The ConverStation

Wicked Cool Cow, originally uploaded by Ken, Lillian, Nathaniel.

Another historic first at the station this week.

On Tuesday I blogged about my play-by-play “Tweeting” of the estimable On Point. This represented the first time within these hallowed warrens that Twitter was used to “broadcast” (“Tweetcast”?) one of our shows.

Despite ear, hand, and eye coordination issues, your feedback—especially word that I enticed someone to tune in to the show—has convinced me to give it another shot. Just waiting for a topic more likely to resonate with a 2.0 audience. Tuesday’s segment was perfect … this … maybe not so much.

And today marks the first time I “Uttered.” For those few not in the know, “Utterz” (they got a diary theme going on) is a free audio blogging service enabling users to upload their audio—a.k.a “Utterz”—and share with others. It is sorta Flickr for the aurally inclined.

I have used the service numerous times to host audio re-purposed from air. Some of it elicited a response; a good chunk of it tanked. My take: It is conversation folks are interested in; not warmed-over WBUR audio leftovers. Or I am jumping to conclusions? Perhaps we could serve you up a smorgasbord of radio stories with generous dollops of your comments stirred into the mix.

Hence my plea for help. I remained baffled over how to pull this off logistically. Moreover, I really want to get a better idea of what kind of content you want to see on the menu. So, posted on Utterz, for your enjoyment, is the audio debut of my plaintive cry for help. The production values are to make an engineer wince, but heck, it gives it that much vaunted air of authenticity, no?

Any insights you can share would be most appreciated. And I tell you that, after listening to some of those insightful, well-crafted audio commentaries, I think public radio better watch its back.

*Update*

Responses are trickling in…

De Jongh who publishes the blog Worcester is Major says he misses WBUR on Utterz and implores the station to be a public radio trailblazer in the social media space:

Robert, one of the early Utterz stars, touts transparency and permission:

And Barbara Slavin advises spending more time exploring channels and networking with other members: