You're Special!
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 17, 2009
by Dale Connelly
(80 Comments)
Heartland listeners, you are indeed a unique group.
We are now a little over four months into our online and HD radio project, and if you are reading this, chances are you were here at the beginning and have managed to stay with it, even though, in many cases, staying tuned to Radio Heartland meant you had to change your habits, buy new computer equipment, run wires from the living room to the kitchen, download a new program, upgrade your internet connection, and/or make bargains with relatives, or God, or both.
If you listen intently, gathered around a computer or an HD radio in a tight group like this, you are not even living in our current century. My advice to you is to wait for something called "Google", and then buy it. Sell "Enron" and "AIG". Don't take out that variable rate balloon mortgage.
If you listen on HD radio, you are extra special, since some who follow the technology say it seems to confuse listeners at the outset and leave them baffled even after a thorough explanation.
And if you listen on an HD radio in your car, you are very, very special. You might as well not enter the lottery anytime soon, because fate has already selected you to be a member of an exclusive group.
Sorry it turned out to be this and not the ultra-millionaire's sexy ab club.
As we try to assess how Radio Heartland is doing, it would help to know some things about the audience that has assembled around this programming.
But rather than pump you for personal demographic information regarding your age and marital staus, I'd like to hear some other things.
What equipment do you use to listen to Radio Heartland?
When do you tune in?
Have you tried to explain Radio Heartland to other people?
Did you encourage them to listen?
How did that work?
What should we do to attract more listeners?
Would it help if we featured more baby goats?
Answer any one, or all, or none, and enjoy your Friday!
And the Baby Animal Parade continues! Bob from Anoka has some new little lambs!
Bob identifes them this way, from left to right: Black ram, his twin sister Ewe lamb #3 and Ram Lamb #2. The also calls them "The Three Lambs of the Apocalypse".
And here's one more baby animal picture that came in today.
Artie the goat with his day-glo collar!
Comments (80)
●Four places for RH: computer in my studio first thing, standalone HD radio in the bedroom, HD component to stereo in living room, computer at work (w/ ear buds). Had to purchase both radios and the earbuds for RH.
●Listen to the show from 6-9 and then off and one (depending on workload) throughout the day at work. Sometimes at night.
●Have tried to explain RH many times to may people…. an interesting experiment. Not sure if this is actually increasing the listening audience.
●How can more pictures of baby goats be a bad thing?
I think we need The Guy in The Hat for the marketing ideas. My guess is he can come up w/ some really good ideas really fast. I’m voting for State Fair!
Have a great day Heartlanders!
(Mark -- thanks for sideline e-mail yesterday... I'll get back to you this morning!)
Thank you Sherrilee for going to all that trouble (and expense) to bring RH into so many different places. I will try to add more baby goats to today's blog post ASAP!
I realize that I answered the questions but didn't say how I feel. I love being part of this blog community. I adore asking for a song and hearing it that morning... along with the other songs that come to you and Mike. I love dancing around in the bedroom while I get dressed (although I did this during MS as well). Going to the Duos show and meeting my fellow bloggers and making goat pins was a hoot. Getting music, reading and life suggestions from the group is great. Guess I'm trying to say that this new experience is fabulous and, dare I say it outloud (audible gasps), more fun than MS. (Although I do miss Jim Ed's voices...).
So keep up the good work Dale & Mike... you've made a very nice difference in my life the last four months!
1. I use my laptop at home. I had to buy adapters to hook up the old speakers...3 in kitchen, 2 for the living room. When I go to the barn and/or if I leave home before nine I miss that part of the show. No HD available in NE MN.
At work I listen on my pc most of the day.
2. I try to get the computer up and running by 6, turn it off when I leave for work 9ish. Many days I long for a radio that just turns on and off without fuss.
3.Have talked about it to many people, including co-workers, friends local and distant, semi-formalpresentation to a work related advisory board. Have several friends already hooked.
4. Is MPR promoting it on their regular stations? If not, why not? If so, I haven't heard it. Is it on any of their printed marketing brochures yet?
5. Goat pictures are always good.
+use my computer since HD RH not available up here in "greater MN"
+right away at 6 a.m. but then am pulled away for animals care, milking, etc. for hour or so. would love to listen throughout the day but Qwest has told us our phone lines will NEVER handle DSL so we have internet satellite (not TV). the big problem is, at the current level of service we have (and can barely afford), we have gotten warnings that we are close to our download maximum since i started listening to RH so i can't listen as much as i'd like and limit my time to about 2 hours/day. woe, woe.
+we do try to stay awake for saturday nights on FM
+have explained RH to several folks, but only my friend Janet in Mpls understands it. unfortunately she doesn't have an HD radio but has tuned in on her computer.
+HOW CAN WE GET HD RH TO GREATER MN???!!!!!
+no more goats - i'm sick of them ha, ha! =:-)
but i am so very thankful that there is still a way to hear this great music, and benefit from Dale's great wit, and Dale and Mike's programming selections that i just can't get anywhere else.
I agree with Sherrilee's second post...I love being part of this community and the great minds at work so early in the morning. I love the music...the same variety that got me hooked on the MS in the mid-seventies. Miss Jim Ed and wish he would check in on the blog at least...any guest appearances possible in the future?
I haven't done much dancing about, but breakfast and barn chores seem to get later each weekday morning. But no regrets. Thanks, guys...you're the best.
Hope to meet more of the group in person someday....
I've had my "adventures", as Dale knows, on getting Radio Heartland to work on my computer. I didn't under stand how my mute and volume buttons work.
Who knew that you can adjust the volume while the mute button is on. I thought I had lost Radio Heartland, but I just had my mute on. I thought the mute was off because I could adjust the voume.
Thats my sad story and in the process I learned from Dale, that I could update my service and the updated service would actually be less expensive. Thanks, Dale.
You should recruit us, your loyal listeners, to help promote Radio Heartland. We could do whatever promotional things that might work such as putting news releases in local papers and circulating information about Radio Heartland in various ways.
We don't want Radio Heartland to fail and there must be some things we could do, as volunteers, to try to make sure it continues.
Good morning, all!
First I was going to say that I really enjoyed yesterday's selection of music a lot, even more so that usual. It's my habit to keep a Google Documents tab open in my browser so that I can jot down the names of artists and songs I heard during the show. There were more additions than usual during yesterday's program. :-)
- I listen on my computer at both work and home. I bought a pair of headphones for work, since I work in a cube farm. It has had the added benefit of drowning out the sounds of others.
- I listen to the show every day. Then, as my work schedule permits, I stream off and on the rest of the workday. My kids tend to monopolize the computer and sound space at home, so once home from work, not so much.
- Yes, I've certainly shared with others about Radio Heartland.
