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Three LITTLE THINGS That Can MAKE YOUR PRODUCTIONS BETTER

There is nothing more disappointing to me than listening to someone’s audio or video production and finding they could have done better, “IF…

“IF what”, you say?

Well, yeah, “IF”… If they would have just paid closer attention to some small details that could have made their production much better. I have to say, there’s several things that really bother me when people don’t pay close attention to those little details, but I’ll try to be brief. Today, I’ll just list three… Next week we’ll start taking them one at a time and discuss them more fully, (and add some others as we progress over the weeks ahead.)

Production is of too low a quality:

There is nothing more disappointing to me that to try and listen to a podcast, a downloadable mp3 or some other type of audio file and find that it sounds like someone tried to bounce it off of Jupiter. A friend of mine described poor quality mp3’s as sounding like someone threw a bunch of marbles in a metal bowl and rolled them around while they were recording. I have to agree; In this day and age, if you can’t make your files big enough to allow the end result to be clear and pleasing to your listener, please; don’t bother even making it!

Poor or no edits — Abrupt ins and outs

I know it is hard to believe for many of you, but, I have come across productions more than once that whomever the person was that posted it didn’t even take the time to clean it up a little. Their ins and outs throughout the recording are abrupt and some don’t even take the time to edit out the noise at the beginning while they were waiting for someone to start talking. I’m sorry to be so harsh, but honestly, that stinks. Taking the time to properly edit the production isn’t only necessary, but it is a must. No one I know wants to listen to something that sounds like it was done on a little recorder with the ‘vox’ feature turned on. The quality may be there but it sounds choppy. Editing the beginning and the end and adding a fade in or out makes a world of difference to you listener. Once again I offer my opinion… If you don’t have the time and/or the ability to do the even the slightest bit of editing of your production to make it more listenable, maybe you should let someone else do it for you. (Or, maybe you should think about finding something else to do…)

Your production sounds like you’re in a large echo-chamber

(This is one of my pet peeves and it can often drive people away from your production even if it is worth listening to.) Now, understand, I’m not talking about doing a live recording out in some room like the capitol building in Washington DC. I am talking about making your recording in your temporary (or maybe even permanent) studio area and it sounds like your making it in a public bathroom. There are several ways to control that ambient (echo-chamber like) sound and some are expensive while others aren’t. One of the simplest little things to do is find a room that doesn’t have such hard walls and floors. Carpeted floors are better than hard tile or linoleum and can help reduce the ambient sound problems. I know many of the rooms in a house are either dry wall or paneling, but, there are little ways to manage them, too. Oh, by the way, if you are making your production in your bathroom, maybe you should think about moving to another room (unless you just like hearing yourself over and over again.)

To be honest, the time has come for all who are involved or want to be involved in podcasting or making audio or video productions of all types to start thinking about paying attention to some small details that will make a big difference in the end results of their productions. The days of over-all sloppiness are gone and people expect good quality productions and downloadable files. That doesn’t mean everything has to be perfect but it does mean every effort should be made to strive for excellence.

The era of just throwing something together without concern for quality and consideration for those that will be listening or watching is over. Software and hardware have become much to sophisticated and affordable to not make the best productions you can with what you have to work with. (Imagine… all this and ease of use, too.)

Don’t forget, you can still turn out very good stuff without having to spend a fortune and by paying attention to some little things that can make your productions “as good as any and better than many…”

See ya next time… Rusty

All views expressed are strictly the opinion of the writer

Rusty Norman and Podcasting Resources

(All audio productions by www.podcastnorm.com and PCNProductions.com)

Podcasting Resources is Changing Direction (a little)

Podcasting Resources is changing what it covers to include not only podcasting and resources for beginner and advanced podcasters, but recording and editing for internet presentations of all types.

We have been covering basically podcasting and podcasting resources, in particular for beginners and also advanced users, for several years. Now, we are determined to become and even better place for you to come for information, reviews on equipment and software, shortcuts to getting started and generally, anything we think will help you get started in recording, editing and podcasting or just about anything you want to produce for the internet in audio and video. (Yes, we will also be talking about live streaming audio and video, too.)

Don’t forget, we still think you can get started turning out some very good “stuff” even if you don’t have a lot of money. We are still firm believers that, “You don’t have to spend more than you need to, but at least as much as you should.”

We don’t claim to know all the answers, but we are probably affiliated with someone or know someone that can answer just about any question that comes up. Together, we can all learn and do what we do (and what we want to do) BETTER.

Check back soon and see how we’re changing and be sure to let us know what you think…

See ya next time… Rusty

Why You Should Be Using Royalty Free Music In your productions

Can I be extremely blunt with you? I do hope you answered yes because I’m going to be anyway.

