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- This topic has 7 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 10 months ago by MrOats.
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July 3, 2006 at 2:59 pm #23771MrEggsaladParticipant
Ok, well I looked a bit for that other podcast suggestion thing but couldn’t find it. Anyways I have had some ideas to make it even better. As my parents have listened to it, they had a complaint. sound quality just isn’t anywhere near like a professional radio show. What could we do to help this?
- Mute microphones when not talking.
- Use professional microphones.
- Wear headphones to prevent feedback.
Also, my parents (sorry Jeff) said that you seemed to like to talk a lot 😮 Well, what if in podcasts each of the people got to read about one of the topics we all will talk about. So like Jeff does the intro and then talks about what is coming up. Then someone else talks about the first topic, as Jeff would, then we all discuss it as normal and take turns talking. I feel that would really make this more lively.
Communication, I feel that we really need to talk and discuss more. Really get into the topics and what not. You know on radio shows how you have the couple of people just talking and messing around a bit, I feel we need that just a bit more.
Another possible suggestion, which I’m not sure if we can do or not is this. I’m pretty sure at one point or another you have heard the radio show “Car Talk” on NPR (National Public Radio). Anyways, if not check out the link and maybe stream the audio to see how they do it. I thought maybe we could have users “call in” with a question that comes up a lot in the forums and we answer the question. I don’t think the whole show should be like that, but maybe a segment of it. Well, what do you guys think?
July 3, 2006 at 5:24 pm #147417SpikeMemberI agree. Great post, btw, rep++.
We definately need to position our microphones better so there’s less wind noise and, people, like he said, what makes you think speakers would work with just a mic? Those microphones are usually very sensitive, and I would think the average household has more headphone sets than microphones. I’m not saying go out and buy whatever you need, just make do with what you have.
Also, yes, please always mute the microphones if you aren’t talking, especially if you can’t get to a quiet room while recording.
Jeff, you do talk a lot, sorry to say. In, I think it was #5, I actually had that idea pop in my head, so I read an article, well, described something, instead of Jeff doing it, which I thought turned out pretty well.
Hm… I don’t know how we could have someone ‘call in’ per se, or if Jeff has had anyone call his IM hotline via Skype yet, but it sounds okay. We couldn’t do it live, but we could have Jeff splice it all together or… I don’t know how we would do that, really, heh.
Another thing: If you’re really going to set out and buy a headset in te near future and you don’t want to spend a fortune, check eBay for ‘logitech internet chat headset’, and by the looks of it, they’ve dropped in price. They’re about $10-20 for one, and you can get a USB or 1/8″ jack one (Watch which one you buy… I find the 1/8″ better because you can plug it right into your computer and not have to worry about all the USB and drivers and whatnot… Plus, you can use them as headphones with whatever, just bend the mic to the side).
Sorry if I was harsh, but really guys, we’re trying to be a professional podcast and we’ve got problems with our microphones? We should be worrying about content, length, things like that, not microphone and sound issues so much.
July 4, 2006 at 5:50 am #147421MrOatsMemberRyan wrote:Jeff, you do talk a lot, sorry to say. In, I think it was #5, I actually had that idea pop in my head, so I read an article, well, described something, instead of Jeff doing it, which I thought turned out pretty well
I think this is a great idea! Why not have everyone read an article on the IM world? Sounds Great to me. Try splitting the time some-what-evenly between the people participating maybe?Jake wrote:Another thing: If you’re really going to set out and buy a headset in te near future and you don’t want to spend a fortune, check eBay for ‘logitech internet chat headset’, and by the looks of it, they’ve dropped in price. They’re about $10-20Look what I found on eBay recently!
Headset’s sound like a good idea.Oh, and I liked the time too. Just enough to keep my full attention!:p
July 4, 2006 at 8:10 pm #147418SpikeMemberErm… the photo is apparently “unavailable”. Google “imageshack” or “photobucket” for some quick image hosting sites.
July 4, 2006 at 8:32 pm #147416Jeff HesterKeymasterThanks for sharing your feedback, Ryan.
I’ve stated before that people MUST use a headset when recording the podcast, but it’s worth reiterating.
It has always been my intent to have a more conversational podcast, but it’s been difficult to get people to speak up. Speaking fluidly and naturally requires preparation and self-confidence. Personally, I don’t like the round robin style proposed by Ryan (person 1 reads an article, discuss, then person 2, etc.). There needs to be a main host who directs the conversation, and one or maybe two co-hosts who aren’t shy about jumping in, sharing their insights.
There are two ways to reduce the “Jeff talks too much” factor. One is to incorporate other regular features. I have tried to do this (i.e. Shifters “Rant-of-the-Week”) but we haven’t been consistent. This would be a great way for a lot of people to participate. I think we could do two special segments in each podcast to help break things up. Shifter’s Rant and then a Tip-of-the-Week, where one of our Advisors or Mentors (on a rotating basis) shares a tip or trick for a specific IM program.
The other thing that would improve things is to settle on one or two “regulars” who are comfortable speaking up instead of rotating the participants every time. This gives the “hosts” a chance to develop a style and experience together.
Doing both of these gives everyone a better chance of participating at a higher level of quality.
As for the call-in questions. I’ve repeatedly encouraged that (the big button you’ll see in the right column >>>) in each podcast and in the show notes. But I’ve only had a few, and the quality wasn’t adequate for the podcast. This is where you can enlist your friends and family to call and ask their questions to get things rolling.
I don’t have the necessary equipment to do this “live.”
Keep the ideas flowing! 😉
July 5, 2006 at 1:29 am #147422MrOatsMemberJake wrote:Erm… the photo is apparently “unavailable”. Google “imageshack” or “photobucket” for some quick image hosting sites.It was Just a screen shot of 0.99 Cent headphones. I’d buy soon, if you’d like to… I mean, who can beat 0.99 Cents? (For the ones you specified).
Jeff- Sounds good! :p
July 5, 2006 at 4:47 am #147419SpikeMemberJeff, if you like, I can be a regular. I’ve been on 2 or 3 podcasts already and I’m starting to get the flow of things. I’m usually around to record, and I do have a headset with a mute button :p
But, yeah, reiterating the whole headset or mic+headphones rule is a must. Just as a general rule of thumb: No speakers, period. I mean, who doesn’t have a pair of headphones they can use/borrow? Hell, iPod earbuds would even work, heh.
Great ideas once again, everyone.
July 5, 2006 at 4:12 pm #147420MrEggsaladParticipantI could be a regular as well (3/7). I’ve also been working on getting my dad’s pro mic working here so if I can do that I’ll really set, moreso then I am now. And, as Spike said:
Spike wrote:Hell, iPod earbuds would even work, heh.Work for me :p
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