Since we’ve started PhotoNetCast that we know that one of the biggest advantages to our listeners is the on demandnature of the show, and podcasts in general. The audience listens to the show when they want. Of course that this also implies any interaction between the listeners and the show is done post-release.
We, also as media consumers, understand that the one-sided format of media entertainment is long gone. In the new media world real interaction with the listeners needs to happen, and we’ve been implementing some channels to allow for that:
- Comments are open on the blog;
- Contact form exists;
- You can reach us on Twitter;
- We have a listener voicemail line +1 (415) 343-5030 (how old-school is that)
But one thing that we realize is that the way we approach the conversations, and specially when we have guests, are our own and there is no way (or time) to consider all the possible questions our listeners would like to ask. And this is a flaw in the system…
The idea
We have been toying with the idea of broadcasting the show live while we record (audio and video) and complement it with a real-time chat box. This would allow the audience to participate, ask questions and share their own views during the actual recording. Please note that our main focus is the audio version and this will not change anytime soon. But this would create another layer of possible interaction with our listeners.
Of course that it would only make sense if there’s someone on the other side listening and participating. While this will not mean a significant financial investment (sorry, no HD cams yet) it will mean a significant change in how the show is prepared and produced.
It basically would come down to watching our ugly camera-friendly faces for the duration, laughing at all the stupid insightful nonsense that usually doesn’t make it to the final cut, putting up with Brian’s connection going down all the time all the interruptions, out of context conversation and a great deal of confusion (usually me). And participating, of course…
Do you think this would be an added value to the show? Vote on the poll and please drop us a comment with your thoughts on this.