I guess I don't know. I can see it from a few different directions - you had been doing "podcast catchup" weeks when you would skip a week on purpose. That was fine. Taking a month or so off of the netcast would be fine, too. I think even taking a month off just for you would be fine, too, although it may be difficult to get it started back up.
Jered
· 2 years ago
Leo, Is it possible to get a fill-in on each show, taking over for how ever long you want the off season to be? Maybe keeping on a portion of the original crew from each show for consistency, with the occasional call in from Leo? Just a thought.
Jered
Zac Garrett
· 2 years ago
As a long time listener I would not mind if some of the netcasts took a break. Maybe you could roll some "best of" stuff during that period. Just roll out some interviews from the past. That way people do not forget about you.
You and all of the other hosts deserve a break once in a while.
Glugory
· 2 years ago
I would be irritated by it, but if that's what you guys decide to do I'll keep listening. It is very nice to have TWiT waiting there for me every week and things tend to feel a little off when it's not there, but it wouldn't be the end of civilization if you guys decided to take some time off. Just don't start taking too much time off.
Joel
· 2 years ago
Leo, I'm a big fan. Fresh out of college, I work in a cubicle. I listen to MBW, Twit, SN, Giz, & n@n. It gets me through the day/week... life? Well, the mornings certainly.
You totally deserve a holiday. It might take a creative solution. Find a way to delegate work such that there is still content flowing. You deserve a hiatus. And recharging your batteries will only give you more to pour back into the network.
We won't forget about you.
Photog Brad
· 2 years ago
I have been listening since the first net casts, and think you do deserve a break, a break is better than a burn out, I think your listeners will support you through a break. But I also understand your concern, out of sight out of mind. My only suggestion dont go the route of a guest host.
Dave M.
· 2 years ago
You certainly deserve a break. Doing as many netcasts as you do would drive any normal person over the edge.
However, you are also correct in that I would go stir crazy if I didn't have at least one or two to listen to each week.
Maybe do like Scott did/does with the iLifeZone and put out an episode every 10 days, or even two weeks instead of every week.
That way you could either stagger the recordings so that there is less to do each week, or sync them and have one week off and one week working.
I don't know if I could go a whole month without any TWiT casts. I would have to go back to audiobooks or something. Yeech! ;)
East_Coast_Girl
· 2 years ago
I agree with Zac. Go for a rest in Jamaica or something. :)
Gavin
· 2 years ago
Leo, you certainly deserve a break if you'd like one, and I would still listen to TWiT after a break. Long live TWiT!
Jon
· 2 years ago
As a former podcaster, once you take hiatus it's nearly impossible to get back into the routine of doing the show.
Bruce
· 2 years ago
I agree with Zac. Take the time off and put together a few 'best of' shows to use for the down time.
Bruce.
Thomas Valen
· 2 years ago
Like Leo said he would not put all shows on hiatus at the same time, and as most probably listen to more than one show from the TWiT network, there would still be something left to enjoy.
Also for some of the shows which do not depend on being released right after recording (TWiT or MacBreak Weekly) like Security Now or Munchcast, You could pre-produce some filler episodes to be released while You and Your co-hosts take that much deserved break.
I do have to disagree with the idea of seasons however, as those seem to apply mostly to TV shows, but not to radio or internet variations. And yes, even though the TWiT network is one of the most prominent and best known podcast networks out there, You as it's chief (TWiT) taking a break for too long will make people go and search for alternatives elsewhere. Probably not me, mind You, but still...
I do of course not know how sponsors would react to such a decision, but then again I also do not know what kind of deals You have with them anyway.
What I do know is this - there's basically nothing more entertaining that You, Leo, at Your best, and if You feel like You are simply putting too much stress on Yourself, spreading Yourself too thin, than by all means take the time You need to recharge!
Greetings from Old World (tm)!
Corey S
· 2 years ago
Why not scale your netcasts back to every other week permanently instead of taking a set block of weeks off every year? That would cut your work load in half every week. If something were to happen that you wanted to cover or you just felt like doing an extra episode of *insert netcast here* you could always just record/release an extra one as an update/surprise.
Scott
· 2 years ago
I'm a regular podcast listener and would have no problem with breaks. I would appreciate some forewarning tho as to when the breaks start and end.
Been following you since the Kate & Leo days :-)
Andrew
· 2 years ago
I support you taking a break from netcasting. There's every chance that you having a break would result in even better quality when you return feeling refreshed.
Plus, scarcity breeds demand; people will appreciate what they have when you're gone!
Finally, you taking a break would give me a chance to catch up on the pile of books I have gathering dust!
Greg Smith
· 2 years ago
As long as you kept to a consistent schedule that would be fine. Maybe fill in the off time with "best of" type episodes.
Rob Knight
· 2 years ago
I've been listening to you on one netcast or another since the summer of 2005. It never occurred to me that you would *need* some time off!
Now that I think about it though, all of the TWiT netcasters should be entitled to a break every now and then.
As much as regular netcasts are a part of my routine, an announced, scheduled break would be easy to get used to. People mostly complain when there isn't a show they expected to show up in iTunes.
So, I say setup a schedule for time off and let us all know and I won't mind a bit. I feel a bit like the boss who doesn't know you need a vacation. This topic should have come up earlier! TWiT netcasters are a hard working bunch. Keep up the good work.
Taylor R.
· 2 years ago
Most TV dramas have hiatus, but most news/talk-shows do not.
You could always pull a Regis - as on "Live with Regis and Kelly" - and have Alec Baldwin or Howie Mandel sit in for you for a couple of weeks. Figuratively speaking, of course.
Ben D
· 2 years ago
If anyone deserves a break its you Leo, but how about keeping the mainline netcasts going (TWIT/SN) and taking the rest off for your holiday. You could get someone we know already to host them (Ala Scott Bourne, MBW), and for SN all we need is Steve, you could pretty much just use a recording of your 10 most common phrases ;)
iwick
· 2 years ago
I think of your TWIT shows as more of the tech version of NBC's "Meet the Press" (but a heck of a lot more entertaining!).
When the host wants a vacation, the show goes on - too much happening for the show to not air during a particular week.
Hence, I think you could rotate hosts and take 2 weeks off every now and then, and maybe even a month once a year.
The shows wouldn't be as good without you on them, but at least they would air for your fans to stay up to speed on the latest news!
The Pawnbroker
· 2 years ago
Leo,
I think it is a great idea. I've been listening/watching you for years and I think I can tell when you are getting a little tired (remember the "ahhh, everything sucks" rant? I would like to see you after a break. I think it would really freshen things up. My suggestion would be to put out a "new" feeds even when you are away. Call then what they are "re-runs" or "best of's". Just have a blurb at the beginning of the feed that says this is a re-run or whatever. I think a lot of people would still like to tune in at the "usual" time and at least have something to listen to.
Jude
· 2 years ago
I was thinking the same thing. The listneners can use a break too. This way we'll look forward to your return. Although it's harder for a news-based show to take a break... I for one will be waiting for your return. Or you could try guest hosts/co-hosts?
palmosc
· 2 years ago
Hmmm, I wouldnt like it, but would understand completely.
maurye
· 2 years ago
I would rather see you take a periodic break than have you break down. Spend some more time with your son. Don't drive him to the point where he is a caller on one of your shows.
Allow the listeners to put together a best of. Turn over a few shows to Andy Inhatko as host. Dane can handle the shows, you get away. we would miss you, but you are still the brand. Even Johnny Carson got away a little bit. Then again, Johnny had a few wives.
That Chip Guy
· 2 years ago
I have a raft of podcasts lined up in iTunes. My favorites are the ones that come out on a regular, more-or-less predictable schedule. Frequency isn't as important to me.
"Season breaks" seem a bad idea, though. A couple of podcasts in my list have gone dark for a couple of months for various reasons, and I have gotten out of the habit. It costs me nothing to have dormant podcasts on my subscription list, but if I ever need to rebuild it dormant podcasts may not make the cut.
Do "MacBreak Bi-weekly" if you want. Take an occasional week off if you need. But a month's break really is too long.