- Sure, I've encouraged them to listen. Also, as a member of a large online community (which is centered around a common interest but congregates in many online spaces), I have used Facebook as a tool. At times, I've linked out from Facebook and from other online places to the Radio Heartland web page.
- Worked just fine. No regrets. ;-)
- In the photography community (and especially the worldwide Polaroid photography community), we use all the online tools and social communities we encounter to promote our work. Recently, I noticed that Ira Glass will become friends with anyone on Facebook to promote This American Life (my second favorite radio show). I know that Facebook is really geeky, but in some ways it cannot be avoided. Radio Heartland could have its own fan page there. When a user becomes a fan, all that user's friends see it and have the opportunity to visit the fan page, to which the site would be linked.
Have a great day, all!
I listen on my laptop, which I then schlep around with me from space to space in the house.
I depend on the Dale Connelly Show in the mornings, and listen as often as I can the rest of the day to Radio Heartland.
A terrific thing about RH is that because it is available via the internet any time, I can listen to the great programming while at work in the radiology department on any shift - excellent!
Yes, definitely chatting up Radio Heartland. As with the Morning Show, it is not easy to describe - seems to be an experiential thing. The website does make this easier since RH is 'visible' there, and JASPER allows a 24/7 ears-on example of the music. The blog is a fun hook, too : )
Yep, sherrilee, TGITH seems like he could do a marvelous job of marketing RH!
Carpe Diem, Heartlanders!
I listen to RH in the morning, because it has started my morning for four years now. I listen on my computer, which is in the family room open to the kitchen.
I am around the house much of the day and I will often turn it on at random times of the day (though I do like to have it on when it's live best). We'll often listen on NPR on Saturday nights too.
It's nice to have the new way to turn RH on and off by one click. Thanks for that!
I recommend this to friends, but I haven't inquired as to whether they are listening or not. I will now.
Phew! About 40 min ago I read this and was going to type a response (& a request), but I the keyboard dindn't seem to work. So, I got the flashlight---then assumed the position and checked the umpteen cords and plugs under the bloomin' thing--till I remember that son Hoang, had hooked his laptop to the printer last night. Aha, time to wake up the boy. And he did help, by telling me that yes, I had got the right things plugged in, but that you have to turn the computer off for the thing to 'recognize' what you've done. Yah.
So, what do we do to listen/participate to this beautiful show in this diffiult medium???? hmmm.
I did like the picture you put up, Dale, that is me if I try to use my son's laptop for the radio. But it is also a picture of my household listening to PHC as I was growing up!
Now to the request: my son, Hoang, needs decent one-liners for a 4-H Share the Fun program that he is MC-ing on Sunday. Please send them--even to my email: smcapp@loretel.net
Or Dale, you could zip up here and co-host with him! :-)
And thanks to you all.......
Jeez...sorry for all of the above typos.
P.S. (I'm going to put it in my blog roll.)
I listen to RH via the computer in our home office which is centrally located in the house so I can hear it in other rooms as well, but that doesn't work when I get in my car. I miss RH when I am driving around, but haven't seriously investigated an HD radio for car or home yet. I tell EVERYBODY about RH and most people get it and those with an appreciation for really good music drop in and stay with it. It's all about the music for me. Dale and Mike, you are truly artists in your field and your listeners are gifted with your insights, selections and banter that is relevant and inspiring. Keep on keeping on. I appreciate RH and thank you for the music that punctuates so much of my life.
You're not asking us these questions because the program's in peril are you? Lord, just take me now if it's so. (Great grandma story Barb!)
I listen with my computer only, because I live down here in the hicks. I've talked to friends about RH, and know some of them tune in. My good friend who got me started listening to the MS eons ago doesn't listen to RH now. She's mad at MPR and besides her computer is up in a spare bedroom that's in such a mess she can't stand to be in it. Her name's Sunni and I love her, in spite of her orneriness.
I listen every morning. At work I'm able to archive the Dale Connelly Show, so when I'm planning at day's end, I'm catching up on some of what I missed earlier. (I fully expect this joy to be taken away over the summer when the tech system is overhauled.) Then at home I listen to the rest of the show that I still haven't heard, and after that I listen to jasper, usually with the TV on and muted. Then I turn the computer off and go to bed with my fingers crossed that it will start up again in the morning.(This may be a little exaggerated, but not a whole lot.)
Oh yea - I too love this blogging community of baby goats, stories of pets and all the rest. Music and laughter complete the mix! Thanks Dale, Mike, and Jasper - forever and ever, or at least till I'm dead.
Your leaving the regular airwaves prompted my household to investigate all the options to continue listenting in the mornings - because a 30-year habit is very hard to break...
We looked into both HD and Internet radio and opted for Internet radio. We couldn't justify the expense of the HD technology when it offered so few options for listening.
But the Internet radio is FANTASTIC!!!! We now have access to 10s of 1000s of stations from across the world. The radio we bought also allows us to download podcasts of our favorite shows, so now we can fall asleep listening to programs like Fresh Air, Speaking of Faith and Radio Lab (instead of the very jarring BBC programming played on MPR at 11:00 p.m.)
The technology IS a little slow - have to wait for things to download to the radio like you do on a computer, changing stations or podcasts takes most of a minute, can only download one program at at time, so if we want more than an hour's worth of listening, the same program plays over and over, and if the internet connection is choppy or goes out, the radio turns off.
We didn't think we'd get over losing the Morning Show -- there's nothing quite as alienating as having the door purposefully slammed in your demographic's face -- particulary after such a long relationship.
But we have to admit that it prompted our investment in an Internet radio, and that has brought us many wonderful new listening options.
I moved back to Mn last summer so excited to listen to my favorite radio show, The Morning Show, only to have it end a few months later. I was heartbroken. Where would I hear my beloved bands like Great Big Sea, Boiled in Lead, and Moxy Fruvous on the radio? How would I find more? Then the light at the end of the tunnel, Radio Heartland.
I listen in the morning at work from 7-8 (I would not want to start my day with any one else) and when I have prep (I am a teacher). Sometimes I even listen to it durning study hall. I always use the computer.
I have told people about this.
The baby goats really help. They are darling.
I listen on wireless headphones connected to my stereo connected to my computer while running on the treadmill in the basement! I have RH set up as a favorite in Firefox so I can just click one button to get it going.
I have an HD radio in my car but there are no HD stations (let alone RH) here in northern Wi (at the moment).
Meant to also say that yes, we've told many other folks about our Internet radio experie thnces. Those who have the means to invest in the technology (it's not cheap) have been interested in checking out our radio. Looks like one friend at least will join us soon as an "early adopter" of the technology.
We think you should DEFINATELY be promoting Internet radio as an option -- don't limit people's options by only emphasizing the show's availability via computer and HD radio.
I think if more of MPR programs' lead ins or conclusions mentioned that they are available through podcasts that can be played on an Internet radio, more people would move in this direction - and when there's demand, the technololgy will improve and it will be more cost effective.
