TOPIC: Podcasts 101

For those of you who have not adventured into the wonderful world of Podcasting, here are some general comments and hints.<br /><br />What are they: Podcasts are primarily audio “talkshows” (some are video), created about a specific topic, usually by people passionate about the topic.  For some it can be a way to get news (real news) on a specific topic, like collections, movies, books, etc.  For others the format could just be conversational or chatty.  There are podcasts out there for just about everything, (even about podcasting).<br /><br />You can visit Podcast alley or Podcast pickle to find some that interest you<br /> http://www.podcastpickle.com/ <br /> http://www.podcastalley.com/ <br /><br />There are also Podcasting “companies” that have many groups of podcasts and have managed to generate revenue through media sales, they also to some extent control the content and quality by selecting the casts that are members of the groups.<br /><br /> http://farpointmedia.net/ <br /><br />Farpoint media also started the phenom of “Podiobooks” book typically read by the author, (some are full productions), all offered for free (or donation).<br /><br /> http://www.podiobooks.com/ <br /><br />Do download podcasts, you can simply right click on the link and download the file to play on your computer, or burn to a CD to play wherever.  Most podcasts are released under a “Creative Commons” license and are free to copy and re-distribute as long as there is no money made.  I found a couple of “podiobooks” made into CDs laying around at Gencon, presumably to give away and spread the word about the books.  <br /><br />You can also take advantage of the fact that most podcasts are presented as RSS feeds.  With a podcast client (IPodder, or similar cashing client) you can set the program to check for updates and automatically download them when they are posted.  Some of these clients play them as well.<br /><br />For people like me with a long commute to work, audiobooks and podcasts are a great way to pass the time…<br />

Uhh ... I think it would be nice if you started the podcast with each speaker announcing his/her name ... and of course, doing a sound check is good so that all the speakers come in at the same volume ... and perhaps you should have the group decide on an agenda before you speak so that what you talk about flows from one topic to another a little smoother ... <br /><br />But I enjoyed listening to them all the same ... btw, where's the podcast with the survival rates? - one of the podcast said there would be one ...

haven't discussed it yet, Jeff C. (he has the mixer) had to go out of town this last week on business, so the recording came to a halt, we should be able to record some more in the near future, and dungeon survival is one of the topics.<br /><br />Dave

On the adverse of that - I like the banter, even if it isn't quite on topic.  Reminds me of animated conversation with friends - and this forum. LOL.

Yes, I am waiting to hear Gary and Joyus hijack one of the podcasts soon! <br />

oh believe me - we are plotting!

<br />and of course, doing a sound check is good so that all the speakers come in at the same volume

<br /><br />Do you have an example?  I go through the audio and try to equalize out the different volumes.  Even when the levels are the same at the beginning, there tends to be movement away from and to the mikes during recording.

OK, maybe it's already in here somewhere, but I don't have the patience to look.  Hubby got me an ipod for Christmas this year.  I'm amazed at how easy it works - BUT I can't get it to down load TD's podcasts.  My first thought is it is the wrong ........ you know >>>>>>  .xxx    <<<<<<<.........at the end of it, lol. Sorry forgot what it's called, lol.  My automatic download says it's not there.  I have a Ipod Nano (?) with 8gig - plenty of room - What am I missing?

Well.........the podcasts are on there, but it listed them as "other" and tells me I have no podcasts, lol.  No wonder I was confused.  They play so I'm happy.  so...... nvm.

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<br />and of course, doing a sound check is good so that all the speakers come in at the same volume

<br /><br />Do you have an example?  I go through the audio and try to equalize out the different volumes.  Even when the levels are the same at the beginning, there tends to be movement away from and to the mikes during recording.<br />

<br /><br />I personally find that a staplegun works wonders   and if that doesn't work, apply some hot glue first and then get 1/4 inch staples and insert them in an x-shape ... it should hold anything in place ...