Larry
· 2 years ago
We all need a little time off now and again, so I think most people would understand a brief break now and again. Of course, audio podcasts are more like radio than TV, so why not do what KFI does when Bill Handel goes on vacation and have a few substitute hosts take over, either regulars we already know or fresh voices to give a fresh perspective. That way you get a break and the show still goes on. :)
Syngensmyth
· 2 years ago
Take a break Leo ... you are on my rss tracker so I'll know when you return. Good fishing!
Oh, and take some nice pics with that new camera.
Matt
· 2 years ago
I think you should take a break if you want. I doubt people will forget about you, the season return will still show up in their podcast program.
Russ
· 2 years ago
Put up the show un-edited.
Eldac
· 2 years ago
Everyone deserves some time off, Leo, including you. If you do decide to take time, we'll be right here waiting as usual for new podcasts. :-)
Joel Housman
· 2 years ago
Leo,
I've been a day 1 listener of TWiT(ROTSS) and think you need a break. My fav shows are TWiT, MBW, SN, WW, and Tech Guy. I think if you had each show go on a roving "month of".....it would be ideal.
MBW on hiatus for july, twit in august, ww in sept, etc etc....I could live w/ that and it would give you a break from certain shows for a while...although I think Steve Gibson might take issue w/ taking a break from SN...Ha!
db
· 2 years ago
Feelin' the need for a break!
While it would suck to miss any of the TWiT shows, I think a week or 2 of best-of's or repeats of past episodes wouldn't be so bad either.
Although I'm sure Steve would hit up Starbucks for a marathon session of Security Now so that didn't happen ;)
Zeke
· 2 years ago
Leo, I think the idea of taking a month off sounds like a wonderful thing for you, and I could get to reading things again (I have a year or two of PC Mag waiting for me), check out other podcasts in the interim time, kind of "clean my pallet" so that it's refreshing to hear your perspectives on things again. Perhaps a few Best-of's maybe, but it doesn't matter. Maybe you could do it while you're in Egypt.
JT
· 2 years ago
I wouldn't mind if you took a month off. Hak5 does it every summer and it seems to work out fine. I sometimes find myself overwhelmed with podcasts and end up needing to skip weeks, so a month off would be welcomed.
Chris J
· 2 years ago
People don't really mind if you take a break if they know it is coming.
One of the best examples of this in my subscription list is Lug Radio. They break their show into "seasons", which end with their Lug Radio Live conference/meetup. They then take a month or two off before starting up again, all refreshed.
Yes, we miss the show when it's not on. But, we know that it will be back after the hosts have had time off.
It all comes down to expectations. And if anyone deserves a break it is you!
Martarius
· 2 years ago
I agree with the sentiments that everyone here is sharing. Follow the Johnny Carson template!
JT
· 2 years ago
Leo, you deserve a break. Never let us fans prevent you from taking a break. I am sure all of us can find something to do while you take a 2 week or gasp month break. There are plenty of things to do this fall, new TV shows, College and NFL football, Baseball playoffs and oh ya my own podcast. Leo TAKE A BREAK, you deserve it. You know absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Jan
· 2 years ago
Please take vacations-- like school vacations.
Joe
· 2 years ago
Anyone who listens to one of your netcasts more than once knows it's not a fly-by-night operation. I don't think anyone would get the impression that you are "pod fading" any particular show.
Besides, if you go with the idea of seasons, you could make the listeners aware if the episode they are listening to is a season finale.
laserone
· 2 years ago
I'm currently watching my hubby burn out cuz of his programming/cell company job and it's kinda scary. In that light, I'd say for-sure, breaks would be good, if not important. Health and sanity come first.
From the view of an addicted listener, I'd say maybe you could rotate staff, as someone else recommended, so that the podcast could continue. Each person could still have their time off but the podcast could still go on.
Cheers. :D
Bastich
· 2 years ago
I'm thinking that maybe the TWIT army will understand. But the problem is the influx of new listeners. If you go on hiatus for a month, it should be clear on the website or in iTunes that you'll be returning, or the new listeners won't even bother subscribing thinking that the show is dead.
TheKipper
· 2 years ago
This reminds me of when TWiT first started and hell was risen if it was more than a day late. Of course this was back in the day when only a few good pod/netcasts existed and we needed our tech news and TSS memories. Now that many more great content-filled shows are out there, I don't think taking some time off would bring the same upset in the community. That said, I don't think a multi-month break would be a great idea. Better would be take a week or two off every other month or so, or don't worry about needing a show each and every week (except for Security Now ;).
Regardless, do want _you_ need to do, Leo, and let us deal with it.
Da_Chief
· 2 years ago
We get 30 Days in the Military, and while we do more by 0630 then most Americans do in a single day...
You My friend do more for the Twit Army then most Army's do in a single year!!
Take some time off Leo.. Recharge your batteries...This is when you put the "BEST OF" stuff up..
I know I look forward to hearing your stuff, but I will be around when you get back. If I can survive Mr. Thurott Galavanting all over Fry World..(FRANCE) ;-)
We can handle it...
Da-Chief
Kenny
· 2 years ago
While I hate to go a couple weeks without any of my twit podcasts, I think you guys probably are due for a break. (Especially Leo)
Jim
· 2 years ago
No
Adam
· 2 years ago
Honestly, I depend on those shows for a lot of entertainment every week. If you need the time off, you should take it. Everyone needs to refresh every once and a while. Whatever keeps you going I'm all for!
Bob
· 2 years ago
Maybe you could put together a could best of episodes or pre-record a couple shows. That way you could take some well deserved R and R to recharge.
Andrew
· 2 years ago
Hey, if you need a break, take a break. I would definately miss the various TWiT Netcasts, but I can survive. I'd miss them a heck of a lot more if you ended up burning out and having to stop for a longer period of time.
I do like the idea of putting in some re-runs, or even having guest hosts. That way you can satisfy us ravenous netcast subscribers :).
Lloyd
· 2 years ago
If you took time off it would definitely throw off my routine (I don't listen to the radio when commuting anymore, I listen to your 'casts) but I fully understand that you need to recharge. I love the idea of substitute hosts.
zzap
· 2 years ago
No way! No time off! I don't know what I'd do without TWiT podcasts.
ketsugi
· 2 years ago
I don't think there'd be any problem as long as you let everyone know well in advance so people don't freak out and start conspiracy theories that you're dropping everything for good.
Personally, I don't really like "best of" episodes: podcasts (especially the TWiT) ones are about current affairs and if I wanted to listen to old stuff, well, all the archives are there.
Besides, Leo... take a look at how many people downloaded the last FLOSS "Weekly", which went on an unofficial hiatus for several months(?) and maybe that'd give you an idea of how taking a break might affect your audience numbers.
JR
· 2 years ago
How about putting ALL of your shows on a long hiatus around holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.)??
Nonie
· 2 years ago
Leo - I listen addictively to your podcasts every week - fave being MBW and have worried about you not getting a break :-) Know how hard it is when you are in a hard work cycle to hop off the band wagon - it is a common problem when you love what you do - I know! But everyone needs a break - if only to see one's life (including work) from a fresh and maybe different perspective. And especially when you have kids growing up - it is great to spend unhurried time with them (not thinking about work) - they grow up too quickly. We, your fans would not forget you - if you can arrange for the podcasts to continue with other hosts - especially Andy or Merlin on MBW, that would be good too. If not, I think we would all rather wait for you to have a break and come back with good health and enthusiasm!! Take care.
Kevin
· 2 years ago
If anybody deserves a vacation it's you Leo. One of the great things about Podcasts and RSS is that it checks the feeds for us, so when you come back we will be notified via our RSS readers and/or Podcast catchers.
If you do decide to take some vacation time off just let us listeners know ahead of time that way we're not surprised and left hanging. From the comments so far I get the general feeling that most of us listeners will understand.
Grizzleduser
· 2 years ago
Leo, Go, and take some time off, You deserve it!!!!!!
Let all the people who said not to take a break, go through TWIT withdrawals symptoms, that way they'll appreciate all of the hard work you put into doing the TWIT netcasts week in and week out.
Go take a break and enjoy your family and yourself.