Thanks for the musical pleasure you continue to offer my household.
I bought a Sony that is hooked thru my Bose Wave in the bedroom because we like to listen from 6:00 on. I will buy another Sony for the kitchen so I can continue listening after I get up, but that remains an unfunded project for now. When I upgrade my vehicle I will also get an HD radio in the car too.
I still miss Jim Ed!
If I can figure out how to attach it I will send a photo of baby robins too!
At home, we stream, and my husband has speakers wired all over the house, so no problem. Great for weekends, evenings, working from home and making teenagers roll their eyes.
On the bus--which was my favorite place for listening to the Morning Show--I am condemned to listen to the news, so far. I am not ready to invest in an iPhone!
For the office--where streaming is definitely verboten--I had to buy an HD radio. My co-workers are confused. I explain. They don't get it. I show them the website. They shake their heads. They stop asking questions.
I'll try showing the baby goats to the next person who asks. This may not result in additional listeners, but we can hope.
Good Morning!
Having been Morning Show listeners since MPR invented radio, the shock to the system was severe when it ended. Oh sure, we came to the final broadcast and were ready to listen to Radio Heartland on the stream but it wasn't to be found on the clock radio and there doesn't seem to be a way to use the computer as an alarm. Depression set in and life looked pretty bleak yet we persevered though there just isn't budget for an HD radio so that option remains a twinkle in our eyes. We have settled on the following technology soup to get the show:
● We each listen on our computers which is good, bad and ugly. Good because we can each get it in our offices, bad because we can only get it in our offices and ugly because each computer gets the stream at a different time so we often hear RH wafting around the house as a Technology Tortured Round (TTR) with one or the other leading sometimes by as much as a minute. Who knew?
● We are an Apple household and use the Airport network which has this slick ability to support speakers (wired or digital optical!) so either one of us, listening through iTunes, can add the speakers connected to the Airport card giving us two sources for one half of the RH-TTR.
● I also have an iPhone and listen to the program there though there are some issues, soon to be fixed I understand, when I am mobil. Sometimes I can listen on the bike, sometimes not but if listening in your car is an elite club, I'm guessing the bike listeners could be counted on one hand. Oh and to keep tabs on traffic, I listen with only one ear while on the bike to reduce my chances of becoming an extra large street pizza.
● As part of a kitchen remodel we did in the fall, we put in wires for speakers in the kitchen, dining room and bedroom but haven't yet put in speakers and still have the issue of what component will be in control of them. It's a $olvable problem but we are full participants in the current financial downturn so it will be a while.
● If I am home, RH is pretty much always on. If I can get the stream on my phone, it's pretty much on though I do listen to other things sometimes but there is always something on and 90% of the time it's RH.
● Love the interactivity of the show (thanks for the BD request yesterday Dale!) and being part of blog community. Love the selection & variety and Dale just cracks me up with his wit, humor and insight.
● I talk it up a bit when the topic comes up but am not a walking evangelist. I do have the blog listed on my blogroll but have no way to know if folks are clicking on it. Perhaps I'll do a post about the show someday.
Gee, I hope I don't get charged by the word for this windy reply...
Happy Friday everyone!
Speaking of cross-promotion on MPR...I would love to meet other Radio Heartland listeners/bloggers tomorrow morning at the Sandstone library where MPR's Cathy Wurzer will be telling Highway 61 stories...10 am.
I must have a goat pin somewhere in this house...
1. I feel like a bad person because I rarely listen to the show, just read the blog '
2. To attract more listeners, hold on air jello wrestling contests to win tickets to concerts considerably more classy then jello wrestling
3. Never told a soul about you, again I'm a bad person
4. Can you play Nanci Grittith's (spelling) Love at the Five and Dime, or have I used up my request quota for the week? I was the one who requested April the 14
morning, everyone!
to get the survey out of the way first---i listen in the morning from wake-up until go-to-work time, 6:15-7;30; then zoom to work, and pick up the rest of the show via computer at the office (with good speakers attached to the Mac).
i often listen to the rebroadcast for parts i missed. but i don't listen much in the jasper hours. i have done so, but find i really miss the DJ voice and discussion, talking about the songs and the weather and the news---i do enjoy the blog daily--even if i'm too late to write in, and usually check the previous day's comments for any i missed.
i realize i listen to the radio in part because it connects me to the living world--musicians and live people and news and ideas and voices. love dale, still miss jim-ed and the banter.
i don't listen to much else besides RH, however. Sometimes to BBC and Wonderland radio cuz i can get them too on my HD radio.
i've put notes about RH on my facebook page (thanks for accepting my friendship, dale!). i'd be happy to hand out goat buttons...
i especially love finding new artists/songs i HAVE to have in my iTunes---have lately added Ellis, Carrie Rodriguez...
let's see----oh, gosh, you can't have too many animal photos for me--anyone else a fan of cuteoverload.com? all animal photos all the time. love the goats and the addition of the gangly little lambs. i read somewhere that lambs are the only animals that actually gambol and cavort.
hi, donna! how're things in SF?
I listen on my HD radio, and it is on all day and now all night (my post surgical dog has it for company while she is recovering)
if I still had to commute I would get one in my car but I've been retired for 5 yrs and stay pretty close to home
I rarely play cds any more cuz all the good songs are on frequently
radio heartland makes me very very happy
can you pls play a Tim Hardin song this am? thanx
What equipment do you use to listen to Radio Heartland?
WORK COMPUTER
When do you tune in? 8:AM-10 AM EST
Have you tried to explain Radio Heartland to other people? YES
Did you encourage them to listen? YES
How did that work? NOT SO WELL
What should we do to attract more listeners? THE ONLY IDEA I HAVE IS FOR YOUR LISTENERS TO INVITE THEIR FRIENDS VIA EMAIL, FACEBOOK OR WHATEVER.YOU COULD SET THE FORMAT WE WOULD USE TO COMMUNICATE INCLUDING YOUR LINK AND HOW TO "GET THERE" INSTRUCTIONS FOR DUMMYS-YOU KNOW-CLICK HERE-CLICK THERE. PERSONALLY, I WOULD COPY AND PASTE A DAYS PROGRAMMING TO TITILLATE MY FRIENDS.
Would it help if we featured more baby goats? WITHOUT A DOUBT!!!
I STUMBLED ON YOU BY MISTYPING NPR ON GOOGLE AND QUICKLY HITTING ENTER-QUICKLY BECAUSE I HAVE TO WORK-GOTTA GO DO JUST THAT.
P.S. I LOVE COPY AND PASTE.
