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jeffullrich

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Posts posted by jeffullrich

  1. Posted

    Is that the orange peel in your mouth like when Don Corleone has the heart attack in the first prequel to "The Godfather, Part III"?

    That is such a stupid picture. It's a piece of pineapple. I don't take many pics and when I needed one for here and a few other places, it was the only one I had :)

  2. Posted

    Forgive me if this has been asked elsewhere, but is there a plan to release the songs from Short-Wave on iTunes, much like THE VOICE does for their songs each week? Thanks.

    Hi Lukas!

     

    Unfortunately, for one, we only have the podcast rights and thus can only release them as they are now as part of the show. Second, Shortwave will not be continuing as a show. Grant doesn't have the time to continue and the last show we released will be the final one. He's not going to do it elsewhere, he just can't do it at all. Which is too bad but we understand. We should probably make some sort of announcement about that I guess.

  4. Posted

    Maybe we should start some sort of e-mailing campaign to let IFC how much it would mean to us for them to renew CBB for a 2nd season: ifcfeedback@ifc.com Email might not mean too much to them, but I think it couldn't hurt...

    That's a great idea!

  5. Posted

    Are there any stats on what podcasts get downloaded where, how much etc. and can the stats be made public?

    My policy is to share Earwolf info, but not show info. I feel like that is up to the hosts to do or not do at their discretion. Earwolf had a total of all shows, archives and new shows, of 4.6 million downloads in November.

    • Like 2

  6. Posted

    I think Nick's idea would be awesome too and Matt Besser should be the host. Because, speaking of awesome, he was awesome as host of The Earwolf Challenge. My favourite part of that show was hearing his expert understanding of comedy and performance awesomely applied to the entries submitted by the contestants.

     

    That was a great show, unfortunately not very popular and the most amount of work we've ever done on a show. Not a sustainable combination.

  7. Posted

    I would love for the front page to be customizable, or maybe changed now that the roster of podcasts is deeper. Sometimes I'll go to the site on say a Friday looking to listen to or just find info on the new Two Charted or Sklarbro Country but they won't be one of the 3 comedy podcasts shown to me on the front site. That is something I don't think has to be that way. I guess on some level you guys like the fact that I have to click shows and scroll and click on it and then click again on the most recent episode, just in terms of adverts/analystics, but as the customer/consumer I must say I would prefer to just get to the content I want quicker/in less clicks. I guess this isn't a question so much as a possibly constructive critique.

    Our homepage doesn't work well right now. We have to address it soon (but we've been really busy with other stuff). The way it works though is that every new show is on the homepage, but the biggest shows on in the featured slider instead of the list below. So check that out. We aren't trying to get anyone to make extra clicks, it just doesn't work they way we thought when we made the change and have to change it again. Thanks for the question!

  8. Posted

    I love improv and conversational podcasts, but are there any plans for more scripted podcasts in the near future? I loved Mike Detective and Affirmation Nation and would love to see something scripted again. (also, if someone asked this already, sorry for the repetition).

    I love scripted shows too, but nothing is in the works. Writers tend to be busier than performers and the workload associated with scripted is much greater. But we're always on the lookout.

  9. Posted

    This one is kind of random, but is there any chance Jon Benjamin might be coming on Comedy Bang Bang any time soon? He was the first guest on Aisha Tyler's podcast and it was one of the funniest things I've ever heard in my life!

    Scott mostly does his own bookings and I have no idea if this is going to happen or not. I do know that Jon will be on another podcast soon (not Earwolf) but I'm not at liberty to mention since it's not ours. But keep your eyes peeled!

  10. Posted

    I thought Jeff wasn't able to look at listener submitted ideas for podcast in case he is making one about that already then he reads that idea and has to stop because it looks like he is stealing the idea.

    This is true.

  11. Posted

    Jeff - Wouldn't you think that, to add variety to your podcast collection, have a podcast that's focused on real comedians commenting and going in depth on user-submitted jokes or premises? I figure that there's a lot of 'comedy nerds' who listen to your podcasts religiously - and from looking at the highly active Comedy Bang Bang catchphrase submission forum, some of your listeners want to be funny. There can be a podcast where there could be a willing host or a random panel of comedians (2 or 3) reading this stuff of the forums (could be a new ep every 2 weeks so there'd be time to get some good and bad submissions) and commenting on it, giving tips, discussing their methodology with all the comedy terms that nerds get wet over. Also, it would promote user involvement in the forums. I don't know if I got the idea I have out to you well enough - but if you do think it's a good idea then let me know. If it comes to fruition I can help out. Thanks. Nick

    Thanks Nick. Sorry, I've been out of town.

