podcasts

Some Things To Think About and Do For Your Podcast Opening

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(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

I can’t tell you how important it is to remember that everything you do in your podcasting adventure does not have to sound like every other radio or TV show you’ve ever heard. It doesn’t have to have that relentless radio sound and it doesn’t have to have the television infomercial look or sound either. Your podcast can have its own character and sound. It is absolutely possible that it can be unique and different and still use all of the necessary elements of good recording technique and proper audio/video capture and editing expertise.

Even though you are beginner at any of the above mentioned items, you can soon become very proficient at all of the above with a little practice and planning.

First, lets think about the opening of your podcast. Some like to just start talking or reading to present their ideas to their audience. Others like to have an opening made up of a music intro and then do a ‘voice-over’ to introduce their topic for their podcast. If you don’t want to do much of an opening other than talking, that’s fine. In fact, that is probably the easiest way. However, using an opening of some sort will eventually prove itself valuable to you at some time or other as you begin to produce a regular podcast. It is just one thing less you have to be concerned about. Another plus, depending on how you do it, is how it can give your production something your audience can recognize as you. It is sort of like signing your signature to it.

Because of the nature of this article, it is going to be much easier for you to listen to the podcast version rather than read it. Even though this article will contain most of what will be talked about, the examples I use will only be referred to in the article, but you can hear what I am talking about in the podcast version. I want you to actually hear the difference of how using certain techniques can affect your production in positive ways. (Someday, in the very near future, I fully intend to be able to present to you both audio and visual aids to enhance this teaching and learning experience.)

As is the case with many things in producing podcasts and other types of recordings, you never know what kind of impact something will have unless you try it. I now do things I never thought I would because I did try them. After I heard what a difference they made, I became more comfortable with what they added to my productions and looked for ways to make them even better. I still believe there is often a fine line between something that will add a special touch to a recording or detract from it in some way, whether large or small.

In this article and the next two, we are going to talk about three things. The opening of your podcast, the closing of your podcast and the body of your podcast. Although this seems to be a little out of order, there is a method to my approach. The opening and closing don’t have to change as often as the body of the podcast does. The body of your production will change all the time. The openings and closings only change when you want them to. There are ways to keep them from getting stale, but generally, your audience doesn’t mind them sounding the same all the time. It is that signature type of thing I mentioned earlier. It is something they come to recognize you by.

Let’s get started with an opening. You need to decide several things. One possibility is to decide on whether you want to open with just talk and get right in to the message or do you want to have music and do a voice-over? Maybe you want to start with just music and no talking for your opening. Any of these will work. It is something you need to decide to give your production personality and perhaps a glimpse of its character and subject-matter.

Let’s take a listen to my first example. It is one of my first podcasts for this ‘Podcasting Resources’ site. In fact it is episode #0002. I want you to hear several things about it. First I was was trying out some different kinds of equipment and software. Although they performed well, the sound was a bit lacking probably because of the microphone I was using. It just didn’t have the warm sound I was looking for. It sounds a bit ‘scratchy’ and ‘tinny’. (As you listen to the opening of this podcast, I know you will understand what I mean.)

(Play excerpt example of episode #0002.)

See what I mean. Please remember, I was working at the time on ways for you to simply get started but not make a major investment of cash. I was looking at ways people could get started podcasting “on the cheap”.

Now let’s move to an opening of another one. This would be one I started with music and ‘voice-over’. Now admittedly, I wasn’t trying to impress anyone, but I was trying to keep costs down and keep everything legal as far as copyright matters were concerned. (That’s right, it was me playing my guitar and using a bit of music I wrote. It is just a way of demonstrating how to keep costs down and still use a music and voice over opening.)

(Play excerpt of episode #0001.)

See, there is a difference in doing it that way. I didn’t spend any money and I did turn out a podcast, (although perhaps not of the best quality.)

