Of particular interest to me were the production and post-production chapters, but if you're interested in starting your own podcast and want to learn the smallest of details without being or feeling bogged down with a lot of information this book is for you.
Geoghegan and Klass are two experienced podcasters who put out high quality podcasts. They take you pretty much step-by-step on how to obtain third-party podcasts (which they rightly suggest you should listen to to learn how others do it), from downloading tools and Web sites of interest. They provide detailed information on the types of equipment you need, from a simple mic plugged into your computer to mixers and other hardware you may wish to have, and how to use them effectively for your podcast. They go into great depth into how to record your podcast effectively by setting levels and using your equipment properly, and how to edit and improve your sound quality, all the while warning you on the little pitfalls that can make your podcast difficult to listen to. They also tell you how to get your podcast on the Net, from registering your own domain and finding hosting (or using services such as Blogger), as well as how to set up the extremely important (to podcasting, at least), RSS feed. You are even given advice on how to make money as a podcaster.
There is also a CD included with a number of excellent trial versions of a variety of software for both Mac (OS X) and Windows which can help you get started in your podcasting venture.
The material plus the CD really make this an excellent, insightful purchase well worth the price of the book. Kudos for Geoghegan and Klass for crafting a wonderful book that will aid the novice (and slightly experienced podcasters like myself) into making well-produced podcasts.
Product DescriptionAre you the kind of person who's got a lot to say? Have you ever wanted to share your talents, thoughts, and opinions with others, but have lacked the broadcasting knowledge and contacts to achieve such a goal?Well, today it's well within your grasp, thanks to Podcasting - using only some simple recording equipment, a computer, and the Internet, you can record and distribute your own audio shows, including anything you want - comedy, debate, news, reviews, interviews, music - the only limit is your imagination.Of course, you'll need a guide to tell you what you need to know, which is where this indispensable book comes in. Written by two of the best and brightest podcasting pioneers, Podcast Solutions is a shrewd and comprehensive guide to podcasting. From downloading podcasts to producing your own for fun or profit, Podcast Solutions covers the entire world of podcasting with insight, humor, and the unmatched wisdom of experience. In it's 200 pages, you'll learn:
* How to receive podcasts - everything you need to know to find, subscribe to and receive quality shows on your iPod, computer or any other mp3 player.
* How podcasting is being applied in many different industries - entertainment, education, sales and marketing, religious study, intra-corporate communications, and more.
* How to plan and design your own top quality podcast, including expert advice on designing a show built for success.
* How to Set up your "podcast studio," whether you're a casual hobbyist or a committed professional. Includes insights and buying advice on finding the right microphones, mixers, software, hardware, and more to meet your needs and fit your budget.
* The secrets to achieving "broadcast quality" audio for your show.
* How to include music, phone calls and audio feedback into your podcast inexpensively and legally.
* The techniques needed to turn your podcasts into Internet-ready audio files and get them out there ready to be received by your anxiously-waiting listeners, using simple hardware and software tools.
* The meaning of RSS, XML, mp3, LAME, and several other acronyms you thought you'd never understand.
* Insider's tips on creating a web presence that will enhance the popularity and professionalism of your show.
* Secrets of attracting listeners through the creative use of directories, user groups, mailing lists and more.
* How to make money with your podcast by attracting sponsors, advertisers, and other revenue sources.The book contains all this and more. This is the guide to podcasting you're been looking for, and the only one you'll need. It even comes with a CD containing all the software you could need to get started, as well as some professional samples to show you how it's done.
About the Author
Michael W. Geoghegan
Michael is a well know figure among podcasters and has been involved in podcasting since it earliest days. Because he started early, he has developed personal friendships with most of the key figures in podcasting. Michael is scheduled to speak and lead sessions at the upcoming Podcast and Portable Media Expo. He was also the first person to lead introductory podcasting classes entitled "Podcasting 101". Michael is frequently sought for comment on podcasting by media sources such as CNN, Wired magazine, The New York Times and USA Today among many others.
Michael currently produces his own show Reel Reviews - Film Worth Watching which has consistently scored in the top ten among podcast listeners. He recently syndicated Reel Reviews content to DVDtalk.com, the Internet's largest DVD movie review and discussion site. Reel Reviews also currently has paid sponsors. Michael's sponsorship deals represent some of the first for mainstream companies outside the podcasting industry.
In addition to Reel Reviews, Michael is executive producer of Grape Radio, a show about wine that in less than 8 weeks time places in the top ten out of over 4000 available podcast shows. Grape Radio has experienced phenomenal growth and features interviews with leading experts in the wine industry. Michael continues to develop and produce shows aimed at the lifestyle and technology markets. He also offers his services as a consultant to business developing podcasting and portable media strategies.
Michael is widely regarded as a leader in producing quality podcast audio. Many of his online articles on how-to podcast remain some of the most popular and widely linked to.
Michael lives in Newport Beach, CA with his wife and two young sons.
Dan Klass
Klass has worked professionally as an actor and comedian for more than fifteen years, appearing in sitcoms, TV dramas and feature films while performing in venues throughout Los Angeles, including appearing regularly at the world famous The Comedy Store. Recently was the creator/writer/producer/star of NewsPop, an animated series for a joint internet venture between Steven Speilberg's DreamWorks SKG and Ron Howard's Imagine Entertainment.
Throughout his career, Dan Klass has worked as an advertising copywriter, written magazine articles, and worked with developers of interactive video systems for the toy industry.
Klass is currently devoting most of his time to his podcasts, the weekly Old Wave Radio, a retro-80's music show, and the much acclaimed twice-weekly The Bitterest Pill, a comedy/talk show that revolves around his musings as a stay-at-home dad on the outskirts of the entertainment industry. The Bitterest Pill has been featured on NBC, NPR and in USAToday.com and the Christian Science Monitor.
Klass lives in Los Angeles with his wife, two kids and two Macs.
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