     

    This is a good idea! The problem is that we rarely, if ever, approach comedians about doing an idea (that is basically casting). It's so hard to do all the work that comes with a podcast that unless the comedians own it, it's hard to get them excited about it and thus keep up with the required pace.

     

    However, if anyone approaches us and is looking for show ideas, I'll be happy to steal your idea (with your permission) and mention it. Thanks!

  12. Posted

     

    Wadsworth so not that far, why I assume you are visiting family for the holidays right now.

     

     

    Wadsworth so not that far, why I assume you are visiting family for the holidays right now.

    Yes sir.

  13. Posted

    I noticed IFC is still doing adds on earwolf so in your opinion is that a good sign of CBB getting a second season.

    Hey Pongo, I'm in Rolling Meadows, Illinois right now. Where are you?

     

    The advertising for IFC has nothing to do with creative. I know they were really happy with how we handled the CBB TV campaign and I think this is a reflection of that, rather than a signal regarding the a second season. Thanks. And happy new year to all!

  15. Posted

    What would you say would be the best way to ge the word out to IFC that they need to renew CBB for a second season? I e-mailed them a few times, but I've heard mailing actual physical letters is the best way to get your voice heard...

    You know what, that's a great question. I have no idea. I should look into that.

  16. Posted

    Dear Jeff,

     

    Have you considered doing Ask Jeff as a podcast? Because; (1) The world could do with more of your dulcet tones, (2) I miss hearing you talk about the ins and outs of running Earwolf since Wolf Den has been on hiatus, (3) you might feel more like expanding on some answers if you didn't have to do all this pesky typing, (4) typing can lead to conditions such as RSI and spontaneous combustion and (5) I've never learned to read.

     

    Peeps could post questions here or do them in audio form by emailing you mp3s or using a call-in line.

     

    You're welcome.

     

    Love, Bucho

    That's a good idea. Let me think about it!

    • Like 1

  17. Posted

    Can't help but tease...from our Twitter and Facebook:

     

    "Just finalized an agreement with a new podcast. This is going to be big and unexpected. First ep is likely to launch on 1/10. More to come."

     

    Sorry, I can't say more right now!

    • Like 3

  18. Posted

    Why is Gelmania released so erratically? I realize the answer is often scheduling and the amount of production and writing it require that other shows don't. But I'd have thought it would make more sense to release it monthly rather than having huge breaks and then releasing it weekly, but only for about 4 weeks before it goes into another break.

    Brett is really busy and he and Cyrus do their magic outside of the Earwolf studios and send things in when they have them. Sometimes that is more regular than other times, but they do what they can and it works well for everyone.

  19. Posted

    I feel my question is already answered by the existence of this thread but here i go.

     

    How important do you feel transparency is to creating a successful website that specializes in content generation/delivery?

    I'm a big believer in transparency. Everything you do is marketing. Sincerity and honesty are the best forms of marketing. Especially in the business of podcasting. You guys are very understanding about what we are going through and what we are trying to do...even when we screw up. Especially when we screw up. As long as you are communicated to about it.

     

    The reason I started this thread is because 1) I haven't done the Wolf Den in a year and that was a great source of information about what was going on. And 2) is that I found myself telling lots of people lots of things about how Earwolf works but that wasn't always getting to our fans. Personal conversations and being a guest on podcasts that not many people listen to wasn't really scaling. So I thought this might be a good idea.

     

    I'm very proud of what we do and how we do it, so I don't fear a backlash from upping the transparency. And even if I do something that people don't like, I'd rather explain why or hear the concern so I can consider the validity of it rather than creating a situation where it's easy to judge without the facts.

     

    One last thing is that I'm much better at answering questions than I am at making up topics to write about. So this helps with that too.

     

    Hopefully this thread helps improve the understanding of why we make some of the decisions we make. Thanks for asking!

    • Like 1

  20. Posted

    That is basically what I figured thanks.

     

    Now the last question I can think of is how did the Cyber Thug special do sales wise. Did it do well enough that you think more Cyber Thug episodes could be made for the earwolf store.

