Okay, I got feedback from AOI themselves. They like the idea of a podcast but not of this format. Here is what was said:
Hello Niall,
Thank you for your work so far.
However, we’d prefer that if you were to associate yourself with us that you improve upon the quality and focus on your podcasts.
We’d suggest workshops on hosting, Toastmasters, and an investment in equipment and sound editing material.
Further, it’d be best to consult with knowledgeable people in the research field and with scholarly texts concerning gnosticism, in addition to pre-emptively structuring out what you’ll be talking about each episode.
Hope that helps!
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Do you mean that I should adopt a more formal style?
Targeting specific topics in more detail which I interpret as being some form of audio essay?
In truth, that was just an experiment, it was suggested to me by a contributor to Meritocracy International that I take a “playful” approach in order to hold viewers who would otherwise move towards mini documentary series such as DNews or Testtube Plus. But if that’s not what you would like then fine. I’m a qualified journalist. I’ve worked with the BBC and others before. Whatever you think should be done, I can do it. Asking in return for your critique and guidance as we develop further.
I recognise your request for someone to host and be the toastmaster but that’s a question of resources. I live in Northern Ireland, I’m a one man show around here unfortunately. So the option of having multiple speakers is not possible. The closest guy with enough experience is in Manchester, and my researcher who will be creating the content for the next episode is in the USA.
What exactly was wrong with the quality? I record using a Zoom H4N as well as Shule HD microphones. I edit using Adobe Audition 2015, and I convert it to a video with Premiere Pro 2015. Identify the problem and I will fix it. The more feedback I get, the better I can develop it.
I appreciate you taking the time to review the podcast.
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“Targeting specific topics in more detail which I interpret as being some form of audio essay?”
Yes, that helps to organize your videos for future listeners.
- “In truth, that was just an experiment, it was suggested to me by Meritocracy International that I take a “playful” approach in order to hold viewers who would otherwise move towards mini documentary series such as DNews or Testtube Plus.”
It’s better, then, to shorten the podcasts to more manageable pieces of only a few minutes if you’re after shorter attention spans. Over-reaching in two directions (popular and sophisticated) is often difficult to pull off in your format, so it’s better to have a focus on one and the other, but not both at the same time.
- "I recognise your request for someone to host and be the toastmaster but that’s a question of resources. "
Consult other podcasts for format to see more of how they do it. It’s easy to set up link up with people across the world via the internet today.
- “What exactly was wrong with the quality?”
Your voice is choppy and the sound is rather rough. There aren’t enough filters in use to correct that.
Further, Toastmasters or other speaking seminars are suggested because of the nature of your tone, approach, rhetorical style, and direction. Your tone and approach are inconsistent and change often, and often at the incorrect times. There’s a rhythm to rhetoric that public speaking seminars can help you to perfect.
