Opinion

Get Started Right … Five More Great Places to Visit, Listen and Learn

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(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

Sorry about the delay in updating the blog, but I think I’m finally back on schedule. I found I just couldn’t do it all. What with the eye surgeries and the doctor appointments and catching up on the service calls, I tried and just couldn’t keep up. But I am looking forward to the future and, of course, the present.

As I am sure you already know, it happens every time. Once you start finding good places to gain input from, the links on those sites lead you to other places. That’s what makes this so interesting. There is no limit, (at least I haven’t found one so far), to finding places to gain important information or valuable expertise that can help you “get started right” in your podcasting adventures. And there is no limit to the opportunities out there to make it worth your while if you want to take the time it takes to “do it right”.

Today, I’m not only going to mention places about audio podcasting, but I am going to mention some that use both audio and video. There is just so much going on in the industry that there is no way to ignore any of it. In this journey of learning and discovering, we can’t go very far on our own. I am a firm believer that we need other peoples’ input because we are involved in the infancy of a brand new industry. It is still growing, changing and finding its focus and all of us, together, are doing the same.

The first place I want to talk about is called ‘the internet audio guy’. This is one great place for all your audio needs. You will find Mike Stewart to be a great source of information and he has thirty years experience in audio and video. Be sure to take in his blog page“From the Desk of Mike Stewart” while your looking around.

Trust me, you will want to take advantage of his expertise in audio. This site is just full of great offers, equipment, software and, yes, even some free stuff to whet your appetite for some the great stuff he offers at reduced prices. Whether you are brand new to audio podcasting or an old pro, you will find a bunch of stuff you will want to take advantage of.

The second place is also a Mike Stewart site and is named, “the internet video guy”. This one is about using video in podcasting as well as other uses for video in websites, emails and other types of marketing. He is another one of those people on the cutting edge of where this industry is headed. You will really enjoy the way he presents his ‘vodcasts’ and you will find them just full of information and great hints, tips and demonstrations.

Believe me, his sites, (and he has several), are going to give you up to the minute information and lots of it that will keep you busy learning for a while. I am sure you will want to take advantage of some of his great offers, too.

The next place is by another one of the people that I call on the cutting edge also. His name is Jim Edwards. He is self described as a person who promises to tell the truth, “The naked truth”, even if it hurts. He has great information and cares about people enough to give them truthful opinions about things that work. He makes a solemn promise to only deliver the best possible business building and money making information directly to you. But, don’t take my word for it, check out his blog at “www.igottatellyou.com/blog”. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.

The next place is somewhat like a site I’ve talked about several times and where I presently upload my podcast to called, “mypodcast.com”. This other place is called “podcastpeople.com”. The first difference you will notice about this site is that it is not totally free. The range of pricing is from free to $30.00 per month. I can’t say it is unreasonable though. I really think it offers an alternative to the free site, but it does require the investment to use it for their premium service. I think it is better to try the free part and see how things go and then try the pay level of the the site if you like what you see when you check them out or if your podcast or videocast warrants the expenditure. I never recommend spending money first, but sometimes spending some is the only to find out the difference between free and pay stuff.

The last place for today is something I thought might interest you. If you are doing an audio or video podcast and think you have a need for a telepromter, go to “www.flospace.com”. They offer a 30 day, fully functional trial of their teleprompter called, ‘floprompter’. I will be trying it out over the next month and seeing how it works out for me since most everything I do is scripted. If you decide to purchase it and keep it, the price is a very reasonable, $39.95. It looks like it could help things go easier because it does do the teleprompter thing of moving the words across the screen at your pace instead of you having to manually advance it. I know I will know more in 30 days about its true value for me. So far it looks pretty interesting. The real decision on its value and necessity can only be decided by you and how it works for you when you try it.

See ya next time . . .

Get Started Right … Five Great Places to Visit, Listen and Learn

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(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

When it comes to listening to other people and learning from their expertise, I have several favorites I often frequent. Not only do they help keep me very up to date on what’s going on, but they also keep me on the cutting edge of the direction podcasting will take in the future. Believe me when I tell you, I know there are a whole lot more than these five sites that can do this and we will talk about more of them in the very near future, but, these are good places to go. Especially when you consider what my theme for this month is — ‘getting started right’.

