Datasheet

Chapter 1: Get ting the Scoop on Podcasting

Creating a Podcast

There are two schools of thought when it comes to creating a podcast: The “I

need the latest and greatest equipment in order to capture that crisp, clear sound

of the broadcasting industry” school of thought, and the “Hey, my computer came

with a microphone, and I’ve got this cool recording software already installed”

school of thought. Both are equally valid positions, and there are a lot of

secondary schools in-between. The question is how far you’re willing to go.

But allow us to dispel a few misconceptions about podcasting right off the

bat: You’re not reprogramming your operating system, you’re not hacking

into the Internal Revenue Service’s database, and you’re not setting up a

wireless computer network with tinfoil from a chewing gum wrapper, a shoe-

string, and your belt — regardless of whether MacGyver showed you how.

Podcasting, as mentioned earlier, is not rocket science. In fact, here’s a quick

rundown of how you podcast:

1. Record audio and convert it to a download-friendly format.

2. Create a simple but specialized text file that describes your audio file.

3. Upload everything to the Web.

Yes, yes, yes, if it were that simple, then why is this book so thick? Well,

we admit that this list does gloss over a few details, but a podcast — in its

most streamlined, raw presentation — is that simple. The details of put-

ting together a podcast start in Chapter 2 and wrap up in Chapter 7; then

Chapters 9, 10, and 12 walk you through all the geek-speak you need to

accomplish the podcast.

Looking for the bare necessities

You need a few things before starting your first podcast, many of which you

can probably find on your own computer:

 A microphone: Take a look at your computer. Right now, regardless of

whether you have a laptop or desktop model, Windows or Macintosh,

your computer probably has a microphone built into it — or a jack for

plugging in an external mic, and maybe even an included external mic

packaged somewhere with the manuals, cables, and such.

Position the microphone in a comfortable spot on your desk or table.

If you’re using a laptop, it should be somewhere on your desk that

allows for best recording results without hunching over the computer

like Young Frankenstein’s Igor (That’s EYE-gor.) Check the laptop’s

documentation to find out where the built-in microphone is located in

the unit’s housing.

06_275573-ch01.indd 1506_275573-ch01.indd 15 6/23/08 5:44:44 PM6/23/08 5:44:44 PM