The next example is where I switched to using some free music from Mike Stewart, “theinternetaudioguy”. No matter how you look at it, music produced and made for this purpose is better than something you just sit in front of your computer and throw together. (Yes, I am admitting I just quickly made something to use in episode #0001.) Anyway, let’s take a quick listen to the opening of episode #0017.

(Play excerpt from episode #0017)

This one was a little bit better to me. It just ‘feels’ better. To me, it kind of settles the atmosphere preparing the listener for what’s to come. Yes, I know it’s kinda ‘laid-back’, but then I’m kinda that way myself. Your’s doesn’t have to sound like this. It can be as soft, or as loud and wild, as you want it to be.

Now for the final example of this article. It is one I have pre-made for those times I want to be different. I haven’t used it yet, but, I will some day and I will do it soon. I intend to mix things up a bit, now and again, but I don’t want to mess with the original signature stuff. Lets take a listen, now.

(Play excerpt from Podcast open 2)

This one gives you an example of how different music with basically the same ‘voice-over’ does make a difference in the ‘feel’ of the opening. What I am trying to get across is that you can make an opening in any number of ways and still have an effective production.

So far, all of my editing is done with the program “Audacity”. It is a great program and, I repeat, it is a free download. It is very versatile and turns out great product. The music I use at the present is from Mike Stewart, “theinternetaudioguy” and another bit that he and friends have turned out from “MichaelandMike.com”. It is amazing the quality of stuff they make available for little or no cost. Yes, I know they have stuff available that costs and I have invested in some of it, but . . . well . . . just click on the links here and find out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

This is just the beginning of what you can do with a podcast.

One way to discover what is best for your’s is to try out some of your ideas for openings and see how they work. You don’t even have to totally rely on one idea. Try several different ways and see how it ‘feels’ to you. Maybe you can even bounce your ideas off a few of your friends and see what they think. Now remember, when I say, “see how it feels”, I am talking about how it comes across to you and whether or not it grabs your attention and makes you want to listen. Chances are, if you like it, others will too.

See ya next time . . .

When It Comes To Podcast Quality, Equipment CAN Make It Happen

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(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

You’ve probably already noticed, but there is something different about the podcasts I do now. But, before I talk too much about that, I’d like to talk about another difference in what I am now doing and that is, the direction I want to take as we journey forward together in the near future.

Over the last few months, I’ve spent a lot of time talking about ways for beginners to get started in podcasting without making a large financial investment –(refer to Starting a Podcast ‘On the Cheap’)– and I still believe you can do that. If you don’t remember too much about those articles you can check them out, but, let me give you a quick overview refresher of at least one of those articles.

I have mentioned several ‘On the Cheap’ start up softwares and equipment many times in the past. If you remember, one of the most important and inexpensive things we talked about was the software program, ‘Audacity’. If you spend much time researching podcasting in general, you will find many people talk about this free recording/editing program in their books and podcasts. There is a reason why that happens. It is because it works and works well. I tend to use it most of the time for editing my podcasts because it is quite easy to use and because I am already familiar with it.

There are a few programs out there that do more than ‘Audacity’, but if you’re just beginning, or even if you’ve been around a while, you will find it does a great job. It is very easy to use and to get started with as well as being cost free. In a very short period of time, you soon find it is easy to move on to use some of the more sophisticated options it offers. In fact, I plan to spend a little time talking more about the use of ‘Audacity’ in the very near future.

You see, I like a program that allows me to get started quickly with the basics and then easily allows me to work my way into the options necessary to make my recordings, and edits of those recordings, better. This is the way it is with ‘Audacity’. Oh sure, I know there are some other programs out there that are great programs but, in my opinion, some of them are not as easy to get started with. They seem to be a bit too sophisticated and require too much ‘reading of the manual’, often causing a more than a bit of frustration, just to get started. This only leads to early termination of peoples’ productions because, it is just too hard to get started. (Personally, I like easy and I know I am not alone in that consideration. Easy is good.)

