Episode 69: Lovingly Hand Knit By You

Well, I seem to be the minority here, and I admit whatever keeps Cast-On alive is fine with me, but I’d prefer to not hear advertising from multinational corporations. It just rubs my ethics the wrong way. Of course, I’ll keep listening, but those are my thoughts.

all the best!

Hi Brenda! I’ve been listening to you all along. I downloaded your first podcast shortly after it was available and I have listened to every one you have recorded. Heck, I downloaded your podcast when I had to burn it to cd to listen to it. Your podcast, along with Marie Irshad’s, was the reason I bought an iPod. I commented once, in the beginning, but haven’t commented since. I’m proof that you can not judge the popularity of your podcast by the number of comments you receive. But you should know that–I mean, 1,000,000 downloads should speak louder than a hundred or so comments.
I love the Saturn ads. I like their cars, I like multi-national corporations, I like that you can sell ads and get the income. You deserve it.
(Just to fill the comment void, I’m going to go back and comment on the previous post about the *eeek* spiders.)

Brenda, Have a happy few relaxing days off, but do come back! Way back last year (?) you announced that you were making a wedding dress the same week I discovered that I was too; the synchronicity of our two similar events glued me to your podcast! So, you rest and I’ll wait right here for your return, head phones on, sticks in hand.

Hi! I’m a brand new listener (…from Norway, that explains my bad english…), and episode 69 is my first podcast ever.

It’s a new world – this podcast-thing, and I’m thrilled, that i can listen to knit-podcasts! Your podcast have been recommended by several knitting-friends, and I must say – I’m not dissapointed …even if I AM a little bit scared after the KGB-kind-of-threat (but I’m willing to do what I have to do to keep listening to you) – I’m alreaddy waiting in exitement for the next episode!

Best regards Marianne

I just got around to listening to episode 69. I nearly dropped the needles once your Russian enforcer came on. You see, I lived in Moscow during the crazy 1990s when contract killings were all the rage. So, here I am dutifully leaving evidence of my listenership. (I must say that the accent was very good!)

Regarding advertising. Well, you have to get support and if you can keep it to reasonably responsible corporations, then why not go for it? If Exxon ads start showing up, however, I may have to come over there and smack you. I’d love to be contributing tons of cash for my listening pleasure, but I’m currently in graduate school and, well, that means a mountain of debt and no spare cash for anything. I hope to graduate in the next year and land a “real” job, which means I can start lowering that mountain and contributing generously to things that I believe in and bring joy to my life, like Cast-On.

Brenda,

Who are you going to endorse for president of the United States? We knitters want to know.

And where is Joe the Knitter???

Now everyone is talking about the American economy and eclections, nice to read something different. Eugene

p.s. i second miranda’s advice that you get over the spiders. you are too strong a woman for that s**t, eh? ; )

Brenda, your listeners definitely see themselves as your support group. Do you feel it?
I echo Donna’s thoughts “If accepting ads from a multinational corporation will help make you financial secure and will make it easier for you to continue producing the Cast On, then go for it!”

However, the ad placement was really dreadful… cut into the podcast, a blaring noise in the middle of a show chapter. It definitely detracts from all of the careful mixing and editing that you do.
P.S. Your ears had to be burning when you produced this podcast… all of us on the 2009 Italy Souvenirs in Stitches trip were talking about you!

Hi, Brenda:

I have maybe commented once in the past. I have been listening from the start and enjoy your podcast immensely. As a teacher, someone who talks literally ALL DAY LONG, I relish my quiet time knitting and having my iPod on to listen as I meditate. I consider (and often later explore) the ideas you present, the news that you share, and forget that the process can be interactive. After all, I am alone with my needles and yarn. I frequently listen to the podcast at my convenience, sometimes weeks after the original release date. I am not the type of person who yells at the TV or radio. Rarely have I written a note of complaint to anyone. There are so many who are more effectively vocal and who are eager to share.

Interestingly enough, I teach a multimedia class where I teach my grade 8-12 students how to make websites and podcasts, among other electronic pursuits. I ask them to consider their messages, what they want to accomplish with their messages, and how they will measure how effective they have been. Do you measure your impact through the number or downloads, the amount of people who comment, or some other barometer of effectiveness?

As for advertising on your podcast, not even US “public” radio or TV is truly ad-free. If a multinational corporation wants to attempt to influence my purchasing power through supporting podcasts that explore philosophical issues and investigate the meaning found in craft, I do not see the harm. It seems kind of win-win.

Best wishes!