    I'd have to check the exact numbers, but I think we maybe made $100. Not really worth the effort, financially. That said, if those guys wanted to do another, I'd be happy to. Everything we do creatively is evaluated on its own merit. We don't mind losing some money (or making very little) to make great content. But I haven't heard from Jerry in a while, I know he's busy.

    • Like 1

  21. Posted

    Don't feel bad if that is the only answers you have, If that is all you know then I am fine with that.

     

    Anyway, how did James Adomian's stand up album come about. Do you have any plans for any other stand up albums in the near future. I know Howard Kremer said he was saying he planed on putting out a stand up album, but I don't know if he already has someone producing it or if you are even thinking about doing another one. Thanks for you time.

    To be honest, we don't really know how successful James' album was since we've never done one before. But with our limited knowledge, it seems to be doing well.

     

    We'll do more if the right opportunity comes up, we aren't searching them out, but if someone approaches us, we'll consider it. Howard works with a bunch of people so I'm not sure what he has planned, I haven't discussed it with him.

  22. Posted

    OK, well you asked for questions...!

     

    Kind of an open-ended one, but... how does an Earwolf show get off the ground?

     

    Does a comedian approach you with an idea? Or have you brainstormed a load of ideas ("Ripping on movies! Dungeons and Dragons!"), and pitch them to people you think might be interested?

     

    Do the hosts arrange the guests? Or is that done by an Earwolf employee?

     

    How long does it take to perfect a show - how many 'drafts' does a potential show go through?

     

    How many shows do you like to have banked at any one time? Or do you only bank shows when you know about upcoming holidays/tours, etc?

     

    A year or two ago I remember you saying something like Nerdist, WTF, etc wasn't your competition; your competition was TV, movies, music... Do you still feel that's the case?

     

    Phew!

    Re Getting off the ground, for the most part, people approach us. There are definitely shows that's we'd like to do conceptually, but podcasting is so personal, the passion really has to come from the artists. It's really hard to have a great show that wasn't originally the idea of the artist.

     

    Re Guests, the hosts book all their own guests for now. We're working on having Julia help with booking in 2013, but we're not sure how that will work. Everyone could use some help, no one needs it done for them completely.

     

    Re Perfecting a show, that all depends. Some shows go through a 4-6 episode pilot process, some are good on the first try. We have a certain style and structure about all the shows we do and it's usually just working with the artists to hit those notes before releasing. Some are recorded as pilots and then not picked up as a regular show.

     

    Re Banking shows, it depends on the show. I'd love to have every show bank at least one at all times in case of emergency, but that rarely happens. Usually the hosts just manage their own schedules and release needs and make sure there is always a show to go out at the regularly scheduled time.

     

    Re Competition, that is definitely still the case. We're all busting our humps to add one new listener at a time and then that new listener is way more likely to try another podcast, Earwolf or otherwise.

     

    Thanks for the great questions!

  23. Posted

    Jeff,

     

    How do you like your coffee?

     

    Nick

    I have prostatitis, so I'm not supposed to have caffeine. So I was off of it for about 3 months. But I started drinking it again, which is dumb and I'll probably stop soon so I don't have to go to the bathroom every 10 minutes.

     

    But in the meantime, I use some simple syrup, two spoons of sugar, half whole milk and half half & half.

     

    How's that for a serious answer to your question :)

    • Like 1

  24. Posted

    Hey Jeff,

     

    I typically access the Earwolf forums and content through the iPhone Earwolf app. Is there a possibility that you could increase the ability to manage user profiles (e.g., add/change profile pictures, user information, etc.) in the app itself? I have scoured the options and can't seem to find anywhere to do this.

     

    Thanks,

     

    MC

    Hi Matt,

     

    The contractor who built the app is no longer with us and we're not investing anything more into the app for now. With all the new distribution partners we're working with who have their own apps, it's really hard to justify investing in our own. Most people seem to prefer the aggregator apps, not content provider specific apps. Sorry.

     

    My last few answers in this forum feel like they have all been of the wah, wah, wah variety.

  25. Posted

    A while ago, there were occasional references by the guests to (video) cameras recording the studio. Did anything come of that?

    We have very haphazardly had a few not very good cameras running in the studio, but unfortunately all the time and not always with the best angles (and horrible lighting). I can't see us ever doing anything with that footage, we've had it looked at before by a video guy and the prognosis was not good. We might start doing some video podcasts soon though, as part of a separate thing, we're trying to work out the details now.

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