Also in those earlier articles, I often mentioned how easy it is to use some simple equipment you probably already own. Whether it was a small, hand held digital voice recorder or a good sounding headset mic, I still firmly believe you can turn out a ‘decent’ recording with relatively inexpensive equipment. The important thing about the recordings you make is the quality that your equipment can capture and reproduce. If you don’t have a relatively clean and good sounding master recording, it is a pretty good bet your final product is going to have poor quality sound also.

So, where is all this leading? I have added a new piece of equipment to my toolbag and I just love it. I think it has added yet another bit of quality to my recordings and podcasts. (I’ve also done a few other things I will discuss in the future.)

I finally decided to step up and try one of the portable, handheld devices for capturing audio and making it quite easy to load into my computer. The one I decided to buy was the H-4 by the Zoom corporation. I’ve been using it for about three weeks and I am quite pleased with the quality it turns out. I have to admit, it took about an hour or so to get comfortable with how it worked with its menus and things, but, I was able to get started with it relatively quickly. I’m still learning how to use all of its capabilities but haven’t mastered all of them yet and I’m not trying to learn it all in one day. I just take it one step at a time.

This little unit can do a lot. I list some of its features here:

  • 2 track mode for stereo recording
  • 4 track mode for multi-track recording
  • Built in X/Y pattern stereo microphones
  • High Z inputs for guitar and bass
  • MP3 recording up to 320kbps
  • WAV recording up to 24bit/96kHz
  • USB audio and mass-storage interfaces
  • XLR inputs with phantom power
  • Up to 2GB SD card memory capable
  • Can be hand-held or tripod mounted for versatile ease of use

Believe me when I tell you, it can do a lot of things and I have only scratched the surface of its capabilites, but the thing I like about it is the quality of the recording it can turn out. I can record and save it as an MP3 file or a WAV file. This makes it great for quick loading into ‘Audacity’ for editing because ‘Audacity’ directly accepts both of those files. It can also be used as an interface for direct recording to the computer.

I made the choice to step up my equipment and thought long and hard about just how I wanted to invest my money. This seemed to give me the most versatility and portability for the price. I like the part about it being portable and able to set it up quick in any situation I choose. I will tell you more about the progress in the coming weeks. So far, it is wonderful.

See ya next time . . .

Get Started Right … You Gotta Know What You Want To Do

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(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

I find it amusing how many people seem to think all you have to do is pick up a microphone and talk into it and you have yourself a podcast. Admittedly, there are some who simply have the knack or ‘gift of gab’ and can talk on any subject at the drop of a hat, but, many people don’t have that gift. Just put a microphone in their hand and they may immediately start talking, (maybe because they already have their first two lines worked out in their minds), and then they just as quickly begin to stumble around for words and eventually start with the ‘ums’, ‘and-uhs’, ‘I-uhs’ and ‘what do I say now’s.’ (Just for the record, it is my opinion that that won’t cut for long with their audience.)

Personally, I sometimes like to go to “mypodcast.com” to check out the new podcasts as they come out. You can always tell the brand new people from the ones that have done at least a few by the way they start. I am not at all surprised by what I hear. I’ve been there myself, (although it was some time ago and probably would still happen if I did more ‘spur of the moment’ talks or teachings.) I really got a kick out of one I heard. The person opened with a few words of welcome and then began to tell what the intention of the podcast was. Shortly after that couple of opening statements, he began stumble around a bit and search for words and then said, “I didn’t think this would be this hard. In the future I’m going to have to write down what I want to talk about . . .”

I can’t think of a better example of what I’m trying to point out to you. This person recognized almost immediately how important it is to have an idea of what it is you want to talk about. How important it is to ‘know what you want to say and what you want to do.’

