If you pay attention to advertisements on TV or Radio (and on the internet) you will hear music playing. Music is used to lead into a spot or play underneath the talk of an advertisement and it usually tries to set a mood or get you to pay attention to what’s coming up.

I know you’ve all heard this type of music and it is very effective. There is no reason to not start building your own music library specifically for this purpose. (Click here to signup for Two Buck Themes!)

Believe me, you don’t want to go through the hassle of using music without people’s permission because it can very expensive and cause you unimaginable grief. Many people think that professional, royalty free music is expensive and they don’t think they can afford it. I’m here to tell you two things:

1. You can’t afford not to use legal, royalty free music. If you think using music without permission is okay and you won’t get caught, think again…It will cost you a bundle if you use music without permission (especially if the artist is hungry) and
2. I know of some great royalty free music that is great quality and, most importantly, AFFORDABLE.

If you’ve visited Podcasting Resources before, you’ve heard me mention Mike Stewart numerous times. I highly recommend him for just about any need you have when it comes to equipment or software for recording, editing and delivering the final product(s).

He is not only knowledgeable but is also a musician and makes royalty free music. The product is already in one minute spots and can be used as is or altered for your purpose.

What I mean is he has tutorials available to show you how to use his products. When you buy products from him your investment pays off better with him because he over-delivers. He gives you a lot of usuable information that helps you get started with the equipment and software you purchase from him.

His two-buck-themes are some of the most affordable and usable royalty free music available. In my opinion, you can’t go wrong by trying them, Click here to signup for Two Buck Themes!

PLUS you can cancel at any time (even though I don’t think you will want to for a long time).

Go ahead, give Mike Stewart a try…I think you’ll be surprised at just how valuable he and his products and services are.

See ya next time…

Rusty

Click here for mypodcast.com article audio

Click here for podcastpeople.com article audio

I fully intended to be giving you a review of a nice little software program I tried out at the request of one of my reader/listeners … but I have found that they are no longer around. That software was called “Podcast Station” and I gave it a good try for the thirty day trial period and wanted to buy it but found they were out of business.

Wow, how quickly things change in this world we live in … especially this audio and video podcasting world.

That’s one of the problems, or should I say challenges, of getting started marketing either yourself or a product online. Sometimes a great idea is just that, a great idea, but needs to be looked at further BEFORE you offer more than you can deliver or before your hopes and dreams for a program or product bankrupt you either physically, spiritually or financially.

I am sure all of us would like to generate some sort of income from our podcasts, products or productions, but there are some pitfalls that need to be considered also. That’s why we need to look at our future in this endeavor before we’ve invested too much money or time (which is part of the subject I talked about in my last article).

I cannot, and will not, speak for the makers of “Podcast Station” but I do kinda know how they feel. It can be really tough in this life of technology and information sharing, whether you are trying to market a podcast or trying to sell a software program. I’m inclined to believe that just because something is so easy and inexpensive for individuals, or companies, to produce does not mean it will always be successful or valuable.

That’s why I think it is so important for beginner, (or wannabe), podcasters to really think about their short-term and long-term goals for their chosen direction. Although you can’t necessarily see all of the possible problems before you actually turn out your project, you can research and analyze your possibilities by taking just a bit more time before making a long-term commitment to something. Does this mean you can’t step out and just do it? No; but it does mean that you need to take the necessary time to look at your plan before it causes you a lot of grief or heartache.

If you take that little bit of extra time, what does it cost you? Nothing but the extra time it takes. The nice part is that if you take a little extra time and decide to continue on, you may find that it makes your progress towards what you consider success that much quicker. Can that be a bad thing? I don’t think so.

You see, I have this really big “wish list” filled with all kinds of nifty items I would love to have or at least try out. I just don’t have the extra cash laying around to throw at items that I probably don’t need anyway. I have managed to keep my budget relatively low because I took a little extra time to look at what I wanted to do, what I could afford to do and how important it was for me to do it.

I have invested in a couple of pieces of equipment to make my job easier for now and they were things I could use not only for my podcasting adventure, but also for other things I like to do.

One of the best investments I think I have made is how I record my voice for this podcast. I use a ZOOM H4 Handy Recorder. It is a portable and handy device that captures (records) directly to an SD memory card (up to 2g) in either wav or mp3 files from the built in x-y pattern mics. It also has the capability to directly connect external mic or instrument inputs. In fact, it is actually a hand held 4 track studio.

