(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article
Okay, so you’re a beginner podcaster and you are ready to get started. That is a great thing and there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t. There are so many different types of podcasts that you can choose from and … since it is your decision … what will you decide? What kind will you pursue? In this matter of your choice, it could all be in the name (or type) you choose. Will it be audio or video or both? Whatever you decide, it could well be quite dependent on whether you call it a podcast, webcast, netcast, video blog, audio blog or any number of other things. (At least that is the buzz around the industry these days).
As for me, I want to take a slightly different approach in the very near future. Actually, I really think it will be very much like it is right now but, I am going to be organizing things a little differently and I want to be more sytematic in some ways. I want you to be able to start at the beginning and go right through every article and so you can “Get Started Right”. (How many times have I said that in the last several weeks? Does anyone besides me really care? I thought not.)
I haven’t decided yet, but I am planning to re-do some things and subjects I have hit along the way. This will mean I am going to repeat some earlier subjects, at least as far as my plan for weekly podcasts is concerned, and I intend to combine several things to make a longer podcast. Instead of the 4-6 minute casts, (audio blogs), I am planning for at least 30 minute versions and a little more sophisticated. I will only be writing blogs once or twice a week, at least on this site, (which I have already started), and trying to put together a couple of more for other subjects I am interested in. All in all, it will keep me quite busy.
You see, we all come to crossroads in our journeys through this life and I think I have reached one personally. I have spent a lot of time over the last several months trying to help people that are brand new to podcasting get a good start. It has been my intention to help you get a good start without spending a lot of money, at least to begin with, until you can decide what it is you want to do and how you want to do it. With just a little forethought, you can take your idea and set it up, record it and see if it is something you can do and do well and then, after you have done a few, you can find out if you still enjoy doing it.
Not only can you can get started easily, but, with today’s technologies, you can also do it cheaply (I guess you could insert the word, free) and you can do it as professionally as anyone. As you pursue your podcasting dream, remember that quality is going to be extremely important in the near and distant future. Does that mean you have to sound like everyone else? Of course not. It means that you should consider a few things before you jump in. You need to consider what type and the expense of the software and hardware you will use. If you have questions about this kind of stuff, don’t worry, there has been and still will be plenty of suggestions available here and links to other places I can point you to.
There is no substitute for good information and you know as well as I that there is plenty available. I hope you will take advantage of some of the things that will be available here and the places I have, and will, mention. In no way do I claim to know it all, but, I do recognize good information and leadership when I see and hear it.
So, go ahead and get started. If you will take the time to read some of the things I have written over the last several months and visit some of the sites I have mentioned during that time, I know you will get started right. I’m not worried about that and I do know you will be ahead of the game if you do.
Your future in podcasting is in your hands now. Where you go from here is your decision and choice. Just don’t be afraid to listen to input from some of the pros out there. Even if you don’t think so now, you will appreciate their input later. Their experience will help you advance more quickly along the path you choose to follow.
See ya next time . . .