Ausimik
· 2 years ago
Some best of shows during weeks off would be O.K. There's a lot of gold there. I'm sure Dane wouldn't mind mining it :)
Dillon K. Hoops
· 2 years ago
Hey Leo - honestly, I don't think going on a full hiatus would be the best thing to do.
However, I really think you simply need to slow down. Promise yourself you won't start any more new shows for a while. And maybe, if the time is right, kill off one that doesn't have a big enough following.
If I were you, I'd stagger the affect of taking a break. Why not bump a show down to three times a month or twice a month instead of taking a break alltogether?
Honestly, it always seems that shows are more interesting when they occur less often because there's a lot to talk about, and the hosts haven't caught up with each other in a while....
While it would kind of suck to not have shows on certain weeks, it would be completely made up for when we have a completely badass and hilarious show the next week, huh?
I hope you get around to reading this, but if you don't, I understand... There's a ton of freaking comments already!
Well, good luck, Leo! We love your shows.
Mikael Lindberg
· 2 years ago
As has been stated by earlier commenters, breaks are fine provided a regular schedule. I could very well understand a month or two between the seasons of a show, as long as I know when they will return. You've taken brakes before and I support your need for time of, but I'd actually be fine with more leave if I knew of it in advance. Waking up on a monday, opening up the computer and finding out that your fav podcast won't come out this week is a bit dissapointing. Had I known about it in advance, it wouldn't be an issue. Hope this makes sense, take care!
CB
· 2 years ago
Let some other "regulars" on the podcast host instead of you for a few weeks and take some time off.
I would miss TWiT, MBW, and SN too much not having them each week.
windex228
· 2 years ago
Leo, Remember back in the day when Johnny Carson used to have guest hosts when he went on vacation. It would be great if Joan Rivers hosted a few Twits every now and then.
Cams
· 2 years ago
Man, how many responses? The TWiT Army speaks its mind!
I've been listening to the TWiTcasts for a long time now and, as others have said, it has become part of my routine. That said, a break would give me time to listen to more of my audiobooks! You often say during the audible ads that netcast listeners are the natural audience for audiobooks. The paradox is that you're dead right, apart from the fact that we have no TIME to listen to audiobooks as we have so many netcasts to get through each week!
I'm not keen on the idea of reruns. Anyone in need of reruns can listen to, well, reruns. They're all available for download after all!
Adam
· 2 years ago
I know this'll get buried in the sea of comments, but you have an impressive archive of shows.. What about either running "re-runs" or some "clip shows"?
-A
nlrod
· 2 years ago
Take A break Leo. hell Steve Gibson can do scurity now by himself.
And Dvorak can handle Twit. of course you will have to rename it twitandwhine. besides I have 16 of the radio shows to catch up on. so slow down already.
Emmett
· 2 years ago
Your concern for a short break is an over-reaction. I know if that were not the case, I would no longer be subscribed to the FLOSS Weekly feed.
Fear not, the TWIT army is behind you.
Mike Robinson
· 2 years ago
I am with the "playing alternative content during breaks" idea. Even if it's some "best of" shows. Just don't do it too much ;)
AaronUK
· 2 years ago
Leo - If you need to take a break from some of the shows then do it, after all Hak5 takes 2 months off between seasons and even though they release per month they have kept their audience. You have worked VERY hard on twit.tv the past few years. Go and rest a little you really deserve it!
Helge Heggli
· 2 years ago
I think that if you kinda released a new TWiT almost every week you could take brakes from the other lesser known shows. And I wouldnt mind it if Scott or Alex hosted MBW while you took some time off
Niko Taylor
· 2 years ago
Dear Leo,
As a long-time listener, I'd be disappointed, but I do understand. For those of us who love your work, I think it's more important that you stay healthy and vital, not burned out. If that means missing some weeks, then so be it.
Thanks for all your hard work.
All best,
Niko Brooklyn, NY
Bryan
· 2 years ago
Leo...If I may...It's a PODCAST...If your listeners can't deal with you taking a vacation, that says more about them than it does about you...When ever I get to feeling that I am so important I remember an episode of Star Trek TNG (we are geeks in here...aren't we?) with a memorable exchange between Picard and Q:
"Q, even if you have been able to bring me back to the past somehow, surely you must realize that any alteration in this timeline will have a profound impact on the future." "Please! Spare me your egotistical musings on your pivotal role in history. Nothing you do here will cause the Federation to collapse or galaxies to explode. To be blunt, you're not that important." - Picard and Q
The world will go on, if you take a break (and you need to)...Frankly Leo...Podcasts are not that important...But your sanity and your family are...
Now go away! ;-)
Will
· 2 years ago
I am not so sure about the "season" idea. TV usually has reruns or other shows to fill in. I do not think that would work with Podcasts. But I do understand taking some time off. I would suggest having a guest host for those shows during that time. It is not easy. But no one should have an expectation to have it out every week forever. As long as you communicate what you are doing so the listener knows and is not surprised should be enough.
Dale
· 2 years ago
Nobody wants to hear (or see) a burnt-out tech guru, Leo. Do what it takes to ease your load. Time off or delegation seem to be the options available.
Chris
· 2 years ago
I don't think you have to worry about people forgetting about you. :) A break is good for everyone, time to rest and recharge - you deserve it! Keep up the good work, but don't burn yourself out!
Ed Coye
· 2 years ago
Leo - I would rather have something to look forward to several weeks away than nothing. I do understand that you would have some fallout. I like the suggestion of several here that you should get some guest hosts more often to give you a break. Get PixelCorps to get you some technical help uploading podcasts.
Deb
· 2 years ago
Nobody works harder than you do Leo! Sure, I would miss you, but forget you? NEVER! Take a break, we'll survive and come back gratefully to listen to a rested refreshed TWIT network.
Darlene
· 2 years ago
Hi Leo
I'm a regular podcast listener (all of twit netcasts) and I watch the Lab with Leo as well. I don't know how you keep up the schedule that you do. I think you have to trust us - we aren't going to forget about you.
You provide us with hours of entertainment, knowledge and fun. But you've got to keep those creative juices flowing which means that you need to rejuvenate.
A very big thank-you for all the stuff you do. I will be lost if you take time off but I'll get over it. And I will count the days until you return.
Congrats on the 100th Lab with Leo. Had I not still been recovering from my back surgery I would have been there to shake your hand in person.
Thanks! Darlene
John W
· 2 years ago
I think if it would keep everyone fresh, taking a break would be better then burned out podcasters!
thewellbalancedgeek
· 2 years ago
I certainly agree with everyone else that you deserve a break. I don't know if there is a time when the tech world slows down a bit. But you got to take care of yourself. We'll miss ya' but we'll be waiting when you return.
Stephen W. Carson
· 2 years ago
Better to have several weeks without new episodes than have you burn out (or have a heart attack) and have the show(s) gone entirely.
- Spaceman Spiff -
· 2 years ago
Leo, see if Patric would be willing to guest host Twit and any other shows that he would fit into for the month. He is known from the ScreenSavers days and would provide your fans with the shows but it would allow you some time.
Another possibility is to just do a show or two from jamaica or some other remote location with broadband. Take the whole crew along. I think that would be the only time we would hear John Dvorack happy.
Anyway, I know you are creative enough to work it out if you want a vacation. Just don't get burnt out.
Adam
· 2 years ago
I agree that you may lose some listeners (especially new ones) if you don't have a show for a month straight, but a week off here and there never hurt anybody.
Adam
· 2 years ago
I'd wait. Heck, some of my favourite podcasts have been on unannounced hiatus for months and I still listen to them when they get back.
Dave from So Cal
· 2 years ago
My .02:
There's certainly different aspects of this to consider. 1) Entertainment shows run in seasons. The News doesn't. The TWIT-casts sort of fall into a hybrid category of reporting the news, yet being entertaining. 2) TWIT itself is a bit of a rotating cast with Leo being the steady host. As mentioned before, couldn't someone else play the role of host/editor? Patrick for TWIT or Scott for MBW or anyone of the other regulars would seemingly fill in nicely. We fans of all.
