Podcast Freq

2006 is quickly coming to an end and what a year, with such an expansion on technologies. I find it incredibly hard to even second guess what 2007 will bring except new technology and the merging of all the community sites.

For me with life and with my podcasting I feel the future is there waiting for us to create. The power of all the new media technology is that there are no boundaries, it is what we want to make it…..and we can create a future that is spectacular, breathtaking and makes the world even smaller. One thing that I hope is that as we communicate across boundaries that we grow closer as a world and embrace diversity rather than fight. As producers of content and makers of consumer journalism we can help make a difference..indeed we can make a difference.

iI must have been a good girl as Santa has been very good to me, I have a new microphone that I have tried tonight and I must say I like it. It’s a Samson C01U USB Studio Condensor, and I really like it. It is great as it is a straight plug in and start recording which I like with no converter boxes. The sound quality is good for podcasting and I would recommend it for anyone like me who doesn’t want to get involved with anything too technical.

I keep looking at the charts, especially iTunes and keep seeing the big companies dominating them. What I love about podcasting is that it brought media to the masses, it gave people like you and I the ability to publish our content. I fear that the very essence of podcasting may be diluted in 2007. Recording quality becoming more important, budgets, “stars”, who you know etc

It is getting harder and harder to find the diamonds, the rough cut shows that have some of the most natural stars, some of the best content. How do we ensure that the very essence of accessibility, low barriers to entry, media to all doesn’t get diluted?

Somehow the wisdom of the crowd needs to rise and ensure that our new media does not get engulfed by big bucks…somehow word of mouth marketing, a desire to help promote each other and a podcasting directory that promotes the smaller voices needs to emerge strongly over the next few months.

I received an e-mail asking for an explanation about some terms from Jack in Denver. Well, Jack here are some definitions for you

Social Media is any software used to share information and collaborating - usually over the internet.

E-Zine refers to an electronic magazine or newsletter sent via e-mail.

Wiki refers to a web site that allows multiple users to easily add, remove or edit content. It is a key collaboration tool.

Jack - hope this helps, have a great New Year

Digg has now added podcasting to their features which is another great way to promote your podcast and build your listenership.
It is also a great way to find some new listens to give you more ideas for your own - pop over and would love you to digg mine - The Engaging Brand!

For me there are 3 words that will shape our future.

Accessibility. People will be able to access, and make content anywhere.

Sharing. People are now used to sharing content, information, data. They are used to getting content for free - the ultimate value for money! To make money will need even more innovation, more personalisation etc

Merging. Technology will merge, with the distinct areas such as podcasting disappearing to allow full integration of all aspects of social media.

2007 is going to be awesome!

Today sums up for me what podcasting is all about

1) It is about giving something of personal value to someone else.
2) It is about sharing, and sharing without any limitations or cost.
3) It is about community, and the feeling of belonging.
4) It is about enjoying yourself with others.

Each religion has a special time and are built around these principles in some way, so no matter your faith I hope you can see how podasting can help change the world for the better.

Christmas is a fantastic time for forgetting all things such as editing, content, interviewing and taking some real time to chill out….after the year of constantly coming up with ideas to engage your audience. Switching off the computer, the MP3 player and being around family and friends will really help to relax you…and do you know the best thing of all I find that being so relaxed the ideas then flow.

So that I don’t lose any of my thoughts - I will be enjoying a great family Christmas and in my pocket will be a moleskine notebook to jot down ideas as I people watch (my favourite pastime!) for my future shows…working, no this is what I love! The notebook goes everywhere with me, and is full of my reflections of life. It is more about life than podcasting, but the notes I make end up being inspiration for future shows.

I have posted before about the brilliant free tool called The Levelator, well it has just got better - Version 1.1.0 is now here
Cool new features include
- Significant improvements in the levelation algorithms. (Thanks to all those who submitted challenging audio files. We used every one of them in our testing.) improved handling of background noise improved processing of stereo files fewer ‘breathing” and “pumping” artifacts
- All sample rates and bit depths are now supported. Previously, some such as 22,050Hz and 24-bit were not.
- Renaming the application files to simply “Levelator” in order to make the application easier to locate in alpahbetized lists.
- Elimination of the Java Web Start user interface in favor of a native UI for each platform.
- Easing of restrictions on commercial use.
- You can now drag-and-drop an audio file onto the application’s icon, even if the application is not currently running.
- Temporary files are managed more efficiently

Great tool that just got better!

I write a blog called Widows Quest which helps people come to terms with grief, and acts as a support community. I love writing it, as it is purely sharing, helping, giving….a real way of giving something good back to the world. Anyway, I am going to launch a podcast to run with the blog and am looking for stories, audio or written, to show how people have coped and survived losing someone dear. If you have tips, stories to share with others just let me know.

Podcasting is growing, it has grown hugely in 2006 but podcasting is still in its infancy. I feel strongly that as podcasters we need to ensure that this powerful new medium continues to grow and develop. The biggest danger is that we become complacent and keep doing the same old things. But podcasting has just touched the surface there is still about 75-80% of web users to go for, there is a real need to tap into the boomer generation and women. We all need to spread the podcasting word, so here is task for you this holiday season - tell 6 people about podcasting, help them tap into this free resource, this free entertainment and lets make 2007 the year of the podcast.

2006 has seen the launch of my podcast, and also HUGE learnings. Here are some of the things that I wish I had known at the start of the year

1) In audacity, how to change the stereo recording so that it plays through both earpieces… split the stereo, change both to mono and then quick mix!
2) Never to be scared of asking others for help - podcasters have all been in the same boat, and are willing to help.
3) How to get interviews …..ASK! Most people are so giving with their time.
4) If interviewing keep a level of distance - early doors I was so absorbed in the conversation I talked too much!
5) The Levelator - fantastic free tool for levelling those sound differences.
6) Always back up your voice recording when you are interviewing…2 is definately better than one.
7) Elance for all those small jobs that you don’t have the technical ability to complete.
Don’t underestimate the amount of time to produce a podcast..whatever you think, double it. Preparation, interview, and the bit that I hate - editing takes time.

All obvious points I know, and I have to say the great points for outweigh the bad. Podcasting has opened up a whole new way of connecting with people for me…and every minute hour of editing has been worth it!

Every now and then I give you an insight into shows that I listen to, here are 2 more that help keep my motivation high

The Scoble Show Here Robert Scoble - the king of blogging! - interviews companies who are trying to create the future…a great way to keep on top of technology.

Media Artist Secrets = Franklin McMahon is one of my favourite podcasters and covers all things creative.

Let me know of any that I should be adding to my iPod!

The wonderful Leesa Barnes has a post about what to get a podcaster for Christmas - well worth a look, especially if you are looking for a last minute gift.

I was lucky enough to interview Mitch Joel on my podcast this week. Podcasters really need to understand the idea of personal branding in developing their podcast image.The interview looks at personal branding and the importance of it in this age of networking, and new media. It is in 2 parts and you can listen for free here, well worth a check out.