Hi Dale,
I sent a photo of babies thru regular e-mail to the old morning show address because I have no idea how to do it thru here
Kathy
I fire up my laptop and start RH at about 7:30am Eastern time -- I'm in Massachusetts. Unless I have folks in for a meeting, RH stays on until Dale signs off and Jasper takes over. I haven't warmed up to the Dale-less, Jasper-directed portion of RH. When I've tried it, I just keep wishing for Dale to pop in with a comment. By the way, baby goats and lambs are excellent, but, if you want to attract a truly huge and dedicated audience, I suggest guinea pigs.
I need to jump in today………
I got speakers for my work computer for Christmas. I always had a small boom box for the Current but now it’s all on the computer so the boom box went home. More room on my desk!
I realize that I never get to work on time on Mondays. I would hear the Prairie Sun Song while pulling into the parking lot. I make it a point to try to get here on time to get everything powered up so I can hear it but I don’t usually make it. I will be getting an HD radio for my car soon.
My Mom moved in with us in Dec so now she has cable internet. I got her to tune in and now every time she’s at her computer you can hear Radio Heartland coming out of her computer room.
I also Love the interaction we have on this blog. The banter back and forth is fun to read there are so many cleaver folks out there. And it’s fun to hear the music that we request when Dale can make it happen.
Having said that…………
Dale, how about some Richard Thompson today, I haven’t heard any in awhile, he’s one of my favs!
Good Morning,
I listen on HD radio at home and the internet at work, starting off at around 5:30 AM and ending whenever. I sometimes sneak over to listen to the news, though.
I have tried to explain Heartland to other people but it is hard. Usually, when I tell them to tune in, the song playing turns out to be something very, very unusual and so just get a funny look. I love it though. I had the same problem with Prairie Home Companion.
I don't know how to attract new listeners. I still can't believe that people listen to anything else.
I'm like baby goats in moderation.
I suppose you'd better tell us if we should increase our donations.
Greetings Heartlanders! I listen to RH on computer via internet -- haven't been able to invest in HD radio yet, but I would like to. While I have decent speakers and can hear throughout the upstairs where I spend most time, I really enjoy the "radio" experience and not wait for stuff to load up on computer.
I always listen to Dale Connelly show and most of the day as well. Sometimes I'll let my teenager listen to something else on other radio, just to be fair. I've only tuned in a couple of times to Sat nite show. That's enjoyable, but I don't remember to listen after PHC or am too tired to stay up.
Being shy, I generally avoid conversations with people so I haven't tried to convert others to RH.
I'm not sure how to market RH -- it's definitely a niche experience and most folks prefer the herd. Yikes, another animal reference! Goats, sheep and dogs, oh my. No pets here, so I just enjoy other people's pets for short periods of time.
I'm sure a highly imaginative and skilled person can figure out a marketing scheme for RH -- but not likely me.
I love the music and this blog community of interesting, intelligent and fun folks. Happy Day!
I stream on my computer, but would like to have an HD radio and alarm clock. An Ipod dock would be nice too.
I bought a JBL On Time 400iHD radio with these features.
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-6450_7-10084120-50.html
It worked just fine. One problem.
It glowed in the dark like a space ship. Not good for sleeping. Returned it to store.
So, can anyone recommend a nice, bedside HD radio. Small and dark?
Thaks RH friends for any advice!
PS: I love the RH show on regular radio on Saturday night.
I have an old broken-hinge Powerbook in the living room that I set up to act as a clock radio. It powers up just before 6 each morning and launches the iTunes stream. I bought two sets of speakers at the Goodwill for $2.99 per pair, plus an adapter that went for three or four bucks or so. My household has fallen on hard times, so this is about all I could afford to do.
I used to be able to listen to the Morning Show in a mobile manner, moving from bedroom to kitchen to bathroom to car, and that’s what I really miss. There doesn’t seem to be an HD radio that is battery operated. Having to plug the radio into an outlet decreases its utility immensely, since it prevents you from moving it from room to room readily. You can only receive signals in the car if you buy a radio that ONLY works in the car. My ideal solution would be to buy an HD receiver plus the little Crane FM transmitter, which would allow me to restore RH to the FM band where it belongs (though it wouldn’t help in the car). No money for it at present. The pennies I was able to scrape together over the winter I allocated to my RH contribution.
My internet access is 256kb, and it’s not really adequate for streaming purposes, but again, no money to upgrade. The stream always seems to wait for the most annoying possible moment (like during “Steady On”, when the guitars have ceased and Chris and John are building toward that final crescendo and their blended voices become like waves crashing on a shoreline) and then it decides it needs to take a break to buffer. At moments like this, I mutter curses in the general direction of MPR, and the only thing that restores my equilibrium is to sit down at the computer for a few minutes to contemplate a baby goat picture.
My sister opted to drop her 20-plus-year MPR membership when the Morning Show went off the air, with a phone call to membership explaining why. FM was easy and almost free; the new formats require a higher entry fee and level of devotion to problem-solving.
Apologies for the length of my rant. On the plus side, 24 hours seven days a week is a wonderful thing. I love waking up to RH on weekends too. And thanks for playing my requests.
Dale:
Unique, but sustainable? Is that the question?
Gosh, how do we test that? If this is purely an economics issue please give us the gritty details. We can take it.
If this is more about marketing and growth MPR knows pretty well how to proceed, and any variety old-school models would be acceptable.
Please don't hedge. What do you need? Just ask.
It's all about the music and the unique way that you bring it to us.
Unique cannot be mainstream, but it can be as resourceful and determined, and as cute, as a goat.
Billy up to the bar! Have a good weekend all...
Hi Kay - forgot to ask your permission to use your smiley goat - is it copyrighted?? =:-)
sorry to disagree about the cavorting, but i just got in from the barn and there's a whole lotta cavorting, jumping straight up, gamboling, capering, frolicking, prancing and playing going on in that kid pen. oh, and eating.
wonderful music this morning, Dale and Mike - thanks!
i just asked my SO about internet radio and he said it would "cost" just as much bandwidth as the computer - boo hoo! the only choice then would be to up the satellite level.
I listen between 7:30 and 10 am through my work computer. It's okay at my office to wear headphones, so it's great. To be honest, sometimes, not all the time, Jasper plays a few sad/slow songs in a row at which point I have to listen to something else. (my work is incredibly monotinous and sad tunes don't help, you can understand) But otherwise I love the variety.
Informing the public: I'm not going to have a DJ at my wedding, so I'm compiling all sorts of music. I play my playlist when friends are over and they compliment my taste and I tell them that I listen to this program.
Also, I love the pictures of baby goats, and now lambs! They're so cute and fuzzy.
Dale you restored my faith in this 23 year old person. Who knew a Morning DJ could help my problems? I will sprad the word!
I live up near Itasca State Park and so listen to RH on my computer when I am home and it's not too noisy around the house. I miss listening to the Morning Show on my way to work and I don't listen to RH as much as I'd like to for various reasons but I love to listen while checking emails and Facebook. But I love that I can listen any time of the day and absolutely love the music that I hear! And I have told people about RH. Just this week while IMing on Facebook I told my friend about it who looked and listened immediately.
