We all like "free." My motto has for a long time been "Cheap is good, free is better." Once I learned the joy of shopping at "Curby's" I went all in. I can't drive by someone's garbage pile without slowing down to see if someone's thrown away something I can use in my Halloween display. And the Yahoo Group "Freecycle" is must-read Internet for me.Yet as much as someone else's trash is my treasure, sometimes you have to pay up. Another saying, "you get what you pay for" is also often appropriate. While free may be good, sometimes paying is better.
Okay, where am I going here? My favorite Halloween podcast "Hauntcast" (alright, the only podcast I listen to) is going to a pay-per-download format. Beginning with the next show, (g)host Chris Baker will be charging the exorbitant sum of $1 per show to listen. Times being what they are, if he can't get the support of his listeners then he can't afford to put the show out anymore.
And that's why paying up for quality is sometimes worth it. I've listened to Hauntcast for hours on end while building props or just raking the leaves in the yard (don't ask what my neighbors think about me blaring out a Halloween show over my speakers well after Halloween is over). As a matter of fact, I listened to the show everyday during the month of October to build up the excitement of the holiday as well as whiling away the hours.
I've heard some of the other haunt- and horror-related podcasts on the Internet and have been left less than impressed. For me, the content of Hauntcast is far and away superior so why not pay to listen? He's sure to lose some of his listeners, who don't think it's worth paying for a podcast. It's a trade off everyone has to decide for themselves. For me, I know the value I receive out of the show and am willing to pay a dollar to continue hearing it. How about you? Would you be willing to pay for something you previously received for free? Would you pay for Hauntcast? Let me know in the comments section below.
If you haven't heard the show before, you can still listen to it -- for free! -- and see if it's worth your time (and money) by clicking here.
I like the show but I think I am going to pass. If he decides to goto two shows a month, then that is 24 bucks a year. And if he feels that he isn't making enough like this time, then what is stopping him from going up from there. But don't get me wrong. I think for most it is well worth it. But not for me.
ReplyDeleteI'd gladly pay a buck for Hauntcast. I already bout a shirt too. If the quality dropped, I wouldn't, but they do a terrific job on producing the show.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rich! Yeah I agree quality is worth paying for and I know Chris appreciates the support!
ReplyDeleteMark, I agree there's a price limit for everything (and everyone) so it's a moving target. I'm pretty sure I piss away more than $12 (or even $24) on things that don't give me as much enjoyment as the show does so I guess that's one reason I don't mind.
ReplyDeleteGfinID, me too! Of course I thought the XL size would fit, but I must've packed on the poundage by the time it arrived. I should go back and get another (XXL) size. And I always pictured myself as this svelte pixie. Who knew?
JT, I love you guys! Between your show and the local M&T group, I'm able to maintain my enthusiasm throughout the year. I really do look forward to your show each month, and since Chris will now be swimming in dollar bills like Scrooge McDuck, I'll be looking forward to a twice-a-month show! ;> Keep up the great work.
Rich
Hauntcast is the most professionally produced show out there for haunters. I've listened to Rotting Flesh Radio and it's OK, it just doesn't have as much content as Hauntcast.
ReplyDeleteI'm paying to listen.
I am definately signing up....worth every bit.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Already signed up! This show is the best Halloween podcast out there. I have listened to other shows and they do NOT have the heart and soul that Hauntcast does. The team they have is a family and it shows in the quality of each episode.
ReplyDeleteLong Live HauntCast!!!
Grim Ghost