This may not be the first time you’ve heard this, but, if you’re not using music — legal music — in your productions, you’re already making two mistakes that could cost you in a large way when it comes to getting people to listen to your podcasts or other audio/video productions.

Go ahead, check out just about any audio or video production, whether it be a commercial or an interview or even a documentary of someone or something. Chances are it uses music in some way. There are several reasons for that and all of them relate to how people respond to what they are seeing or listening to and it has to do with the music used.

The music, in many instances, sets the mood the producer wants to set with what is being presented. Whether it be pictures of a vacation or presenting a situation that needs to be addressed in some way, the music can make or break the way it is received.

So, you ask, “What’s the big deal about using ‘LEGAL MUSIC’? Can’t I use what I like? Why do I have to pay someone to use their music?”

All of those are good questions, but there is only one answer. Because the people that made the music own the rights to it and if you use it without their permission, you could be sued for a large amount of money.

That’s why you need to use, legal, royalty free music for your purposes. It makes you not have to be looking over your shoulder waiting for someone to call you up or serve you with legal papers telling you that you’re being sued for using someone’s music without permission. Believe me, the laws are on their side, not yours if you choose to use anything copyrighted by someone else. They own the rights to it and it is their property.

There are many sources for legally obtaining the rights to use music out there. Some are very expensive and some are reasonably expensive, (sometimes depending on the popularity of the song, or songs you want to use.)

We will talk about some of those other sources in the coming weeks, but for today, I would like to mention Mike Stewart one more time. The reason I use Mike Stewart’s Two Buck Themes is because it is affordable and he gives me so much more for my money. Not only does he give me music for a minimal cost, but he gives me good tutorials and ideas for using the music (and software and equipment he also sells) in different ways.

If you to have to pay for it anyway, why not get the best bang for your buck? (Yes, I am making a recommendation here.) Mike Stewart is someone you can depend on to give you your money’s worth.

But you don’t have to take my word for it, check him out for yourself and see if you don’t agree. It costs nothing to check it out by clicking on this link, Get 5 new themes, video tutorials each month for $10

After that, the rest is up to you… While you’re there, you may want to check on some of the specials on equipment he has available:USB Mic Special – Domestic Shipping

See ya next time… Rusty

Podcastnorm.com and Rusty Norman

$1.00 To Try Mike Stewart’s Two Buck Themes Membership – How can you go wrong?

Watch the video below and then click on the link to try:

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»INSTANT ACCESS!! » MAKE THIS MUSIC MINE!

click link above

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How can you go wrong with paying $1.00 to try something that usually would cost you $4.00 for the two songs. Mike Stewart’s “Two Buck Themes” are just that — two bucks apiece — and he is making this special offer to try his Two Buck Theme membership site for
$ one dollar $ (yes you are reading it right)

That’s right! One Buck for 2 – two buck themes. That’s a savings of three dollars just to give it a try.So go ahead –
CLICK THIS LINK for a $1 Dollar Trial Membership

Never a better time to try the S3 Media Player from Mike Stewart

There’s no better time than right now to try the S3 Media Player from Mike Stewart. Hey everybody… this is Russ once again and I’d like to welcome you to Podcasting Resources. I have some really great news for you and I promise you, I will be brief.

I’ve been talking to you about the S3 Media Player from Mike Stewart for a while now and I have to tell you, there has never been a better time for you to try it out.

If you’ve been wondering how it works, you are watching it in action right now. Even better, Mike is offering a FREE demo version for you to try, right now, and it is an opportunity too good to pass up.

You now have the opportunity to try Amazon S3 and the functional, but limited use, F-R-E-E demo of the S3 Media Player. If you like it you can upgrade to the full version.

If you would like to take Mike up on his offer, just click on the link just below this video and you will be taken to the place that can help you easily place video and/or audio on your website(s).

See ya next time …

Rusty

CLICK LINK BELOW TO
Try S3 Media Player Demo For FREE!
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Music Makes It Better (and Mike Stewart’s “twobuckthemes” makes it affordable)

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:

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
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

Change is the name of the game!…Hello Podcasters and Welcome 2009

I won’t keep you long today. I just have a short little video I want to share with you and it is, hopefully, the direction we are going to be going, in some form or fashion, for 2009.

I don’t claim to be a predictor of the future, but I do think that there are great changes coming to the world of podcasting for the new year. Directions are changing and lives are being shaken up, but, the future is out there and it will be interesting to see how it all pans out.

Enjoy the video it only takes a little over a minute.

