Episode one: The Podcast Experiment
I finally took the plunge and put a video podcast together. What you’re about to watch is Episode One of what could continue to be a podcast series from us here at Tell Ten Friends. Apologies in advance for the hilariously amateur antics of yours truly. It gets better, I assure you.
This is the true essence of a podcast experiment, in many forms. For starters, I’m simultaneously hosting it on Revver (seen below) Youtube, MySpace and I might even test Google Video as well. (itunes in the future?) More explanation following the video:
I’m measuring several metrics here. First, the amount of response I get in the form of comments, both here on the blog, (for my ego, I assure you) and on the various sites where it’s being shared. Also, I’m monitoring the number of views at each, to see which “channel” is the most popular for this kind of message.
**Update: YouTube has problems with lip sync, not sure why when the others don’t.
Lastly, I’m watching what this does for my site statistics and subscriptions. Are the video sites referring traffic to my site?
Are people linking to it and causing a rise in subscriptions? Okay, might be a bit early for that on this first crack at it 
So you can see how important it is that I hear your opinion. It’s not too difficult to put the podcast together, but it takes a bit of time, and I will be encouraged to continue if the feedback is plentiful, let alone good or bad. I’m no Ze Frank, afterall. (More jokes on how I’m ripping him off in the editing, later)
As I mention in the video, if the feedback is what I’m hoping it will be, (hint) then I’ll continue the series with episodes that teach you “How to Build Your Own Video Podcast,” where I’ll go step-by step explaining how I create mine.
Let’s hear from you!
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November 2nd, 2006 at 4:58 pm
This is all we need… to see your ugly mug now too you big geek?!?!
Good stuff mate… keep them coming!
November 2nd, 2006 at 7:21 pm
I’d love have a series like that. To be honest, I’d even appreciate input from the ground level as to what equipment you can use, etc. I’ve been trying to find out camera info, learning about mini-dv, etc. Then knowing what is out there for software editing, and how to get it in podcast form. In other words, I’m getting ready to make some video podcasts and I had NO idea how, so save me some time and work and help me out;) lol
November 2nd, 2006 at 7:34 pm
Haha, Rob.
Lisa; as I’ll explain later, the tools I use are incredibly basic (web cam and mic), but I’d be happy to advise you on a camera purchase.
As long as you have the budget, it’s worth it to buy a 3 chip (3 CCD) camera, as these will deliver essentially broadcast-quality footage. (I mean real broadcast too, in this case)
Also, if it were me, I’d want my camera to have the option of adding several external microphones with xlr (full size, 3-pin audio) cables. That way if you’re ever running several mics, you’ll be all set. If you want me to get into specific models, I can do that as well if you wish.
November 2nd, 2006 at 7:43 pm
That’s pretty good quality that you had with a webcam. I was looking at the canon 100 elantra as that’s about what is in my budget range for now. I have no idea if it has those options you mentioned, I doubt it at that price, but I’ll check it out. Thanks, I’ll definitely be looking forward to your “how to” podcasts:)
November 3rd, 2006 at 12:10 pm
I disagree with you about the quality, but I’m glad that’s the way you see it. I just read an incredibly comprehensive review on the Canon 100 Elura, and it would seem that for the money, it’s a great purchase and is quite easy to operate.
Other things to consider: a microphone (one that will clip to your lapel might be the most convenient) and possibly a tripod. The good news there is that you can get suitable sound quality from a pc microphone (for $30 or less) and almost all tripods (even the old ones you can snatch up from garage sales) will mount to your camera no problem. Of course in a pinch, your hand at arm’s length is also a popular choice, and the camera’s external mic will pick you up fine from that range in a quieter setting.
If anyone else has any input here, fire away.
November 3rd, 2006 at 3:56 pm
I think it’s great that you will share the effects of the podcast on subscriptions, referrals from video sites etc. A lot of times that’s what someone needs before making a decision to take a risk themselves — a case study example and some honest feedback about the things that worked and didn’t work about the venture. Good luck with it, and definitely there should be a series to follow up. Just please stay away from star wipes 😛
November 3rd, 2006 at 4:10 pm
I can see something like this being really effective to advertise my real estate listings. So long as I could bring the camera on location. I would definately be interested in learning more.
November 3rd, 2006 at 4:20 pm
Thanks Linda, I’ve already made up my mind about the video sites, I think, but I’ll go into greater detail later.
And Wes, as you are a laptop owner, this would work “like a ‘hot-damn'” as Dad would say, to show your listings.
November 5th, 2006 at 1:11 am
I like. One definitely can tell you have a TV background. Though, as another person of the TV ilk, I must admit that my first reaction was “STOP THE JUMP-CUTS!! USE THE CUT-AWAY SHOT!” But then I realized I was just thinking inside the box and that it really was in keeping with the style you were going for.
Personally, I’d love to see your series on building video podcasts. I do an audio one each week, but I’d love to pull in tips from yours.
So where are they?
November 5th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
I like it. Nice shirt too, didn’t I give that to you? It would be interesting to see how to build a podcast. Can you show me how to make a video slideshow of my Europe pics?
November 5th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
Great, now everyone knows my mom still dresses me. Haha…yes I think you did buy me that shirt though.
I’ll have to figure out what kind of slideshow you had in mind, and then I’m sure I can teach you, Mom.
J.D. The jumpcuts are a necessary bi-product of my lack of ability to deliver more than one sentence at a time to the camera; without losing my train of thought. I’m sure that will improve over time, and in the future there will be more cover shots- but get used to the jumpcuts, they’re here to stay. At least until I can be slightly engaging for longer than 10 second increments…
Truth is, your audio podcast helped spur my decision to finally give this a shot. You’re a pro already of course, but just the idea of using available tools to broadcast our own content is facinating to me. If people tune in to watch, then all the better.
November 9th, 2006 at 4:03 pm
I vote for more Jordan.
November 9th, 2006 at 4:18 pm
I’m very honoured to hear you say that ATC, if I can call you that.
Folks, if you want to watch a great new media daliy show, produced right here in Vancouver, that was part of what inspired me to finally try it for myself, click Traviss’ name above and visit http://www.thenewwrinkle.com.