I believe it was Ronald McDonald who said it best, "You deserve a break today" (ok, maybe not).
buffalodavid
· 2 years ago
Just flashing the comments I see that most people seem to agree that a scheduled hiatus would be a good idea. Lord knows Leo, I think you're the only person who works longer hours than me.As for best of shows.... I gotta come out against that. This is NOT TV, and certainly not TV of thirty years ago. We all have access to all the "best of shows" we want. They're in the archives. Tell everybody to listen to other TWIT netcasts during that month. And ANYBODY who is already listening to ALL the netcasts on TWIT, and is all caught up, SHOULD take some time off too!
PeteWright
· 2 years ago
Take the time off, Leo. I'd wager most folks will come back simply because they forget to dump the feed from their aggregators. That's the beauty of netcasts over TV, after all: once you're in their system, it take action to opt-out -- not to opt-in again! Besides, as the other commenters have said -- it's not as if you don't have a robust archive of content with which to while away the hours!
May C
· 2 years ago
I've long thought that you were crazy to keep all these podcasts and shows, blogs, etc running at the same time. Although I really think it's great but man, you are likely burning yourself too much with all these projects.
I have my own blog that I find that posting more than a few times a week is beyond what I can do. There's so much stuff that needs the time to prepare and edit and everything and there's also family. So, for me, after 2 years, I am finally settled in a rhythm that I can work without feeling stressed and burnt out.
The fans will still be there. Believe me, they will. Take an extended break at least from the podcasts to really get back to life before Leo (LOL). Your health, sanity and family should come way before the fans. Seriously.
Kevin Krewell
· 2 years ago
Leo,
If you feel like you need a break, you probably do need the break. But I would be the concerned if that break went too long, it might get hard to restart. I agree with an earlier comment that the "best of" shows are not that great an idea. There's often more
I already thing you're a madman for the amount of work you do, but you're also a hard guy to replace. You have the right mix of being a techie, radio-quality voice, and also a polished host. A guest host will only remind everyone how much they miss you. Hmmm, not a bad strategy.
Kevin Krewell
· 2 years ago
Whoopsie,
To finish my comment: A "Best of" show can be more work with all the editing required.
Johnny
· 2 years ago
Take a break Leo. Put up some of your favorite podcasts in the meantime, like twit 57!
Darren
· 2 years ago
I've read some of the comments, but not all. So some of this may be repeating other comments, sorry.
I guess a break depends on the content of the show. "This Week in Tech" certainly implies a weekly netcast. However, the show has taken breaks from time to time with no adverse consequences. And not every show comes out on a weekly basis.
In a real sense most people have jobs year-round with only a week or two of vacation. Even actors with a hiatus in their shows usually spend that time on other projects. But none of that's to say you all don't work hard, or have busy schedules.
I think the real issue is how much do you have on your plate? In the case of Amber, is her schedule so busy that doing this netcast every Sunday (maybe her only day off?) is just too much. Or is there something else in her life that's taking up time that needs to be re-evaluated? I don't know. Only she can answer that question.
You almost dropped the show from the lineup once before, but after much outcry you figured out a way to make it work. But is it still working?
Circumstances change, and with them so must we. (As you well know.) If that means a show must be dropped, then so be it. It will be missed, but it's been a good run. And we appreciate the content you've given us.
Not saying I would like it, but that I would just have to live with it.
Jim2
· 2 years ago
Leo take the next 2 weeks off from Podcasting and recharge your batteries. Get some relief from the never ending pressure to get taping and editing of Podcasts. Go fishing.
shih tzu paradise
· 2 years ago
Everyone needs a vacation from work related duties, even if you enjoy what you do.
Take a break in the summer or around Thanksgiving/Christmas...your faithful listeners will still be here when you return.
I'm not in favor of guest hosts...wouldn't be the same without you, but 'best of' type shows or repeats would be OK to attract new listeners.
Frankly, you (and other netcasters) produce so much content now, it would give those of us who listen to a lot of netcasts a chance to catch up on the episodes. I'm always behind a couple of weeks.
Whatever you decide is fine, the magic of rss will let me know when you put anything new up.
Thanks for all you do.
James Orlowski
· 2 years ago
So long as it wasn't a full month off at a time, it'd be ok.
Chris B.
· 2 years ago
Taking some time off from time to time is always a good idea. I think if you were to cut back to releasing the shows to every other week, and increasing the length of the shows from 1 hour to 1.5 hours you'd have less work over all and most of the fans would still be happy. That combined with a planned OFF week would be just fine with me.
magtimmag
· 2 years ago
take a break!! for heavens sake, the rest of us get to put our feet up and have some fun. so should you! We wouldn't forget you, just miss you. My wife and I often wonder when you get a chance to do an adventure with the family, or just Joann (sp). . . We'll be here when you come back, promise.
Michael
· 2 years ago
Leo,
You make me laugh and I have learned a great deal from you. Consider staggering the podcasts on a 2 week cycle for certain months of the year, say December and August.
Just a thought for what it is worth
cru47
· 2 years ago
go for it leo
Zacc
· 2 years ago
I think that breaks are a necessity - you would eventually burn out otherwise, BUT, i don't think Podcast seasons are the answer. I listen to you like some people watch the news on TV. If my tv news station were to take a 2-3 month break, i'd have to go somewhere else for my news and who knows if I could come back. I think a better way would be to look at it like modified year-round school. Take a small 2-3 week break every 4 months or something. Any longer then that and your "presence" may likely suffer.
Also, "best of" shows don't work well in the business of news... who wants to re-listen to news about the release of Windows 2000 like its new again...
Sascha
· 2 years ago
Hey Leo, I agree with the fact that you need a break. Here is my suggestion: do not run the podcast like a TV show. Don't start releasing it every two weeks (that happened with poweruser.tv, and then it was every now and then, and now nothing). What I suggest you do however, is take two weeks, shut the network down or leave it in Dane and the other hosts hands, and just go somewhere. Forget about the netcasts, forget about the tv show and forget about the radio show. Just take two weeks with your family to relax and come back fresh.
I think if you do this every now and then, you'll feel much more energised, and if people can't wait two weeks for a show, so that the host can take a break, then they have issues. " 'Nough Said".
Platypibri
· 2 years ago
Leo, I'm going to be honest. Anything that doesn't update in iTunes or my RSS reader in about three weeks gets deleted. There is just too much stuff out there. I could spend 30 hours a day reading and listening to stuff that I actually like. And obviously I don't have the time.
You wanted to leave main stream media. Own it yourself, keep it pure. That's cool. I applaud that. But one of the advantages TV has is that they fill the space when you are gone. Long silences kill blogs and podcasts. Something else gets our attention when your gone.
You, of course, deserve a break. But honestly, does the owner of a small business ever really get a break? It's kinda the price you pay for being your own boss.
gamov
· 2 years ago
oh no, Leo, you need a break. We (listeners), we prefer that the show lasts with due breaks then dies because the host is breaking down. On top of that, a break will make us more eager to get the following show! Thanks for the good work, Leo, Gam
Patrick
· 2 years ago
Why don't you go ahead and take some time off, but during said time off have a guest show take over the feed. That way people get their show, you get your time off, and maybe some up and coming podcasters get a chance to show the twit army what they can do.
Dave C.
· 2 years ago
Leo..take a vacation from everything at once. When it's over you'll be refreshed and excited to get back. We'll be excited to have you back. Part of the fun of your podcasts is that we like you. Take good care of yourself...nobody's going anywhere. Dave C.
Ron
· 2 years ago
I think for you guys you should take a hiatus/sabbatical whatever you want to call it. But for me net@nite is my favorite...I wish it was for 2-3 hours each week. I really miss it when you all miss a week here and there.
But for your sanity I think time off is a good idea.
Ahasver
· 2 years ago
I personally think it is better to take a break from time to time and deliver a great podcast then to be there every week and be lame. I am not saying you guys are but I could see that coming if you feel the need of a break. Honestly while the show is still good it's not the quality you guys had 12 to 15 months ago. So maybe it's time for a break. But then again I am European and maybe that is why I am so open to vacation and breaks...
