I think there is plenty of unmitigated crap out there in the Podcast world– embarrassing audio assemblages of poorly written drivel and unlimitedly bad production values. I strive in my podcasts, to sound professional. That doesn’t mean that I try to sound like the z-morning zoo guy or like a CBS news anchor– I do try for clear diction, good production, modulation, and consistent levels.

I am self trained (with the exception of Michael’s book) and am always trying to do better… This is professionalism. I’ll be a professional when I find a way to get paid for what I am doing.

I’m not sure (by my definition) being a professional means that you are espousing professionalism.

At the same time, us “from the ground up as a podcast” podcasters do need to evangelize what we’re doing. And, as you’ve noted at various conferences, this does afford us opportunities to make a profession of it (either by ad revenue or more likely by consulting opportunities).

I’d say there’d have to be a certain degree of income before someone could be called a “professional” podcaster. That’s not the same thing as “acting professional” while generating no income. I think I’m professional in approach but I’d hardly call myself a professional podcaster.

More importantly, I think there’s a lot of people starting to generate income. That’s the success story that need to be continued to be told.