So why do I choose these places? Well, I have to be honest; I just simply like them and what they have to say. I learn from them and they have proved to me over time that they know what they are talking about. They are right there at the forefront of the wave of this movement called podcasting. With people like this leading the way, it makes our journey much easier than it would be without them. These are not the only people out there that are leading the way but it is where I choose to start today.

So, who are the people and where are the sites? I’m glad you asked that question. I’ve been waiting here to tell you.

The first person and site I want to introduce you to is, Leo Laporte. (I know, I know; you’ve heard me mention him before.) This time, I want you to really go and check out his site named “Leoville”. He is top notch and many of you probably already know him from his TV shows a while ago, “Screen Savers” and “Call For Help”. This site I give you today is one I have shared with you a couple of times over the last several months. “Leoville” is a good place to go for stuff from Leo Laporte. One trip here and you will have plenty of stuff to look at for a while and you will find a lot of great information, sources and links. Now, remember — not everything is free. But the good stuff is hardly ever free. Just remember, some of his stuff is free, but the stuff he charges for, whatever it costs (which isn’t really that much) you will definitely get a lot for the price.

The second person I want to mention here is Paul Colligan. He is very podcast oriented. The site I mention here is the easiest to remember. It is “paulcolligan.com”. This is not his only site, but, when you go to this site, you will see just how much is available. Paul is definitely a class act, too. He talks about improving your podcasts and has really good info and links to other helpful people and sites. He, along with others, talks about how to monetize your podcasts and offers exceptional material on how to do so. I know you will come away from your visit to his site with a wealth of ideas and information on how to improve your podcasts and make money with them also. His is another site where not everything is free, but there is plenty there to wet your appetite.

The next place could actually qualify for three or more. I mention it to you, in particular, because it is a great place to get great input and direction. the site is called:

Gigavox.com. This is a place with a wealth of podcasts to listen to and glean good direction for making your podcast better than ever. When you visit this place, you will notice that they have three choices of places to get podcasts of differing types. You really can’t go wrong with spending a little time checking out what they have to offer. I list the main things here.

  1. IT Conversations
  2. Open Source
  3. Podcast Academy
  4. “The Levelator” software
  5. Gigavox media Platform

See, I told you there is a lot there. Aw heck, just go there and check it out. I know you’ll like it.

Next on the list is Michael Geoghegan. His podcast, “Reel Reviews” is very popular and he is co-author of a book I have, and still do, highly recommend, “Podcast Solutions”. He and his co-author, Dan Klass, cover all the important information on how to get started with their ‘Complete Guide to Podcasting’. You will find just about anything you want to know about podcasting technique, equipment, software and legalities in this book. That is why I highly recommend you read it and use it as a guide to “Get Started Right”. It is well worth the price. It also has a CD with different trial versions of software you can try. This by itself is worth the purchase price.

The next person on the five favorites list is someone I find fascinating. He is more oriented in marketing and teleseminars, but works a lot with Paul Colligan.

Alex Mandossian is remarkable when it comes to getting his points across. He is well suited for his craft. You will be hard pressed to find a more influential person in the field. As I stated earlier, he is more marketing and teleseminar oriented, but, he does do other things and is good at anything he sets his hand to do because he strives to present his expertise and products in the best possible way. I think he does a great job and I always find him interesting. He has great guest speakers also. Alex and Paul Colligan have several projects they work on together and they have co-authored a book called, “The Podcasting Bible”. Pick up a copy. I know you will find it worthwhile.

I know I only promised you five but here is a place I just cannot quit talking about. I have an extremely high opinion of the site, “www.mypodcast.com” Not only is it easy to get your podcast recorded and uploaded, but, it is free, (at least, so far). How can you beat that? I am particularly pleased with the way they offer quality reproduction and availability of a person’s podcast and I just simply can’t get over the fact they do it all for FREE! If you haven’t checked them out, please do. You will, no doubt be impressed, too. Remember, it is FREE for now so why not take advantage of it. It is just another way I think you can . . . “Get Started Right”

See ya next time . . .

Get Started Right . . . Just How Serious Are You?

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(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the last few days while I couldn’t really do any writing. (It was just too hard to sit in front of the computer and suffer through the minimal eye strain pain. By the way, the surgery on my eye went very well. Next Wednesday, I get the other eye done.)