I remember several years ago I wanted to start a radio station or, at least, be a DJ. I even made a tape I could hand out to people –(mostly friends of mine)– to show them the type radio show I wanted to do. I used the station call letters of “W-H-E-A-D”, (five letters so no one would mistakenly think it was a real station and yet, it did sound as if it was coming from the radio instead of a tape.) The talk would go something like, “Hello, I’m Russ and this is W-H-E-A-D Radio; Head radio, where the music we play is music for your head . . . music that makes you think and talk that does the same.” (Trust me when I tell you, I had a lot of fun doing that but never really followed through on that pursuit. I went on to other things. Now, it appears I may get the chance after all.)

Probably the hardest thing for me to do for that project was the talk between songs. I quickly realized that I just didn’t talk well from ‘off the top of my head’. I had to think about what I wanted to say first and even make notes so I wouldn’t be stumblin’ and mumblin’ around while the tape was rolling and I was getting ready to play the next song. Although I didn’t really know what I was doing, the final product turned out pretty good. Several of the people that heard it as they rode along with one or another of my freinds asked what station it was, when it had come on the air and how they could get it on their radios. Needless to say, I was pleased that they wanted to know what to tune their radios to, but I never did start an actual radio station nor did I become a DJ.

If you have a desire to be a podcaster and just want to jump right in, go ahead and do it, you might just be one of those that can. But, if you want to get started right, there’s a few things you might want to research and think about first. You’re not going to disappoint anyone –not even yourself– by being well prepared for whatever it is your podcast is about. That doesn’t mean everything has to be completely structured and that you can’t depart from the direction you’ve planned for your podcast to be going if an alternate direction seems more promising as you progress.

First, you’ve gotta know what you want to do. The better prepared you are to accomplish the original plan, the easier it is to recognize a detour that takes you exactly where you want to be.

See ya next time . . .

Get Started Right … Gettin’ Down and Doin’ It

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(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

Okay, we’ve spent some time discussing several sites that are good places to go for information and input, but have you really gone and checked any of them out? If you have, you have already taken a big step towards ‘getting started right’. If you haven’t, you really should because there is some really good information out there and you might as well take advantage of someone else’s investment of time and effort. You will simply just be that much further ahead of the game.

Look at it this way, if you check out someone else’s podcast and get a good or maybe even a great idea or tip for your own podcast, what have you lost? Maybe a little bit of time had to be invested, but, you have an opportunity to gain input from some of the best in the business and you can quite often gain that input for little, or no, financial investment. What could be better?

What I’m trying to say is, if you want to turn out a good product but you don’t quite have it all together as far as technique and ability yet, you absolutely need to get the input of others even if it is to become absolutely certain of what you DON’T want to do.

Not everyone of you wants to follow in the footsteps of the status quo. Some of you may have great ideas for really dynamic podcasts that totally depart from the norm and that is wonderful, BUT, you might want to consider listening in on some others to be sure it is what you want to do and how you want to do it.

One thing I have learned is that a podcast doesn’t have to contain flawless diction or be technically perfect, but it does have to have reasonable flo and worthwhile content. (I can say that even though I may not like your podcast and you may not like mine.) Some things are just ‘givens’. People want to be motivated, educated and entertained. Some even like to be shocked on a regular basis, but they still expect you to present it to them in a reasonable and understandable manner.

There comes a time when we all have to make the decision to get down to business and start doin’ that thing that is burning within us. We need to make the decision to get the right equipment, choose the proper format for our presentation, pay attention to what we are doing and get started. There is no other way to see if your idea is going to fly until you actually start producing it.

If you want to ‘get started right’, know this. You will not be wasting your time by spending some of it listening to others that are more experienced. You could very possibly pick up on some little tidbit of information or technique that could make your podcast better and easier to produce.

In all honesty, it has never been easier to produce and distribute an audio or video podcast. The people that have gone before us have done a lot of the hard work. You can easily find the type of equipment that is perfect for your need. The same holds true for software. Some of it is free, some of it will cost you a little and some of it can cost a lot. The best way to decide which one is best for you is to see them in action. Quite often, trial versions (or lesser versions) are available to try before you have to make a major investment. Listening to what others produce with different equipment and software can demonstrate the quality of product that can be accomplished with each.