I listen via an HD radio tuner hooked to my stereo system, so music plays almost everywhere. When the tv's not on RH is! Love Dale, Mike, Jasper! Love the program repeat (miss songs when I'm in the shower!).
Missing RH in my car, at work, on walks, on my bike, in my backyard. Have to admit being tic'd at missing it, it used to be everywhere, though not all the bloomin'-lovely time. I'm totally ruined for commerical radio.
Can Jasper be taught to occasionally give the time, temp, top stories?
This economy does not help any of us adapt of course. Too few products and too expensive still. Maybe need to broaden on-air coverage. Increase market awareness of RH. Time helps these things..
I hit the ground running with Radio Heartland; in fact, I started listening the night before you "officially" went live. Happily, I already had nice speakers on the iMac, so I stream off and on all day through iTunes in my home office off the kitchen. For Christmas, I got an HD radio (Cambridge SoundWorks) so we can listen upstairs.
I listen to the live show from 7 to 9 a.m. several days a week and/or on rebroadcast at 11. I'll switch back and forth to news shows, but RH is essentially on for hours every day, replacing iTunes mixes or CDs. We've sampled the Saturday night show, too, and like it as a complementary follow-up to "American Routes."
As PR efforts go, I agree with earlier posters that a Facebook page would be a potential boost.
I've tried telling people about RH -- most of them get the concept. I hope they listen, too.
One more thought- I think all of the Prairie Home Companion listeners would love radio heartland. Couldn't they sponsor Radio hearland or have Radio Heartland sponsor Prairie Home Companion?
Shelley -- how is Grace (it's Grace, right?). There were lots of comments yesterday, wishing her good healing, but didn't see a comment from you. Figured you had your hands full. How is she doing?
thanx so much for the song
maybe next week you can also play Misty Roses? there is also a totally politically incorrect song about smuggling
i have the vinyl record of the album these songs are on if you want it for the mpr library, as well as many others from the 60's.....
I have an old salvaged Win98 desktop computer that I've plugged in to my stereo system. I simply put a shortcut to the live stream into the Startup folder, so now it launches without intervention. All I have to do in the morning is stumble out of bed and hit the power button, and about two minutes later the sponsor message precedes the stream. When I leave for work I just turn it off again. One nice part about this is that I don't need to keep monitor / keyboard / mouse connected.
Add me to the list of people who wish for battery-powered HD radios though. I know that your bandwidth has a cost, and even though I'm a member, I still feel a little guilty if the stream is running while I'm not paying attention.
My home stereo has the audio out connection from my computer hooked into the axillary port so I can listed to RH throughout my whole house. I don't have HD radio in my house or cars. I listen in the morning before I go to work and when I get home. I encourage everyone who likes to listen to music online to check out RH. More and more people seem to be listening to music online.
It always helps to feature baby animals.
Hi Gang,
I listen through iTunes on two different computers. Start at home on my laptop which I tote from bedroom to kitchen beginning about 6:30 AM. Leave to take kids to school and such at 7:30, get to my office and pull it up there on iTunes again.
Since I work in a theater scene shop mostly by myself or with a few other students I have speakers connected in the shop and stage I'll stream it out there most of the day.
The students don't usually comment on it (they are late teenagers mostly) but just about any staff or maintenance that comes through will give a positive comment about the music and I tell them what it is.
Haven't thought to give them the website; I should be more proactive in that...
Don't know if the goat pics will help them... I know my wife will enjoy those but she's in a cube farm so not as able to listen.
I'll agree RH needs a Facebook page.
great idea about doing something to make prairie home companion listeners aware of RH--that would be a natural audience.
as far as a marketing hook goes, the one i usually use is that it's radio for intelligent, curious, eclectic people---and i give an example of the range of music you might hear 1930s new orleanss blues followed by 1960s folk song followed by the Beatles, followed by modern zydeco, followed by 16th century british choral music...
i also mention how listening has expanded my mind, my taste, my play lists...
I'm late this morning - but here's my two cents about RH:
I listen on my laptop which gets carried around the house in the morning when I'm getting ready (my four-year-old has finally quit asking why I do this) - thank heavens for high-speed wireless internet...
I listen off and on throughout the day - and am grateful that I can listen to the Dale Connelly Show in hour increments whenever I like (so I can get a "fix" when I need one). When I don't have access to the computer, I am forced - forced I tell you - to switch over to 99.5 or 89.3 (depending on my mood - but my car doesn't have HD).
I have talked to fellow Morning Show listeners to be sure they're hooked up to RH - and will talk to darn near anyone who will listen and might be interested about RH and the blog - love the blog! And hey - if I can be a fan of 89.3 on Facebook, can you get the fine web staff there to create a fan page for RH, too? Other ways to attract more listeners? Hmm....I'll think on that. Not a marketing major - and I doubt my theater major will do much for any marketing efforts...
Goats good.
Thanks for the music and silliness and the blog!
The Other Anna (who should probably be Anna in Mpls)
Ok, here we go:
1) I listen at work on my work computer to listen (I have an office/bomb shelter, so I won't disturb others.)
2) I tune in when I get to work, about 8-ish. Which is why I'm usually 'later' in posting stuff.
3) Yes, I try to get others to turn on, tune in, and drop by.
4) Most everyone I tell seems interested. There are a few things to overcome that word of mouth will only do so much with. First, people are like rocks. We are all subject to the same laws of inertia. And once someone settles into a routine, it takes a lot of effort to get them to change those habits (even if they're self-destructive habits!). And, particularly early in the morning when people are getting themselves kick-started, we're all usually cruising on 'auto-pilot.' What little thinking we're doing is dedicated to everything from "was that a stop sign?" to "what's for dinner tonight?" This leads us to the element of motivation. For most people, what they're listening to is not a high enough priority for them to put forth effort to make a change. And with RH being on HD only, that (as we've seen) requires effort. So, to cut this short, most people I tell about RH are interested but these other factors are usually stopping blocks to the action of changing the desired behavior.
5) And here's the million dollar question. We are in a really interesting flux period right now, folks. (Yup, all of us!) Suddenly (and in relative terms, it's pretty sudden!), there is this level of technology that is not only readily available at a consumer level, but is rapidly becoming a critical part of what is typically considered to be a 'normal' social network. Stores don't need to have buildings. Workers don't necessarily have to go to work to be at and do work. 'Word of mouth' is now much more of a 'word by post' situation. Now, don't get me wrong...this isn't 'bad.' It's just different. And everyone from people that provide services to people that provide products are all trying to figure out how to make this change work for them. It's actually ironic. You'd think that a worldwide network would be a salesperson's dream. But the flipside is that with everyone on this worldwide network, it's very difficult to set yourself apart from everyone else that's vying for the attention of your customer.