Shamus Cromarty
· 2 years ago
Take a break and just tell us fans when you are comming back. We will be here waiting to listen to you. It will give me a cance to catch up on all of the other podcasts that I have to catch up on. I listen to all of your podcasts so that is a full time job in itself. Have a good break if you decied to.
tamara
· 2 years ago
Another long time listener saying- please, take a break when you need to. :)
As brief response to Playtpibri, my husband and I have been small business owners for 15 years and we have been able to take months off at a time and travel. *shrug* You just need to find reliable people to fill in for you.
Pabster
· 2 years ago
I say do what you need to do, Leo. Everyone needs a break. I'd go berserk doing the amount of netcasts you do in addition to your other demands.
I don't see a problem with staggering releases or what have you. Whatever works.
Steven Prestwood
· 2 years ago
Leo, when you first started TWIT, I remember Patrick hosted a show and I think maybe Dvorak hosted a show while you did something. Maybe you can start doing that again. If you can't we can easily go without shows every week.
tallguy
· 2 years ago
There is considerable research that suggests that those who work continuously without taking the time to relax, rest and recharge are shortening their lives! Take the time. The people who follow your netcasts etc. who really appreciate everything you are doing will understand fully. I agree with the person who stated that you will not be able to sell this to Steve Gibson! Suggest to him that while you are on vacation he fly solo on Security Now. Perhaps that will be scary enough for him to take a break too? :-)
Ken Partridge
· 2 years ago
My favorite podcast (besides yours) is called "In Our Time" from the BBC, takes a few months off starting every August. As long as you state you will be back for a new season, people will just leave it on thier subscribed list in iTunes and be that more thrilled when you come back again.
DJ_in_iPhonelessVT
· 2 years ago
Leo,
I'm a big fan of down time to help inspire something better for the future... for any show thats not a news show (TWIT and MaBreak Weekly for example) I thing a month or more is totally appropriate.
my 2 cents
dj
Christina
· 2 years ago
Leo, Yes you should get a break. The drawback is that we wouldn't have the feedback from the great people at Twit. So, what if you did something like let some of your listeners host. You'd have maybe 5 people or so. Regardless of what you decide take a break, you deserve it. We'll survive until you come back.
Daniel
· 2 years ago
Hey Leo,
Please keep net@nite going!
Deano
· 2 years ago
Lots of great ideas here, definitely I'd side on the "keep something* pumping out on the off weeks". And, it would help if it were a "something consistent" - Like, all the off-weeks are interviews, or staff bio shows, or just off the wall craziness.
"Best of" format is definitely REALLY hard for TWiT specifically, since the topics become WAY old news so fast. But, sticking with the TWiTs for a moment, either having a guest host (it would have to be a "Leo"-type person, someone who isn't the 1000-meter-deep geek), or having even someone entirely outside tech host a show on an entirely different topic - "This Week in Wine", "This Week in Horse Racing", and let the regulars try to roll with it... Would make for interesting listening, maybe?
Also, a way cut down 15-20 minute mini-show featuring a "day in the life" for one of the cast, their ruminations on how tech affects their lives, etc... Kind of a spotlight feature that the fans could still relate to?
fishbert
· 2 years ago
I know there was a lot of panic from the masses a year or so ago when you mentioned burn-out, but being clear in announcing your intentions before hand can avoid a repeat of that. Other than that, it's not like anyone's going to delete the subscribed feeds if a few weeks go by without a new TWiT network podcast magically appearing on their computer.
Heck, Mac Break Tech apparently took some time off recently, and that gang was surprised that there wasn't any drop-off in downloads when they came back... I was surprised because I hadn't even noticed they were gone.
Cursor_
· 2 years ago
Leo,
I know this is your thing, but frankly I don't think you need to be in audiocast.
You could take time off and leave John, Pat or even Wil in the driver seat. You did this before with Pat at the helm and it was fine.
You don't ALWAYS have to be on EVERY Twit nor every other show. You can take a break and I am sure there are people that would do a fine job.
You don't have to be the only one busting your back.
Cursor_
Larry
· 2 years ago
Keep up the great work, Leo, and try not to burn out. I just went out and increased the amount of my monthly donation to TWiT -- it is a bargain at twice the price.
Andrew
· 2 years ago
Leo,
Sounds like Amber is the one that wants time off, so have a fill-in until she's ready to come back.
A hiatus would be good for you guys personally, but not professionally. You're right that the audience would probably erode over time. Look at what happened to Jericho last year after they had an extended hiatus. A porion of the audience didn't come back because they got involved with other things and didn't tune in again. Don't let TWiT become another Jericho.
And for God's sake, do NOT put on "best of" shows. I hate those. I'd rather have nothing than a re-hash of old material.
Rona
· 2 years ago
I would miss you Leo, but I'm very "pro" having balance in your life to prevent burnout. I like some of the above comments about getting guest hosts to carry on. Please take care of yourself and do what you have to do to "stay fresh" as my big fear is that your ADHD self would move onto other things instead of getting back on track here...but you are who I trust, as your network states, so do what you need to do Leo, but do come back to us!
Ry
· 2 years ago
I think Commenter 2 & 3 had some great ideas. Both together pretty much say what I think.
mth785
· 2 years ago
I would be disappointed but I believe I would survive. You and the Twits' deserve some time off to spend time with friends and family. If you take a hiatus, I will be hear when you return.
Joe
· 2 years ago
There are slow times in Tech, so why not stretch out show regularity during these slow times. Sya during usually slow Tech months, only do a show bi-weekly.
aLoha Tim
· 2 years ago
Holidays already create breaks in your podcasting. Why not schedule podcast breaks for the rest of the year? For those of us addicted people pull out a show from the archives. You could label it "Leo Laporte The Early Years"
Zach Moore
· 2 years ago
I can understand wanting to take some time off. As long as it is something regular and you warn us in advance.
Maybe even something like, 4 weeks on 1 week off. Or even better, 8 weeks on 1 week off.
mpm
· 2 years ago
I would miss my daily twit fix (it gets me through my day at work) but would understand. Hell..maybe it would force me to check out some other netcasts (don't worry...i'd come back!)
Leslie Godwin
· 2 years ago
Leo, you're awesome, and we can't have you getting burned out. You have quite a few podcasts, so you can skip some shows each week and still have a few shows left. Do MacBreak Weekly but skip Windows, for example. Most of your shows, with the exception of Jumping Monkeys and Munchcast are for a similar audience. So you don't need to do all of them each week. You can also do the weekly Giz Whiz on your national radio show and skip the Daily Giz Whiz completely. As much as I love that, you're overbooking yourself. Take it from a burnout expert!
Leo (the other one)
· 2 years ago
Leo, If you guys need some time off, just go for it!!! Remember what you and Amber were talking about just last Saturday? You have a loyal group of people who listen to your podcasts and who have followed you since the TechTV days... Although I'll be checking for new feeds everyday, if you take a vacation, I think I'll survive... and so will the rest of the TwiT community!!! Thank you all for Twit.TV!!!!
Mark "SgtGaToR"
· 2 years ago
Leo...
Really love your netcasts and I admit I look forward to TWiT, Munchcast, Jumping Monkeys, Tech Guy, Security Now! and Windows Weekly every week. I'm amazed at this point that you can keep the schedule you do, but just chalk it up to you loving what you do and that you don't see it as a job (I wish I felt that way with my job).
I also wanted to let you know that the latest TWiT never appeared on the AAC feed. I wouldn't have known a new episode was out if I hadn't been checking out the website on another computer.
And to sum it up I wanted to thank Paul Thurrott for recommending an excellent book pick. I downloaded and listened to World War 3.0 for the entire audio program. It was very enlightening, I've almost decided to restart my audible subscription again.
SgtGaToR
· 2 years ago
LOL... I agree with Da-Chief's post above.
I do look forward to every new episode, but there are times when people need time off, like when Mr. Thurrott went to France.
Keep up the great work and thanks for actually making my iPod more useful than it was when I bought it.
