Over the summer I opened a survey to gauge the responses to Chronscast, SFF Chronicles' official podcast (episode 9 out today!). I've closed the survey now, after receiving twenty responses (not all people answered all questions) – I'd hoped for more, but the responses we did get were very thoughtful and largely positive.
It's worth recalling that @Phyrebrat and I set up Chronscast to represent the Chrons community, discuss the sorts of texts and works that are popular around these parts, and ask questions about how the technical and practical aspects of writing and publishing genre fiction given writing is such a fundamental part of the Chrons community. We've interviewed authors, podcasters, publishers, and agents, and we're just getting started. From 2023 I'm hoping to implement some of the suggestions and ideas we've had, and get a whole new round of guests on board, both from within the Chrons community, and beyond it.
Here are some of the responses we've received from the survey. Have at it!
How would you rate Chronscast?
The good news is that 67% of responses rated the podcast as very good or excellent. 28% didn't like it and a few remain undecided. So... I guess that's a green light to keep going!
Comments about likes and dislikes about Chronscast
One thing we're toying with is the idea of having two episodes per month, but cutting the running length by half, so we'd have two episodes, 45-60 minutes each, released each month, rather than one 2-hour episode. This seems to be borne out by the responses. While "one episode per month is fine" gets the most responses, we wouldn't be cutting any content to result in two episodes per month.
Would you like interviews to cover media other than just books?
An unequivocal yes to this question. We've already booked some guests in for 2023 who'll be discussing films, maybe some video games, and more graphic novels and TV shows. As well as novels, of course.
What Do You Thnk Of the Content Covered So Far?
This is good to hear, with 65% of responses enjoying the books chosen. We understand we can't choose books that will be known to everybody all the time, and we try to be lead by the guests - they choose the texts (with a little encouragement from us) so they can speak at length about them. We made a point of not tackling the mega, super blockbusters of genre fiction (Potter, Star Wars, Game Of Thrones, Tolkien, etc etc) as they are done to death elsewhere - as this an SFF community, we felt the midlisters and bread-and-butter of the community would be better served by such a podcast. Plus, hopefully we've introduced readers (and writers) to some new books along the way.
Would you like to hear new content on Chronscast?
A clear call to hear more reviews and news. Ph and I have discussed putting these suggestions into action, and will be opening up the 2023 episodes to include such new content. The means by which we feature more Chrons authors is of particular interest to us. Wherever we can we'll be trying to not lengthen the episodes beyond their existing length (see above) while trying to keep things interesting and fresh.
Would you listen to adverts on Chronscast?
this isn't something we'll be implementing immediately, and would only happen if the content was relevant to the community, and would likely to be minimally intrusive and read by the hosts. A trickle of advertising revenue might help us secure better promotion and marketing, and perhaps higher-profile guests, as well as any other incidental expenses.
How Do You Share Chronscast?
Boo! Almost half of responses admitted to not sharing the podcast. This is one area where listeners can make a difference - even by writing a one-liner review and giving us a star rating on Apple, or Spotify, or wherever you listen, can make a big difference in visibility. We do try and reference back to Chrons as often as we can during the show, so come on chaps, and give us a leg up! Thanks to those who are already doing their bit
How Can We Grow Our Audience?
"Science fiction and fantasy conventions"
"Just keep at it I think - these things take time. Don't be afraid to share old episodes when something relevant comes up"
"Tighten it up, it tends to sprawl into protracted chat between friends."
"Consider going to a webcast instead of a podcast. Even two people at a table can provide interest. A YouTube channel is probably easier to be discovered than a podcast."
"I think the problem you have is that most scifi or fantasy fans actually have a narrow range of interests and won't listen to detailed discussion on things their not interested in. Audience will listen if they get something out of it. Can be info or advice but if their not specifically interested in the subject then most likely draw is entertainment, which means anecdotes, weird stuff, passionate opinions/controversy, and great spark between presenters and guests. the more spark, the more likely to catch"
"Get book reviews from members who also review on Goodreads, and ask them to link to the broadcasts on their Goodreads reviews. Ask members with blogs if you could do occasional guest blog spots discussing podcasts generally, or dealing with a specific podcast."