Now, personally, I'm faced with these same questions. I'll be having my first book coming out from a small press publisher shortly. I've been a landscape photographer for the past twenty-odd years or so and I'd like to sell more of my prints than the few that I've sold in coffee shops (wouldn't we all, Elinor?). I took five years of voiceover classes, cut a demo, and have been trying to get talent agencies' attentions.
So, how to get noticed? I have come to the conclusion that almost all cost-effective avenues of increasing awareness are through the internet ('all roads lead to rome'). And to increase your chances of being seen, noticed, or getting your message across requires having a presence on as many of those roads as possible. Facebook, My Space, You Tube (yes, you can do audio stuff and just have a still), link RH to as many of the artists in the library as possible, work out a deal with Pandora Radio (where people go to find new music that they haven't heard before)... Also, hit those sites hard where you know your customer demographic is...farmer's markets, indie coffee shops, indie book stores... Get those website owners to put a link on their webpage or say something good about RH in their blogs. Full court press marketing. Mantra is 'be everywhere.' The goal is to be as many places on the internet as possible. This 'splatter' approach to marketing is less time and cost effective than the traditional 'ID your target market and just go after them' but in this new age where no one is quite sure how it all works and (essentially) can't charge their customers for services, the old strategies are out the window and we're all trying to scramble to figure out how this new game works. It's a new world, folks, and those that bring us our goods and services are all looking for a map.
I mainly listen at work on my computer - I firmly believe the good music helps stressed college students calm down.
Occasionally, I listen on my computer at home, and have listened to the Saturday evening show once or twice.
The people I knew who were regular Morning Show listeners are currently listening online if they have computer capabilities, and I have shared the news with some newbies who just got hooked on the Morning Show last November...
I'm very appreciative of this new heartland radio and it makes me smile to be able to at least have the blog news from Pirates and other friends...
PS. I do enjoy the goats. They seem like a good representative of this radio group - a bit fiesty, stubborn, curious, and fun!
We live in Northfield, and HD does not appear to be a reliable option here, so we use two streaming methods to get RH:
1. Palm Treo 680 starts up PocketTunes Deluxe at 6:00 AM and starts streaming through an old set of computer speakers. Sometimes TMobile (my carrier) will decide enough is enough and stop the stream for 30 or so minutes.
2. At 7:00 AM an old Dell computer wakes up and starts streaming RH through our Stereo system. It shuts off at 9:00 AM when most everyone has gone off to work.
My wife and I really miss listening to RH in our cars.
I would really love an Internet alarm clock (simple and robust)
We used to talk about the Morning show and convinced many friends to listen in. The change from FM to HD and streaming has changed the conversation from what a great station RH is to what are the myriad of technical steps necessary to listen to it.
Finally, it would be great if RH would add a set of Forums where the community could post and search according to topic, such as how to listen by HD, how to stream, what content, etc. The Blog is nice, but not organized in any way that makes searching for something easy.
Thanks for a great station and great music!
I used to live in Fargo 30 years ago and listened to MPR there. I have lived even farther west in North Dakota for the past 20 years, and welcomed trips to the Red River Valley so we could pick up MPR and the Morning Show on the car radio. I use the computer to live-stream Radio Heartland and other MPR offerings at home and at work. Now I have the best of both worlds-the tranquility of Western North Dakota and MPR.
Dale:
Sorry I didn't get to my desk until 9. Client business. I only get to listen at work - all day. I have a cheap clunky slow dial-up connection at home. I need a cheap HD radio alarm clock. And a car radio. I have noticed since the demise of TMS, my attitude at the start of the work day is more aggressive and hostile if I've been listening to news programming since I woke up. I switched to CD's in the car and that helps some, especially when I play Keepers disks.
I do think MPR should be doing more to promote Heartland Radio, such as mentioning it in the station breaks along with the broadcast stations. I have told friends but they think listening online is weird.
WUMB streams folk & alternative music, but I think they also broadcast, and they have computer only streams of just Celtic, and traditional folk, and other specialty "channels." They do fundraisers like MPR. I tune in there when the MPR stream takes a rest.
Keep up the good work and keep the goat pictures coming.
I listen to RH on my iPhone in the morning but it's really frustrating that on 35W the service/reception/whatever is really sporadic, and I have to press the stop button and the play button over and over. This morning I heard Dale's "thanks for listening" intro 8 times. Sometimes I just give up.
I also listen at work, with headphones if the other cubes around me are occupied, without if folks are at meetings. I usually hear the rebroadcast of Dale's show at 11-1 that way.
I posted a link to RH on my Facebook page. I also sent emails to a few friends and relatives in different markets that I knew would appreciate the mix on RH. Two of them have said they listen sometimes.
I listen to Jasper occasionally over the Bose iPod dock (works with iPhone) evenings and weekends but miss the news breaks/time/weather stuff that ties me to the outside world when I'm by myself.
Good Morning. Oh goodie, I get to talk about myself! :)
What equipment do you use to listen to Radio Heartland? The "big" computer died last fall B.R.H. (Before Radio Heartland) and I had to listen on an old laptop at home. It took forever for RH to come up, so by the time the dogs and I had finished our breakfast, I might have been able to listen to 1 song, and then it was time for our walk and then on to the rest of the day. We bought new technology with our tax refunds a few weeks ago, so I have been in RH heaven. There is a laptop in the dining room, centrally located (with some fairly decent speakers hooked up to it because of RH) and I turn it on there as soon as I am dressed and downstairs if my partner hasn't beat me and turned on reruns of "The West Wing" on cable which is how she likes to start her day.
When do you tune in? My days are never the same because I am a massage therapist and I have a part time job in Cubeland. On days when I report to my Cubicle, I turn it on as soon as I get there, but usually that's at 9 or later, so I often miss the live broadcast. Usually I listen to the rebroadcast, though. When I am home, I listen off and on all day. It's not the greatest music for massage, I am afraid, so I have to make other choices when I am working. The Morning Show influence reached my studio long ago, however. My Ipod has a massage mix playlist that includes tracks from Peter Oshtrushko's soundtrack for the PBS thing about Minnesota.
Have you tried to explain Radio Heartland to other people? Yes.
Did you encourage them to listen? Yes. I visited my mother in Iowa who is disgruntled with her folk music choices on her public radio station and bookmarked RH for her on her computer. We listened to it for a while and she and my dad enjoyed it. I haven't asked her if she has listened since, though. She might feel bad if she tells me that she hasn't.
How did that work? See above. Also, I asked a fellow Morning Show fan if he listened to Dale's Connely's show/stream online and he said "No. He is dead to me."
What should we do to attract more listeners? Do they talk it up on the Current and the Classical stations? I listen to those as well, and I have never heard anyone say anything about RH.
