[DougEiffel]

Well, it sounds like the numbers were just being artificially inflated in the first place. Now they're being brought down to match reality.

Side note, I don't really see how advertising can possibly be useful in this medium. We all just skip them, right? Even when I don't, I can't say I've ever purchased something mentioned on a podcast.

[paulryanrogers]

I have bought things advertised in podcasts. The ads raised my awareness and when the need arrived, I at least looked into the advertised option. Podcast ads are usually more about awareness, since folks usually don't even know they can click into the show notes.

Full disclosure: I work for a service that helps podcasters monetize their ad-free feeds.