Digital Bits Skeptic evolves

I never listened to the podcasts so I won’t miss them.  I do wonder, however, how many find the site as a result of them.
I suspect that going to a less frequent release schedule will decrease the audience and the Google ranking.
– Just my opinions, unfortunately the plural of anecdote is not data.

I listen to the podcast because I can do so while I’m doing other things, such as driving. I find that I read very little online because it hurts my eyes. So as much as it pains me to say it, I’ll be one of the “severs ties” people, although probably not completely. I’ll likely check in once per week or so on the weekends.

David,

I do wonder, however, how many find the site as a result of them.

That’s a good question. I do a lot of traffic analysis, but I don’t have a way of measuring that particular metric.

I suspect that going to a less frequent release schedule will decrease the audience and the Google ranking.

I’m not a breaking-skeptical-news type of site – others have that venue covered better than I. I’m trying to have research, discussion and more “evergreen” content. Yes, some of it will be topical, but it doesn’t have to be. Because of this, I don’t think I’ll lose any of my reading audience. That’s the hope, anyway!

As for Google ranking… well, if I could predict that, I’d be rich. But I’m not doing this for Google rank. I’m doing this to generate quality content. (And some argue that that’s the best way to get Google rank anyway. So who knows!)

Andy

To begin with your voice is fine, I mean have you ever listened to Mark Crislip? Second, in my limited time keeping up with news I don’t have a lot of time to read, at least not nearly as much as I would like. I found your site through your podcast, and just for the sake of time will be hard pressed to ever read your articles. So sever ties completely, I hope not but it looks bleak for me.

I would definitely miss the podcast (your voice isn’t that bad), especially due to my hour-long commute. Without the podcast, I’d still read the articles as I frequently check out the written version after listening to the show and send them to friends or link them on Facebook and other sites.

Andy, I think that’d be fine.  Some occasional audio content would be much better than none.  Although I do subscribe to the article feeds, I’m afraid they can get lost in the torrent of information I skim through, but I never miss listening to the podcast.

Andy, I travel a lot and find podcasts a great way to catch up on the news. I would miss your podcast. However I understand how much time it takes to produce the podcast, and would not fault you if you dropped this from your schedule.
Best, Greg

I love the podcast. I rarely get time to visit other websites and rely on my podcasts during my busy day. I hope you continue your podcast it is the only way I experience your content.

–Jack

I am relatively new to your site.  I have never listened to your podcast but I have enjoyed the social aspect of written posts with opportunity for comments.  I’m not sure podcasts offer such social aspects.  Longer, more detailed posts may be a double edged sword – enticing some – discouraging others.  I’d encourage you to do what you want.  The quality of content will ultimately sustain your readership (or not).

I’ve only listened to the podcast so far, but have just subscribed to the RSS feed and joined up on Facebook.  Either way works for me – I subscribe to too many skeptical feeds AND too many skeptical podcasts.

Glad to hear the podcast is staying – personally, my only contact with your site has been the podcast.  The podcast format is perfect, as I can download it to my mp3 player, and make my transit and exercise more enjoyable.  :)
Thank you for what you do.  My financial situation is too miserable right now to contribute, but if I ever get out of the financial hole I’ve gotten myself into, I’ll be sure to give back to the podcasts like yours, that enrich my life so.