(Click here to hear the podcast version of this article)
If your have an idea or ideas for podcasting, but don’t know where to get started, consider the advatages of starting on a shoestring budget. These days, you don’t have spend a lot of money to find out if your idea will work, but, you may have to spend a little. (Just remember, “Not everything is f-r-e-e, but, many things are available for little, or no, investment.)
I believe it is essential for you to be able to try out your podcasting idea and technique before you have to spend a lot of money. Anyone can sit down at a microphone and ramble on about about whatever, but, to take an idea and develop it into something that is useful and desireable takes a little more effort . Depending on your vision and capabilities, it could possibly cost more to do what you want. The best way to discover this is to experiment with your idea. Why spend a lot of money discovering the possibilities if you don’t have to?
Here’s a short list of a few suggestions for getting started ‘On the Cheap’
- Look for something that will let you record your idea and will also host it for you. This doesn’t mean you have to release it to the public immediately. I suggest a place such as “www.mypodcast.com”. It is easy to setup and start recording immediately because they also include a ‘simple’, downloadable recording program that allows you to record and playback. You can also use it to publish your finished ‘podcast’ to their hosting site.
- Look for quality in the finished product. (This too, is another plus for “www.mypodcast.com”. Their quality is very good!) There is no reason to turn out junk. Quality reproduction is necessary for advancement. (Ask yourself, “Would you want to listen to something that sounds horrible or is garbled and hard to understand?”)
- Look for a software item that will allow you to get started recording and/or editing and yet will prepare you for something more sophisticated. (That’s why so many start with “Audacity”. Not only is it inexpensive, but, using it prepares you for programs that can do more. It has many capabilities, yet will let you start quickly and learn as you go.)
I don’t mean to make this sound like an advertisement for “mypodcast.com” and “Audacity”, but when something works, it works. Both of these products are good not only for the beginner, but also the advanced user. Are they the “final answer” to everyone’s questions? No, I don’t think so. They will simply let you experiment with your ideas “On The Cheap” and that is a good thing AND a good start. Who knows, you may find they do everything you need done and you got it done “ON The Cheap.”
See ya next time . . .
