Okay, I know you’ve heard me say all this before, BUT, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make things easier for yourself or turn out a good product. The idea these days is to save yourself time and money when it comes to turning out your production or product. So if you’re looking for something that can do both, plus someone that can continually provide you with good, usable information, maybe you should think about trying the S3 Media Player from Mike Stewart.

I know I talk about Mike a lot and there is a reason for that. First and foremost, Mike is a wonderfully talented person that is not stingy in sharing what he knows about audio and video production and recording equipment, software and techniques.

You see, when I was just entering into this new adventure called podcasting several years ago, I had a lot of experience with live and studio production recording, editing and turning out final products, but I knew very little about doing the same thing on the internet.  You might say I knew enough to be dangerous and, to tell the truth, I struggled to do even some of the simplest things.

At first, most of what I did was experiment with what I knew and honestly, I didn’t have  a lot of money, so I tried to find less expensive ways of accomplishing the tasks of recording, editing and posting my final productions. I just tried different things until I started finding better ways to produce and distribute my original audio podcasts and, to tell the truth, although I know a lot about the equipment and software I turned out my productions with, I don’t use most of them anymore.

It was during this time that I first encountered Mike Stewart. When I would listen or watch him explain things, it seemed so simple and he always seemed to be a step above the rest in the quality of his productions. Needless to say, that was one of the first things that attracted me to him — the quality of his audio and video productions. Even with his input, still I struggled to put audio or video on my websites simply because I wasn’t computer literate enough to do it.

With the S3 Media Player, it is a totally different experience now. The S3 Media Player from Mike Stewart has greatly simplified how I add audio or video to my websites and blogs. In fact, it has made it extremely easy and quite inexpensive to produce and deliver audio and video from my websites. I guess you could say, now I am spoiled; and it’s true… I am. I use it and several other things I learned from Mike for everything in audio or video I add to my sites and pages.

It doesn’t matter whether you are just a beginner or experienced at adding audio and video to your pages or sites. The S3 Media Player can simplify the process for you affordably. I use it and highly recommend it, but, the best way to find out if I am right is to give it a try yourself.

So, stand by immediately after this audio and you will be taken to Mike Stewart’s video about the S3 Media Player and how you can simplify adding audio and video to your pages or sites AND a whole lot more From Mike Stewart.

See ya next time …

Rusty

(all views expressed are strictly the opinion of the writer)

© July 2009 – all rights reserved

Rusty Norman and  Podcastnorm.com

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I’m sure you remember in the not too distant past we’ve talked about using a musical floor in the main body of your podcast. Well, I have a very good reason for bringing it up again and there are more than a few good reasons to use a musical floor.

(For those of you that may just be joining in, that’s background music, or for some of you out there, a musical underlay. Others may even call it an underscore. They all pretty much mean the same thing)

Some good reasons for using one are:

• Setting the mood for what you are presenting or talking about.
• Enhancing or reinforcing the mood you want to set for the podcast or subject.
• Using it with video often adds mental excitement of some sort to the visual footage.
• It can also be used to add a calming effect after some sort of intensity.

Now, I want you to know those are just some of the reasons.

Here, I would like to tell you two of the main reasons I use a musical floor:

• The first is to add life or set the mood for the podcast.
• Second is to cover over a little bit of background sound that I have no way of getting rid of, (at least, not easily at the moment.)

You see, I don’t have the quietest of places to record my podcast, I just have a place that is fairly quiet. Because of this particular reason, I decided, rather than let it bother me too much, I would just, basically, make it sound as if those background sounds weren’t there or at least cover them over as best I could. Now I know that sounds as if I am cheating a bit, but trust me when I tell you, I’m not alone in choosing that method of covering some small imperfections.

Remember, this is just one good reason to use a musical floor. It gives you a bit more room for covering things that might be a distraction to you or some of your listeners.

Now, I understand there will be some that will disagree with me on this, but when the proper music is chosen for this purpose, it can do more than just cover background noise. It can cause your listeners to be more responsive to your message.

I can tell you with certainty that the music you choose for your musical floor can make a world of difference in what people take away from your presentation (what ever it may be) and what they will think of it in general. It has to do with a thing called the brain. In fact it has to do with speaking to the left side and the right side of the human brain at the same time.

Now, I am not a psychologist but I do know that this works for several reasons and just about anyone in marketing will tell you that if you can effectively relate, or link, left brain-right brain activity, the more effective and better are the chances of your message being responded to and remembered.

If you think I’m wrong, let me remind you once again, you are entitled to your opinion. I can, however, make a good argument for my case. I would merely point out to you that music can, and probably has, helped you remember twenty six somewhat unrelated items (at least if you’re from the USA). This is a classic example that many have already experienced. Yes, you’ve guessed it; It is the a-b-c’s. Surely you know the musical melody and the letters of the alphbet by now.