"Push the Challenges -I reckon participation in these hooks folk in"
"Put the word out on Goodreads?"
"Just hang in there, and continue presenting interesting guests/topics."
"I think shorter book review segments, more variety"
"The best way would be to get someone famous to plug it. Beyond that word of mouth."
Some good ideas here, which we'll think about. Goodreads is definitely one we're exploring. My favourite line is this one: "Just keep at it I think - these things take time. Don't be afraid to share old episodes when something relevant comes up" as it chimes with my and Ph's own experiences - it has become better as we've done more, we've become more experienced and competent, and things can only get better!
What Other "Expert's Corners" Could We Have?
"I think an "expert's comments" bit might be good on realistic history: how various machines might work, how horses work, that sort of thing."
"No (but yes to science, engineering, medicine, art)"
"Contracting, agent expectations, submissions"
"It's fine keep it tight. Other topics need a separate article."
"A roundtable discussion of some of the threads that show up in the Technology section would be interesting. Also, some of the successful authors could discuss how they created their worlds or characters."
"A tour of the sciences would be cool -'chemistry month' etc."
"I'd like to hear other specialties"
"I suppose that depends on Her Majesty's specialised fields."
While "Her Majesty" might be buffing her creds a little too much, we've gotten a huge amount from @The Judge's specialised knowledge, and they've lifted the show from an interview into more of a magazine show. But we can't ask Her Honour to carry on talking about legal issues forever and a day - for one, there's much more she can offer; and secondly, there are so many more subject matters to explore! We'd love to do a season on the sciences and technology, that's a great idea.
Would You Submit Questions to Guests if given sufficient notice?
We'll try to publish a roster of guests and give people a month's notice wherever we can for questions, which should be plenty of time. Perhaps questions could be posted in the previous month's thread on Chrons (where we list the "next month" content)? Also, hat tip to the 31.3% who said the hosts ask all the right questions
Any Other Comments?
"I think it's very good."
"Don't tap your pens on the desk"
"Shorter snappier articles. Bite size pieces. Were I lucky enough to win a challenge I would like to read my own story and submit an MP3 maybe with a soundtrack. (I particularly enjoyed the Jo Zebedee interview) I'll keep dropping in. The indexing helps, thanks."
"I appreciate the effort that goes into each broadcast. My only suggestion is to subdivide into 25-35 minute chunks, even if that requires a brief, to be continued, statement. Keep up the good work, you should be proud of what you have already done."
"I haven't listened to much because not massively interested in most of the subjects and obvs its competing with other stuff. Better than a lot of amateur podcasts I tried, but rapport between presenters and with guests could sparkle more, sometimes feels a bit stilted or hesitant? Check out The Rest is History - the two presenters really spark off each other and seem very at ease and very knowledgeable. Is Chrons cast done over zoom? Might be worth trying one where everyone in same room and maybe after a drink! Good luck!"
"Keep it up lads, it's the best writing podcast I've heard (no bullsh**, just folk doing what they love)"
"I think you are doing a great job, and it will evolve into something bigger with time."
"It's a fine effort by all involved, well done."
"Great addition to the Chrons family. It makes it accessible where/when Chrons isn't"
"It might be a technical thing, but it seems there is a fair amount of people talking over the top of each other. I can find that a little annoying sometimes."
Nothing more to add other than THANK YOU for listening and taking the time to respond, we really appreciate it. I do really want to grow the show - each episode is getting between 70 - 140 listens, which is pretty good for a new show starting from nowhere. With new guests, voices and features, hopefully we can make a big jump forwards in 2023.
It's worth recalling that @Phyrebrat and I set up Chronscast to represent the Chrons community, discuss the sorts of texts and works that are popular around these parts, and ask questions about how the technical and practical aspects of writing and publishing genre fiction given writing is such a fundamental part of the Chrons community. We've interviewed authors, podcasters, publishers, and agents, and we're just getting started. From 2023 I'm hoping to implement some of the suggestions and ideas we've had, and get a whole new round of guests on board, both from within the Chrons community, and beyond it.
