How long for each podcast?

[craigr]

How long would do you like podcast lengths to be?

[foglifter]

How long would do you like podcast lengths to be?

Craig,

I think the ideal duration depends on several factors:
- nature/complexity of the core topic
- time required to do commentary/analysis of current events and their influence on PP
- guest speakers (this might require an extra time slot in addition to other topics)
- frequency of podcasts (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, et al)

[dualstow]

I voted for the last option. Since you don't need to fit into a specific time slot, the podcast should be like a classic Yes song. It takes as long as it takes.

[Coffee]

I voted 15 minutes.  Focus each podcast, tightly.

Later, you can more easily mix-and-match to string them together, when you sell them as part of your CD library.  Plus, you can sit down and record three at a time, in one hour. 

It also makes them easier to search, as you can label each one by topic, and the listener doesn't have to sit through an hour just to find the one subject they're looking for.

- Adam.

[Roy]

I voted 15 minutes.  Focus each podcast, tightly.

Later, you can more easily mix-and-match to string them together, when you sell them as part of your CD library.  Plus, you can sit down and record three at a time, in one hour. 

It also makes them easier to search, as you can label each one by topic, and the listener doesn't have to sit through an hour just to find the one subject they're looking for.

- Adam.

Agreed with Adam.  Tighter focus, more manageable, less fatiguing all around.  You can even have several 15-minute "parts" related to the same topic, of needed.  You can have exceptions to the 15-minutes with personality interviews and topics that might naturally require longer duration.

[Wonk]

I second Coffee's comments.  Shorter shows are more easily indexed and can be edited and combined if you want to release longer versions.  In a world where attention spans are getting smaller, I would think shorter shows have higher digestibility.  I like the idea of a 1-topic show with laser-sharp focus.  Just my .02.

[Snowman9000]

I also vote for shorter.  30 minutes max.  Maybe less.  Harry B. had a regularly scheduled hour to fill, plus he took calls. 

[MiniB]

I think 30 to 45 is perfect but I voted the "as long as you need" because perhaps you want to do a mini topic from time to time.

I'd like to hear some Skype calls.  I'll call you on Skype one day and ask you a question so it can be just like the HB show

[craigr]

I think 30 to 45 is perfect but I voted the "as long as you need" because perhaps you want to do a mini topic from time to time.

I'd like to hear some Skype calls.  I'll call you on Skype one day and ask you a question so it can be just like the HB show

MediumTex was interviewed on Skype with his iPad. The audio was excellent. iChat could be another option.

[Gumby]

I also vote for shorter.  30 minutes max.  Maybe less.  Harry B. had a regularly scheduled hour to fill, plus he took calls. 

He also talked a lot more slowly, which helped fill the time.