Jason C
· 2 years ago
you and the crew deserve a break, maybe good for the podcast too; you find a interesting topic to talk about on one of the twit casts :)
Kevin Krewell
· 2 years ago
Well, you've heard the TWiT Army speak (or at least a vocal part of it). Whadda say, Leo?
todd
· 2 years ago
LEO take some time off. I teach and work in the theatre. If i did not get time off i would be burnt out. I spent 6 years working 11 months a year 60-80 hour weeks. I was not fresh and in the end my teaching suffered. Get a system in place so you can take some time off, your a network now and a network cant survive on the back of one man. I would rather listen to another commercial in my TWIT so the creator can take some time off and be fresh to create great content.
Good luck and get some rest
dan
· 2 years ago
Take a break Leo, we're not going to forget you anytime soon. Meanwhile, everybody needs to refresh, and certainly nobody works harder than you, so you deserve it.
Hugo
· 2 years ago
I think a break is a good thing. And - as may have been said above - most listeners have iTunes (or similar) checking for updates. So, it's not as if forgetting you is really an issue. You'd come back, post an update, and there it would be - a new episode would show up for us to listen to. No action needed on anyones part.
Katie
· 2 years ago
Recently one of my favorite podcasts took the month of August off and it went great. What helped was that he told us in several episodes leading up to it that he was going to be taking a vacation. Then, he came back right on time.
I think this would work with most of your podcasts... except TWIT. Since TWIT is so news-based the break will be felt a lot more. What I think would work for TWIT is having guest hosts for a month while you take a break - it could actually be pretty fun to listen to, as long as we know you'll be coming back soon.
Justin
· 2 years ago
Nooooooo! Seriously I can't blame you for wanting some time off, and I think Katies idea of guest hosts would work real well
Jeremiah Staes
· 2 years ago
I think everyone needs breaks - my thoughts are such for you to take time off... which you greatly, greatly deserve.
SN could be pre-recorded pretty easily...
MBW could be handed over to Scott Bourne for a couple weeks...
TWiT could be guest hosted... John, Pat, and, I vote, Tom Merritt gets a shot.
What about interview segments for WW where Paul does some Microsoft interviews? Those could be pre-recorded.
Pause everybody else. I don't know how you do all this material without killing yourself - unfortunately, podcasting is an unforgiving medium as far as schedules to get it right.
yuko
· 2 years ago
i think a break sounds great too! you and the others feel revived... and i can have some time to catch up on music (i very rarely listen to music on the ipod now!)... just give us ample warning... don't just disappear for a month without telling us!!
worshiptech
· 2 years ago
I ran into this problem in my own work environment. Too much work, not enough me. I began investing my life into people who showed leadership skills and taught them to do certain jobs that I was sure that I had to personally take care of. As it turns out, my investment paid off and my leaders have bought into the vision cast before them. They are accomplishing tasks at a higher level than I was able to achive alone. I learned that a team under good leadership can accomplish much more than one person - even a very talented and highly motivated person. IMHO - maybe you could invest some time in leadership so that you can take some time off without stranding the TWITs.
Rollins
· 2 years ago
I think you should take some time off now and then, otherwise you're eventually going to burn out.
I think many people are subscribed via iTunes. Just make a note at the end of the podcast that you'll be back in a month. I don't think people will unsubscribe to the feed during that time. I certainly won't.
Thanks for all the wonderful netcasts. Security Now is my favorite. You and Steve really get down to the nuts and bolts. Munchcast is my other favorite. The chemistry between you and Cammy is wonderful, you both make me laugh so hard. It's great.
YVRSteve
· 2 years ago
What about you taking three weeks off a year .. have a guest host, and cast.
KYBook58
· 2 years ago
Leo - Like the rest here, I have been listening for so long now, I can't really remember when I wasn't listening. I like the idea of a break filled with "Best of" shows. And maybe you could stagger the breaks between the different shows. My tech life (and all of its ancillary components) has been enhanced by the TWiT network. Cheers from Louisville!
Klein
· 2 years ago
Leo,
I love TWiT and The Tech Guy, but you know I would completely understand if you needed to take a break every so often. You could also cut out some of the podcasts that you do.
Or what about putting together 'reels' of favorites to play like reruns? You could gather bits from all your different shows and piece them together into hour long chunks to play as reruns. Granted, this would provide additional work upfront, but once you had a small library set up like this, you could just check in once a week and upload an hour.
Justin
· 2 years ago
I listen to lots of your podcasts and wouldn't mind if you took time off from them. Maybe not all of them at once... but c'mon... you've got a HUGE advantage over regular shows that take time off: When you start updating that RSS again, people start getting your show again! It's that easy. People wouldn't delete your feed if it wasn't coming in in a while... especially if you left a note of hiatus before you left.
Jeffro2pt0
· 2 years ago
Looks to me like Leo is starting to succumb to podcast fatigue. It's not like NEt@Nite was on every sunday every week. There have been times where the show wasn't produced for over two weeks during the shows existence. I guess all of those mini breaks weren't enough.
I thoroughly enjoy net@nite when the conversation isn't about nostalgic times or when the show doesn't sound like a phone call between two distant friends who seemingly only have one hour for one day a week in which they can communicate with each other.
If you need the break, go ahead and take it. There are plenty of other podcasts oops netcasts to keep me busy.
All Comments
Is it possible to get a fill-in on each show, taking over for how ever long you want the off season to be? Maybe keeping on a portion of the original crew from each show for consistency, with the occasional call in from Leo? Just a thought.
Jered
You and all of the other hosts deserve a break once in a while.
You totally deserve a holiday. It might take a creative solution. Find a way to delegate work such that there is still content flowing. You deserve a hiatus. And recharging your batteries will only give you more to pour back into the network.
We won't forget about you.
However, you are also correct in that I would go stir crazy if I didn't have at least one or two to listen to each week.
Maybe do like Scott did/does with the iLifeZone and put out an episode every 10 days, or even two weeks instead of every week.
That way you could either stagger the recordings so that there is less to do each week, or sync them and have one week off and one week working.
I don't know if I could go a whole month without any TWiT casts. I would have to go back to audiobooks or something. Yeech! ;)
Bruce.
Also for some of the shows which do not depend on being released right after recording (TWiT or MacBreak Weekly) like Security Now or Munchcast, You could pre-produce some filler episodes to be released while You and Your co-hosts take that much deserved break.
I do have to disagree with the idea of seasons however, as those seem to apply mostly to TV shows, but not to radio or internet variations. And yes, even though the TWiT network is one of the most prominent and best known podcast networks out there, You as it's chief (TWiT) taking a break for too long will make people go and search for alternatives elsewhere. Probably not me, mind You, but still...
I do of course not know how sponsors would react to such a decision, but then again I also do not know what kind of deals You have with them anyway.
What I do know is this - there's basically nothing more entertaining that You, Leo, at Your best, and if You feel like You are simply putting too much stress on Yourself, spreading Yourself too thin, than by all means take the time You need to recharge!
Greetings from Old World (tm)!
Been following you since the Kate & Leo days :-)
Plus, scarcity breeds demand; people will appreciate what they have when you're gone!
Finally, you taking a break would give me a chance to catch up on the pile of books I have gathering dust!
Now that I think about it though, all of the TWiT netcasters should be entitled to a break every now and then.
As much as regular netcasts are a part of my routine, an announced, scheduled break would be easy to get used to. People mostly complain when there isn't a show they expected to show up in iTunes.
So, I say setup a schedule for time off and let us all know and I won't mind a bit. I feel a bit like the boss who doesn't know you need a vacation. This topic should have come up earlier! TWiT netcasters are a hard working bunch. Keep up the good work.
You could always pull a Regis - as on "Live with Regis and Kelly" - and have Alec Baldwin or Howie Mandel sit in for you for a couple of weeks. Figuratively speaking, of course.
When the host wants a vacation, the show goes on - too much happening for the show to not air during a particular week.
Hence, I think you could rotate hosts and take 2 weeks off every now and then, and maybe even a month once a year.
The shows wouldn't be as good without you on them, but at least they would air for your fans to stay up to speed on the latest news!
I think it is a great idea. I've been listening/watching you for years and I think I can tell when you are getting a little tired (remember the "ahhh, everything sucks" rant? I would like to see you after a break. I think it would really freshen things up. My suggestion would be to put out a "new" feeds even when you are away. Call then what they are "re-runs" or "best of's". Just have a blurb at the beginning of the feed that says this is a re-run or whatever. I think a lot of people would still like to tune in at the "usual" time and at least have something to listen to.