Here are some of the responses we've received from the survey. Have at it!
How would you rate Chronscast?
The good news is that 67% of responses rated the podcast as very good or excellent. 28% didn't like it and a few remain undecided. So... I guess that's a green light to keep going!
Comments about likes and dislikes about Chronscast
- "Good presenters and guests: tone is good and informative. You get a lot in each issue."
- "I like the book choice and the conversation."
- "Early days so criticism would be unfair. You are still finding your feet, and will."
- "I find they are too long. I tend to listen to things up to about 30 minutes long."
- "Especially like: the friendly/jovial atmosphere with the interviewees. Dislike: too long/waffly questions for the interviewees."
- "I like writers talking about writing (and not selling anything)"
- "I enjoyed it when it was about something I had read or was interested in"
- "I find all the talk about publishing incredibly depressing and disheartening (true though it is). Also, the story reviews only serve to truly underline just how illiterate I truly am... which dejects me even more. I will still listen to them all, just as and when I get the time... and when my confidence is stronger!"
- "I love the in depth dive into the books and some of the "author bits." What frustrates me is that I've not read a one of the books that you have put on the Chrons Cast. This will change this week when I listen to the one on Inish Carraig."
One thing we're toying with is the idea of having two episodes per month, but cutting the running length by half, so we'd have two episodes, 45-60 minutes each, released each month, rather than one 2-hour episode. This seems to be borne out by the responses. While "one episode per month is fine" gets the most responses, we wouldn't be cutting any content to result in two episodes per month.
Would you like interviews to cover media other than just books?
An unequivocal yes to this question. We've already booked some guests in for 2023 who'll be discussing films, maybe some video games, and more graphic novels and TV shows. As well as novels, of course.
What Do You Thnk Of the Content Covered So Far?
This is good to hear, with 65% of responses enjoying the books chosen. We understand we can't choose books that will be known to everybody all the time, and we try to be lead by the guests - they choose the texts (with a little encouragement from us) so they can speak at length about them. We made a point of not tackling the mega, super blockbusters of genre fiction (Potter, Star Wars, Game Of Thrones, Tolkien, etc etc) as they are done to death elsewhere - as this an SFF community, we felt the midlisters and bread-and-butter of the community would be better served by such a podcast. Plus, hopefully we've introduced readers (and writers) to some new books along the way.
Would you like to hear new content on Chronscast?
A clear call to hear more reviews and news. Ph and I have discussed putting these suggestions into action, and will be opening up the 2023 episodes to include such new content. The means by which we feature more Chrons authors is of particular interest to us. Wherever we can we'll be trying to not lengthen the episodes beyond their existing length (see above) while trying to keep things interesting and fresh.
Would you listen to adverts on Chronscast?
this isn't something we'll be implementing immediately, and would only happen if the content was relevant to the community, and would likely to be minimally intrusive and read by the hosts. A trickle of advertising revenue might help us secure better promotion and marketing, and perhaps higher-profile guests, as well as any other incidental expenses.
How Do You Share Chronscast?
Boo! Almost half of responses admitted to not sharing the podcast. This is one area where listeners can make a difference - even by writing a one-liner review and giving us a star rating on Apple, or Spotify, or wherever you listen, can make a big difference in visibility. We do try and reference back to Chrons as often as we can during the show, so come on chaps, and give us a leg up! Thanks to those who are already doing their bit
How Can We Grow Our Audience?
"Science fiction and fantasy conventions"
"Just keep at it I think - these things take time. Don't be afraid to share old episodes when something relevant comes up"
"Tighten it up, it tends to sprawl into protracted chat between friends."
"Consider going to a webcast instead of a podcast. Even two people at a table can provide interest. A YouTube channel is probably easier to be discovered than a podcast."
