A podcast I listen to was soliciting feedback via an online survey. Because I’m a fan of the podcast, I completed the survey (using a throwaway email account to maintain my anonymity, of course). I had a few ideas that I think would improve the show.
Unsurprisingly, the survey was clearly for corporate marketing purposes. It’s questions included:
- How did you find this podcast?
- Do you ever purchase from our sponsors?
- Which of the following do you intend to purchase in the next 12 months (car, house, therapy, vacation, airfare, hotel, investments…)
- What is your Annual Income? Race? Gender? Education?
- What is your age?
It was that last question that stuck out to me. I’ve seen it hundreds of times so it’s not a surprise.
What was a surprise were the response choices:
- 12-17 years old
- 18-24 years old
- 25-34 years old
- 35-44 years old
- 45-54 years old
- 55+
Having turned 55 this year, I am in the last category. To the company, I’m no different than a 70 year old or a 95 year old!
It was clear from the questions (and from the advertisers) that I am not in their Target Demo.
If only they asked the right questions, I could have explained in detail how not only am I in the wrong age group, I’m a minimalist, frugal, anti consumer who is never going to buy anything they advertise.
That’s OK. I’m a weirdo. I’m sure some listeners are buying electric cars, subscribing to online therapy, paying for meal kits and investing in digital currency. I’m happy to let those youngsters fund the podcast so I can listen for free.
At my age, I have realized that I am effectively invisible to most teenagers and young adults. They literally look right past me.
The same goes for attractive women who are younger than me. They don’t see me. (I’ve read this phenomenon is even worse for woman as they age).
I’m cool with all of it.
It is what it is.
It’s a little weird.
But it is nothing that I’ll spend any time worrying about.