Feedback on The Softball Zone Radio Show

[coachjwb]

I'd like to get some feedback here on The Softball Zone Radio Show that Ricky and I co-host every Tuesday from about mid-February through September. I am a little disappointed lately in the number of folks listening in during the show itself, but I also know it's a busy time of year and that some of you can't listen to the show live but do listen to the podcast during the course of week. It is a commitment for Ricky and I to do each week, and I want to make sure if we're going to do it that it's providing either entertainment or a service to you.

A few questions I will throw out here ... feel free to post replies here or also to PM or e-mail me directly (jffbaker3@gmail.com), and I am sure Ricky would welcome any e-mail or PM feedback as well ...

* Have you listened to the show before? About when was the last time?
* If you've listened to it in the past, what did you enjoy, and what did you not care for?
* Is the time (8:00PM EST on Tuesdays) convenient or inconvenient for you to listen to live? If not, what times would be better?
* What could be done to make the show better?
* Have you ever listened to any of the championship game broadcasts? What did you think of those, and do you think they're worthwhile?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Jeff Baker

 

[GeneralsDad]

Jeff,

* I listen when I can, last time was a couple of weeks ago. It's rare I can listen and chat at the same time. Usually one or the other.
* If it's softball related, what's not to like?
* I would prefer 11:00 PM, but don't see that happening.
* I liked the fill in the blank episodes.
* We are typically still playing when championship games are broadcast.

 

[yossarian]

I listen to the shows via podcast a few days later usually. I really only started doing that last summer because it wasn't on my radar that much. Tuesday evenings at that time aren't good for me. I'd probably always opt to list on my own time via podcast, but I realize I'm not giving back as much by being on the line.

* Last time I listened was a couple weeks ago due to a busy schedule.
* I also really like the fill in the blanks thing. No complaints about anything in particular.
* The time is irrelevant to me because I listen via the recorded podcast while commuting.
* Maybe you build on the fill in the blank series by inviting questions by users? Is there a way to get someone like Bretman on there to further explain some rules that people ask about in the forum? Or maybe you have people submit ahead? Maybe there are some regular segments on various topics you see in the forum. I mentioned to Jeff in a PM recently that it would be cool to get more past players on there. Current too. But I'd love to hear perspectives looking back on issues like how it affected their school/educational experience, especially for players who had ambitious academic goals. Maybe you'd get more user participation if you came up with some fun ideas to solicit input or stories ahead of time? I'm not really sure what that means but it's about getting some more skin in the game related to the show?
* Also, have you tried researching ways to engage your listening audience more? I googled "ideas for engaging more podcast listeners to call in" and found a lot of stuff including: http://seanwes.com/podcastdude/011-three-ways-to-create-more-audience-engagement/
* When I first heard the idea of a championship game, I thought that was really cool. But then I'm not sure I would listen to it. Actually, I know when I'd listen to it – August when the season's over and I'm jonesin' for anything that resembles a game.


Bottom line is, even though I'm not present when it's recorded live, I really enjoy and appreciate the show. I know a lot of work goes into it.

 

[coachjwb]

Thanks yossarian and General ... also got a couple of PM's. So far the feedback has been very favorable, with several excellent ideas. Please keep the feedback coming, even if its negative. I know one PM said they hoped we weren't considering not doing the show (probably since my initial post might have been taken a little whiney!), but I can assure you that we have no plans to stop doing it, and I am glad to spend twice as much time preparing and such if it's something that I know is enjoyed even a little.

 

[AnotherSoftballDad]

* I have listed to every show this season, but on podcast.
* I like the fill-in the blanks as well.
* I really can only listen late night, that is why the podcast is so convenient.
* Like the show and the variety. Not stuck on any age group or topic.
* Looking forward to the broadcasts. Like the variety of tournaments and age groups.

 

[Softballfarm]

Hi Everyone...

I consider myself a regular visitor to the SZRS and enjoy the hour of softball talk. I like the chat room too and I think Ricky, Jeff, et al do a good job moving chat room comments into the discussion of the show. I wonder if pushing back the start to 9pm would help draw more people...I can only speak for myself but 8 pm, sometimes, is too early for me to get situated at the computer. Throw in longer summer days, varsity games, travel practice and I'm probably not even home yet by 8pm.


* As stated, I am a regular visitor to the SZRS. I missed last week but I think I have stopped in just about each week since we resumed
* I enjoy just about everything about each episode. I don't really have anything that doesn't interest me. If I do I have the chat room to keep me occupied
* I'm just figuring 8 pm in the summer is too early. Travel teams usually practice on Tues, Wed, Thurs in the summer and I am not home by then given my commute to the park. Maybe moving the show to Monday would be better. All of us travelers are exhausted from the weekend, the team is off on Mondays...I would most likely be on the couch recuperating from the long weekend. Just a thought.
* I would like to hear from more "famous" people... Maybe a Racer, high profile College Coach (no offense Joe A!) etc.
* I have not listened to any championship broadcasts. Don't let that be a reason to stop doing them. I hope to catch some this summer. I hope that maybe my team will be participating in one of them!

 

[BulldawgsDirector]

* Have you listened to the show before? About when was the last time? Regularly if im not working
* If you've listened to it in the past, what did you enjoy, and what did you not care for? Enjoy hearing Joe's perspective, talking about Ohio College softball players, and hearing about all the travel tournaments. Don't care to discuss politics.
* Is the time (8:00PM EST on Tuesdays) convenient or inconvenient for you to listen to live? If not, what times would be better? It's fine with me, can't think of a better time
* What could be done to make the show better? Softballfarm hit it on the head, specifically with Racers. They are very accessible ladies and Kelly Montalvo in particular has an energy like no other if you've ever met her and is perhaps the best 3B in the world. Also she's like 5'0 standing on a phone book so I love that little engine that DID mentality. I think we under utilize the Racers here in Ohio.
* Have you ever listened to any of the championship game broadcasts? What did you think of those, and do you think they're worthwhile? I think they're great, enjoy listening to them. They create even more of a buzz at the event and really add to some great atmospheres. We are excited to host you guys at the CWMT in May and the girls will be pumped.

 

[daboss]

I have listened to 1 show and thought it sounded like you were having fun. I did not sign in to participate but was 1 of a handful unidentifying members on the guest list. The time you have the show really does not fit my schedule for a variety of reasons and if asked I would prefer a time after the sun goes down. Until it is dark, I am either working on the farm or practicing softball. In Feb., we have lessons scheduled till 9pm or after. I would never want anyone to change a schedule for my benefit but hope you'll understand why I am unable to be a regular listener.

I do tip my hat to everyone involved in this effort and encourage others to get behind the show and participate-----------especially coaches.