Podcasting Terms
Bed - audio that is reused as a backround element, such as music or low key effects
Blog - see weblog
Board - short for mixing board, a tool for combining multiple audio sources into one signal for recording
Enclosures - enclosures are a way of linking to media files within an RSS 2.0 news feed. Podcast clients can identify enclosures within a feed and automatically download them.
Imaging - term for using audio effects, spoken phrases or music to create an "image" or brand for a radio station or show.
iPodder - one of the original podcast clients, iPodder is a free program that can automatically download new shows when they become available, and synchronize them with portable digital audio players.
News feed - a collection of news or story highlights made available on the Internet in a standard format, usually RSS 2.0. News feeds are used to publish information about podcasts. Podcast clients can subscribe to podcast news feeds, and use their information to find new shows and download them.
Podcast - in common use, the term refers to audio files published to the web along with a news feed, letting users subscribe to a series of shows and download them automatically. Podcasts are a collection of files, such as audio MP3 files or other media files, referenced in an RSS 2.0 news feed as enclosures.
Podcasting - the process of publishing audio files, typically in MP3 format, along with news feeds so that listeners can download them and listen to them on their computer or portable digital audio player.
Podcatcher - a term for programs used to subscribe to and download podcasts
PSA - public service announcement
RSS - aka Really Simple Syndication is the most popular news feed syndication format; RSS 2.0 is the defacto feed format for podcasting.
Skype - an Internet telephony service that lets you make calls via an Internet connection
Stinger - a brief sound or musical phrase used as "audio punctuation".
Video Podcasting - the process of publishing video files along with news feeds so that listeners can download them and watch them on their computer or portable digital video player.
Vlog - see Video Podcast
Weblog - a website, usually built with user-friendly web content management systems, that feature chronologically arranged entries. Podcasts are often published using weblog tools such as Movable Type and Blogger.
To Start:
- Choose A Recording Software. You need a tool to edit the audio for your podcast. Mac Users should check out this GarageBand tutorial while PC users can try Audacity's software. Plus there are a number of great all-purpose podcast software solutions you can use to record your podcast as well.
- Choose A Microphone. The Shure Beta is a great option for beginning podcasters, with great features for about $160.00. Keep in mind you'll need a USB interface for this mic to go into your computer. If you want to start with a simpler/cheaper solution, a USB Headset Mic is a good buy for under $30.
- Write/Plan The Podcast. Content is King in the Podosphere. Poor material means potential subscribers will stop listening almost as soon as they've started. Learn how successful podcasters create their content or consider giving an interview to provide value to your audience. Identify Your Audience to determine who you're podcasting for, and remember to follow your passion like the best podcasters out there and focus on creating honest, insightful content.
- Record The Podcast. Whether you plan to record your audio via a Conference Call Line, a Handheld Digital Recorder, or via your Personal Podcast Studio, it's important to experiment with various techniques to maximize sound quality. It's also important to listen to audio experts to improve your techniques or consider upgrading your gear as you gain experience.
- Edit The Podcast. Now that you've captured your audio, you'll need to edit your tracks using audio software like Audacity, GarageBand, or Propaganda. You should also research resources like this great Audio Effects Primer and join Podcasting Groups or Forums so you can post questions long-time podcasters can answer. (Keep in mind, however, that you can go overboard with effects. For a great article on this issue, read Stephen Eley's great article, Effects 101).
- Find A Host and Upload. Podcast Hosting is easier than you think. It simply involves getting a URL for your website, finding a provider to host your material (the place in the Internet where your website lives) and creating an RSS feed for your podcast. Uploading a Podcast is when you take your edited sound file and "push" it onto your website/blog for the world to hear/subscribe to.
- Promote Your Podcast. Promoting Your Podcast includes everything from submitting your show to Podcast Directories like the one at Podcast.net or using creative Marketing Techniques to get your show heard.
- Solicit Feedback on Your Show. You'll need to create a blog to go along with your show so listeners can comment on your podcast. A blog provides the place for your Show Notes along with a place to connect with your listeners by posting articles relevant to your topic of expertise.
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