It is sometimes said that one should never read reviews. Today was probably one of those days.
Since I started up WFN 2.0, there have been about six new reviews at the iTunes Store. Five of those six had a common theme: “it’s still boring.” They also rated it one out of five stars.
Let me say this clearly: I don’t want this post to be a “pity party” for me and the podcast ratings. But at the same time, I suspect that five out of six recent reviews probably reflect the larger audience, although the numbers are probably skewed more towards the negative in the six reviews.
Still, here’s my concern. If the only people who are reviewing the podcast at the iTunes Store are going to slam it, those reviews will be the ones that keep new listeners from even giving the podcast a try. If that becomes the case, then the audience will either plateau or decline. At that point, the benefits of doing the podcast are outweighed by the time and effort involved.
Like I said, I’m not looking for pity or sympathy, but if people don’t like the podcast, that’s okay–I have plenty of other things I can do with the time. I’m not saying that as in “I’ll take my ball and go home.” I’m simply saying if the podcast really sucks that badly, I’ll find other projects to work on that may have more value.
On the other hand, if people do like the podcast, it would probably help if they could do two things at the iTunes Store.
First, post a positive review with constructive comments (good and bad).
Second, go through and rate the previous comments. When a majority of the “most helpful” reviews are one-star, it’s not helpful to those who enjoy or otherwise might discover the podcast. All you need to do is click yes or no where the iTunes Store asks if the review was helpful.
Again, if the show is the pits, give me a hint now so I can stop making a fool of myself. 
Finally, if you’re reading this and you think the show is terrible, please leave a comment with some ideas on how to improve it. I don’t mean to sound snarky, but it’s easy to say “it’s boring.” If you want to have something better, offer some suggestions! 
Similar Posts:
- None Found
keep at it, bill. i just checked the itunes store. even with those reviews, you still have a much higher ratio of good reviews to bad ones (btw, i just posted a good one). i’ve been cruising through these podcasts since the first of the year. i’m already up to episode 74, so it can’t be that boring…
I’m in Canada, and can’t leave a comment on the US iTunes Store. But I went to the Canadian and you’ve got 3 ratings there, all 5 star and with great reviews. I added to them today myself. I started listing to your old series about a year ago, and I love it. I think you’re a great teacher, and you teach from zero knowledge without being condescending. You make it fun, you’ve encouraged me to trust my own palate, be adventurous, and best of all, I’m getting better at cutting through marketing hype and finding tasty, good value wines off the radar.
Unfortunately the anonymity of the internet allows a small vicious minority to undermine a lot of good work. I hope you do keep working on the series, but if you choose not to, know that the work you’ve done already is greatly appreciated.
Thanks Bill!
iTunes? I would love to leave a positive review I refuse to use iTunes or its store. The only suggestion I have is to keep going. I enjoyed v1.0. Perhaps have more special guests this time around.
Thanks for the feedback, all. I appreciate it greatly!
I posted a positive review awhile back, but I did go in and review the reviews. It almost looks like a handful of folks are driving down the scores…what a pity.
Keep your chin up, Bill. You’re doing just fine.
Hey Bill,
I was sooooo happy that you are podcasting again! I am sure that I am not alone in that I consider you my wine teacher. I am sure that when you dive into you first topic that the critics will once again sing your praise!
What I like about your podcast is that no matter now much I know or learn about wine, I will always be a newbie! For me the journey of learning whats out there and how it changes year to year is the true fun of learning about wine.
love the podcasts and am grateful you started back. Just posted a good review. in one of the 2.o podcasts you mentioned coffee as not being like wine as far as drinkers, reviews, etc. that’s really changed with people buying and roasting their own coffee. lots of cupping (tasting) with in-depth reviews. Take a look at http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.greencoffee.mvc.php
this is only one of many such sites. Coffee seems to be following the same route as wine, with tastings, ratings, varietals, etc. I like coffee about as much as wine!
Keep up the good work, Bill. Online reviews often bring out only worst from the disgruntled. You are doing good for the wine community. Don’t stop.
Those iTunes reviews were such rubbish. I don’t trust any review that is one sentence or less! I wouldn’t be surprised to learn most of them hadn’t even listened to a single podcast, they’re just the kind of people who go around trying to lash out at people. If I were you I’d only pay attention to constructive criticism. People who weigh the positives and the negatives in a meaningful manner are going to be your true indicator of success.