For another example, I’m sure you’ve already noticed, if you watch much TV or many movies, there is usually some sort of music in the background. It isn’t necessarily the same music all the time and there are times when music just doesn’t fit, but, music can make or break a message or a scene. I’m also guessing you’ve noticed most commercials, whether on TV, radio or anywhere else, have music of some sort playing in the background. (That’s right; it seems inescapable, doesn’t it?) And here’s the important thing about it. All of that music is chosen because it does what it is supposed to do. It makes the message either more memorable, or more effective.

Now, we won’t be getting into all of the nuances of music and sound effects right now, but suffice it to say, music … the right music … can make a world of difference in what you are trying to get across to your listener and what they take away from what you are saying. Music in the background … the right music in the background … can help make your message more acceptable to those listening to it. Yes, I know not all people’s taste in music is the same and I know, also, that music is not needed in every situation. Used properly, though, it can possibly make your podcast more interesting and even more exciting than it may have been without it.

Now, admittedly, the wrong music can totally distract your listener and cause them to completely miss what you want them to take away with them. It could even possibly cause them to turn off your podcast before they ever get your message. This is why you need to put a little forethought into the audience you are trying to reach. By taking the time to think about your audience — who they are what their interests are — could quite possibly make the difference in how they respond to you and your message. Not only could that make your podcast more popular, but it could possibly make it more valuable in more ways than one.

Simply choosing music you like is not the best reason for what you choose to use as a musical floor. You need to think bigger. You need to think wider or broader. You need to think about your audience and what you are trying to get across to them. Experimenting with different types will not be a waste of your time, but wise use of it. By taking the time to think about these things, you’re taking the time to make your podcast a level above the rest and, in my thinking, that is a good thing.

I’ll see you next time …

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If someone would have told you 3-4 years ago that podcasting was going to be as popular as it is today and that you would be able to get your favorite music and podcasts through your cell phone, would that have made a difference in your life at that time?

If your answer is yes, (or even a ‘maybe’), then I have some great information for you today. I know of someone (and I am sure he was not alone) who said just that 3-4 years ago and that’s one of the reasons I look to him for software and equipment recommendations. I listen closely what he says about the future of podcasting with audio, video or both and thoroughly enjoy the excitement in his voice when he shares his thoughts and insights into recording, editing, podcasting and production.

Who is this person, you ask?

In the past, I have mentioned to you many times this person named, Mike Stewart. If you have never visited his sites or taken advantage of his expertise, you shouldn’t put it off any longer. He has branded himself, (and is known as), the “internetaudioguy” and the “internetvideoguy“. (That’s not all he can do but that’s a good place to start in this conversation.)

I have visited his sites many times and have to tell you, he and a few of his friends are always coming up with cutting edge stuff to make the job of recording, editing and podcasting, using audio and video, easier and more understandable. He can help you get started with the proper equipment and software without you having to do a lot of trial and error along the way. His input could save you a lot of wasted time and money as you pursue your podcasting journey further.

One thing I have personally tried to get across in past discussions is, “Don’t complicate your podcasting life by making things more difficult than they need to be. Keep it simple. Make it simple for yourself and your listener.” That is why I suggest you check out Mike Stewart. He can help you get started without complicating your life with a lot of ‘stuff’ that just makes him money and does very little for you.

I firmly believe the information and resources I provide can help you get started podcasting “On The Cheap” (which just happens to be the title of my soon available ebook for beginners getting started as podcasters.) But, when I say, “On The Cheap” I want you to understand it is a relative term:

• If you have no money, you can still do this podcasting thing with no money, (depending on what you already have as equipment).
• If you have a little money, you can spend a little money and have pretty good setup.
• If money is not a real problem, it is still important to only invest in what you need and not buy a bunch of frills you will never use.

To me, ‘Podcasting “On the Cheap”, means you don’t spend money on things you don’t need or can’t afford, but, wisely invest the money you do have in what will benefit you most. To simplify, “Cheap” means, “you only pay for what you need once and because of that, you didn’t waste any time or money.

What I have shared with you in the past still holds true. I think the information and resources I give you here can help you get started at a point that you can afford. At the very least, this information should help until you decide just how serious you are about podcasting both in audio and video. After that, you may reach a point that you would want to graduate to newer or better equipment and software, or, you just may decide to stay right where your are. As long as it works for you AND turns out a good product, I am totally on your side.

Personally, I have a limited arsenal of equipment, but I do think I make pretty good use of what I have. That doesn’t mean I don’t try out other software or equipment that could help me turn out a better product.

