Tonight I realized that I now have broadband and can actually make use of all this newfangled media available on this "intarnets" so I gave podcasts a shot. I liked what I heard. In case you dont know, a podcast is a piece of audio (or video) made in a talk-radio style that is available for people to download via RSS syndication. There are many applications that automatically download updated podcasts and the ipod and other mp3 players can automatically fetch new casts and upload them to the device. Podcasts can also be streaming radio, so there are plenty of methods for listening to a cast.
This got me thinking about creating a podcast for OPU.
I have the equipment available to me here, all you really need is a decent microphone. An omni directional mic is best (the kind that look like an ice cream cone) but any kind that doesnt sound like a tin can are best so long as you avoid blowing on the mic while speaking.
I have already come up with a format for the show but I also want your input:
*Postcasts air every 2 weeks or at the end of every month depending on OPU activity. If there isnt much to talk about or report on, a monthly cast would work fine.
*The show is arranged into segments which cover a variety of subjects. The show includes music which may come in to break up the show between segments and may feature artists users request. Please make suggestions on what youd like to hear!
*Users can participate! If you want your own segment, ask me to include it! Or you can volunteer to do a segment I have available. I will include it in the podcast and give you credit for it.
*The shows will discuss topics that are relevant to OPU including pressing issues, user questions, interviews and discussions as well as topics about general gaming and tech!
*Other users can submit and create segments and other content by recording it with such simple tools as Windows sound recorder, but if you want more control I suggest Goldwave or Audacity. All I ask is that your segment have limited noise, has no puffing or breathing into the mic and is well edited to stay on-focus and has a general radio quality. For interviews, people may simply respond to a text version of the interview or a conversation may be recorded in Skype.
*The podcasts will last between a half hour and 1.5 hours depending upon activity and contributions.
*Podcasts will be distributed via RSS and may be available for streaming.
*Anyone can contribute! If you want to have your own regular segment, let me know your ideas! It can even be as mundane as a reading of your novella idea or a dedicated segment about university gaming clans or how to configure routers - anything is possible!
So if you have any ideas, please discuss them here! Im taking requests for music genres, segments, hosts, contributors, topics and cast dates!
If you still arent sure what a podcast is, it helps to think of it sort of like an audio verion of a forum with music and news. You can check out a podcast for yourself
here.
