So, I decided this week to try doing audio versions of my blog. I’ve done one. You can listen in here: http://michelleshaeffer.com/have-a-little-faith-in-yourself/2010/07/06
More are coming soon!
I’ve been having fun playing with two of the options, CinchCast and AudioBoo, and thought I’d share some info about each.
CinchCast.com
- No set time limit
- Cool widget features to share your Cinches
- Created by BlogTalkRadio
- Create from your computer, by phone, or their iPhone App
- Share on Facebook, Twitter, CinchCast or embed on your site
- Gives you an RSS feed that can be subscribed to through iTunes
My two cents: CinchCast was easy to use and embed on my blog. I really like that it allows me to see how many times a recording has been played.
Here’s what it looks like embedded on Facebook:
And on my blog:
AudioBoo.fm
- 5 minute time limit
- Record from the web or upload a file
- Can sign in with a Twitter ID and automatically post your Boo to Twitter
- Can link your account to Facebook, Posterous, Tumblr and Friendfeed, too
- Can publish to iTunes as a podcast (http://forum.audioboo.fm/faqs/publishing-boos/creating-an-itunes-podcast)
My two cents: It was super easy to record an AudioBoo with their pop up window recorder (this came in handy since I wanted to record a blog post I’d need to read while recording, I didn’t have to flip windows or open a new one). The recorder displays how much time you’ve used so you can keep an eye on the 5 minute mark. Also very easy to post the AudioBoo to Facebook and it has a nice player there. Looks like this:
And here’s what it looks like on my blog:
Both got good sound quality when I recorded on my PC. I use a Plantronics headset (like this one) for audio. I didn’t try the apps or phone recording. If you’re going to record from your iPhone/Android/etc or by telephone I’d suggest testing those out on each option to see what type of audio quality you get and whether you like one app better than the other.
So, what am I going to do? For now I’m going to give CinchCast a shot. The listen count available on CinchCast is important to me. I want to be able to see whether the audio versions are getting played so I know whether it’s a good investment of time (time quiet enough to record is tough with three usually-happy kids in the background). I doubt I’ll go over 5 minutes but it’s nice to know I could if I wanted to.
If you do audio on your blog or offer a podcast, please do share your two cents below as I’d love to hear more about what works best for you and why (and I’m sure my readers would, too!). Also, please include a link to your blog or podcast for us so we can come listen in! :)
Melanie Kissell (13)
Amy (9)
Uzi (8)
Gonzalo J. Suarez (6)
Lisbeth Tanz (6)
Michele Scism (4)
MJ Schrader (4)
Brandon (3)
Kathryn Griffiths (3)
Lisa Rothstein (3)
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Twitter: outsourcejim
says:
hi Michelle!
I’ve used audioboo to post audio comments on people’s blogs. have not used CinchCast, but like the features and that it’s tied to blogtalkradio.
looking to incorporate audio on my blog, only one post so far with interview available:
http://www.outsourcingcontrol.com/hibblers-excellent-outsourcing-adventures/
just used a WP plugin to post the mp3. http://wpaudioplayer.com/
Mtn Jim
Mtn Jim Fisher\’s last blog ..Top 3 Internet Marketing Newbie Outsourcing Mistakes
Twitter: SmallBizMuse
says:
Awesome! I didn’t realize you could use it to post a blog comment, that’s a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Twitter: gjsuap
says:
It’s a great idea to do audio comments on other blogs!! It could be quick and very atractive. Thanks, Mtn Jim!
Twitter: lisbethtanz
says:
I’m always amazed at how the same ideas seem to hit several people simultaneously. I was thinking of doing this, too. In fact, I just learned about AudioBoo YESTERDAY. Small world. You sound great, BTW. How do you envision using this going forward?
Lisbeth Tanz\’s last blog ..Jack Canfield- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Want
Twitter: SmallBizMuse
says:
Isn’t timing funny sometimes? :) I had briefly considered it in the past but didn’t really check into what tools were available out there until #blog30 motivated me to do it.
I’m planning to record my blogs as audio and set it up so people can subscribe to it as a podcast through iTunes.
Twitter: LoveRockstar
says:
Michelle!
That is so crazy. I been thinking of changing my blog to offer once a week video and then a once a week audio. But while video is easy with YouTube, audio was beyond me. Like Lizabeth said, It’s funny the timing of it. Thank you so very much!
MJ
MJ Schrader\’s last blog ..WordPress 30 Menu Video
Twitter: gjsuap
says:
Hi Michelle!!
I had the same doubt; after all, I decide on AudioBoo for the following reasons:
1.- You can record on something else, then upload the file. So, I do my recording on GarageBand, add some music and effects, convert it to MP3 and upload in AudioBoo.
2.- The social share tool on AudioBoo and it’s integration on iTunes is very good.
3.- I found the interphase more elegant, and also can use it as a sidebar widget.
But for longer than 3 minutes, I will try Cinch. (I started my blog as a radio capsule with a limit of three minutes).
You or your readers can see the sidebar integration on http://gjsuap.com and for the Ultimate Blog Challenge there will be 4 AudioBoo post on my blog!!
Saludos,
Gonzalo.
Twitter: gjsuap
says:
I don’t know why it’s reporting my twitter address like gjsuapgmai.com; its gjsuap only.
¿Can you verify why?
Thanks!
Gonzalo