Many podcasters are more than willing to share what they use to make their podcasts. They either talk about it in their blogs or they love to answer your inquiries via comments or emails. As I have said before, “The only deep, dark secrets in podcasting is that there are no deep, dark secrets in podcasting.”

When it comes right down to it, to “get started right”, there is no substitute for gettin’ down and doin’ your podcast. You want to try your ideas out, so, get out there and do it!

See ya next time . . .

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 . . .

Following Up on the “Hums and Buzzes”…Podcasting Quick Tip #7

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(Click Here) for the podcast version of this article

I’m sure you all remember the time, recently, I was talking about hums and buzzes in my recordings, (Podcasting Quick Tip #5) and I told you I would fill you in on why I was having some ground loop problems when I knew more. Well, I did figure out part of it and the other I haven’t quite got a grip on yet.

The first problem was when I hooked up directly with my laptop to record stuff off of the telephone, (possible interview practice), an noticed I had a bad hum or buss in the recording. I solved it temporarily by removing the laptop power supply. But, the technician in me wanted to know where the ground loop was coming from so I had to try a few things.

I finally isolated it to my modem connection on my downstairs computer. You see, because of some of the work I do, I have and test some head-end parts for RF distribution. I have one of my computers connected to this system to play music and sometimes show stuff from ‘TSTN’ on my whole house system. I have experienced ground loop problems before with the system and thought I had it all taken care of. Apparently, I didn’t. Since I use the computer as my fax machine, it is connected to the phone line via the modem and also the head-end system. When I remove the connection to the modem of that computer, the hum goes away from my other phone connection to my laptop. I won’t go any further with that one, i just know where it is and I can deal with it.

The other one still has me a little baffled. Why my microphone does what it does I cannot say for sure. Perhaps I should try a USB input and see if it does the same thing. As it is now, I am using the mic input at the front of my computer and it has no buzz as long as I am not connected to the power line with my laptop power supply. It also seems to be pretty much evident with the mic I am using. Others I try are either not as evident or don’t have the hum/buzz in them. It is still a little confusing to me. Maybe one of you out there in the land of podcasting and blogs can help me this one. It really doesn’t bother me that much, but I would like to know why. If you have any input, please leave your ideas in the comments section.

I am going to be stepping up to a little bit different equipment in the very near future and I will probably solve my delima in that way. Still, my curiosity is arroused and I would like to know why it does what it does.

I have been extrememly busy lately and have had a little bit of a hard time keeping up with the blog. I have been forced, at least temporarily, to only update twice a week and I have moved it from Monday and Friday to Tuesday and Friday. I hope you won’t mind. Perhaps soon, I will be able to get back on the old schedule. In April, I will probably be turning out one podcast a week on this site, but it will be a compiliation of the articles and thoughts for the week. I will still be providing the podcast version of the articles for those that want to listen to them instead of read them.

See ya next time . . .

Podcasting Quick Tip #5 . . . Got hum and buzz problems?

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

Have you been hearing some mysterious hums and/or buzzing sounds in the background of your productions? If you have, it could quite possibly be associated with ground loops of some sort.

I came across this problem as I was trying out a new headset microphone to use with both, “Audacity” and “mypodcast recorder”. You see, I use my laptop for almost everything I do at the moment because it is my fastest and best computer, as well as the most portable. (It is also my newest). I have been trying a lot of new things lately, for my own benefit and, hopefully, for yours. This led me to discover I had the above mentioned problem.

While doing some practice recordings with “mypodcast recorder”, I noticed a buzz in the background of my recordings. It was probably always there, I think the new microphone just helped me notice it more. For that I am thankful, because I really don’t like hums and buzzing and I find them quite distracting.

