So, you want to start podcasting. Where do you start? Well, you could do a Google search for `how to podcast` and before you sits page after page of confusing and technical explanations about what podcasting is and how to create one. Be sure you remember the part about the “bitrate” and how to EQ your vocals. OK, kidding. That’s not necessary at all.

This section of ABC of Podcasting isn't something completely new to this site. But it's an important topic, so I think it's worth repeating.

Late last year I wrote The Real Beginner's Guide to Podcasting, which includes a sample audio file and a video demonstrating how to create a podcast using Podomatic, an online podcast recording tool. When someone asks me how they should get started podcasting, I point them to the guide and then let them get started discovering podcasting for themselves, on their own terms and within their technical comfort zone.

As an example, I want to point out an email I received the other day from a person who attended my Podcasting for Everyone session at PodcasterCon. He wrote to let me know that he brought the information from the session back to the organization where he works and now — only days later — the kids he works with are already creating their own podcasts with one of the online podcasting tools. It’s all about getting access to the tools needed to create podcasts simply and quickly, without many technical boundaries. This is why in The Real Beginners Guide to Podcasting I recommend the in-browser podcasting tools for people who are looking for a way to get started without a lot of overhead. If you’re looking to start podcasting, I recommend reading the guide and using one of the in-browser podcasting tools.

This is part of the series ABC of Podcasting from Podcast Free America.

What is Buyout Music?

Buyout Music - also called royalty free music - is a specific kind of stock or production music, produced for unlimited use in an unspecified number of applications and productions.

The Buyout Music user pays an upfront price to purchase unlimited lifetime synchronization rights and the CDs, but he does not purchase the music itself.
Read more..

Where to get it

Opuzz - music downloads, CDs and DVDs. Here you can also download track-by-track, so you only get what you need. Free previews of almost everything they sell.

Royalty Free Music - Hundreds and hundreds of music available for purchase and download. They also offer some nice free tracks (free free, no cost!) for you to download and use.

Flash Kit - a resource for Flash developers, they also have a fairly robust library of downloadable sound effects, music and other jingles for royalty free use in your podcast.

Sound Ideas - Definitely check out their collection Broadcast Length Music Tracks.

DMOZ Listing for Royalty Free Music

Working with Royalty Free Music - Tips and tricks for using royalty free music.

Apple iLife '06 (Mac DVD) - The new version of Apple's GarageBand (Mac only, sorry) comes with a podcasting studio and includes lots and lots of sound effects, radio stingers and music beds. These are also royalty free and are part of the software. iLife '06 costs $79.

As the number of podcasts increase (and not just those looking to make a buck), the noise level rises even higher and more and more people are using RSS news readers and portals like Yahoo! and the iTunes Music Store to find new podcasts, it becomes much more important to identify your website (or where people can find more about you) during your podcast.

If I come across your podcast outside the context of your website, I like to know who you are, where you "live" online and how I can find out more, if I so choose. Podcasts don't always travel within the context of your website, so it's important to add a line or two at the beginning and end of your podcast, identifying who you are and where you're located online.

But don't be mistaken and think this is just about pimping your site during your podcast (and there are some that are into that). This is about making it easier for your listener to jump from listening to reading and hopefully marking your website for a return visit.

By giving your podcast a name-tag you make it easier for listeners to find you and learn more.