See ya next time…

Russ

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Back on the Podcasting Track

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Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

AudioGenerator.Com

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: Continue reading Back on the Podcasting Track

Having Laugh Or Two With My Podcast Out-Takes

(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

I seriously thought about calling this audio blog/article, “And you thought this was easy,” but I was afraid you wouldn’t hang around and listen to the out-takes I have for you and then you would miss out on having a good laugh or two.

Well, for some this may be easy, but for others, (myself included), it only seems that way. Even if you didn’t think it to be so, take comfort in the fact that you too, with a little editing practice and expertise, can make your podcast flow with the best of them and sound as professional as anyone’s.

Today, I wanted you to have a little fun today at my expense. I am going to take you behind the scenes of my podcast before it is edited. Unfortunately, I am sure this may be something I will someday regret, BUT, I wanted you to see that you don’t have to be even close to perfect to make something happen out of what may originally seem like a disaster. (Take heart good friend, this is all about editing out the stuff you don’t want people to hear. )

This is why I like to pre-record my instructional podcasts and why I know — absolutely — “You Can Do This!” Continue reading Having Laugh Or Two With My Podcast Out-Takes

Getting Started With Your Podcast Productions

(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

Okay, I know you’ve noticed some differences in my podcasts of the articles lately. I’ve been trying a few different things over the last several weeks. Most of what I have done is for demonstration purposes and helping you see what you can do as a beginner podcaster. I know I’ve enjoyed making them and I hope you have enjoyed listening also. Just in case you’re new to the site or might have missed the subtle differences, I would like to point out a few of them now.

First, I would like to talk about a few of the things I am featuring in the podcasts these days. I want to say right up front that I have acquired even more respect and appreciation for Mike Stewart, ‘theinternetaudioguy’. He has some great things available to you for making your audio or video podcasts ‘as good as any and better than many’.

Just a short while ago, I mentioned in one of my blogs that I was not going to use any music that I had to pay for. I said I was going to use my own stuff and I was fully intending to do so. The reason I wanted to use my own stuff was because it was free and my budget for frills such as that was, and is, limited. I had tried other free music clips and was usually disappointed in their quality or style. What I mean is, if I don’t like the way they sound or I can’t listen to them, I’m not going to put them in my audio work. It’s just the way I am.

Then, I visited Mike Stewart’s site again. That’s not uncommon because I do visit it often for several reasons. This time I found that I could take advantage of some free music to use for spots if only I would sign up for his newsletter. Do you have to ask? Yes, of course I took advantage of the special offer and I cannot tell you how pleasantly surprised I was at the quality of the productions. I should have expected it to be good because it is easy to tell the type person Mike is especially if you go by the quality of the productions he turns out.

I guess I was just gun-shy at first. I mean, these days so many people offer you some mediocre product just to whet your appetite so they can really soak you for the good stuff. Not so with Mike Stewart. He has proven to me more than once that he is quality through and through.

Although I have never met him, I can tell he thinks along the same paths I do. He is interested in people being able to turn out the best quality audio or video product that they can and turn it out without investing an arm and a leg with nothing to show for the investment. Now, that does not mean that everything he offers is inexpensive, but, in my experience, he does give you great value for the money you invest. He has some great software and hardware packages available at great prices. These are things he uses himself and will often demonstrate them as he talks about them and how to use them. (Did I mention he does this at great prices?) He is a great source for getting started with audio or video podcasting and I highly recommend his sites.

Now lets get back to what I started out with in the title, “Getting Started with Your Podcast Productions”. This is about you as a beginner getting a great start in making a professional sounding podcast. It may not happen without spending some work and time in editing, but it will happen and probably sooner than you ever thought possible. My plan over the next few audio blog/articles is to show you some simple things that make a big difference in the sound and feel of your podcast.

“Take the time for a few minutes to go back and read/listen to, “Can’t See the Forest for the Trees“. Listen to the opening and then the body of the article. Take note of what you hear as you listen.

After that, go and check out, “Failure Is Not an Option Unless You Make It One“. Listen to the opening and the body of the article also. You will notice a subtle difference between the two. Although the openings are the same, what I did with, (or should I say in the background of), the body of the article is different. Yes, that’s right, I added music underneath the reading of the body of the article. It does make a difference in the over-all feel of the article itself and it is subtle, yet effective.

If you really want to hear a difference in those that I did first and the ones I do now check out, “episode #0012“. I’m not saying the first ones are bad, I am merely saying they are different and demonstrate different ways and techniques of accomplishing these productions. I think they are good examples of the possible modes of presenting material for consumption by those that are interested.

In the audio blog/articles to come in the very near future, we will discuss these techniques even more. I hope you will be here for them. I think you will find them very interesting. In fact, I have some really great plans for the up and coming articles and can’t wait to share them with you.

See ya next time . . .