Allow the listeners to put together a best of. Turn over a few shows to Andy Inhatko as host. Dane can handle the shows, you get away. we would miss you, but you are still the brand. Even Johnny Carson got away a little bit. Then again, Johnny had a few wives.
"Season breaks" seem a bad idea, though. A couple of podcasts in my list have gone dark for a couple of months for various reasons, and I have gotten out of the habit. It costs me nothing to have dormant podcasts on my subscription list, but if I ever need to rebuild it dormant podcasts may not make the cut.
Do "MacBreak Bi-weekly" if you want. Take an occasional week off if you need. But a month's break really is too long.
Oh, and take some nice pics with that new camera.
I've been a day 1 listener of TWiT(ROTSS) and think you need a break. My fav shows are TWiT, MBW, SN, WW, and Tech Guy. I think if you had each show go on a roving "month of".....it would be ideal.
MBW on hiatus for july, twit in august, ww in sept, etc etc....I could live w/ that and it would give you a break from certain shows for a while...although I think Steve Gibson might take issue w/ taking a break from SN...Ha!
While it would suck to miss any of the TWiT shows, I think a week or 2 of best-of's or repeats of past episodes wouldn't be so bad either.
Although I'm sure Steve would hit up Starbucks for a marathon session of Security Now so that didn't happen ;)
One of the best examples of this in my subscription list is Lug Radio. They break their show into "seasons", which end with their Lug Radio Live conference/meetup. They then take a month or two off before starting up again, all refreshed.
Yes, we miss the show when it's not on. But, we know that it will be back after the hosts have had time off.
It all comes down to expectations. And if anyone deserves a break it is you!
Besides, if you go with the idea of seasons, you could make the listeners aware if the episode they are listening to is a season finale.
From the view of an addicted listener, I'd say maybe you could rotate staff, as someone else recommended, so that the podcast could continue. Each person could still have their time off but the podcast could still go on.
Cheers. :D
Regardless, do want _you_ need to do, Leo, and let us deal with it.
You My friend do more for the Twit Army then most Army's do in a single year!!
Take some time off Leo.. Recharge your batteries...This is when you put the "BEST OF" stuff up..
I know I look forward to hearing your stuff, but I will be around when you get back. If I can survive Mr. Thurott Galavanting all over Fry World..(FRANCE) ;-)
We can handle it...
Da-Chief
I do like the idea of putting in some re-runs, or even having guest hosts. That way you can satisfy us ravenous netcast subscribers :).
Personally, I don't really like "best of" episodes: podcasts (especially the TWiT) ones are about current affairs and if I wanted to listen to old stuff, well, all the archives are there.
Besides, Leo... take a look at how many people downloaded the last FLOSS "Weekly", which went on an unofficial hiatus for several months(?) and maybe that'd give you an idea of how taking a break might affect your audience numbers.
If you do decide to take some vacation time off just let us listeners know ahead of time that way we're not surprised and left hanging. From the comments so far I get the general feeling that most of us listeners will understand.
Go, and take some time off, You deserve it!!!!!!
Let all the people who said not to take a break, go through TWIT withdrawals symptoms, that way they'll appreciate all of the hard work you put into doing the TWIT netcasts week in and week out.
Go take a break and enjoy your family and yourself.
However, I really think you simply need to slow down. Promise yourself you won't start any more new shows for a while. And maybe, if the time is right, kill off one that doesn't have a big enough following.
If I were you, I'd stagger the affect of taking a break. Why not bump a show down to three times a month or twice a month instead of taking a break alltogether?
Honestly, it always seems that shows are more interesting when they occur less often because there's a lot to talk about, and the hosts haven't caught up with each other in a while....
While it would kind of suck to not have shows on certain weeks, it would be completely made up for when we have a completely badass and hilarious show the next week, huh?
I hope you get around to reading this, but if you don't, I understand... There's a ton of freaking comments already!
Well, good luck, Leo! We love your shows.
I would miss TWiT, MBW, and SN too much not having them each week.
I've been listening to the TWiTcasts for a long time now and, as others have said, it has become part of my routine. That said, a break would give me time to listen to more of my audiobooks! You often say during the audible ads that netcast listeners are the natural audience for audiobooks. The paradox is that you're dead right, apart from the fact that we have no TIME to listen to audiobooks as we have so many netcasts to get through each week!
I'm not keen on the idea of reruns. Anyone in need of reruns can listen to, well, reruns. They're all available for download after all!
-A
And Dvorak can handle Twit.
of course you will have to rename it
twitandwhine.
besides I have 16 of the radio shows to catch up on.
so slow down already.
Fear not, the TWIT army is behind you.
As a long-time listener, I'd be disappointed, but I do understand. For those of us who love your work, I think it's more important that you stay healthy and vital, not burned out. If that means missing some weeks, then so be it.
Thanks for all your hard work.
All best,
Niko
Brooklyn, NY
"Q, even if you have been able to bring me back to the past somehow, surely you must realize that any alteration in this timeline will have a profound impact on the future."
"Please! Spare me your egotistical musings on your pivotal role in history. Nothing you do here will cause the Federation to collapse or galaxies to explode. To be blunt, you're not that important."
- Picard and Q
The world will go on, if you take a break (and you need to)...Frankly Leo...Podcasts are not that important...But your sanity and your family are...
Now go away! ;-)
I'm a regular podcast listener (all of twit netcasts) and I watch the Lab with Leo as well. I don't know how you keep up the schedule that you do. I think you have to trust us - we aren't going to forget about you.
You provide us with hours of entertainment, knowledge and fun. But you've got to keep those creative juices flowing which means that you need to rejuvenate.
A very big thank-you for all the stuff you do. I will be lost if you take time off but I'll get over it. And I will count the days until you return.
Congrats on the 100th Lab with Leo. Had I not still been recovering from my back surgery I would have been there to shake your hand in person.
Thanks!
Darlene
Another possibility is to just do a show or two from jamaica or some other remote location with broadband. Take the whole crew along. I think that would be the only time we would hear John Dvorack happy.
Anyway, I know you are creative enough to work it out if you want a vacation. Just don't get burnt out.
There's certainly different aspects of this to consider. 1) Entertainment shows run in seasons. The News doesn't. The TWIT-casts sort of fall into a hybrid category of reporting the news, yet being entertaining.
2) TWIT itself is a bit of a rotating cast with Leo being the steady host. As mentioned before, couldn't someone else play the role of host/editor? Patrick for TWIT or Scott for MBW or anyone of the other regulars would seemingly fill in nicely. We fans of all.
I believe it was Ronald McDonald who said it best, "You deserve a break today" (ok, maybe not).
I have my own blog that I find that posting more than a few times a week is beyond what I can do. There's so much stuff that needs the time to prepare and edit and everything and there's also family. So, for me, after 2 years, I am finally settled in a rhythm that I can work without feeling stressed and burnt out.
The fans will still be there. Believe me, they will. Take an extended break at least from the podcasts to really get back to life before Leo (LOL). Your health, sanity and family should come way before the fans. Seriously.
If you feel like you need a break, you probably do need the break. But I would be the concerned if that break went too long, it might get hard to restart. I agree with an earlier comment that the "best of" shows are not that great an idea. There's often more
I already thing you're a madman for the amount of work you do, but you're also a hard guy to replace. You have the right mix of being a techie, radio-quality voice, and also a polished host. A guest host will only remind everyone how much they miss you. Hmmm, not a bad strategy.
To finish my comment: A "Best of" show can be more work with all the editing required.
I guess a break depends on the content of the show. "This Week in Tech" certainly implies a weekly netcast. However, the show has taken breaks from time to time with no adverse consequences. And not every show comes out on a weekly basis.
In a real sense most people have jobs year-round with only a week or two of vacation. Even actors with a hiatus in their shows usually spend that time on other projects. But none of that's to say you all don't work hard, or have busy schedules.
