Buttons vs Barney?

on January 27, 2010 in podcast
Wow. I just saw the scathing review of Around The Scouting Campfire that was left on iTunes. Plus, the reviewer left a one star (out of five) rating. It seems he does not like Buttons and finds him distracting. He also does not think the show contains much useful information.

I know the show does not contain much “hardcore” Boy Scouting information. It was never meant to be that type of show. Jerry and the others do a great job of creating those types of Scouting podcasts. I always thought of ATSC as more of an entertaining podcast with a Scouting theme. I began it because some people wanted an audio version of some of the Melrose Scouting Productions Podcast videos, and more of Buttons.

I realize that ATSC is a small time homegrown podcast and will never be very popular. In fact, only two of the shows ever reached 1000 hits within the first month. (#4 and #5) I never expect to be on par with Chris’ An Hour A Week podcast. I do not plan to produce a weekly podcast like he does.

My podcasts do not generate much feedback so I guess this hit closer to home than it probably should. But… Is there too much of Buttons in the podcast? Should I concentrate more on the serious Scouting subjects? Is it time to retire the podcast? I guess I am now looking for some ideas as to the direction I should go.

5 Responses to “Buttons vs Barney?”

  1. Kevin (BigMc) says:

    Steve – Don't let one person discourage you – this person is obviously not your target audience. I like Buttons and my 9-yo has been asking for a while when there will be more shows. Even my 14-yo enjoys the shows. I can always count on a laugh when I listen/view a show with Buttons; even if it is laughing at how corny the jokes are. Laughs and light-hearted discussions are what keep it fun.

  2. Kevin says:

    Don't take it to heart Steve. Obviously ATSC is not a hardcore scouting info show but it really shouldn't be. PTC has four other shows that do that. This show is really for entertainment and it is great!
    This guy may have come to your show looking for scouting info. not realizing what the show is about. Also buttons could never be as annoying as barney because for one buttons is not a giant purple dinosaur he is an awesome lion. So whatever you don't let this review get you down. You make great podcasts Steve. Keep it up!

  3. Jeff says:

    Steve,
    I for one like your podcast and hope to hear more from you and Buttons. The format is great and the songs and SM minutes are fantastic. As a 54 year old I have to admit that Buttons energy took some getting use to. I stuck with the podcast and have come to realize that the Scouts in my Troop are more like Buttons than me. The Scouts in your Troop are lucky to have SM like you and I am lucky that you are willing to share your time with me.

  4. Scoutmaster Steve B. says:

    Thanks for the kind words guys. I needed a few of those. Now I just need to have a few more people rate the show to (hopefully) bring the rating back up.

  5. Bryan says:

    NO NO NO NO NO NO NO….I think that answered most of your questions.

    Yours is a podcast I look forward to! I enjoy the old time video (audio), I enjoy the songs, the fun and the final campfire!

    People forget that BP's book was Scouting for BOYS! Don't let a stick in the mud adult ruin the fun for everyone else.

    As for serious information, I have used some song and skits heard on your podcast and passed them along to the Scouts to perform. And I might have taken a SM minute or two as well.

    Your's is a podcast that includes the best of both worlds, great information presented in a fun and interesting way……

    oh wait I think I just described Scouting 🙂

    Keep up the great work!

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