Multimedia & Graphics : Tools for Podcasting
Summary : A collection of webmaster resources that simplify the creation, promotion and listening to podcasts.
As Internet users grow more sophisticated, demands for rich multimedia web design increases. As a result, the popularity of podcasting has increased significantly. Realizing that many are interested in providing audio content in a podcast, what follows is a collection of webmaster resources that simplify the creation, promotion and listening to podcasts.
Podcasting Tools
Podcasts are simply RSS feeds that contain audio content, a true multimedia experience. By using a combination of RSS and podcast-related tools, users can access this new communication medium. The following webmaster resources are helpful in using RSS and podcasts to maximize any website's multimedia offerings:
- Tools for Listening to Podcasts - Many RSS readers now include podcast support. This allows the audience to view podcast contents before choosing to listen. Critical podcasts can be flagged or set to auto-download. The following web master resources enable this function :
- Podcast Receiver - Podcast Receiver is a free client used to keep current on the latest and greatest podcast feeds with no effort. The Podcast Receiver manages podcast subscriptions and schedules automatic scans for new podcasts. http://www.primetimepodcast.com
- FeedDemon - FeedDemon is a desktop client that retrieves and organize RSS feeds from the internet. It comes pre-configured with several news-feeds, and you can easily add your own by adding the URL for an RSS feed of your choice. FeedDemon offers an attractive and easy-to-use interface with integrated web browsing. http://www.feeddemon.com
- Create Podcasts - As podcasts have become increasingly popular, radio personalities and hobbyists have struggled to find a solution to create podcasts, not realizing that podcasts are simply RSS feeds containing an audio component in the enclosure field.
FeedForAll - Desktop software used to create, edit, manage, publish RSS feeds and podcasts. New podcasts and feeds can be quickly and easily created with FeedForAll. Podcast feeds generated by other means can be automatically repaired so that they conform to the RSS 2.0 specification. Existing feeds can be enhanced to contain advanced feed properties, and give them a more professional look. http://www.feedforall.com/podcasting-tutorial.htm
- Podcasting Articles and Tutorials - There are many online sources of podcasting and RSS articles and tutorials. The following are highly reliable sources of information.
- Podcasting Articles - Podcasting-Tools.com contains a collection of articles related to podcasting and RSS. The purpose of this content is to assist broadcasters and audience members to deciphering RSS and podcasting. (http://www.podcasting-tools.com/podcasting-articles.htm or via the RSS feed reader http://www.podcasting-tools.com/podcasting-articles.xml)
- RSS Articles - RSS-Specifications.com contains a collection of articles related to RSS and news feeds that assist both publishers and their audience to understand Really Simple Syndication. (http://www.rss-specifications.com/rss-articles.htm or via the RSS feed reader. http://www.rss-specifications.com/article-feed.xml)
- Podcast Directories - There are even directories dedicated to simplifying the search for podcasts.
- Podcasting Station -This is a categorized podcast directory that allows visitors to search for topic-specific podcasts. (http://www.podcasting-station.com)
- Podcast Bunker - Before Podcast Bunker adds a podcast to their list, they review it for audio quality and content. They only list the very best podcast submissions. New podcasts are added as they come in for review, or as they are found. (http://www.podcastbunker.com)
- Podcasting News - This is a popular podcasting directory. All podcasts are categorized by topic, making it easier for listeners to find podcasts of interest. (http://www.podcastingnews.com/forum/links.php)
- Podcasting Graphics - Websites featuring podcasts often use colorful graphics to promote their use. If you lack the software or ability to create custom graphics, there are helpful web master resources online.
- Podcast Graphics - Create custom podcast graphics in seconds. If you wish to customize your podcast buttons and are crunched for time or lacking artistic abilities, use this free online podcasting graphic tool. The button's color and text can be customized to suit the creator. (http://www.feedforall.com/podcasting-graphics.htm) or create custom graphics (http://www.feedforall.com/public/rss-graphic-tool.htm)
- Podcast Icons - Pixagogo provides a collection of podcast icons from various sources. (http://www.pixagogo.com/5111825842)
- Podcasting Blogs - Stay informed about the latest podcasting industry news by monitoring podcast blogs. Daily posts bring readers current news, industry announcements and general podcasting information. Below are some popular choices.
- Podcasting Blog - Daily podcast blogging and news related to podcasting, RSS, podcast news and aggregation. (http://www.podcasting-tools.com/blog.htm or access the podcasting blog feed at http://www.podcasting-tools.com/blog-feed.xml)
- Podcasting Avenue - An active blog containing items related to podcasting. (http://podcasters.blogspot.com)
- Podcast Bandwidth Hosting - Audio files can take up a fair amount of storage space, and depending upon a podcast's popularity, can be expensive to host. Bandwidth hosting companies specializing in podcast understand the specific needs of podcasters.
Libsyn - Libsyn is designed for podcasters. They do not require any long-term contracts, and there are no surprise over-usage charges. They provide a pay-as-you-go service on stable, secure servers. Every month, media files are archived and web hosting space is refreshed. http://www.libsyn.com/
- Audio Tools for Podcasting - Managing audio files can be tricky. Software tools allow for audio files to be manipulated, converted and edited, providing a higher quality, yet smaller audio file.
- Replay Radio - This web master resource enables the recording of hundreds of radio broadcasts from all over the world. The recordings maybe accessed at any time via PC, CD Player or MP3 player. It is even possible to skip over the fluff. (http://www.replay-radio.com)
- Audio Conversion Wizard - This web master resource converts audio files from one supported format to another with all possible settings, using easy, step-by-step interface. MP3, WMA 8 (Windows Media Audio), OGG Vorbis and WAV PCM formats are supported, with ID3v2 copying and creation. (http://www.litexmedia.com/audio_wizard/)
- Helium Music Manager - This software package allows seamless handling of different file formats to work with and edit music formats. It allows the user to also quickly tag and organize an entire music collection. (http://www.helium2.com/eng/index.php)
- Podcasting Forums - Forums can be a useful for anyone doing business online, both in terms of reading the content and actively participating in the discussions. If you want to learn more about podcasting, consider participating in the following online podcasting communities:
- Podcast Alley - http://www.podcastalley.com/phpBB2/index.php
- Podcasting News - http://www.podcastingnews.com/forum/
- Podstrigs - http://podcastrigs.net/forum/
- Submit Podcast Feeds - As more web sites, blogs, news services and other online resources grow in number, it is increasingly important to maintain high visibility by closely following the major distribution media. As a rapidly increasing number of content sources, new and old, migrate or add RSS as a key distribution channel, focus will shift from search engine visibility and content optimization techniques to RSS feed directories and search tools.
Podcasting Tools - Submit podcasts to the large list of Podcast directories and expedite your podcast syndication. (http://www.podcasting-tools.com/submit-podcasts.htm)
By taking advantage of podcasting tools, broadcasters, publishers and webmasters can increase their audience and reach. There is a wealth of podcasting resources available to create and promote the best possible user experience. About the author : Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net and FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com . Sharon also manages the Software Marketing Resource at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com
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