diff --git a/asteroid-radio-growth.org b/asteroid-radio-growth.org deleted file mode 100644 index cdb7fa2..0000000 --- a/asteroid-radio-growth.org +++ /dev/null @@ -1,181 +0,0 @@ -#+TITLE: Asteroid Radio - Growth & Listener Retention Ideas -#+DATE: December 2025 -#+OPTIONS: toc:2 - -* Current Situation - -- 3 listeners (project contributors only) -- Curated ambient/electronic playlist (Biosphere, Autechre, Four Tet, Brian Eno, etc.) -- Solid technical foundation now in place - -* Why Listeners Might Not Be Sticking - -** Discovery Problem - -- How do people find Asteroid Radio? -- No presence on streaming directories, social media, or music communities -- "If you build it, they will come" doesn't work for internet radio - -** Content Predictability - -- Curated playlists can feel repetitive to regular listeners -- Same tracks in same order = listeners know what's coming -- Ambient/electronic is niche - smaller potential audience - -** No "Appointment Listening" - -- Nothing that makes someone think "I need to tune in at X time" -- No live shows, no special events, no schedule - -** Passive Experience - -- No chat, no requests, no interaction -- Listeners have no reason to engage or return - -* Ideas to Explore - -** Quick Wins (Low Effort) - -*** Shuffle/Random Mode - -- Let Liquidsoap shuffle the entire music library -- Fresh experience every time someone tunes in -- Reduces repetition fatigue -- Could offer both: "Low Orbit" (curated) and "Deep Space" (random shuffle) - -*** Multiple Themed Streams - -- ~/asteroid.mp3~ - Main curated ambient -- ~/asteroid-shuffle.mp3~ - Random from full library -- ~/asteroid-dark.mp3~ - Darker ambient (Lustmord, Atrium Carceri) -- Let listeners choose their vibe - -*** Now Playing Integration - -- Post to a Twitter/X account automatically -- Discord webhook for a music community -- Last.fm scrobbling for discoverability - -** Medium Effort - -*** Submit to Internet Radio Directories - -- [[https://www.radio.net/][Radio.net]] -- [[https://tunein.com/][TuneIn]] (requires application) -- [[https://streema.com/][Streema]] -- [[https://www.internet-radio.com/][Internet-Radio.com]] -- These are where people actually discover internet radio - -*** Discord Community - -- Create a Discord server for listeners -- Bot posts now playing -- Request channel (even if manual fulfillment) -- Builds community around the station - -*** Listener Requests - -- Simple web form to request tracks -- Queue gets reviewed and added by admins -- Makes listeners feel heard - -*** Schedule/Programming - -- Even fake "shows" create structure -- "Midnight Ambient" 00:00-06:00 -- "Morning Drift" 06:00-12:00 -- "Afternoon Orbit" 12:00-18:00 -- "Evening Descent" 18:00-00:00 -- Different playlist vibes for different times - -** Higher Effort (But High Impact) - -*** Live DJ Sets - -- Even occasional (monthly?) live sets create events -- "Tune in Saturday at 20:00 for a live set" -- Creates appointment listening -- Can be promoted in advance - -*** Guest Mixes - -- Invite ambient/electronic producers to submit mixes -- Cross-promotion to their audiences -- Fresh content without ongoing effort - -*** Mobile App / PWA - -- Make it easy to listen on mobile -- Push notifications for special events -- "Install to home screen" prompt - -*** Podcast Feed - -- Archive special shows/mixes as podcast episodes -- Another discovery channel -- People can catch up on what they missed - -* Interface Improvements - -Current UI is functional but could be more engaging: - -- *Visual identity* - Logo, consistent branding, memorable aesthetic -- *Album art* - Show cover art for current track (if available in metadata) -- *Listener count display* - "X people listening now" creates social proof -- *History* - "Recently played" visible on front page -- *Schedule display* - Even if automated, show what's coming up -- *Dark mode* - Essential for ambient music listeners (probably already dark?) - -* The Music Question - -** Is the music the problem? - -Honestly, probably not. Ambient/electronic has a dedicated audience. The issue is more likely: - -1. They don't know we exist -2. There's no reason to come back vs. Spotify/YouTube - -** Random shuffle pros - -- Surprise factor keeps it fresh -- Showcases full library depth -- Less maintenance than curated playlists - -** Random shuffle cons - -- Less coherent "vibe" -- Jarring transitions possible (need good crossfade) -- Might play obscure tracks that don't fit - -** Hybrid approach - -- Keep curated "Low Orbit" as flagship -- Add shuffle stream as alternative -- Let listeners choose - -* Recommended Priority - -1. *Submit to radio directories* - Free, one-time effort, ongoing discovery -2. *Add shuffle stream option* - Technical, we can do this easily -3. *Discord server* - Free, builds community -4. *Now playing social posts* - Automated discovery -5. *Visual polish* - Album art, listener count, branding - -* Metrics to Track - -Once we have more listeners: - -- Peak concurrent listeners (we have this now) -- Average listen duration -- Return listener rate (would need cookies/accounts) -- Geographic distribution (we have this) -- Which stream/quality is most popular - -* Final Thought - -The technical foundation is solid. The music is good. The problem is almost certainly *discovery* and *engagement*. People need to: - -1. Find out we exist -2. Have a reason to come back - -Radio directories + social presence + community = growth path.