I have been involved in #podcasting from very very early on. I can tell you it has always been rife with this needy, thirsty quest for validation. "Oh goodie, iTunes supports podcasting!" "Oh look, this giant media company noticed us!" "Maybe I can make it on some list!"
My goal now is as it was then - produce a show that is what I want to publish at that time. I have never once asked listeners to rate me so that my listenership will increase. I'm not opposed to increase but I'm not begging for it nor even thinking hard about it. I avoid most of the best practices du jour, a maddening set of goal posts that have been moving for 21 years and counting.
Long ago I suggested podcasters think about this question: "If your listenership drops, what is the minimum number that you consider viable for continuing?" Then as now my answer remains 0. I like doing it, it helps me crystallize my thoughts. Any outcome is the tail but it does not wag this dog.
Listen if you like. You can join the vast majority of the planet in indifference if you prefer. I'll keep doing it either way.
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Evil Genius Chronicles (evilgeniuschronicles.org)