I have a lot on my mind about podcasting and where I want to go and what I want to accomplish with it. The big question is, “How serious are you about podcasting and where do you want to go with it?”

I still firmly believe there are ways to “test the waters”, so to speak, without spending a lot of money and I do think you should practice and experiment before you make a major invesment in equipment. However, there is point we reach when we have to decide where we want to invest our time and money for the best return. Of course, you understand that I’m not talking about investing in Real Estate or the stock market don’t you? I am talking about the investment of yourself and your most precious commodity — time.

I know I have spent quite a bit of time in the recent past trying to suggest ways to get started in podcasting with little or no investment of money, but there comes a time when we all have to make hard decisions. Some of those decisions can only be made by you. You are the final judge when it comes to your ideas for podcasting and the way you want to present yourself, or your podcast. How you want your final product to turn out will ultimately determine how much of a monetary investment you’ll need to make.

Please don’t be offended by what I say next, but, seek out good input for your podcasting ideas. Don’t just go to your friends, especially those that don’t want to hurt your feelings, but seek out some who will tell you honestly what they think and that will offer some constructive criticism. (Don’t deceive yourself about your podcasting ideas or talents like some singers trying to get on ‘American Idol’ do, but remember that a little reality check is not a bad thing. That’s why I ask you right now, “Just how serious are you and can you accept constructive criticism, both positive and negative. That doesn’t mean you won’t, or can’t, do what you want, but it does mean that you may have to work at the craft of communication a little more than you thought.)

Does that bother you? If so, you will have to evaluate whether it will hold you back or make you more determined than ever to go forward.

Personally, I am growing a little weary of all the things I want to go and listen to sounding like a radio program. You see, I like listening to people talk about things I am interested in, or things that catch my interest, but I don’t always want to be listening to a radio show.

Probably one of the things I dislike most is the really loud or distracting interruptions that totally kill my interest. Some call them commercials and I don’t really have anything against them in general, but I do have a real problem with major differences in volume and feel when it comes to listening to a program.

Please understand, I am just as critical of some of the productions that are turned out by people I know and work with at times. I just simply don’t agree with the “grab their attention by blowing them out of their seats” mentallity that permeates much of the broadcast industry these days.

After all is said and done, that is why people appreciate their mute buttons, DVR’s and Tivos. The commercials are so loud or distracting that they simply don’t want to be forced to listen to them anymore. Perhaps, (and this is just my opinion), the people that make commercials could work a little harder at getting their point across without being so obnoxiously overbearing. (Yes, I know this is a touchy subject, but with the monetization of podcasting at the present time, and in the near and distant future, it is something that should concern all of us and we should consider what the effects will be on our podcasts.)

For myself, I am looking at ways to present audio books, possibly have interviews and also just generally discuss things that interest people. I do struggle with presenting all of the above with a ‘radio show feel’ and I would like to try some different ways or types, but, as always, figuring what is best to do is the challenge.

Some things read like a book and I think should be presented like a book. Other things are simply conversations and should have minimal, if any, interruptions. This means we may have to foot the bill on our own presentations because no commercial spots really fit the format. This brings us to interesting propositions that I heard about from one of my favorite educational and informational people, Leo Laporte. He asks for donations and also charges a minimal fee to have access to some of his stuff. I don’t want to spend a lot of time talking about that now, but it is something I want to discuss later.

The important thing at this point is to consider how we can best present our ideas and only spend what we need to spend on the equipment and software needed to do so.

So, here are three things we need to think about to turn out the best possible product we can:

  1. Consider just how serious we are.
  2. Consider what it will take to best present our subject.
  3. Spend what is necessay to “Get Started Right”.

If you take the time right now to plan and figure a little, it could make a great big difference in how much it takes to get started with your podcasting ideas and turn out a great product you can be proud of.

‘Get started right’ and the rest may not be easy, but it will be worthwhile.

See ya next time . . .

Before We Move On … Some Personal Thoughts On the Future for Podcasting

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As I mentioned last time, I am planning on making certain changes to this site and also expanding my podcasting adventures into other areas I am interested in. But before we move on, together, I just wanted to take some time to express my thoughts and feelings as far as the direction of podcasting for the future, in general and for myself.