At first, I thought it had something to do with the mic, but substituting a different one proved that theory to be false. (The substitute generated the same thing, only a little softer in the background). It was beginning to really bother me. Now that I had heard it, my hearing really began to focus on it. I was determined to get rid of it, so the troubleshooting process continued.

I decided to see if it was associated somehow with the software, although it didn’t make sense it would be. I tried using “Audacity” and found the same thing once again. There was that distracting buzz in the background. I decided to go one step further with “Audacity” since I was planning to use it to directly record interviews over the telephone. I called a friend up and recorded the conversation, (with his permission of course). The result was horrible, (and I am being extremely nice about it). I was really begining to think I had a major problem and began to worry that some of my plans for the near and distant future were going to be out the window. I have to admit, it had me baffled, at least for the time being.

I began to look for possible ‘RF generators’ like lighting dimmers or something similar. Nothing I checked made any difference. I was really beginning to get concerned when the thought finally struck me. In audio work, we often contend with ground loops of one sort or another. We can usually temporarily lift a ground to test and isolate the problem. The problem was, I was not using any plugs with ground pins in them, just the standard two prong, so how was I going to lift the ground separately. I remembered I didn’t have the problem when I used only my portable digital recorder, to capture with. Nothing else was attached to it, so, what was the difference between the two ways?

(Well, I hope you haven’t guessed yet, because that would spoil the rest of this article.) It was the fact that the digital recorder was totally self-powered by battery and I was using the power supply/battery charger for my laptop. When I removed the power supply cord from the computer and it went on to its own battery power, the buzzing completely stopped. My recordings were once again clean in both, “Audacity” and “mypodcast recorder”.

The problem seems to have been a difference in ground potential (a ground loop) between the phone line and the electric in my house for the problem with the telephone buzzing. Removing the connection to the power line, removed the ground loop problem between it and the phone line. Now I just have to consider laptop battery life into the extended phone interview equation for the future. Hopefully, that is just a minor problem that I will be able to wring out soon.

I have to be honest. I still don’t fully understand why that cured the buzz in the microphone, but my theory has to do with the stereo plug it has. I think it has to do with the way the plug makes connection internally in the computer. To be technical about it, it is like inserting a balanced plug into an unbalanced input, or vice versa. At any rate I will keep working on that and let you know when I totally figure it out. If you have any ideas about it, please, feel free to leave your comments!

For now, though, all is much quieter on the recording end.

See ya next time . . .

Beginners – There Are Advantages to Starting a Podcast ‘On The Cheap’

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(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’

  1. 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.
  2. 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?”)
  3. 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 . . .

 

Beginner Podcaster – Inexpensive Startup

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(Click Here) to listen to this article at “www.mypodcast.com”

If you are a beginner podcaster and you want to get started in an inexpensive way, one of these two ways could be exactly what you are looking for. I just don’t see how anyone could start any cheaper.

One of these two things will work for you if you have a computer, a microphone and an idea. If you already own the computer and the microphone, everything else I mention here is free.

Did I say FREE?!? Yes, I did! Sound too good to be true??? Well, it isn’t. (You don’t even have to write this down. I’m doing that for you right now.)

All you have to do is go to either:

or go to,

  • “www.mypodcast.com” and sign up for your absolutely free podcast hosting. You will want to also download the “mypodcast recorder” while you are there.

If you choose to download “Audacity”, you will also want to go and sign up for, and download, the “mypodcast.com” stuff, too. The reasoning for this is, although “Audacity” is a very good start up recording and editing program, (and it is FREE), they do not offer hosting for your podcast. However, when you use “Audacity” to record and edit your ‘cast’, you can export it as an mp3 file and upload it to the mypodcast.com site after you sign upwith them. (Now is that great or what?)

I know your are wanting to know how hard it is to do all of this and that is a legitimate question.

