Podcasting

According to the about.com article about how to create podcasts, a podcast is an audio file which you can share over the internet so that others may download and listen to them using audio players like itunes, windows media player, etc. Creating one is relatively easy once you learn how to record your sound, convert it into an mp3, and upload it for others to download. The tutorial uses the popular program Audacity to record and edit their sound because it's easy, free, and has advanced feature options. Its LAME mp3 extension exports your audio file as an mp3. An alternative is Windows Sound Recorder which accompanies all Windows OS's. You must find another program online to convert your wav file into an mp3. To record, hit the red circle and begin speaking into the microphone. Keep track of the audio size by right clicking the file and clicking properties. Uploading usually involves rss coding, but there are many programs available that do that step for you. For example: MyRSSCreator.com. Now, you must upload your rss to a server, your website for instance, and anyone who wants to listen to your podcast can simply subscribe. List it in a directory so it's easier for people to find who don't know you. The CNET article estimates the price of this endeavor to be $50 and up along with up to 4 hours of input. This article also suggests testing your rss feed here by simply typing in the address where it is located. The difference with video podcasts, so called vodcasts, is simply attaching video to your audio file. This article provided a lot of really good advice on how to film your video, like avoiding wide shots with lots of detail and instead doing closeups. Because of low resolution, texts are difficult to read, so avoid being reliant on them. Also, keep it short to keep your audience's attention. iTunes has a large supply of the most popular podcasts. Free Sound is a good source for free audio that you can use in your podcasts.

Personally, the vodcast seems like an exceptional tool for learning art processes from a variety of teachers. Like an exchange of knowledge, I would definitely use this source to share what I do know about art creation, like the techniques I've learned in my own art classes on printmaking or digital art softwares, and then borrow the information offered from the videos of others. I have often used these very tools to gain knowledge about how to use specific materials in my sculpture class. These materials, like silicon mold making methods, were once so foreign and intimidating, that I may never have even attempted using them in my own work.

A particularly intriguing podcast is the Museum of Modern Art Podcast. Rather than walking through the museum with a large group of tourists, I appreciate the idea of going through and experiencing each piece of art more intimately, at your own pace. Also, beyond the tour guide, the podcast invites artists, curators, and other guests to give their input on each individual work.