(by 1 person)
Creative Content uses new media to tell stories for people and organizations. We help you tell your own stories, and help the people you are trying to reach start conversations with you. Through the use of blogs, podcasts, and video podcasts, Creative Content will share with you tools to grow your capabilities, ideas on how to make your stories impact the people you want to reach.
We also produce content for websites looking for more quality content that blends with the current writing and creative team's output. Are you blogging about technology? We'll help you add more.
Creative Content is a production of [chrisbrogan.com]
Podcasting From Scratch
Learning to Podcast, One Mistake at a Time
Pre-work: Let's assume you own a computer that's fairly current. Get Audacity, a freely available audio editing software. The link is in the section marked PLACES TO GO below. Also, purchase or repurpose a microphone. I advise against the built-in mics on anything, as they are often too close to the hardware. I am currently using a VoIP headset, which seems to work as a low-end item.
First: I was going to say you should start with determining what to podcast about, but I don't think you even need THAT to get started. Really, plug the microphone into the computer, turn on Audacity, make sure that your mic is on, the volume is up, and hit record.
After talking for a while, hit stop. Play it back. Does it sound decent? Is there too much background noise? What do you notice about your voice? Do you say Uhhh and Ummmm a lot?
Start to practice. Pick a set time frame, like 5 minute shows, or 10. See what you can do with that time format. Set little goals, such as reducing the amount of ums and oh's.
Eventually: think about telling a story of some kind. Even if this is business, the idea is that you will be asking someone to listen to your presentation. As such, tell it from a certain perspective, with a specific voice, and with a beginning, middle, and end in mind.
Think I'm not talking about business? I'm most definitely talking about business. There are stories on the human scale with technology, just as there are with any walk of life.
But, for this lesson, let's stick with the basic premise that you will hit record, speak into the mic, and get the hang of your voice.
Is this too open-ended? How about a project?
PROJECT: Do a five or 10 minute podcast telling me everything that comes to mind about the best house you ever lived in *or* talk about your parents. It often helps to think of the microphone as being a telephone, and that you're telling this story to a friend.
We'll talk about what to do with those recordings next time. Check back on Friday.
Places to Go
Links to Follow
- [chrisbrogan.com]
- Primary website for Chris Brogan
- Something to be Desired
- Web Series of Note
- Distributing the Future
- Podcast by Daniel H. Steinberg. The tightest editing in the world.
- Steve Garfield . com
- The godfather of Videoblogging or Vlogging, as they're saying
- IT Conversations
- Probably the first podcasts I listened to were these.
Podcasting and Content Creation Items
Things related to telling your story digitally.
Podcast Solutions: The Complete Guide to Podcasting (Solutions)
I saw Michael Geoghagen talk at Podcast Academy 2 in Boston, and it made me a believer right away. His presentation was excellent, and this book is lean, mean, and ready to be useful.
Amazon Price: $22.49 (as of 10/10/2008)
Samson CO1U USB Condenser Mic
I haven't used this specific mic, but the brand is reputable, and I was searching for something with USB. This should be in my stable by the end of the year.
Amazon Price: $79.00 (as of 10/10/2008)
Sony ECMMS907 Digital Recording Microphone
Recommended by Paul Figgiani of Podcastrigs.com, and he explained it was one of two portables that he liked. The other is the one below.
Amazon Price: $68.19 (as of 10/10/2008)
Sennheiser MD 46 - Microphone - black
Cardioid are the types of mics you're looking for with regards to podcasting (generally). They are the ones that focus on one direction (uni-directional) and try to forget about the sound behind and around you.
Amazon Price: $189.32 (as of 10/10/2008)
Tapco by Mackie Mix 6.0 Ultra-Compact FX Mixer
Another recommendation by Paul. This is mostly just to show that there are old-style hardware-based systems that will give you quality recording sound.
Amazon Price: $59.00 (as of 10/10/2008)
iRiver H10 20 GB MP3 Player/Recorder (Blue)
There's a whole subgenre of podcasters who use I-River products of one kind or another and swear by them. The big audiophiles snort about these. types of lower-end solutions. Whatever gets you to the dance, provided it's listenable. That should be your holy grail.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/10/2008)
Sony DCRHC40 MiniDV Digital Handycam Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom
I got my camcorder for $200 or so, which is weird, because Amazon's listing it for double. I bought mine via another site. Maybe that's the rub? Anyhow, this is a totally amateur machine that works flawlessly for me.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/10/2008)
Olympus SP-350 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black)
My digital camera of choice. I learned from SteveGarfield that he often uses his digital camera's movie feature to do his video blogging stuff. I'm totally into it, and filled up my 1GB card just trying the concept out.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/10/2008)
More to Come
Check Back and use the RSS feed (top right)
I'm going to pause it here for now, but I'll be back by Friday with more information around podcasting and learning the best way to tell other people's stories in this exciting and challenging digital medum.Above all else, press record and start! You'll find your way. You'll discover your voice. You will be more than willing to work harder at it, because you're covering what you're passionate about.
I'm available at chris at chrisbrogan dot com, if you want to talk shop or request consulting information.
--Chris...