"I think the problem you have is that most scifi or fantasy fans actually have a narrow range of interests and won't listen to detailed discussion on things their not interested in. Audience will listen if they get something out of it. Can be info or advice but if their not specifically interested in the subject then most likely draw is entertainment, which means anecdotes, weird stuff, passionate opinions/controversy, and great spark between presenters and guests. the more spark, the more likely to catch"
"Get book reviews from members who also review on Goodreads, and ask them to link to the broadcasts on their Goodreads reviews. Ask members with blogs if you could do occasional guest blog spots discussing podcasts generally, or dealing with a specific podcast."
"Push the Challenges -I reckon participation in these hooks folk in"
"Put the word out on Goodreads?"
"Just hang in there, and continue presenting interesting guests/topics."
"I think shorter book review segments, more variety"
"The best way would be to get someone famous to plug it. Beyond that word of mouth."
Some good ideas here, which we'll think about. Goodreads is definitely one we're exploring. My favourite line is this one: "Just keep at it I think - these things take time. Don't be afraid to share old episodes when something relevant comes up" as it chimes with my and Ph's own experiences - it has become better as we've done more, we've become more experienced and competent, and things can only get better!
What Other "Expert's Corners" Could We Have?
"I think an "expert's comments" bit might be good on realistic history: how various machines might work, how horses work, that sort of thing."
"No (but yes to science, engineering, medicine, art)"
"Contracting, agent expectations, submissions"
"It's fine keep it tight. Other topics need a separate article."
"A roundtable discussion of some of the threads that show up in the Technology section would be interesting. Also, some of the successful authors could discuss how they created their worlds or characters."
"A tour of the sciences would be cool -'chemistry month' etc."
"I'd like to hear other specialties"
"I suppose that depends on Her Majesty's specialised fields."
While "Her Majesty" might be buffing her creds a little too much, we've gotten a huge amount from @The Judge's specialised knowledge, and they've lifted the show from an interview into more of a magazine show. But we can't ask Her Honour to carry on talking about legal issues forever and a day - for one, there's much more she can offer; and secondly, there are so many more subject matters to explore! We'd love to do a season on the sciences and technology, that's a great idea.
Would You Submit Questions to Guests if given sufficient notice?
We'll try to publish a roster of guests and give people a month's notice wherever we can for questions, which should be plenty of time. Perhaps questions could be posted in the previous month's thread on Chrons (where we list the "next month" content)? Also, hat tip to the 31.3% who said the hosts ask all the right questions
Any Other Comments?
"I think it's very good."
"Don't tap your pens on the desk
""Shorter snappier articles. Bite size pieces. Were I lucky enough to win a challenge I would like to read my own story and submit an MP3 maybe with a soundtrack. (I particularly enjoyed the Jo Zebedee interview) I'll keep dropping in. The indexing helps, thanks.
""I appreciate the effort that goes into each broadcast. My only suggestion is to subdivide into 25-35 minute chunks, even if that requires a brief, to be continued, statement. Keep up the good work, you should be proud of what you have already done."
"I haven't listened to much because not massively interested in most of the subjects and obvs its competing with other stuff. Better than a lot of amateur podcasts I tried, but rapport between presenters and with guests could sparkle more, sometimes feels a bit stilted or hesitant? Check out The Rest is History - the two presenters really spark off each other and seem very at ease and very knowledgeable. Is Chrons cast done over zoom? Might be worth trying one where everyone in same room and maybe after a drink! Good luck!"
"Keep it up lads, it's the best writing podcast I've heard (no bullsh**, just folk doing what they love)"
"I think you are doing a great job, and it will evolve into something bigger with time."
"It's a fine effort by all involved, well done."
"Great addition to the Chrons family. It makes it accessible where/when Chrons isn't"
"It might be a technical thing, but it seems there is a fair amount of people talking over the top of each other. I can find that a little annoying sometimes."
Nothing more to add other than THANK YOU for listening and taking the time to respond, we really appreciate it. I do really want to grow the show - each episode is getting between 70 - 140 listens, which is pretty good for a new show starting from nowhere. With new guests, voices and features, hopefully we can make a big jump forwards in 2023.