Would it help if we featured more baby goats? Yes, I enjoyed the lamb pic as well. Puppies and kittens are cute too, but you can see them anywhere. Baby pigs are absolutely adorable. Oh and baby elephants, can we have some of those? Monkeys and chimps, baby or otherwise, always make me smile.
The blog is delightful. I read through it most days and comment occasionally. Community is a wonderful thing to encourage in this day and age! Sometimes I feel sad when I hear my parents talk about their close knit community in their neighborhood in St. Paul when they were growing up in the 30's and 40's. I don't have that kind of community with my neighbors. But in the new millenium, we have found new and innovative ways to have community. This is one great example of that!
I listen to Radio Heartland on our computer in Prague. Our flat is so small that we can hear it anywhere in the place, both rooms! We are seven hours ahead of Minnesota so I listen mid day if I have a break in my teaching schedule and come home. A real treat is when I'm here at 2:00 p.m. our time Monday to hear The Prairie Sun Song. If I'm not here during the day, I get the rebroadcast in the evening our time and then keep listening. Yours is such a wonderful mix of music, the kind we don't hear much of here. I've mentioned RH to a friend in Wisconsin where we came from, but I don't think he's taken up listening. Baby goats don't do much for me as I'm not much of an animal lover. I did like the picture of Diamond however.
I had a thought getting the word out about RH. Why not advertise or do some sponsoring at venues like the Winnipeg Folk Music Festival? Thousands of people attend that every July, and many would probably love to know about RH and could turn in to RH listeners and supporters.
Where do I listen? At work, mostly. I don't yet have a HD radio at home or in the car (next car ...), and the home PC ties me down to one room. Most of the time I don't get around to tuning in (if the word "tuning" still applies) until the crisis of the morning has been dealt with and the live show is almost over.
Yes, I have tried explaining RH. The concept of "radio on your computer" seems to be a hard one to grasp, as does the concept that the music doesn't sound anything like "American Idol." (I was speculating the other day about how long Eva Cassidy would have lasted on American Idol. Most depressing.) The basic problem is that it's music that demands to be listened to, as opposed to being the audio wallpaper that most people associate with radio. And no obnoxious hosts making flatulence jokes or references to celebrity anatomy? You call that radio?
One thought: Send a blurb to the various folk/acoustic/world music publications out there. "Dirty Linen" regularly writes up radio shows, and I don't think they're the only ones. And promote at the venues that feature this sort of music--Ginko, Crossings at Zumbrota, Amazing Grace in Duluth, even venues like O'Shaugnessy or Orchestra Hall for the right events. (Last Friday's Art Garfunkel concert at Orch. Hall had to have a lot of potential RH listeners.) The State Fair is great, but other events like the Uptown/Loring/Powderhorn Art Fairs have potential as well. And I'd bet that some of us would even volunteer to help.
That's more than one thought, isn't it?
I used to listen to MS regularly back when I worked full-time. But, I've tended to sleep later since then and often only heard the last bits of the show. I'd usually just listen to a random mix of artists I learned about through MS, Current, etc. on iTunes. So, while losing MS was sad (still miss the humor and banter), it didn't affect my routine as much as other people. Now, listening to Jasper is like listening to iTunes, but with a different selection of songs.
I listen to RH on the computer at home (can only hear it in the livingroom, though). I listen to the Current at work. (I work in a greenhouse, so it's too dirty for anything more than a cheap boombox.) After three months of listening to RH exclusively, I started to miss the Current. But, after going back to work and listening to only the Current, I really started to miss RH again. (Personally, I prefer Jasper's random selections to the repetitiveness of other stations.) To me, RH seems a lot like a mellow and humorous version of the Current. I'm glad that this mix of music is available 24/7.
I haven't tried recruiting other listeners, but probably should. ...no creative suggestions here... Baby animal pictures certainly won't hurt but, personally, I usually only check the blog for Dale's humor and creativity.
- I listen from out in California, and only at work. (I'm on a budget so only have a dialup connection at home so can't do anything on the computer that has been developed in the last 15 years.... For same budget reason, no HD radios.....).
Because of time difference, I only catch rebroadcasts, but still enjoy the eclectic brand of music -- and goat references also....
I lived in MN for 20+ years and was a regular listener to MS - and went through withdrawal when I moved west.... So glad I can catch RH to keep connected with my Midwest sensibilities...
Well, if you're GOING to ask us questions, we are certainly going to answer!
I listen at home on my two new HD radios. They were the best thing I've ever bought (radio-wise). My explanation to people is "buy one!" I think I have the best there is, cause I got them for less than $200 each from Radio Shack. I think I got the last two in existence (had one shipped from Duluth). I tried listening on my laptop one day, but the sound, after listenting on my HD radios, was pretty deplorable. I get really bummed when I have to get into my car to go to work, cause my first impulse is to turn on the radio and continue listening. But, alas, no HD in the car. THAT will be rectified some day.
I listen to the show when I get to work, by clicking the "listen" button on the top of each hour (not sure if those are podcasts). Am not allowed to "stream."
Does this help? We would sure be lost without this fabulous music.
Wow, I think this is a record day for posts to this blog. I think it took over an hour and 2 refreshes to read them all.
I guess scrolling back to the top to remember the questions is a good start. A couple of years ago, I asked for an HD radio for Christmas. Didn't care if it was car or home, but got a car one. I listen exclusively to Dale on my way to work, after I turn off the HD stereo in my living room and head out. Been listening since 12/11/08. I got my Insignia HD stereo as a gift for contributing to MPR about a year ago. Highly recommend it. As soon as I get to work I stream it through the puter, and of course have to see what I missed on the trip from the car to my cube. I keep my speakers pretty low, so that I don't bother my coworkers around me. It's hard to keep the volume down sometimes. Now I get irritated if my phone rings or someone actually has to talk to me during a good song. I'm a radio junkie (always wanted to be a DJ). I also listen occasionally thru my puter at home when the living room is occupied.
I have posted the link to radioheartland.org on the status of my Facebook page, became a fan of RH on a group someone created, and also have it in my profile. I was in the car with a friend once who herd Lucy Kaplansky's "This is Home" and she fell in love. I may have her hooked to RH soon. I sent the link to the blog to my big sis and Mom when we were talking gardens, as they have the green thumb, and I don't. Thought they would like it. I'm house sitting at my little sis's right now, and she did have the website in her drop down list, so I know at least she's checked it out. Woke up my nephew to this station this morning.
I believe I've heard mention of RH on the Current, on those rare occasions I turn in these days. I pretty much only listen to the banter between Mary Lucia and Bob Collins at 5:20pm, because sometimes they are too funny. Dale, I think you need to get Bob on the show sometime. This not the first time I've mentioned this, as you probably remember. All of the above ideas to publicize RH are great. I'll try to keep doing my part.
