer working on human interface systems when most people thought computers were huge machines that filled entire buildings.
So I prefer your videos, Richard, and I don’t think I’ve listened to a Podcast in my life. That doesn’t mean don’t do it because I know the whipper snappers are very much into them. Just keep doing something.
I will keep doing something
Nigel Hargreaves,
Beware! Podcasts done well, as I am sure Richard’s will be, are very addictive.
If I get it right…
Okay. It’s probably me. I don’t seem to be able to concentrate on things if there are no accompanying images. I was born into the television age (at least we got one for the coronation when I was 10, like millions of others) and as soon as we got it I abandoned Radio Luxembourg and “Journey into Space”.
No, we’re just all different.
Nigel Hargreaves,
Did you ever listen to Radio Caroline?
BayTampaBay
I did….lived nearby
Hi Nigel,
You are right, it would be great to have a mass media project to get the word out on MMT!
I just wanted to express and share my joy in the fact you have a “local MMT group”! Brilliant, that is differently something that is missing in my life, currently. Thanks for the bit of inspiration
I much prefer audio podcasts, as I can listen whilst doing other things (mostly driving!). I don’t think video talking head would add much.
Thanks
I prefer reading your blog rather than a video/podcast.
That said, however, I think an audio podcast would be a good idea. I have a friend that is visually impaired and I know she would rather it was an audio podcast.
I think it is definitely headed that way.
Hi Richard,
A big thanks for your continuous drive and motivation to share your knowledge and insight with the world and this community.
I just wondered if this has to be all on your own bank? This post shows you have a dedicated community that likes to support your work, could it also help reduce some of the labour and help produce a regular podcast? The biggest hurdle, with an community activities is more people usually complicates things, but could also make it a lot more richer and diverse.
Thanks for all the great work
I will be looking at this….I admit
Donations could help cover the cost
My tech guy, Andy Moyle, is seasoned in this area.