Hardware / Software Key Notes

• A good USB Headset (headphones with microphone) will provide the best audio quality
• A fast stable Internet connection ensures constant communication
• A computer that is running well, free of malware, spyware, viruses, unstable programs, and minimal background startup applications
• Use contemporary computer hardware for best results
• Only run essential programs related to podcasting during the interview to optimize the recording quality  (i.e., avoid having a web browser, word processer, and games running while recording)
• Try before you buy any software - trial versions exist for authentic applications

Tips

• Avoid extraneous noises during the recording session such as shuffling paper, sipping coffee, going to the bathroom, or cell phones  (HINT - A USB headset with mute will avoid unwanted audio)
• Create and follow a script
• Do a practice recording session with a script to reduce the "umms" and "aahs"
• Continue recording (avoid starting and stopping); cut out unwanted audio clips after recording session
• Editing usually takes longer than the recording session to produce a broadcast quality podcast with introduction and ending content (the more extraneous noises there are, the more editing is required)
• Focus on creating a relaxing fun conversational environment and the podcast will feel inviting
• Use intro and exit music that is appropriate to the subject content  (avoid elevator music)
• Blend tracks (all audio clips) into a smooth continuous signal with fad in and outs (unless you intended to have sharp audio cutouts)
• Work with lossless audio format; either WAV or AIFF
• Only final output should be in MP3 (lossy format)

Legal Guide

• Podcasting Legal Guide
  This is an American based document that may have applicability to future podcasting in Canada.

eBooks

• Integrating Podcasts Workbook
  The free document targets educators from K-12.  However, it provides interesting perspectives that may generate further ideas.

Free Goodies

• Scripts Templates
  BBC - Writersrooom - ScriptSmart Gold
• All-in-one Story Production
  Celtx (MAC only)
• Windows Teleprompters:
  Prompt Light , Proverb Teleprompter , Teleprompter PC , Teleprompter!!
• MAC Teleprompters:
  Prompt Light , MirrorScript Pro , Teleprompter!!
• WWW Teleprompters:
  EasyPrompter , CuePrompter
• How to make a complete Teleprompter
  Bit by Bit: Forget Cue Cards, Make a Teleprompter! by Brian P. Lawler
  This article is an inspiration in creating your own production center.
• Apple - Creating aggregate audio devices
  (tutorial on AudioMidi with audio editors that are Core Audio-compliant applications - *note - must aggregate more than one device)
• Audio Metadata Editor - MP3Tag ala APP
  Download and install WineBottler, then download Mp3tag (i.e., mp3tagv249setup.exe).  Run WineBottler and use the PC file to combine into a MAC APP.
• Audacity
  Records and edits audio. The LAME library is required for conversion to MP3 format.
• Audion 3
  A free audio recorder, MP3 encoder, and player that was originally commercialware. It is a rudimentary MP3 editor that has been superceded by Audacity. Available for new and older MAC's. {Free Registration Key}
• PodProducer - PC Windows Freeware for producing audio podcasts; a bit old but interesting look at a podcasting application
• WildVoice Studio
  Free podcasting software with sound FX.  Although the website states that this app only works on Windows XP, there has been 1 successful test on Windows 7.