I love any kind of pictures, but animals are the best. Being a huge dog loving family, they are my favorite. And yes, CuteOverload.com is one of my favorite animal sites. Ok, hopefully someone will read this, as I'm posting really late. Hope your all having a great day.
I listen in the mornings, but the window varies quite a bit. I work afternoons into the evenings, so sometimes I wake up far too early, and listen from 5 AM on, and other times it's from 9 to 11. At home, I listen from my laptop. If I'm home on Saturday nights, I'll listen to the RH slot on KNOW.
In the car, I will sometimes listen on my iPhone. I love the MPR app. It's great to be able to plug the phone into the car and listen through the car speakers.
At work, I don't get much chance to listen, but when I do, I do it over the iPhone. Again, the convenience is wonderful.
I've talked about RH to people I knew who were listening to The Morning Show, and most of them are listening via the internet. I was able to explain how to do it to a couple of people. I don't know anyone who has a HD radio.
Facebook sounds like a good idea. This blog could be duplicated there.
I agree that I'd like to hear it mentioned more from the broadcast stations, and the the PHC audience seems like a natural fit. I also heard about a public radio out east that ran their pledge drives on the regular stations, but promoted the HD/internet stations by telling listeners that there was no pledge activity on those stations. Doing that on a couple of days of a pledge drive might get some new ears turned our way.
Renee's idea about looking into having a presence at the Winnipeg Folk Music Festival is a good one. I was a regular attendee for many years. Even with the explosion of stations in internet radio, there aren't many folk music stations, and I think many of the people there would be interested.
What equipment do you use to listen to Radio Heartland?
On a laptop.
When do you tune in?
7am-9am
Have you tried to explain Radio Heartland to other people?
Yes
Did you encourage them to listen?
yes
How did that work?
eh?
What should we do to attract more listeners?
no clue
Would it help if we featured more baby goats?
eh?
Sick son yesterday = sick mom today.
Bought HD radio for kitchen in December. Cranked to top volume to hear it upstairs in winter, don't think neighbors will like that for summer.
Thanks for Bruce Cockburn and Steve Earle today!
Things are fine here in SF Kay H. I referred to it this AM as the "hicks" but I meant '"sticks".
Shouldn't post till fully awake.
Thanks so much for radio heartland! We mourned when the morning show ended and I became incredibly edgy listening to news all the time in the car. Christmas brought a fabulous HD car radio and sanity returned to my commute. We bought another HD clock radio (visteon) this winter which allows us to wake up to RH and a HD tuner for our stereo / radio so we can listen all day. Work does not allow streaming on the computer so unfortunately there is no way yet to listen during this day.
Friends I have introduced RH to love it. They were unaware of it so I agree there should be more press on MPR stations.
Hi All,
Very invigorating comments today. To promote RH, how about a T-shirt? Listeners/bloggers could contribute ideas for content. I imagine info about RH, Dale’s name, lots of words, perhaps a list from Kay, a poem or more, names of musicians + song titles, pictures of goats and dogs, and waves and wires.
I listen whenever I can via Apple AirPort Express & AirTunes from my computer hooked up to speakers in our home.
Wow!
Thanks everyone for all the detailed descriptions of your listening habits and helpful suggestions for improving our service. I'll spend some time over the weekend combing through your ideas.
Your interest in helping Heartland succeed is much appreciated!
Feel free to post new comments. I'll be checking back from time to time.
Dale and Mike,
How about some on-air promos on the net stations (especially) in "greater" MN inviting people to the service? OR, how about an email to MPR members with a link...?
Just heard another anecdote of long-time members bemoaning the loss of the MS and who didn't know about Radio Heartland.
Well, I read the questions on the blog before my second cup of coffee. How do I explain RH (too many initials so early) to others!
I try, I really do, but I believe it takes a special kind of listener, one who enjoys more than a single genre of music, to appreciate what you have to offer. Most people, raised on commercial radio, just don't get it. But I do!! Please, please don't let it stop!
And I listen whenever I can; and, if I'm not in the mood for classical music (or what they're playing on KSJN is terrible). When I want fun and liveliness (sp?) it's Radio Heartland ALL THE TIME.
WOW - lots of blogs today. I went the HD FM radio route right away as I could run it through my amplifier which has speakers through out our apartment. Listen M - F from 6:30 or 7 until around 8; frequently for awhile on getting home in late afternoon, Sunday afternoons and Sat evening for your live show. I occasionally hear your repeat of the AM show over the lunch hour. Great work! i Have shared this with others but don't think I've been too successful.
To Those Heartlanders yearning for a battery-operated HD radio: I bought mine from Amazon.com: Coby HDR-700 Portable HD Radio System. I just love it! It has a port for my headphones and the sound is great!
Another thought that occurred to me while driving home: At the Duos concert, Dale made a really good observation. (He made several, actually, but this is the relevant one.) He said that RH played music for people who like to read--people for whom words matter. So target readers and places where readers congregate. Place some RH flyers in independent bookstores. Advertise in literary magazines. There might be possibilities with libraries. Coffeehouses are another good target for this audience (heck, some even feature live acoustic performers).
And think beyond Minnesota. This audience can, and should, grow all over the globe. Today, Blackhoof, tomorrow the world!
JoAn:
I looked at the Coby HDR-700 online a couple of months ago, but passed on it after reading this review from a user:
"There is one major problem. The DC adaptor that powers the until when not in battery mode severely interferes with the radio's reception. Severely. When the unit is plugged into the wall - the reception is so bad that a 100,000 watt station 50 miles from my house does not come in at all. However, as soon as it is on battery power, it works great."
It seemed to me that this would be a pretty major drawback, as I am not usually organized emough to think about charging things in advance. Have you had any experience with this issue?
What equipment do you use to listen to Radio Heartland?
My new Myine Ira Internet Radio Adapter, in my living room, in Chicago
When do you tune in?
Evenings & weekends
Have you tried to explain Radio Heartland to other people? Did you encourage them to listen?
Yes & yes
How did that work?
Pretty well. Love the variety.
What should we do to attract more listeners?
Tee shirts
Would it help if we featured more baby goats?
Not so much
Good morning - a day late I know. We listen over the computer as well as the HD radio which was purchased the afternoon after the final Morning Show. (The local big box tech store really didn't have anything and I ended up at a reliable locally headquartered store.) My next purchase is a car HD.
I can get in about one hour of the live morning broadcast and then listen intermitently during the day and all evening and of course all weekend.
Yes, I have recruited several of my friends. However, I think MPR should "step up to the plate" as it did for the Current. I'm thinking bus wraps/light rail wraps as well a big push at the State Fair - what a perfect place - goat barn? O.k. ... maybe the MPR booth. Love, the blog.
A thought from my lovely bride: Radio Heartland bookmarks, inexpensive ones that can be left at libraries and bookstores.
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