I think the real issue is how much do you have on your plate? In the case of Amber, is her schedule so busy that doing this netcast every Sunday (maybe her only day off?) is just too much. Or is there something else in her life that's taking up time that needs to be re-evaluated? I don't know. Only she can answer that question.
You almost dropped the show from the lineup once before, but after much outcry you figured out a way to make it work. But is it still working?
Circumstances change, and with them so must we. (As you well know.) If that means a show must be dropped, then so be it. It will be missed, but it's been a good run. And we appreciate the content you've given us.
Not saying I would like it, but that I would just have to live with it.
Take a break in the summer or around Thanksgiving/Christmas...your faithful listeners will still be here when you return.
I'm not in favor of guest hosts...wouldn't be the same without you, but 'best of' type shows or repeats would be OK to attract new listeners.
Frankly, you (and other netcasters) produce so much content now, it would give those of us who listen to a lot of netcasts a chance to catch up on the episodes. I'm always behind a couple of weeks.
Whatever you decide is fine, the magic of rss will let me know when you put anything new up.
Thanks for all you do.
You make me laugh and I have learned a great deal from you. Consider staggering the podcasts on a 2 week cycle for certain months of the year, say December and August.
Just a thought for what it is worth
Also, "best of" shows don't work well in the business of news... who wants to re-listen to news about the release of Windows 2000 like its new again...
I agree with the fact that you need a break. Here is my suggestion: do not run the podcast like a TV show. Don't start releasing it every two weeks (that happened with poweruser.tv, and then it was every now and then, and now nothing). What I suggest you do however, is take two weeks, shut the network down or leave it in Dane and the other hosts hands, and just go somewhere. Forget about the netcasts, forget about the tv show and forget about the radio show. Just take two weeks with your family to relax and come back fresh.
I think if you do this every now and then, you'll feel much more energised, and if people can't wait two weeks for a show, so that the host can take a break, then they have issues. " 'Nough Said".
I'm going to be honest. Anything that doesn't update in iTunes or my RSS reader in about three weeks gets deleted. There is just too much stuff out there. I could spend 30 hours a day reading and listening to stuff that I actually like. And obviously I don't have the time.
You wanted to leave main stream media. Own it yourself, keep it pure. That's cool. I applaud that. But one of the advantages TV has is that they fill the space when you are gone. Long silences kill blogs and podcasts. Something else gets our attention when your gone.
You, of course, deserve a break. But honestly, does the owner of a small business ever really get a break? It's kinda the price you pay for being your own boss.
We (listeners), we prefer that the show lasts with due breaks then dies because the host is breaking down.
On top of that, a break will make us more eager to get the following show!
Thanks for the good work, Leo,
Gam
Dave C.
But for your sanity I think time off is a good idea.
As brief response to Playtpibri, my husband and I have been small business owners for 15 years and we have been able to take months off at a time and travel. *shrug* You just need to find reliable people to fill in for you.
I don't see a problem with staggering releases or what have you. Whatever works.
I'm a big fan of down time to help inspire something better for the future... for any show thats not a news show (TWIT and MaBreak Weekly for example) I thing a month or more is totally appropriate.
my 2 cents
dj
Yes you should get a break. The drawback is that we wouldn't have the feedback from the great people at Twit. So, what if you did something like let some of your listeners host. You'd have maybe 5 people or so. Regardless of what you decide take a break, you deserve it. We'll survive until you come back.
Please keep net@nite going!
"Best of" format is definitely REALLY hard for TWiT specifically, since the topics become WAY old news so fast. But, sticking with the TWiTs for a moment, either having a guest host (it would have to be a "Leo"-type person, someone who isn't the 1000-meter-deep geek), or having even someone entirely outside tech host a show on an entirely different topic - "This Week in Wine", "This Week in Horse Racing", and let the regulars try to roll with it... Would make for interesting listening, maybe?
Also, a way cut down 15-20 minute mini-show featuring a "day in the life" for one of the cast, their ruminations on how tech affects their lives, etc... Kind of a spotlight feature that the fans could still relate to?
Heck, Mac Break Tech apparently took some time off recently, and that gang was surprised that there wasn't any drop-off in downloads when they came back... I was surprised because I hadn't even noticed they were gone.
I know this is your thing, but frankly I don't think you need to be in audiocast.
You could take time off and leave John, Pat or even Wil in the driver seat. You did this before with Pat at the helm and it was fine.
You don't ALWAYS have to be on EVERY Twit nor every other show. You can take a break and I am sure there are people that would do a fine job.
You don't have to be the only one busting your back.
Cursor_
Sounds like Amber is the one that wants time off, so have a fill-in until she's ready to come back.
A hiatus would be good for you guys personally, but not professionally. You're right that the audience would probably erode over time. Look at what happened to Jericho last year after they had an extended hiatus. A porion of the audience didn't come back because they got involved with other things and didn't tune in again. Don't let TWiT become another Jericho.
And for God's sake, do NOT put on "best of" shows. I hate those. I'd rather have nothing than a re-hash of old material.
If you take a hiatus, I will be hear when you return.
Maybe even something like, 4 weeks on 1 week off. Or even better, 8 weeks on 1 week off.
If you guys need some time off, just go for it!!! Remember what you and Amber were talking about just last Saturday? You have a loyal group of people who listen to your podcasts and who have followed you since the TechTV days...
Although I'll be checking for new feeds everyday, if you take a vacation, I think I'll survive... and so will the rest of the TwiT community!!!
Thank you all for Twit.TV!!!!
Really love your netcasts and I admit I look forward to TWiT, Munchcast, Jumping Monkeys, Tech Guy, Security Now! and Windows Weekly every week. I'm amazed at this point that you can keep the schedule you do, but just chalk it up to you loving what you do and that you don't see it as a job (I wish I felt that way with my job).
I also wanted to let you know that the latest TWiT never appeared on the AAC feed. I wouldn't have known a new episode was out if I hadn't been checking out the website on another computer.
And to sum it up I wanted to thank Paul Thurrott for recommending an excellent book pick. I downloaded and listened to World War 3.0 for the entire audio program. It was very enlightening, I've almost decided to restart my audible subscription again.
I do look forward to every new episode, but there are times when people need time off, like when Mr. Thurrott went to France.
Keep up the great work and thanks for actually making my iPod more useful than it was when I bought it.
Good luck and get some rest
I think this would work with most of your podcasts... except TWIT. Since TWIT is so news-based the break will be felt a lot more. What I think would work for TWIT is having guest hosts for a month while you take a break - it could actually be pretty fun to listen to, as long as we know you'll be coming back soon.
SN could be pre-recorded pretty easily...
MBW could be handed over to Scott Bourne for a couple weeks...
TWiT could be guest hosted... John, Pat, and, I vote, Tom Merritt gets a shot.
What about interview segments for WW where Paul does some Microsoft interviews? Those could be pre-recorded.
Pause everybody else. I don't know how you do all this material without killing yourself - unfortunately, podcasting is an unforgiving medium as far as schedules to get it right.
I think many people are subscribed via iTunes. Just make a note at the end of the podcast that you'll be back in a month. I don't think people will unsubscribe to the feed during that time. I certainly won't.
Thanks for all the wonderful netcasts. Security Now is my favorite. You and Steve really get down to the nuts and bolts. Munchcast is my other favorite. The chemistry between you and Cammy is wonderful, you both make me laugh so hard. It's great.
I like the idea of a break filled with "Best of" shows. And maybe you could stagger the breaks between the different shows.
My tech life (and all of its ancillary components) has been enhanced by the TWiT network.
Cheers from Louisville!
I love TWiT and The Tech Guy, but you know I would completely understand if you needed to take a break every so often. You could also cut out some of the podcasts that you do.
Or what about putting together 'reels' of favorites to play like reruns? You could gather bits from all your different shows and piece them together into hour long chunks to play as reruns. Granted, this would provide additional work upfront, but once you had a small library set up like this, you could just check in once a week and upload an hour.
I thoroughly enjoy net@nite when the conversation isn't about nostalgic times or when the show doesn't sound like a phone call between two distant friends who seemingly only have one hour for one day a week in which they can communicate with each other.
If you need the break, go ahead and take it. There are plenty of other podcasts oops netcasts to keep me busy.