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July 5, 2005
Finding the time to listen to podcasts, mp3's, etc.
Someone commented to me once that they weren't sure when they have the time to listen to podcasts, etc.
In trying to answer that question for myself, I set about taking my Creative Zen Micro mp3 player with me everywhere and see what worked and what didn't.
My commute to work (if I can call it that) last 5 minutes if it hit red lights. So, while it's cool to walk into work with white ear buds hanging from around your neck, I find that I don't get too far with that. Although, a few little 5-10 minutes opportunities stacked together do have a cumulative effect of getting through longer podcasts. And while going to work is a frequent activity, I discovered better ones.
(Another thing with that. I drive a Jeep and have the top down as much of the year as I can living in Canada. Unless the audio production is right on a podcast, I won't even try it with all the ambient noise I have while driving. Amplitude variances are too hard on my ears. Music works best for this application.)
What I discovered is this: while we have all might agree that we have a lot of media exposure, there is a fair amount of time remaining in our lives that can be filled that is empty right now.
Here are a couple of examples:
1. A trip to Walmart or the grocery store.
There's nothing going on but boring store specials announcements and messages to staff. There's really no need to pay attention to any of it. Look at a good 30-60 minute stretch of time here.
Caution: you may embarass yourself if you're listening to music and tend to hum and sing a little out loud. That said, if you realize that you are inadvertently looking like an idiot judging from the stares of passers by - stay the course. Better to be confident in whatever level of ability you have than flinch and stop the party just because some strangers notice you. If you're listening to a spoken word podcast, you're in the clear.
2. Mowing the lawn.
And who wants to listen to a lawnmower?
In addition to the ear buds that came with my player, I have a good set of over the ear headphones that do a good job of isolating outside noise. Actual in-ear type buds will work similarly. Normal buds won't isolate the ambient noise as well resulting in having to turn the volume up quite loud. Not so good.
Advice: if using a gas mower pay attention to the RPM of the engine by paying extra attention to the speed of the vibration on the handle. It'll help make up for some of what you miss in listening and you need to know if the engine stumbles or start working harder because the bag needs to be changed.
A good 20-30 minutes here again.
3. Trips to the rest room.
Not much to say here. We all read. Why not listen to something instead?
Time: your call.
4. Household chores.
Emptying the dishwasher. Doing laundry. Working in the yard.
There's nothing of any sonic significance going on here. Why not make it interesing for yourself, especially if the chore is mundane.
These are just a few and there's more out there but even these ones along can get hours a week of listening time without taking time away from anything else.
My biggest challenge in getting through my podcast susbscriptions is that I'd rather listen to music and be entertained than listen to a spoken word podcast, however helpful the information is.
I guess that's why pop-stars make more than university profs.
Posted by Derek Leverington at July 5, 2005 1:10 AM
Comments
I remain podless, so I don't listen to a lot of podcasts. When i'm doing something mundane on the computer, I'll pop on a podcast and catch up on things. However, it keeps me tied to my headphones (no one else in the house seems to want to listen in on the podcasts I subscribe to), so it's a very dissatisfying situation. With prices coming down, I have no excuse to not pop for an MP3 player. Some day soon....
Posted by: Eric Eggertson at July 9, 2005 12:10 PM
Well, you seemed to nail it right on the head. Our society seems to be well converted to the 'I don't have time' religion.
This is one way to get it back!!! Although I don't have 'pod yet or reasonable facsimile, I have gathered quite a collection of audio information from radio stations broadcasting on the web.
Derek, you provide great ideas on when to listen to what you want to listen to. We all are not as fortunate to have a 5 minute commute. Myself, I am up to 20 if I hit the lights wrong. All benefits of our 'Future is wide open' jurisdiction.
TTFN
Posted by: Tim at July 22, 2005 12:09 PM
Hi Eric,
I'm smoking the podcasting dope but not the iPod dope myself.
But when they're all under 300 bucks, ya it's time to get out the plastic and get one.
I've been away from my podcasts so now I'm catching up the backlog. I still have some For Immediate Release podcasts from May to listen to!!!
Posted by: Derek Leverington at July 30, 2005 6:04 PM
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