Bill>
I like your podcast. I learnt a lot from the first one. I find that if I write it down I can read it later and also re-listen in the car. I am glad you are doing the 2.0 but would like to know how often you will be doing them. A consistent time would be great. Also LOVE the homework. I must see after listening to the first one I recommended your podcast to others and I am no longer the fool running around the liquor store.
I enjoy the show a great deal Bill…honestly, I’ve listened to every epidsode twice: it’s the content that matters, and yours is outstanding. PLEASE ignore the critics; as a podcaster myself I get daily emails of people who cannot stand to listen to me: they have the option to unsubscribe.
I am looking forward to WFN 2.0
- Steve
Hi Bill,
It’s great to have you back doing podcasts. I have really enjoyed the work you have put together and have found it very useful. The people who slammed you on the itunes review site should find something else to listen to if they aren’t interested in what you have to say. I’m certain there many out there who share my views on the podcast.
Hi Bill. longtime beer guy first time wineguy. just found your show. I love the “geeky” side of wine myself and I think your show is great. I listen on my ipod while working and soak up the knowledge. your format is actually better for me as it’s not too distracting or over the top while I work. I’m only a few shows in but i love em. sure i could sit and watch videos of people tasting wines and giving opinions but what am i learning there? In the hand full of podcasts I’ve watched, I didn’t learn a fraction of what i learned in the first few of your shows I listened to. I’m listening to other podcasts thinking, “ok this guy loves his pinot noir or that guys not into shiraz but loves this merlot or he’s ranting about a sauvignon blanc. What the hell is he talking about and where can i get a basic introduction to these different grapes?”. I AM A NEWBIE!! eps. 3-8 were just what i needed. and then making wine, blending, storing, viticulture basics, you even gave us some oak knowledge in show 75. and you’re using your exam study guide there to pass knowledge on to us. what a great thing. keep it up. don’t listen to the naysayers. most people just have the attention span of gnats
i just found wfn, have listened to three episodes while riding my bike. love them they are not boring.
Thanks again for all the positive feedback. I don’t care if some people find the podcast boring. It’s all a matter of taste, just like comedy etc. (I still don’t get Ben Stiller as a comedic actor. That doesn’t mean he’s not talented.)
I’m glad to see the reviews at the iTunes Store are shifting a bit. Please keep up the good work!
Hey Bill,
Like Patricia from Canada, I’m from Australia and can’t access the US itunes store. I am only 18 and have just got myself a job at a bottle shop so I figured that I should probably learn a bit about what I’m supposed to be selling. Your podcast has not only taught me about wine but has also encouraged me to try some and I am now just starting to delve into the amazing world of wines, your podcast has helped me a lot – it may sound odd but it makes me feel good to be able to walk into a huge warehouse full of produce and to know exactly what everything is and if I like it or not. Anyway, keep up the good work – its an awesome podcast!
Hi Bill,
I just started listening to the first couple of episodes, I love them. I am a newbie and I really appreciate your teaching style. Wine tasting can be daunting to a beginner but you organize the chaos into meaningful fundamental pieces that anybody can understand.
I will definitely leave a positive review for you on iTunes.
Vanessa
I love the podcast! I think it is fantastic. You have a great teaching style. Critics will be critics, but know that you have really helped me personally know and appreciate wine.
I love your podcast. Ignore the critics. They can hop on over to gary vay… ner… CHUCK’s (please make him stop saying that) podcast if they don’t like Wine For Newbies.
That said, i’m on my way to do some of that itunes reviews stuff you suggested. Thank you so much for this fantastic (and unsurpassed, in my opinion) wine resource.
I will start with a big Thanks Bill…
Just uncovered you are back and producing new content, excellent news. I still go back and listen to version 1.0 episodes from time to time.
There is always room for constructive criticism for all of us. Your self-deprecating approach and style used to broadcast your passion for the topic does allow a lot of people to give you insight into yourself. That takes some stones in my view, by you. I say, let ‘them’ create their own d*&^n podcast from their personal time and efforts as a source for others to be educated and enjoy. They can take some insight too. Anyway, thanks again, your time and effort is appreciated by many, including me. They can change the channel. Keep them coming pls…
I appriciate the scientific and academic way you address the subject. Substance over style is fine for me. Keep up the high quality show, we really appricaiate it.