I thought it would be fun (well, INTERESTING, maybe not “fun”) to take a look as some of the negatively critical reviews that my PodCast Phedippidations has received on iTunes over the years. I think that some of the points my critics have raised are fair (although, you can imagine I disagree with many of them).
Regardless of how I might feel, these reviews deserve consideration. They are brutally honest and reveal some deeply seated passion for (and against) everything I’d ever said on my podcast.
Today, there are a hundred seventy six reviews about Phedippidations on iTunes, with an average rating of 4 and a half stars (out of five stars). I welcome all thoughts, opinion and observations here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/phedippidations/id76776428
And now, here are the reviews:
Zipnme wrote: Sorry but leaving (one star)
“Used to think that Steve was the greatest thing since racing flats but I’m going to have to make my IPOD elsewhere. I adore his family stories and his running topics are THE BEST. But his continuing diatribes on Jenny McCarthy and other social issues show him to be snotty and mean and I just don’t need that in my life. I actually agree with his views but his holier than thou, zealot ‘tude has totally turned me off. Let me know, Steve, when you’ve gained some compassion and I’d love to listen again. Or stick to running. Thanks for the good times. Adios.”
MaineRunner wrote: Love to listen when it’s about running (one star)
“However, more and more Steve goes on rants about other topics in the social condition and is often very negative. Examples are Nike, Apple and the final straw is wanting social services called on the parents of a 13 year old who recently conquered Everest, but it is always something. If it were all about running, I’d listn, but as it is now I need to disconnect. If he were to create a different persona for his personal views and leave Steve Runner to speak about running issues that would be good with me, but never know what I am going to get now when I put on the headphones."
RI-LIGHTHOUSE wrote: What Happened to our Steve Runner? (one star)
“It pains me to unsubscribe to this podcast after being a loyal listener since the very beginning. But Steve Runner has been replaced by Steve Walker, social activist. As Steve explains, it is his podcast and he can do whatever he wants with it. He has decided to talk a lot less about running and too much – for my taste – about social issues. Over and over. Beating the topics into the ground. One thought, Steve, is to consider the fate of other endeavors that have a “if you don’t like my podcast there are plenty of others out there. Listen to them instead.” Attitude. They go out of business. They don’t listen to the “customer”. Your mission is to please yourself and that is your privilege but it is too bad you don’t choose to consider us too. Goodbye!”
Michael McLaughlin wrote: No Longer Worth a Listen (one star)
“What started out as a reasonably interesting podcast about running, has become an ill-informed weekly rant with a heavy political slant. There is little to no actual running content these days. Do yourself a favor and pass over this podcast."
DanielaDF wrote: Persistent as… (one star)
“Used to be a show I could listen to on long runs. Used to be weekly and then bi-weekly. Not it’s looking like monthly. If that happens. Steve used to be available on twitter and facebook but now it seems he’s given up on being social. My husband and I think he has become paranoid with deleting tweets and all. If you’re going to just delete them, why have a twitter account at all? I used to recommend this to my running group and it’s disappointing to say that I can no longer do that”.
Ron4sc wrote: “Too self absorbed” (one star)
"I’ve given this podcast several tries over the past year. I really don’t understand why this is so highly rated. He blathers on with his perspective on this life, the next life, and everything that has only a loose connection to running. He needs to deliver running topics and not provide his metaphysical spin on the deeper meaning. I’m educated and can spot when someone is trying a little too hard to show others their educational chops. I’m glad people are finding this podcast motivating. For me, unfortunately, it just reveals his underlying insecurities packaged in multi-syllable words. This show has only the faintest connection to the reason why I attempted to listen in the first place."
Usickenme wrote: Put a fork in Steve – He’s done (two stars)
"What used to be a charming little podcast about one man’s running (h)as turned into an ad-filled, long winded, preachy, rarely about running mess. Sure some people like to hear about Steve’s life but if I hear once more about the puppy – I’m going to hurl. I recommend you go back and listen to the first 50 but STOP after that."
Chris_In Ga wrote: Deviations (two stars)
"This is difficult. This is really difficult to convey, but I’ll give it my best. This podcast is what tool me from being able to run 30 minutes continuously at a 10:30 pace to my first marathon finish. Without question, this podcast has been responsible for encouraging me to reach deeper than I ever imagined being able to. Seven marathons later and 3 minutes per mile faster, something aesthetic has changed. The content of the show is still sound. It’s about running and all things related to training, recovery, and current events related to the sport. No problem there. I’ve got to be honest though, the last several months have changed things from my perspective. It’s not my podcast or website, I know. SO I have no right to decide what is said, talked about, etc. but I think it only right that I convey to Steve that the relentless harping (no matter how justified it seems to be) has really turned me off completely. Of all the things in this world that warrant attention and disdain, Nike and vaccinations really seem to rank low on the charts to me. I appreciate your outrage on the idea that you feel wrong is being committed. I do.
