Two weeks ago, with little fan fare, I announced a dramatic change in format for our weekly radio show. Although I never discussed it with my co-host, friend and producer, Adam, he whole heartedly bought in on the concept and we are proceeding.
When I started the Castellini on Computers Radio Show in 1999, my intention was to provide a forum for beginners to learn about computers, technology and the Internet in a non-threatening yet entertaining forum. For better or worse, my desire to help people got in the way of my original goal of being as "non-geeky" as possible. We answered questions from all callers even if the question was applicable for only that one person. Despite our best efforts of trying to explain our answers and the caller's questions in layman's terms, we turned off many listeners. Our most common feedback about the show has always been, "I love your show, but I don't understand anything your talking about on the show."
It took us almost nine years to realize our mistake and you have stuck with us, but from now on, we will focus on the every day computer problems and resolutions. We want listeners to hear the questions and either say "I know the answer to that question" OR "I have that same problem". If we don't feel that our listeners can respond to a question with one of those statements, then the caller will be dropped and we'll move on to the next question or email.
I'm excited about our new direction and format and hope you are too. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the "NEW and IMPROVED" Castellini on Computers Radio Program and be sure to participate by calling in or emailing your basic computer questions. We think you will find the show to be much more helpful than ever before and easier and more entertaining than in the past.
Give me your thoughts about our new direction by leaving a comment to this story using the form under this article.
Related articles:
Loading ...
,
For what it is worth:
I like the response of the guy who said to mix it up. I have been a listener for several years and have never been offended when someone asks a rather geeky question. Sometimes I get lost trying to follow things (I’m a low-intermediate type computer person – and the a lot of whatever I know has come from your show) and other times I find it interesting and learn something new myself. I think that you have a great show! You do a great job mixing things up and keeping the mix pretty good.
My conclusion – keep it basically the way it is; mix it up with different levels of questions; so far your judgment has been great.
Pete
I always read your weekly email message and have used your helpmerick site a few times with good results. I have just gone on to high speed and should be able to catch your program on the PC. I will give it a try this weekend. Keep up the good work and to bad we don’t have a station near Appleton that carries your show.
Gene Connor
Appleton Wisconsin
keep a mix of beginner and intermediate. add some lunix when it gets user frandly
I think you have made a very good decision and feel that many of your listeners will be happy about the change !
I think you have made a very good decision abd feelthat many of your listeners will be happy!
Listeners like myself were once beginners when we first started listening to your program. Some of us have however, due to your program and other efforts progressed beyond “Kindergarten”
and while we like to hear possibly new and interesting solutions to the same “how do I do, find, get” questions. I feel that a portion of your program needs to serve those of us who have heard the same questions answered over and over.
I do not think you want your program to only serve a new batch of beginners each 6 months or so.
My vote is for a mix of beginner and intermediate content as best you can create it.
Allan…Montrose CO
It’s your show, do what you want concerning staying “non-geeky”,,,, however, I wished that you would at least portion a part of your show to people that at least knows how to turn on and shut down their computers properly.
I am not an expert, by far, but I do wish you would consider dedicating one of your three hours to more challenging questions. Or,,, do one Saturday a month?
thanks,
Johnny…. Leoma, TN
If I were you, I would simply “go with the flow” of whatever is happening on your show and how you are feeling that particular day. Extraneous comments are the spices that make things interesting.
Both geeks and newbies can be very boring and time consuming to the average listener. So I wouldn’t necessarily set out to cater exclusively to either group. People who talk V-E-R-Y S-L-O-W-L-Y as a control-freak strategy are also boring and drive the average listener crazy. Additionally, total beginners SHOULD be coming to your classes if they are halfway serious about learning.
If the average user already knows the answer to all the questions, there is less need to tune in to the show.
I love the variety, and the show as is. I would go with the flow and not worry too much about it, if I were you guys. Keep dancing with the “one who brought ya.” You guys are great! Your instincts will probably guide you the way you want to go.
Your show is quite informative,even for those of us considered “experts” and or technicians.We listen on the GCN
and enjoy your efforts completely.Keep up the good work!!
Sean Ian,NE Ohio