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Would it be possible to insert the name "Manager Tools" into the name field of your mp3 file? Currently you only put the unique title for the specific show into the name field, for example "The Peer Feedback Model". I'm suggesting changing it to "Manager Tools: The Peer Feedback Model" or something similar.

The reason is that I, like many people, create a playlist of podcasts. When I look at my playlist on my ipod, I cannot tell which shows are Manager Tools and which shows are other podcasts.

Most other podcasts (at least the ones that I subscribe too) do this, and it seems like a nice usability feature.

If putting the entire title "Manager Tools" is too long, you could abbreviate. For example: "MT: The Peer Feedback Model".

Thanks.

mauzenne's picture
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sgranese,

Can you help me understand what your referring to? The name is already populated with "MT" for Manager Tools. For example, one of the most recent is named "MT-2007-01-15 The Juggling Koan". Although they weren't *always* named that way.

Mike

sgranese's picture

Hey Michael,

Here is a screenshot of my iTunes so you can see what I mean: http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=365771486&size=o. This is my podcast playlist and you can see that for Manager Tools, the name column only has the title of the show. You can also see how "most" of the other podcasts that I have put an indicator of their show at the beginning of the name field. I think that TWIT does the best job with an abbreviation and show number.

This way, when I am looking at my playlist on my actual ipod, i can quickly see what podcast it is, and I can group all similar podcasts together.

What you are suggesting would be perfect, and if I am doing something wrong (like subscribing to an old feed), just let me know and I will switch.

Thanks,
Steven

aspiringceo's picture

Hi Stephen,

I responded to a similar post http://www.manager-tools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=798 and I think using "Smart" playlists may help you especially with the grouping of casts.
Edmund

sgranese's picture

Hi Edmund,

I actually do use SmartPlaylists (I know, I know, the picture I provided shows a regular playlist :) ) but that's not the issue here. I think if you read my initial posts you'll see that most podcasts put their show abbreviation in the "name" or "title" field so that you can easily see them on your ipod's playlist. I know I can sort with SmartPlaylists, but visually on an ipod (when looking at a playlist) all you can see is the name of the file, so it's SO helpful to have it appear like "MT #61: The Feedback Model" rather than "The Feedback Model". When scrolling through a list of 50 podcasts, see the "MT" at the beginning helps me to know that it's Manager Tools.

Steven

aspiringceo's picture

Hi Steven

Firstly, sorry I mispelt your name last time.

I understand what you mean but still think a smart playlist with only MT casts is the answer, the other thing you could do is to edit the file name yourself (rightclick on the cast and select "get info")

Edmund

sgranese's picture

no worries!

you are right with your suggestions. I do realize that those "hacks" are possible - I currently add "MT" manually myself. But I think that the MT team may want to consider making this change. Like I said earlier, many podcasts already do this so I am simply making a suggestion. Michael indicated in his reply that he may already be attempting to do it - but at least I know that I don't see it in iTunes.

Thanks for your feedback!

mauzenne's picture
Admin Role Badge

sgranese,

Got it ... I was thinking of the "name" in the id3 tags.

aspiringceo's suggestion will work well ... I'll also look at what I can do on my end (modifying the RSS feed) so the step isn't necessary.

thanks,
Mike

sgranese's picture

Michael,

Thanks for looking into this. You are right, aspiringceo's idea does work as far as sorting, but it doesn't help recognize the name of the podcast while looking at a playlist ON AN IPOD (not iTunes).

Anyway, just a suggestion so thanks to you both for hearing me out.

Steven