We devote ample time discussing the building of a web business, the posting of ads and riveting content but we forget that some people don’t like to write or think they stink at it. And they don’t want to be bothered with hiring a writer. So now what?

If fit into the above scenario, then do what some call staying ahead of the curve and make an audio or visual pod cast. No, really I am serious. Even the Vatican puts stuff on YouTube to get their message out. Not that we need their message, okay, I am just poking fun at the Pope and his crew, it’s nothing personal.

Okay, so what were we talking about? Oh yeah pod casts. What is a pod cast?

As some of you know, we are basically talking about, you, doing your own radio or TV style program. You can do it live or pre-record it and upload for all to hear and view at their convenience. For this article we are going to talk about the equipment you need. For a discussion about how to put a pod cast together, look back into the April 2009 Bevy Host News archives and consider the article “The Growing World Of Pod casts” for some tips on putting it together. And we will have more articles on pod casting in the future.

But what do you need to accomplish this task? Before we answer that let’s make a profile of what kind of person can do this.

• A living breathing person – you do not need to be an engineer or a computer/gadget geek
• A person willing to try and willing to learn
• A person who acquires the needed components

What you need:

• A decent PC: You need to have a computer capable of running audio and video streams without pauses and buffering issues. You will need a good sound/video card
• You need an interface between you and your computer. Which is not as complex as it sounds. It is a piece of equipment that links you and your audio device or video camera to your computer. Through the USB input for example
• For voice audio it is good to have a quality condenser microphone. Again you do not need to be a sound geek to find the right one. Just do the research and ask people who are in the know
• Some people prefer using a stereo mixer connected between there mic and the interface unit. It is not a must, but it can enhance your quality as you become more familiar with recording and broadcasting. Also some interface components have some mixing ability
• You will need to have a software program that can record and edit your work. You may need a couple programs depending on how much control you want in editing. For example, you may edit your video separately on a video editing program and then dub audio via a recording program, like background music for your pod cast
• For video, obviously you need a decent camera

You can make this as easy or as complicated as you want. Of course over time the complicated will become easier. It is all relative to how much homework you do and experience you gain. You can start simple by making straight forward videos for say YouTube. This would mean you are doing a one take, ‘no editing required’ version and uploading it. Then you can simply create a link between your web site and your YouTube page. Or you can create a video or audio Widget right on you site. Or both!

In time, you can use your nurtured education to expand your production. You will become the next Scorsese or Coppola before you know it!

It is truly amazing what you can do and how much easier it is becoming. And the best part?

There are more options on the way to a computer near you!

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It goes without saying that advertisement has long been a staple in the public media. Whether it is in print, audio, or video applications it can be very effective if done right. And each media outlet has to be utilized to its unique capacity.

It is no surprise then that when it comes to using the Internet and up to date computer technology, a determined business entrepreneur will no doubt find the potential for effective advertising. And even if you are just a person who wants to share your passion or has informative know how, you will find the Internet a valuable tool in productive communication.

When it comes to connecting your business or hobby with the Internet world you have plenty of options at your finger tips. Whether you use the written word, images, audio, video, or any of these in combination, you can literally reach the entire cosmos if you wish. Well I suppose there are some limits to who you can reach, but the potential continues to grow nevertheless.

One practical and persuasive tool is to do your own podcast. Simply put, it is a digital media file that is “broadcast” over a web feed. Whether it is an audio or video file it can be “displayed” on-line for anyone to view via their Internet connection. It is basically a “show” you can do on your own. Yes it is that basic. But, is it?

Well in terms of what it is, yes it is that basic in the sense that most anyone can do it with little investment and tech knowledge. You are just making a digital media file with your “camcorder” or digital audio recorder and uploading onto your computer and then streaming it out onto the World Wide Web. However a good podcast or one that will produce results is one that is prepared and well presented. In fact many people do a podcast as if they are a tiny radio or television network.

Remember the beauty of doing a podcast is in most cases you are the producer and/or creator. Or at the very least you have a share of the input of what is going to be done. It is a way of getting “TV/Radio” like results for a fraction of the cost. Think about it, even if you could produce your own TV or Radio commercial, the cost of having aired or broadcast on a network would be an obstacle in itself for most people.

This is part of what makes a podcast so attractive. It is reasonably “cheap” and yet can be filmed /recorded and presented in a professional manner. Kind of like your own infomercial in some ways. But the job of putting it together cannot be taken lightly. A podcast will not be productive if you treat it like a YouTube goof project. Even if you want to be funny, you need to put together a well prepared piece. How?

Here is a checklist of things to consider before or pre-production. After you finish this then you iron out the details.

Then for filming and recording you should consider.

You’re still not done. You have post – production work now.

Well that is it in a pod-shell! Remember have a blast with it but don’t think for a minute you can just “wing” your way through it if you expect serious results. No, you don’t have to be Stephen Spielberg or George Lucas but you have to put an honest effort into it if you want people to respond. And they will respond positively if you give it your best shot.

Break a leg!

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