I understand that not everyone (especially a beginner) thinks to pay attention to small details and not everyone knows how to make better sounding recordings whether through the way they capture their program material or, the way they edit it. That is why I tell you about Mike Stewart here today. I know he has done a lot of the hard work so you won’t have to.

If you are new to podcasting, or somewhat of an advanced student of podcasting, why not think about making one of your first larger monetary investments in equipment and software with someone that gives you much more value than you can imagine for the money you will spend with him. He offers valuable insight from his years of experience in recording and broadcasting and can help you get started as quickly and as cheaply as anyone. Yes, he does charge for the equipment and software, but his prices are very reasonable and he often includes some valuable information and one or two extras that are priceless.

Now before you get upset with me for talking about stuff that actually costs money, let’s remember what I said last time in episode #0038 about the direction I want to go in the future. I want to talk about different methods of communicating ideas other than just audio podcasting. This is one of those new directions.

I am sure that, eventually, we would all like to have the opportunity to monetize our podcasts or blogs in some way or other. (I know I would and I’m sure you’re not that much different from me.) One of the ways we can monetize is through affiliations.

I will tell you right up front, I am an affiliate with Mike Stewart, BUT, I have, and would, recommend him to you whether or not I was affiliated with him in any way. My affiliation with him doesn’t change the fact that he is knowledgeable in this field and that it would benefit you to check him out! Besides, if you find you like and appreciate what her says and offers, you can also become an affiliate with him and benefit yourself.

Now, what I do is more an Audio Blog than a Radio Show, but, what is ‘podcasting’ in the truest sense of the word? Is it:

• A radio broadcast
• An interview
• A tele-seminar or webinar
• A cooking show
• An educational show
• A sermon
• A rant …

The answer is yes, it can be any of those, but, in reality, Podcasting is the ability to have any of those type programs time shifted and portable. It lets people listen to what they want, when they want and as often as they want and they can take it with them wherever they go. They can even subscribe to their favorites and have them delivered to them automatically. You need to consider this for your own products or programs if you haven’t already.

Let me leave you at this point for right now, but believe me, we will be discussing this and other matters in the very near future. I have other things to discuss with you and tell you about. The world is hungry for content and information on subjects that interest them, (and even some that don’t, but, catch their attention anyway.)

I like Mike Stewart because he has a wealth of good information on equipment, software and technique. Not only that but he makes learning and taking your abilities to the next level fun and interesting. Check him out! You won’t be disappointed.

See ya next time …

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Well … I guess you’ve noticed I haven’t been around lately. That’s because I have been extremely busy and also re-visiting my purpose for being here.

Now, I am not totally changing what I am doing but I do have some great things to tell you about over the next few days, weeks and months. I do sincerely think that my taking time to re-evaluate is going to be a definite benefit for both you and me. I know for me it was time well spent.

I am excited about the new track I am on and I hope you will be too.

I will be going in a little bit of a different direction and probably covering some old ground with some new input as well. I don’t intend to just focus on audio podcasting anymore. I want to cover a more broad spectrum in ways of communication. You will still be able to learn a lot about audio recording, editing and podcasting, but let’s face it, that is only a small part of what is happening in the near and distant future.

Some of the things I intend to focus on follow:

• I fully intend to continue impressing on you the importance of paying attention to small details. (Believe me, I am just as hard on myself as I am on you.)
• We will discuss audio recording technique, equipment and software.
• We will talk about the different aspects of video podcasting (including techniques, equipment and software.)
• We will talk about blogging, including audio and video blogging.
• We will talk about the best ways for you to make your own Blog site.
• We will talk about opportunities to make money through podcasting and blogging.
• I will continue to point you towards people to check out that I know can help you with all of the above.

These are just some of the things I want to focus on. I have been doing a lot of researching testing and listening on my little break from podcasting and blogging. I have learned a lot and gotten re-excited about all of the above things and want to you to join along with me as we advance into the future and learn together.

It is still my intention to focus on beginners in podcasting first. That doesn’t mean that I won’t have anything for you advanced users out there. (I learned a long time ago, when I finally admitted I didn’t “know it all” is when I really began to learn about recording, editing and all of the things that can be done with them.)

I look forward to being here for you on a regular basis. It is my full intention to have at least four new informative entries per month. Some will be reviews of sites, softwares and equipment. Some will be quick tips on things to try as you progress in your journey. I have some other projects I am working on and will tell you more about them.

All in all, I think this will be a place you will want to visit often. Podcasting is still very young in its life but it has gone through through some amazing changes in a very short time. I believe there are many more opportunities and changes right around the corner. I find that interesting and exciting and I am sure you will as well.

So hold on … this journey is just beginning

(See ya next time …)

by the way, the music in the podcast is from Mike Stewart and is royalty free

check him out at:

Mike Stewart – internetaudioguy