I used to take certain things for granted. Things like, I never thought I would like being on the talking side of the microphone and now I find it gives me great pleasure to share what I know with those that want to listen. My problem now is trying to figure out what direction to go with my ideas of what I want to accomplish with podcasting.

You see, I know there are people out there that know much more about podcasting than I do and I know there are those that know much more about the software and available hardware. The real problem for all of us is, what do we really want to accomplish with what it is we do with this form of communication called podcasting.

Do we want to use it as a form of entertainment? Do we want to use it as a forum for our thoughts on current events and other items we find important? Do we just want to have another music based radio program or possibly a talk show? How about educational and inspirational programming? When it comes to video, will the same hold true, doing the same old, same old, or will someone find a brand new way of getting the job done? Will we continue on with the casual presentation of our creativity as is now so popular on “youtube” and other places or use it for things beyond our comprehension at this moment?

What direction will you take? Have you really thought about it?

As for me, I choose to use podcasting for educational and personal development purposes at the present time. It is a convenient way to present, or offer, input into peoples lives. It is possible to help many gain valuable input in this way and for me, that is important. I hope to make a positive impact on people and give valuable information and advice using my own life experience and that of others.

There is a wealth of information available and this is a way to make it available to all that desire it at a time convenient for them to listen or absorb it. Some of it will cost nothing and some of it will cost more than some think it is worth.

This medium will become an income producing venture for many and will be a fulfilling outlet for others. I only hope that it doesn’t become what TV and Radio have. They are more driven by income rather than importance. The driving force behind much of the programming in those venues is popularity and how much an advertisement will bring in because of that popularity. Of course, that is good business and will apply in some way to podcasts of all kinds, but it is very limiting. It means, especially in Radio and TV, that only programming that generates income survives whether or not it has any real value.

One of the most important values to this thing called podcasting is that it is not something that restricts someone from doing it. A person can start podcasting very inexpensively. Quality will always be of value whether it be the content or the quality of the audio or the video or both. With the technologies and services available these days, a person can turn out a very high quality podcast very inexpensively. That doesn’t mean a person will have to spend a fortune, but, it does mean they will have to spend what it takes to accomplish what they want to produce in the quality they want. Some things are easy to accomplish and some things are, or can be, very complex.

I can only speak for myself and the way I am. Mostly, I am a very laid back person. Does that mean I never get excited or exasperated. No, it means I don’t often yell and scream to get my point across. I just present it the way I see it and that is all I can do. Does that mean I don’t like those that do it the other way? No. Sometimes I think they go a bit over board and I can’t necessarily listen to them for extended periods of time, but, I do appreciate their enthusiasm.

So, the future of podcasting is in our hands, yours and mine. What we choose to do with it remains to be seen and I do firmly believe we have only scratched the surface. I know I never thought much about it until I began to use it to time shift my listening and learning experiences and then began my own podcasting adventures. It offers possibilities limited only by our creativity and imaginations. I’ve said it before and I will say it again. The world is out there waiting for our input. Let’s get it to them.

See ya next time . . .

Is Your Podcast ‘Take It With You’ Material?

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(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

Go ahead, check it out for yourself. There are more than a few places to go and check out information about podcasting of all different kinds. In fact, there are literally thousands and thousands of places. Do you find that a bit discouraging and overwhelming? It can be and it is for just about everyone, at times.

If you want to laugh, there are plenty of videocasts to tickle your funny bone. If you want to hear someone spout off about their latest aggravation, you will find them in thick supply. There are seminars, lectures and lessons available of many different types. There are those that are strickly for entertainment and there are those that are educational and informational. You name the subject, you will find something, somewhere, and probably multiple somethings in those somewhere places.

So what is it you want to do? If you want to become rich and famous by podcasting, you might want to give it a little time (because it probably won’t hapen too quickly, if at all). Now, every once in a while someone discovers a niche, comes up with an idea or stumbles upon a certain subject that catches someones attention and it travels the viral route to absolute star-status in a very short period of time, but, those are very few and far between.

Does it happen overnight? Sometimes. Does it make its creator rich? Sometimes. Is it something you can do for a while, sell to someone else and retire to some tropical location, sipping on what ever you like to sip on all day long? Maybe it does happen that way sometimes, but, it’s not too likely it will happen to you, (or to me).

