hertamaniac
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 9, 2017
I think synergy is best when a team is in the same brick and mortar room. So I don't view the current mode of operation a failure, but as a transition period moving forward with lessons learned.
Craig, for the first half hour you were the bright spot, you were the only person showing any enthusiasm so don't beat yourself up. I felt really sorry for you that your colleagues weren't supporting you - that was the awkward bit, not you. John as your boss needs to support you rather than a flippant 'well you're running the show' (he threw you under the bus there) and the others need to smile at least and say something, anything. Just to help you out.I've been using the past couple of weeks to read feedback versus engagement, but I just want to clear some things up. I am going to be walking on a tightrope here as I don't want to insult either the audience or co-workers. We've recorded great things in the past that were done virtually that weren't awkward. We've done plenty that are awkward. We are getting very close to finding a studio and need some good luck on our side, but the problem doesn't lie solely in virtual presentations. I listen to lots of podcasts produced this way and some of the most downloaded podcasts in the world are produced without the hosts being in the same room.
The low energy is very prevalent. This past week in particular, most are pointing towards the low energy portion being the part where the entire group is literally allowed to speak about whatever they're passionate about involving Disney. The energy rose at the end, but the part of the show that most were complaining about wasn't the segment or the news. It was the part where the team can talk about anything they want.
I think the entire team needs to not only find their passion and let that come out, but I also think that the team needs to not focus on chat or the world around them for that one hour and be actively engaged listeners to what is being said because even if they aren't interested it still does a great deal in terms of the perception that the team wants to be there and cares about what the others have to say. I say this for myself too as I get distracted with running the show at times and look like I'm not as engaged as I need to be.
The final thing I'll say, I know the one downfall of virtual is the delay and that is a real problem at times. There is still nothing more that I hate than being met with awkward silence around topics because no one has any input, especially news. Right now, I feel like I'm failing either at figuring out what our team wants to discuss and/or what Disney fans want to hear our opinions on and what we should have opinions on. I thought something like park-hopping and price increases would go through the roof and I was wrong. I'm not doing a great job right now and I recognize that. I'm not asking for pity nor do I want to be told that I am doing great. I'm saying it because I am aware and want to make sure that it's known that I'm trying to make this better.
This brings up a whole different matter. We do need to do a better job at marketing and presenting content. However, our discussion podcasts aren't normal YouTube content, and too many times we get lumped in with other YouTubers like Mammoth Club, Paging Mr. Morrow, Tim Tracker, etc... Yes, they destroy us in views, but so much of what they do is different. When we had a larger staff we used to be able to make a lot more content like they do but we've always made our way back to podcasts or 'shows' and frankly I think a lot of our personalities are better suited not on podcasts and would be better as vlogs. I'm not saying that would get us the same views or following as the others I mentioned, but it could put us on a path to find more success versus ourselves in the present on YouTube. Then it neglects audio.Thank you and apricated. My view is really that you know how to create good content, the team is passionate and knowledgeable of the subject matter BUT you really need professional help with how to market and present your content. I really think that the team would benefit from hiring a marketing consultant who specializes in YouTube and video marketing. This digital world we now live in changes very rapidly and I think investing in the team, continuous leaning and a refresh of up to date marketing and presentation skills would be hugely beneficial.
I need to make it clear that John does support me and both John and Corey are putting trust in me to help this move forward. I didn't feel that comment from John was throwing me under the bus, but we both have very similar dry humor and to me, it felt like he was trying to ease the tension and get us all to laugh. But perception is in the eye of each person watching or listening. I've dealt with this every day of my life as a person with very specific humor that doesn't translate well to humanity.Craig, for the first half hour you were the bright spot, you were the only person showing any enthusiasm so don't beat yourself up. I felt really sorry for you that your colleagues weren't supporting you - that was the awkward bit, not you. John as your boss needs to support you rather than a flippant 'well you're running the show' (he threw you under the bus there) and the others need to smile at least and say something, anything. Just to help you out.
I think you have a witty, sardonic take on the world, which I like very much. That dryness is very British in tone & you shouldn't change a bit.I need to make it clear that John does support me and both John and Corey are putting trust in me to help this move forward. I didn't feel that comment from John was throwing me under the bus, but we both have very similar dry humor and to me, it felt like he was trying to ease the tension and get us all to laugh. But perception is in the eye of each person watching or listening. I've dealt with this every day of my life as a person with very specific humor that doesn't translate well to humanity.
Craig, I too have a dry sense of humor and I can relate how much of it flies over people’s heads. Sometimes, I even take pleasure knowing it does. As for the show, your dynamic was always best in a studio setting, where everyone can play off each other’s visual queues. I think once you do get a studio, it will take a while before you get into a rhythm again, so don’t sweat it. I know DVC Fan is loosely linked now and it may help to strengthen that tie. All I can add is that you give it time and don’t get frustrated.I need to make it clear that John does support me and both John and Corey are putting trust in me to help this move forward. I didn't feel that comment from John was throwing me under the bus, but we both have very similar dry humor and to me, it felt like he was trying to ease the tension and get us all to laugh. But perception is in the eye of each person watching or listening. I've dealt with this every day of my life as a person with very specific humor that doesn't translate well to humanity.
Yeah I was always annoyed whenever people say that it’s “unprofessional”. My phrase for this has always been “It’s folks sitting around talking Disney World. This isn’t Eyewitness News at 6.” Like, Daddy chill. jkjkI don't know why but during those shows, and others where Pete wasn't hosting, there would be comments on here and on Youtube that somehow the show was "too silly" or unprofessional? I don't see how that's possible when the topic is Disney, but it seems like at times the structure of the show is too regimented as a response to that.
There are a lot of shows that work just fine with the "zoom" type approach, but the hosts typically have great on-air presence and they cover the topic passionately and not reading from a script, etc.I think synergy is best when a team is in the same brick and mortar room. So I don't view the current mode of operation a failure, but as a transition period moving forward with lessons learned.
You all will figure it out. If not the "Tuesday" show, at least with the smaller shows that help to educate and inform travelers with planning and ideas.I need to make it clear that John does support me and both John and Corey are putting trust in me to help this move forward. I didn't feel that comment from John was throwing me under the bus, but we both have very similar dry humor and to me, it felt like he was trying to ease the tension and get us all to laugh. But perception is in the eye of each person watching or listening. I've dealt with this every day of my life as a person with very specific humor that doesn't translate well to humanity.
A table in the park sounds nice but the background noise is intolerable. I stopped watching dining reviews ages ago because of that. I could barely hear what they were saying over the din.Zoom or Studio (I don't think it matters honestly) or just find a table somewhere in the park and sit down.
This. The more scripted it is the worse it is. The more they are just reading news stories and press releases that we all have easy access to and probably already saw days before the show, the less engaging it is. What we want is to hear their views and thoughts on that information.There are a lot of shows that work just fine with the "zoom" type approach, but the hosts typically have great on-air presence and they cover the topic passionately and not reading from a script, etc.