My answer is, “You won’t believe it if I tell you, so, GO to the sites and TRY THEM!! BUT, since you did ask, I will tell you just a bit about using these two great little programs.

If you choose to start with “Audacity”, I will assume you are not a total novice. It will allow you to do a more sophisticated podcast, but, you will still need to have a place to upload your production to and that means you need a place that will host it. As far as making a good product that will allow you to be very creative, I believe you will find nothing better than “Audacity”. It is for sure you can’t find anything less expensive. For now, just keep it simple and use the basic functions. It is very easy to use and turns out quite good quality.

If you are an advanced ‘caster’ or a complete novice, I strongly suggest you start with signing up at “www.mypodcast.com”. They aren’t just for beginners and offer some interesting ammenities. Just follow the clicks and fill out the forms. When you have finished signing up, go ahead and download the ‘mypodcast recorder’. After it is installed on your computer, plug in your mic and start practicing with it to see how easy it is work with. Then you can work with your broadcast.

It is also possible you can make money working with “mypodcast. com”, if your podcast gains a reputation and adds advertizers, so be sure to read about that when you get to their site. Along with all this, their software offers an easy way to put ad-spots into your presentation and for that you can also make money. You plan your insertion points or they insert them at the required spots according to their requirements. They even make it pretty easy to get your production on “iTunes”.

As I said earlier, if you have a computer and a microphone, you can get started with your idea really inexpensively. After that, the rest is up to you.

See ya next time . . .

 

Podcasting Quick Tip #4 . . . Try This

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This little Quick Tip has a lot to do with something I tend to nit-pick myself about regularly and it has to do with paying attention to small details. Sometimes, the smallest little thing catches my attention and drives me crazy.

Admittedly, this probably catches my attention (and bothers me) more than it does others. Still yet, I think it can make a difference in the recording, editing and production of your podcast, (or any other recording for that matter), if you pay attention to this small detail. (Now, I never said what I turn out is perfect, but, no one can say I don’t pay attention to details when it comes to podcasts and broadcasts.)

Have you ever been listening to someone’s production and you could tell where many of their edits were because of the difference in background noise or a bit of silence between one statement and another? You see, (as I said back in “Podcasters Should Pay Attention to the Details”), constant attention to small details can make a very big difference when it comes to the final result. This is one detail that many don’t think about. They just pass over it as though no one will notice. (But rest assured, someone will notice. When you notice it, and take care of it before the others have a chance to hear it, your production will be that much better.)

So . . . what is this little thing that bugs the heck out of me? It is those noticeable edits.

Since I have been experimenting so much with my little digital voice recorder and telling how well it works, I will use it as an example. One little drawback it has is the fact it has a little hiss in the background, kind of like the old tape hiss of the old cassette tapes. Sometimes, when I want to cover a mistake or add a bit of spacing to something I have said, the easiest thing to do is insert a bit of silence. Unfortunately, when I do that, it is noticed as being different than what comes before and after it.

So what do I do to cover it? Some of you have already guessed I suppose, but for the novice out there I offer this little bitty detail that can cover that noticeable edit. (The nice thing is it doesn’t take much time either.)

I go find a place either somewhere in the recording before or after that section and look for a break in the words that are spoken. That’s right, I am looking for some hiss to copy. After I copy it, I insert it at the point of the noticeable edit and then I trim out the stuff that drew my attention to it in the first place. I then listen to it and make it sound as normal as possible, hopefully unnoticeable to those listening to it. Sometimes I have to do nothing more than insert it and trim out the differing background or silence. At other times it takes a little more work to make it fit. I may have to play with the level of the insertion to make it match or I may have to shorten or lengthen it to get the right feel. In the end, the idea is to make it sound as though there never was an edit and if I pay enough attention to the details the only one that will know is me.

Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out right. This will take some practice to master, but as you do, the end result will very pleasing to you and to others.

I know it works, too. I use it all the time. (Click here to listen to the podcast of this article).

See ya next time . . .