So, many will ask the question, “What’s the use? No one is out there listening anyway.” It’s how you answer that question that can make all the difference in your life in podcasting and possibly the lives of those that listen to what you have determined to accomplish through podcasting.

I think the question you have to ask yourself is, “Why do I really want to do this?” Is it all about money? Is it about fame or power? How about simply to be recognized?

I have had to answer that question to myself more than once. The best reasons I have come up with to explain why I do this is because I like to do it and because I have always been a teacher at heart. I don’t like to hold on to, or hoard, knowledge I have acquired over time. I like to share what I have learned if someone is willing to learn from me. I like to share my experience with others and help them advance toward their goals. I have to be honest, though. I haven’t got all the answers and I still learn something new almost every day.

Some of the stuff I know is useless in this day and age and some of what I know you can’t put a price on. That’s why I like the idea and convenience of educational podcasting. I like the fact that knowledge or information can be readily available to anyone that wants it and that it can be downloaded and taken with you to be listened to at your convenience.

In fact, I am totally spoiled by podcasting. I spend so much time in my vehicle daily, traveling (or should I say, sitting in traffic), from one job to another, I want to spend that time wisely. I choose learning about, or being motivated by, the things that interest me rather than listening to the radio while I do so. When something I listen to at my computer can’t be taken with me, I am disappointed. (Now, I have a way to change that, but, it takes more time for the conversion process. It isn’t necessarily convenient but it does work. I will talk more about that very soon.)

Consider your podcast. Is it something educational or informational? Is it strictly for entertainment? Is it a teaching series? Is it an audio book of either technical knowledge or entertainment value? Is it technically well produced? Is it something someone would want to take with them?

See ya next time . . .

Beginners, Have Fun With Your Podcasts … The World Is Waiting For Your Input

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When I started actually doing this thing called podcasting, I did it because it interested me. I never claimed, (and still don’t claim), to know much about podcasting. In fact, my only claim in all of this is simply that I have a lot of experience in recording, both live and in the studio.

I’ve been around, and done, recording and worked as a sound tech both live and in the studio. I’ve had the great priviledge of doing it for broadcasts on radio and on TV. I’ve done the same for my own personal creations and for my own pleasure. (No big deal, just fact.)

Does that make me an infallible expert? No, it doesn’t, but, it has given me one thing many haven’t yet acquired. What is that one thing, you ask? Hands on experience, (or, ‘Seat Time’ as they say in racing.)

  • Have I done, and do I do, everything correctly? No, but I have learned from my mistakes.
  • Have I attained perfection? No, but I have become much better at what I do.
  • Will I ever “arrive”? Probably not, but I will enjoy the journey.

Probably the most important thing I have learned is just how much I don’t know. In fact, I would go so far as to say that is one very good thing that comes with experience and with growing older; you accept the fact that you don’t “KNOW IT ALL” and probably never will. I do know what I like in recording technique, sound and style, but, I try not to let that keep me from learning something new. If you have been a steady reader/listener of the info I provide, you know I am mostly audio oriented, but, I am also interested in the video side. I just have more experience in audio.

With the state of technology these days, I find it difficult to get too attached to any one thing for an extended period of time. The software and hardware constantly change, and not always for the better. Developing good habits and paying close attention to small details should never change because there is no substitute for quality. The better the quality of the product, the more we can be proud of the product we turn out and the more pleasing it will be to those that listen to it.

So, where does that leave you? Well, that is up to you. The nice thing about all this is that it is relatively new and is really seeking some well guided direction. Because it is so new, you just may be the one that has the idea or capacity to make a great impact on this blossoming industry or medium, (depending on how you look at it). That’s why it is important to remember this important fact:

You can have a lot of fun while you learn more about podcasting and you can develop your style and grow with the medium as you, and it, mature.

You may never know exactly what you are capable of attaining until you click open the mic and begin talking. And while you’re at it, “Enjoy the Ride!”

See ya next time . . .

“Secrets of Podcasting – Second Edition” by Bart G Farkas . . . This Month’s Book Recommendation

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(Click Here) to listen to the podcast of this article

Well . . . it’s that time again. I can’t believe the last month went so fast and I can’t believe this one is already in its second day. This month’s book recommendation is a great one for beginners once again. (I know, I know; but you advanced podcasters remember what it was like when you got started, don’t you? My intention is not to ignore you advanced people, I just want to focus for a while on the beginner. You don’t really mind that much, do you?)

