Podcast Ideas for Listeners

[Capt.D]

While I have absolutely no interest in doing my own podcast, but there are a few that I want to hear and can't find.

1. A Superhero gaming podcast: I would prefer a generalized show for different systems would be best, but a Mutants & Masterminds, or other specific podcast would be nice as well.

2. A Rifts podcast.

3. Just a basic GMing podcast would be interesting.

Those are just a few that I personally would like and since it was brought up in the show, I just thought I'd share my thoughts. In case another listener is wanting to start up a new show.

[Jim in Buffalo]

I tried to put out a Champions podcast last year, but found that I really needed a newer computer to be able to edit anything longer than five minutes.

A superhero gaming podcast would be awesome, nevertheless.

[Portanas]

Jim,

I think I am going to tackle the Forgotten Realms podcast. I first have to deal with copyright issues (I think). I also need software...a hosting site...well basically everything and I don't even know where to begin. I will get there eventually.

Portanas

[Jim in Buffalo]

Portanas,

You just go and buy a domain name (I recommend http://www.namecheap.com) and the PM me about the hosting, bud.

I'm a hair's breadth away from restarting my own stalled game-system podcast.

We might be starting the junior league, but that doesn't mean we can't try to hit it outta the park once in a while.

[kilishan]

Jim,

I think I am going to tackle the Forgotten Realms podcast. I first have to deal with copyright issues (I think). I also need software...a hosting site...well basically everything and I don't even know where to begin. I will get there eventually.

Portanas

You also might look into libsyn, depending on what all you want to do with your site. The 2 best things about their service are 1) The do not charge for bandwidth, but with many plans at different hosts nowadays, this isn't really a problem, as they often offer 1TB of transfer a month. and 2) they offer great stats on actual downloads.

Now, if you decide not to go the libsyn route (which might be smart if you're not 100% sure that you'll be doing this for the long run) then I would suggest using the free podcast measurement services at podtrac, at least, if you're ever going to look at good stats.

As for software, here's what I'd recomend if you're using Windows: Audacity is free and does a great job recording. Personally, Chuck and I don't like the way it edits and the fact that it's effects are destructive, so we shelled out $40 (or less) for Acoustica's Mixcraft. Great program. If you're on a Mac, stick with Garageband. If you're on Linux . . . there's several good ones out there, but it's been too long since I've looked at them to be able to name any names.

And, finally, a mic. If you just want to dip your toes in, I'd suggest a decent headset mic. Then, when you've done it a little and decide it's something you want to invest more in, you can invest in another type of mic (whether it's a $70 USB mic or something more complex).

That's my suggestions. Oh, and Podcasting for Dummies is said to be an excellent resource, though I haven't had the chnace to grab a copy yet.

Hope that helps.

[kilishan]

We might be starting the junior league, but that doesn't mean we can't try to hit it outta the park once in a while.

Jim - don't sell yourself (and others) short. You must remember 2 things:
1) We were all beginners once, and now is an easier time to find an audience then when you started last time.
2) We've only been doing this 1 year. Does that make us Big League? Personally, I don't think so. We've just done our best job and been regular. Everything else is up to the listeners.

So give it a go!

[Jim in Buffalo]

We've only been doing this 1 year. Does that make us Big League? Personally, I don't think so.

Did you see how many people were hovering around you guys at Gen Con when you were in that Klingon jail? I thought there was going to be a riot!

[Elf_NFB]

I think I am going to tackle the Forgotten Realms podcast. I first have to deal with copyright issues (I think).

Portanas,
What sort of copyright issues do you think might crop up? I've been toying with a Dragonlance podcast and I would probably run into some of the same issues.

[Jim in Buffalo]

I'm not a lawyer, I don't even play on TV, but I think that it's acceptable to have a podcast that's about a campaign setting and not run into copyright issues so long as you don't use any of the copyrighted or trademarked stuff in the name of the podcast.

So, you could call the show "The FR Player" or "The Realmers' Roost" and you'd be pretty safe, I bet.

I think the rest of it would fall under Fair Use in that it would qualify as review material, the same as a movie reviewer doesn't have to have permission to use the name of the movie in a review.

After all, Fox could have made a giant stink about The Signal Podcast... they mentioned the Firefly TV series repeatedly on that podcast, and even used audio clips from episodes, and as far as I know, that show never got so much as a warning letter.

I mean, why would WotC have a problem with a podcast that plugs the crud out of their product? I mean, you're not selling anything, you're just talking about what they're selling, and probably being quite positive about it. Trying to shut you up would be a mistake for them.

Of course, corporate attorneys can sometimes be very stupid and shortsighted individuals, trying to make a name for themselves in a company by acting like very stupid and shortsighted little pitbulls.

And still, all they would do is send you a C&D letter, which you could then scan and post on your site with a big "Look at what a bunch of ass-hats these guys are" message.

[keithcurtis]

I'm a hair's breadth away from restarting my own stalled game-system podcast.

That would be awesome. I still have it in my iTunes lineup.

[Jim in Buffalo]

That would be awesome. I still have it in my iTunes lineup.

Yeah, I've wondered what would happen if I did put up another installment... like if people who've had it in their podcatcher all this time would go, "Holy crap, no way!" when a new episode started coming in.

[Crossfire]

Sword's Edge has a podcast idea in the wings... hopefully something will become of it soon.

R.

[keithcurtis]

That would be awesome. I still have it in my iTunes lineup.

Yeah, I've wondered what would happen if I did put up another installment... like if people who've had it in their podcatcher all this time would go, "Holy crap, no way!" when a new episode started coming in.

Actually, I think two weeks ago I finally took it off of automatic update in an attempt to speed up checks. I'll put it back on. Now you're committed.

[Portanas]

Ok so here is where I am right now...I have a cheap headset mic by Logitech. I have downloaded Audacity (i have no idea how to use it YET). I am going to get that part figured out before I start spending any more of my wife's money that I earn.

As far as legal issues, I thougth I remembered something in the WOTC forums a while back that they weren't allowed to discuss novels? Not sure about that, but the comments that you have all made make sense.

I will keep you all informed.

Portanas

[Jim in Buffalo]

Now you're committed.

NEWMAN!