Brenda – OMG, the authorities! I’m so ashamed, I’ve been a lurking listener since March when my friend Liz in Texas showed me how to get podcasts! I love your podcasts, they are imaginative and I look forward to the new ones each month. You make Wales sound like the definition of quaint… brings back memories of all the James Herriot stories I read! (yes I know he was in England, but I’m sure you have swales, wellies and vets who must walk the hills to care for sheep there!)

Thank you, please don’t kill the blog!

Julie

Oh my dear, I’ve missed you. I was listening so faithfully last spring and then a series of things happened (including misplacing my ipod for two months! Why was it in the instant-oatmeal-packet box?), and I was on hiaitus, apparently as you are now.

And now I’m caught up and must go seek out other knitting podcasts (poor me, eh?).

It was wonderful to hear your voice, your humor, your thoughts. I can’t imagine going through what you went through to design that bamboo sweater (I think that was a podcast or two ago). I can barely modify an existing pattern with success.

As to ads, on the one hand, I support you in wanting the podcast to have a steady income. That is important. On the other, I figure I’m paying with my wallet, or my ears. I’d rather pay with my wallet (and will be donating right now). But it’s not as though ad placement will prevent me from listening. It’s hard to think what would prevent me. Your being boring? Nah, that’s not going to happen. Your killing innocent spiders? (chuckle) Nope, I’m still here! As long as you continue to talk about yarn and needles in your charismatic fashion, I’ll be here. Knit on, my friend.

I have enjoyed your podcast tremendously. I listen to many, and find that your professionalism and exacting standards have a wonderful rippling effect on other podcasters. Thanks so much for all the hardwork, and the delightful music. The music was an unexpected bonus for me. I thought I was just getting some knitting and good times. Did not know that I would benefit from the discovery of excellent tunes too.

Oh noooooo! I’m at the second to newest podcast. I know it’s coming. Soon I’ll be one of the mass, I’m going to have to WAIT for new Cast Ons. I’m gutted. For the last 6 months I’ve been slowly creeping up to this point. I thought that I’d never get there…. I couldn’t wait to catch up. And now what do I have to look forward to? I shouldn’t have done it, but I’ve hurried up only to wait. DAMN! Foiled again.

Brenda thanks for entertaining me for 70 hours! my gosh… time flies. My xmas gift to you is coming via paypal. Many thanks for a job well done and happy holidays!
Lots of love,
your American kiwi friend whom-you’ve-never-met
-Amy

Dunno if this will be read at this late date, but in case:

Guessing the sheep have stopped floating, but FYI the Saturn commercial, not that I mind, is at the end of the podcast. It didn’t interrupt anything for me. Also, I don’t mind the commercial. It wasn’t in my face, didn’t last long and I can see a benefit for you, not to mention, while I work for a different manufacturer, I suspect some of your listeners drive/purchase/maintain cars.

I’m an occasional listener, but should have at least told you I enjoy listening from Detroit. I’m in the process of listening to your archived programs. You have a perfect voice and tone of serious/humour for this work. Please consider this encouragement to continue your work.

Regards,

Hello Brenda,
This is my 1st time so be gentle.
I bought my 1st iPod in Jan ’08 and started putting music and photos on, I found iTunes and podcasts, I was thrilled then I found you. I sooooo LOVE your podcast, it is soothing, funny, enlightening, friendly, loving, musical and informative. Not to mention THOUGHT-PROVOKINGNESS what a great word and so appropriate. Written by Monica on Oct 7th ’08.
Wow that lot surprised me as I have had CFS for almost 18 months and have a lot of misthoughts, concentration lapses, breaks in sentences and low times, but listening to you is FAB, and am so amazed that I could even come up with these words, let alone make reasonable sentences and words of encouragement, even some of the words surprised me. I
I downloaded all your back catalogue, so to speak and went on to listen happily. I also have trouble sleeping with CFS and listen to you while in bed, I find your voice so soothing with no surprised to make me jump that I find myself drifting off naturally the only problem then is to rewind to find out where I remember I was before entering the land of Nod.
I’m not opposed to ads myself, but also prefer to have them at the beginning and end of your podcasts. Would also love to have Craft Related ads if that is at all possible.
But whatever you decide to do Brenda I’m here to tell you that I love you and what you do. Your life and home stories are so interesting and I often laugh out loud to myself and have done it on the bus too. I’m not worried what other passengers think as I have often laughed out loud and giggled outrageously while reading on the buses in the past.
Keep up the good work, always look forward to hearing you. I have listened to some other knitting podcasts including Webbs husband and wife team, which I like. Found a few that I wasn’t keen on with sisters giggling and not a lot of input. You are so so FAB keep charming us.
Lots and lots of LOVE to you and yours.
Bernie