Comments on: Gateway Blogging Course Shaping Up

By: Michael Martine

Michael Martine — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 04:11:44 +0000

@Larrisa - Thank you for making your preferences known. The ebook and audio 1-2 punch is proving to be the favored format. Your comment about how long of an ebook gets read vs. gets “filed” is very enlightening! Duly noted!

The emphasis in Gateway Blogging is about business, yes, not monetization blogging. There will be info to help the “make money blogging” folks turn their blogs into a business (so that they can actually make money). But existing real businesses who are getting into blogging as a marketing tool will get real value out of Gateway Blogging.

By: Larissa Reynolds

Larissa Reynolds — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:52:12 +0000

Hi Michael,

My vote would be to stick with your idea of multiple ebooks + multiple audio. I really like ebooks, but depending on how dense the material is I’ll often print it so I can read it somewhere outside my office and mark it up with notes. But I’m usually pretty hesitant to print an ebook that’s more than 30-40 pages… so the really long ones usually go in the “To Read” folder on my desktop (that I usually never get around to reading).

I’m also a big fan of audio since I can put it on my Zune and listen anywhere. Even if the audio topics cover different but supplementary material than the ebooks/text, I think that would be fine. When I find a really useful audio course I’ll usually refer back to the transcript as a reference, too.

Since most of the how-to information for blogging is along the lines of “how to make money blogging!” I expect your course/training will be a great and much-needed resource for those of us who see blogs as a tool to grow/supplement our business, instead of something that will BE our business. No pressure there or anything. I’ll look forward to the day when everything is available. Thanks!

By: Michael Martine

Michael Martine — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:54:35 +0000

@Shelley - Thanks for the feedback! Video is better for marketing than for teaching, except for some cases like walk-throughs or screencasts. Most people definitely prefer text first, and audio as a secondary option. I’m considering audio version of the text materials as well as audio with transcripts. That way, everyone gets the best of both worlds.

By: Shelley

Shelley — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:30:05 +0000

Hi Michael,
I agree with Jim Estell. I like old fashioned reading of a paper book or a Kindle book. I absorb information better if I can sit quietly with a book and read it at my own pace. I love Kindle books because I can store them on my Kindle and I don’t have to find shelf space.
Regarding video: some video takes a long time to download for example on You Tube. Your readers may get frustrated waiting for the video downloads.
Audio is a second to reading for me. I use audio to supplement what I’ve read or if I have a commute and want to reinforce what I’ve read. Podcasts are great because you don’t have to figure out where to store the CD.
At any rate, I’ll be following what you do with Gateway Blogger as you know I’m trying to start up a blog.
Shelley

By: Michael Martine

Michael Martine — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:23:03 +0000

@Sonia - Commute time = learning time. I hear that! I plan on having an audio equivalent to every text course in Gateway Blogging.

@Jim - Very true! Certainly the media is not as important as the teacher, but I’m sure you’ll agree that when selling a product, the format/delivery vehicle is a very important consideration.

By: JIm Estill

JIm Estill — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:14:01 +0000

Different learners learn in different ways. I prefer old fashioned reading. With the internet, you can add a lot of value by having hotlinks. This allows those unfamiliar with a topic to dive in deep and those who already “get it” to move on.

And with learning, a great teacher is one who can simplify and clarify. The media is less important than the content.

By: Sonia Simone

Sonia Simone — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:50:38 +0000

I’m a big fan of audio for the same reason Steve is–I listen on my commute. I’ll listen to great stuff 5 or 6 times over the course of several months, which really helps the concepts sink in.

Video, therefore, doesn’t work as well for me. I don’t have convenient chunks of time to watch video, so it has to be on my A+ list for me to make the time unless it’s very short.

I’m definitely a reader, so written stuff is great, but written stuff with an audio backup is even better. I read once then listen to reinforce the concepts.

Love physical! And I’m happy to pay more for it.

By: Michael Martine

Michael Martine — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:09:31 +0000

@Steve - Thanks for your take on this. I really like video, myself, but a smart teacher knows how to address multiple learning modalities and gives people what they need. You can expect plenty of audio for Gateway Blogging.

By: steve kennedy

steve kennedy — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:05:31 +0000

Personally, I really like podcasts and audio that I can listen to with my iPod. I have a long commute and it works out well. I take notes as I listen. I’d love to get an MSI Wind to make that more productive work time also. My current laptop is too big and heavy.

Something else that I thought might be interesting is putting course content on a $49 iPod Shuffle. If you have an expensive course, the $49 might make the buyer feel pretty VIP. Of course, you just add the cost into your price.

I’d also be happy to help with any kind of testing that you want to try.

By: Michael Martine

Michael Martine — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:17:25 +0000

@Sal - You can sign up to be an alpha tester here. Thanks for your interest!