Rob Walch, host of Podcast411 estimates that at least 1/5th of podcasters never make it beyond the 10th show. The term "podfading" (which didn't exist in WikiPedia until I created it just now I meant the entry in WikiPedia, not the term itself...but in any event, see below under "update" for an update) has been coined to describe this premature burnout.
Podfading can occur for a number of reasons, including: frustration with limited audience size/lack of growth, time required to prepare/produce and even the pressures of success.
Across the Sound barely made it as well, almost crashing and burning at show #13. I can certainly vouch for the time required. I also want to add 3 other reasons:
1) A stern admonishing of LISTENERS of podcasts for being WAY TOO CRITICAL and impatient with podcasters. Some of the criticism of ATS has been brutal and it's been difficult at times to continue undettered.
2) Lack of support on the MARKETING/SPONSORSHIP side. Marketers/sponsors have got to step up and put their money where their consumers' loyal/passionate mouths are. There's way too much watching from the sidelines right now. The investment it would take is way less than the spare change that gets lost in the linings of marketing budget clothing (clunky metaphor but you get the picture)
3) Need for better education - there is definitely progress being made here and Podshow is doing a pretty good job, but more is needed. Dave Jackson's School of Podcasting is one such resource (it is premium, yet affordable) and there are books like Podcasting for Dummies. That said, there is a chasm that needs crossing for DIY entry-level podcasters and those who really want to ramp up and take this seriously. Take podcasting interviews for example, which I would image are going to play an increasing role in show formats. I STILL cannot find a viable solution/alternative to recording Skype conversations other than HotRecorder (or an alternative to Skype!) You would think this would have been addressed by Skype or Castblaster by now.
Update: Apparently, my podfader entry into Wikipedia is about to be deleted. The reason given is "self-confessed neologism" Hmmm....not sure I know what that even means...
Update - 4.23pm: OK, time to declare war on Wikipedia...my entry on podfading has been deleted. Anyone care to join my battle?
Update - 7.58pm: Apologies to Scott Fletcher for any confusion over who invented the term. It was of course (as per the Wired article) he
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