As I have mentioned many times before, I use Audacity to edit my programs. It is free, versatile and works extremely well. (Now, admittedly, I use ver. 1.2.6 just because I like the stability of it but I have used the newer versions which do even more and also perform well). Did I mention it was FREE?

You see, I’m a believer in not spending more than you need to and I also believe in keeping things simple. Both of the items I have mentioned here are easy to use and affordable. I didn’t start out with the H4 but took equipment I had laying around and used that until I determined what would be the best for me to invest my limited finances in. I’ve used an old hand-held, full-size cassette recorder and then graduated to using my little hand-held, audio note-taking digital recorder (made by Olympus) until I made that investment in the H4.

Now, I feel as though I am working with two things, (the H4 and Audacity), that allow me to quickly turn out a very good production and also serve me well in other areas of interest.

Does that mean I can’t do better?

No … it means I have put off making a larger financial investment in some equipment I would someday like to have until I really need it. I think what I use serves me quite well considering what I have invested in it.

You may ask the question, “Do I really think my podcast is that important or popular?”

I would answer you this way. If I can help just one person make a better decision in their quest for a dream, then I have accomplished at least one purpose for this website. My hope is that I have reached, and will continue to reach, more than one. I have considered my purpose and investment and it is worth the price for me to continue trying to help people not waste their time or money and become frustrated.

Am I looking to be popular? Although popularity is always appealing — no — I am looking to help you make wise decisions to accomplish your most burning desire in podcasting. The most important thing I have to offer is my experience in recording, editing and turning out productions and doing it the best I can. That part may not be important to you, but I have been doing it for a long time and I do care about what I do.

See ya next time …
Rusty

AudioGenerator.Com

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 …

Podcasting is very popular and a very interesting form of communication. On the one hand, some think it is a way for them to say what ever they want and not have to worry about what others think. On the other hand, some think it is a complete waste of time and they would rather not have to be exposed to such an obtrusive distraction. In reality, the truth lay somewhere in between.

Somewhere in that mixture of thought processes is the question of what Podcasting means to you and before we move on too much further, you need to answer these questions for your self:

• Have you actually considered just how powerful of a means of communication it can be?
• Is it something you want to use as a form of communicating your viewpoint to others?
• Is it something you simply use to become informed on subjects of interest to you?
• Is it something you desire to use to teach, preach or reach others with subjects of interest to you or important information you think the world needs to know?
• Do you consider the quality of the productions (podcasts) to be important or do you just like the subject matter enough to not care how good or bad it may sound or look?
• Does your idea for a podcast include thinking about the cost it may take to accomplish your desired “end result?”
• Do you really think you can do it?

All of these thoughts are good points of interest to consider and all of them need to be considered before you invest a large sum of money pursuing your dream. In fact, I am here to help you get started, “On The Cheap”, and I know you can do it inexpensively if you want. I also know you can start inexpensively and build from that point and only invest the amount you need to accomplish your goals for your podcast.

I understand and have to admit, it is easy to get all excited and spend more money than you need to just to get started.

What if I told you you could get started for next to nothing?

Well … that is the case if you take what I am going to say next to heart. If you already own a microphone and have recording/playback capabilities built into your computer, you are ready to get started.

Just follow these simple steps:

1. Download the software program, “Audacity”, at this link: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ While you’re there, be sure to read what else they recommend you download along with it to make your experience less painful. I also recommend purchasing the e-book “Podcasting with Audacity”. (There is a link near the bottom of the page. Cost $12.99)
2. Go to “mypodcast.com” and sign up with them for your very own, totally free podcast. It is very easy to do and use.

3. After you sign up with them be sure to download their recorder. You could actually use it for doing your podcast without downloading “Audacity”, but, depending on your expertise, “Audacity” gives you more versatility in editing and is also simple to use.

After you have these things installed on your computer, you will be ready to start podcasting. I suggest you experiment a little with them before you really begin your podcasting, though. Although these are fairly simple to use, you will need to familiarize yourself with them to see what they, (and you), are capable of.

Next, come back here to visit often because we will be taking you step by step in how to start your very own podcast without investing a lot of money, (at least to begin with), and turning out a quality product at the same time.

If you have questions, be sure to leave your comments. I will either answer you directly or with an article.

See ya next time …