It doesn’t take much searching to find there are many books on the market today that are a wealth of information for the beginner podcaster. This one, “Secrets of Podcasting – Second Edition” by Bart G Farkas, is no different. He is the author of more than 90 technology books and strategy guides and has an avid interest in Podcasting. While he goes into specifics about getting started finding and listening to podcasts, he doesn’t bog you down with a lot of unnecessary information and offers many options for you to try.

If you are interested in making a podcast of your own, he gives you a lot of helpful input as far as type of software and hardware to use. (I like the fact that he thinks quite a bit like me. You don’t have to start out with all ‘top-of-the-line’ stuff.) As he makes exceedingly plain, there is enough good stuff out there that functions well and doesn’t cost an ‘arm-and-a-leg’. Now, as I have said myself before, not everything is free, but many things are available and affordable. You can choose your own level of entry; expensive or ‘cheap’.

This book is not limited only to audio podcasting, but also, delves into the world of ‘VODcasting’. (That’s video podcasting for you newbies out there). Although it is the newer part of the podcasting world, vodcasting will ultimately touch all of us in some way, too.

There are interesting tutorials on both audio podcasting and video podcasting. Nothing fancy here, but, interesting and informative, (and they can help you get started and that’s what is most important.)

If you are looking to get started in podcasting, whether listening or producing your own, this book can be a great help to you.

Several people have some sort of criticism about the title choice. They complain that the title, “Secrets of Podcasting” is a misnomer. I believe they miss the point in their criticism. The only ‘deep, dark secrets’ I know of in podcasting is that there are no ‘deep, dark secrets’ to podcasting. It is available to everyone. I believe that was one point, Bart, was trying to get across with the title. With all of the available software and hardware out there, podcasting has never been more simple to enjoy or produce.

The problem will always be whether or not your idea is interesting, educational or entertaining enough to draw people in and keep them coming back for more. In the end, isn’t that what it’s all about anyway. I definitely recommend this book and give it a “five star” rating. Try it and judge for yourself.

See ya next time . . .

Right Time – Right Place

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You know, sometimes, things just happen for the best. It is like last Friday (very,very early in the morning), when I really wanted to show how well I felt the things I talked about in “Podcasting Quick Tip #3” worked. The problem I had was finding a place I could quickly get my demo out and available.

Now, admittedly, I didn’t search high and low for a place to host my simple little example podcast production, but I did have a few places that were free, or at least inexpensive, and quick and easy to use. Although I had my mind set on a few places, I was not happy with them when I tried to use them. Some wouldn’t let me do an upload from my computer; one wouldn’t let me do a podcast at all, (for what i thought was a really stupid reason) and some had a delay and I didn’t want to wait.

And then it happened. I just happened to notice one of the Adsense ads on my site. Knowing that you can’t (and shouldn’t) click on your own ads, I looked at the address for it and typed it into my address bar. It came up and I began to check out the site. It was “mypodcast.com”.

At first I wasn’t sure whether they would let me upload my file from my computer, but I did like the fact that they had simple downloadable recorder that worked with their site which would really expedite the process. Becoming just a little bit desperate, I figured what the heck, I can re-record it and just not have the additional production on it until I found a better place. I signed up for it and downloaded the recorder program.

Through the FAQ’s I found that I could not only use the recorder program but they had a simple way of uploading my file from my computer and that would allow me to demonstrate my little production using the equipment and software I had talked about.

I uploaded my short little production and almost immediately it was live and available. I was quite pleased with the quality and the ease of accomplishing the end result. By the way, in a few short steps, you can transfer your podcast to ‘iTunes’, (see the FAQ’s for the “mypodcast.com” site for the details.)

If you’re looking to get started with your own podcast, and you would like to get started soon, this is a great place and it is free at the present time. All you really need is a microphone and you are ready to get started. (Click here, to listen to this read as, episode #0002.)

See ya next time . . .

Podcasters Should Pay Attention to the Details? (Honestly, It Won’t Hurt.)

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Do you believe it is really true what they say, “The devil is in the details?” I don’t and I have some pretty strong feelings when it comes to paying attention to the details.

