jason 
Friday, 9th of October 2009 at 08:44:08 AM
With Podcamp Pittsburgh 4 looming over us, I get reminded of what people really want. They want to make money on their podcast or blog. At least that point is out in the open. There are some other things that you won’t learn at Podcamp which reminds of us why we’re there. The thing people really don’t mention is that they really want fame which begets fortune. Well, I’m sorry to say that that ain’t gunna happen.
I learned the hard way that gaining numbers of downloads on a podcast isn’t the right [read: correct] way of creating content for your audience. I say your audience because there will be a certain number of people that will listen to and enjoy your rantings and ramblings. You need to make that audience your own. Jason knows that he can put people to sleep. Jason knows that a lot of people won’t like his show or points of view… just look at the reviews on iTunes!
Give us a place to stand and we will move the Earth. ~Archimedes
A podcast is like a TV show. Not everyone is willing to commit the time to watch/listen. For some reason, people think that everyone will like their blog or podcast while TV shows are geared to a particular audience that likes a particular “thing.” I do a certain type of show in a certain manner for a certain type of people. If you don’t like that, I really don’t give a shit; shut up about it.
The whole point of this is to say that you will most likely not have an audience that numbers in the millions… or thousands. Do what you like to do and what satisfys you! Also remember that an audience of 50 reading a blog is more than would listen to you preach outside of city hall. As far as I’m concerned, if I can help just one person, I have been a success. Podcasting and blogging give us a place to stand from which we may be able to move the Earth.
Photo from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/ / CC BY 2.0
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If you want big fame, big numbers, big money, go for it. Just make sure you’re doing what you need to do to achieve it. It’s easier to envision what success might look like than to execute the steps necessary to get there. Not pushing the envelope or making excuses for not achieving your idea of success will make whatever you HAVE accomplished seem shortsightedly pale in comparison.
Success is a fickle bird. Aim for satisfaction instead. That’s the one benchmark only you can set.
I think the other thing to remember to is not to expect success. Sure, be positive and think you’ll be successful, but define what success means to you. It’s the same way with running a small business. Many people consider themselves successful if they make enough to put food on the table while others *must* be CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.