Frazz by Jef Mallett for July 23, 2021

“Doc, I have trouble remembering things.”

“How long have you had this problem?”

“What problem”

I dislike podcasts because I really REALLY like text. Like I can see in the speech bubbles here. I can read a lot faster than I can understand spoken words, and if you’re also making me watch a video of you speaking, it only gets worse. But I have a perfectly adequate attention span. Heck I can even remember what my intent was when I started typing this… and that this is where I was headed.

He has a good point there, though I think he’s being generous with 1 hour, I draw the line at around 45 minutes.

That last comment by Frazz was poorly edited for her attention span.

Hardcore History, for instance, regularly exceeds four hours.

I don’t think “having too much content” is an editing problem.

One way to gauge the quality of a podcast is If the introductory statement is poorly stated. It is the same as for a print or text essay. The first 5-7 sentences set the theme and tone, and hint at the organization. Choice of words also indicates the quality one can expect. If those don’t snare one’s attention, time to move on. Same for most tv shows. the first 5-15 minutes decides its future.

OK, what are these pods and why do they need a cast. Are they all broken?

having worked in Special Ed for 17-plus years, I’ve learned the average adult attention span is closer to 20 minutes. How long can you sit and read a book without starting to get restless after close to 30 minutes. But A.D.D. folks like me ….. we’re lucky to reach 15 minutes.

What is a podcast but old fashioned radio updated!

’ the sponsors are supporting us, please buy their err fine product’ 30% actual info 60% drivel, rrr, umm-10%

This makes me think of those YouTube videos that I have to keep clicking to advance looking for the meat: 15 minutes of fluff, 30 seconds of info.

I’d much rather read the transcript. Takes a lot less time.

We now see how our nation got into the state it is. There are some problems that require sustained attention over long periods of time. Unfortunately Americans have the attention span of a Gnat.

Listening to a variety of podcasts makes me realize the value of good editing. And if I’m listening while doing something else, I often continue to listen to the end, hoping that end comes soon.

So, a shout-out here to any editors (in any medium) reading this comment.

At least 50% of in-person communication is non-verbal. You miss all that if you’re just reading a transcript. That said, I too appreciate how much faster I can read than a narrator can talk.

TBH not many podcasts run that long. The longest episode that I can remember of my favorite podcast runs 38 minutes and change.

Try Stuff You Should Know. You’ll learn while being amused. Enlightening and entertaining

Has Olivia Jaimes’ Nancy been influencing these two? No prob. They smile a lot more. : )