Since I have made just about any mistake you can make when it comes to recording, whether it be live or in the studio, I think I can speak a little more knowledgeably and forcefully on this subject. (After all, I have been doing this in one form or another for over thirty years.) I can hear some of you now, saying, “So What?!?” . . . (Well, you’re entitled to your opinion also.)

If anyone thinks that everything can be done “on-the-fly” when it comes to recording for a broadcast, podcast, or anything else for that matter, that person is sadly mistaken and is going to have some disappointing “setbacks” and some rather excruciating “learning experiences”. Now, what do I mean by that? I mean, they are going have some important recordings that will only be able to be used as ‘learning experiences” because the only thing they will be good for is saying, “I won’t make that mistake again”, or, “I wish I would have been better prepared for this interview, (or studio time, etc, etc)”.

There absolutely has to be some pre-planning and some thought given to what it is you want to accomplish. Even things that are ‘spur of the moment’, or casual in nature, still require a little fore-thought. There still needs to be at least some semblance of a plan. At the very least, when you have a direction you want to take in your monologue, teaching time, interview, conversation, or dissertation it is easy enough to take a few detours along the way and still end up where you were headed. (Sometimes, those detours take you to the place you really wanted to be in the first the place and because of your forethought, you got there). Please understand, I am not talking about a script (althought there are times that is a good idea, also). I am talking about even the simplest plan to follow.

After you’re finished and it is time for editing, there are a few things you need to check as far as what the final product will be. Is there good balance between transitions from speaking to music or breaks. Is the level between two or more speakers relatively the same. When you listen to your recording, are there places that cause you to be irritated or distracted, (such as noises, poor levels or glaring level mistakes). Believe me, if they catch your attention, your audience will catch them too, and they may be distracted enough to turn you off permanently.

I have always believed it is worth the extra effort to pay attention to even some of the smallest details, both pre and post production. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced veteran, paying close attention to small details can make an enormous difference in your final product. As I said in the title, paying attention to the details won’t hurt (and it definitely won’t cramp your creativity). Besides, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much better your product can be and amazed at how many people will be pleased to tell others about you and your effort.

See ya next time . . .

“Podcast Solutions”by Michael Geoghegan and Dan Klass … This Months Book Review/Recommendation

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Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Podcasting (Solutions)(click on the pix to get it quick!)

This is my recommendation for the book to read for the month of February if you are a beginner looking to get started, or simply like would like some great info for making or improving your podcast.

I realize there are a lot of books on the market for podcast beginners and advanced users. I think this book is well worth the investment whether you are a beginner or an old pro, (maybe even a young, old pro). Because there is so much in this great book I just want to tell you a little of what it contains. Now, that doesn’t mean I won’t be metioning more about it later, it just means I want to tell you a few things about it at this time and hope you will pick it up as a valuable resource you will be able to refer to on a regular basis. These guys KNOW what they’re talking about.

From the pages of this book you will harvest a wealth of information on things like:

  • How to use “podcatchers” like iTunes, iPodder Lemon, and iPodderX
  • Secrets of creating the perfect podcast
  • Expert advice on how to design a successful show
  • How to set up an effective studio in which to record your podcast
  • Includes the complete “Podcast Studio Buyer’s Guide”.
  • Everything you need to know about recording, editing and encoding
  • Everything you need to know about uploading your podcast
  • Information on using music “legally”
  • Attracting sponsors, advertisers and other evenue sources for making money with your podcast

Michael Geoghegan and Dan Klass are pioneers in podcasting. (You can find out more about them by clicking the links in “Podcasting Quick Tips #2” This book a not just something you will want to have for one read. It is something you will want to refer to often even though podcasting is a technology that is changing rapidly. This book is jam-packed with great information and I like the way they offer the important information and yet keep it simple and straightforward. They present it in an understandable way and that is a BIG plus for those that pick it up to get a great headstart on podcasting even though they may be absolutely new to the technology.

Now here’s another thing about this book I really like. It comes with a CD, (worth the price of the book by itself), packed with useful programs, although mostly trial versions, for getting started in podcasting. Even though some of the programs are trial versions they will give you a good feel for the programs BEFORE you invest your hard earned money and that can help you get started on a shoestring and move up as you progress or start up without having to go at the programs ‘cold’.

All in all, I guess you can tell I like the book. I would rate it at least four and a half stars.

See Ya Next Time . . .