Reverting to the old format, this show explores how podcasting can really enhance an existing community. Several thoughtful emails and conversations came together for this show as I explore how podcasting might help a gaming community or enhance an online newsletter. I think podcasting in conjunction with a community that already exists has several advantages, not the least of which is the feedback mechanism that can tell the podcaster whether they’re doing a good job.
Mike, I like the direction you’re going with this and hope to experiment here in Northfield with how podcasts can enhance GEOGRAPHIC community.
We’ve got a fledgling civic blogosphere going (15-20 local bloggers), with 10,000 unique visitors/month to our site.
I’d like to do some podcasts that not only would serve a useful purpose but also would set an example for the other civic bloggers in town to follow.
I don’t know whether to start with commentary/opinion pieces, interviews, soft news, or what.
Any thoughts would be appreciated. And any examples from other citizen journalism type sites, too.
Hi Griff,
Neat idea. Just curious… Any community-radio type people hanging out in your area? They’d be a great resource for your project if they’re around.
Regarding examples — I had the best luck in Google with “neighborhood podcast” as the search term. There are a boatload of links, and the range is pretty breathtaking. “civic podcasting” and “place podcasting” didn’t do so well — more links to podcast aggregators than anything else.
One of the big advantages you’ve got is an existing community that will help you answer your “what to do first?” question. I’d try a bunch of things, and encourage people to let you know what they like and don’t like through the you ongoing civic-blogging conversations. I spoze you could even go so far as to poll people what kind of podcasts they’d like before you do the first podcast…
To repeat — a great idea. Let me know how I can help out.