Podiobooks named Best of the Web

A little something I wrote for the Podcast Pickle News:

Podcasting continues to gain validity. Reader’s Digest Canada has listed Podiobooks.com in it’s Best of the Web for January.

Podiobooks was founded by Evo Terra, Tee Morris, and Chris Miller. Over the summer it reached one million episode downloads of over 80 book titles. They have also recently decided to do away with the subscription and membership-only portions of their website, thereby making it easier to listen to podiobooks.

Visit their site at http://www.podiobooks.com/.

Badger Books- new audio fiction podcast hub

Just found this little tidbit from the Sonic Society blog. Jill from The Signal podcast has created a podcast directory site specifically for Firefly audio fiction content.

Badger Books currently has a directory of three podcasts, but I imagine it will fill up quickly, considering the endless Firefly-related audio out there in the 'verse.

Special features to the site include no registration, no promos within the episode, and the kicker- you can choose exactly how you want your content delivered in your feed. The idea is customized ease, and switching from the traditional rss of having the most recent episode first in your playlist.

I played around with it a bit, and I like the idea, though it does seem like a little more work than just a simple click-and-subscribe. If you're picky about what order your episodes are listed, then it's a good thing.

The site looks to be in its inception- I look forward to seeing how it grows!

Fly In True Audio Addict Style

I've done way too much flying this year. Since the Podcast Expo at the end of September, I've flown three times, two of them across the country, and still one more trip left to do this year. For someone who usually calls everyone she knows to say goodbye before getting on an airplane, because she's sure she will go down in a ball of flame, that's saying something.

However- this set up would make me want to fly more often- A LOT more often. United Airlines now has a "first suite" service, which includes an iPod connector AND XM satellite radio. *drool drool drool*
The seat also reclines 180 to transform into a bed. Gak.

Just try and get me off the plane.
Now, I just need a lottery win or two under my belt....

New find- Lightning Bug Radio Theatre

I love Google Alerts. If you haven't tried them, or even know what they are about- well do then. Every now and then something worth checking out comes by. Naturally I have mine set up for radio drama, audio cinema, etc.

Right now I'm checking out the first episode of The City Burns At Night, a mystery that takes place in 1947 Hollywood. Not too bad so far, the audio had a bit of static at the beginning, but if you can ignore that for a few minutes, it's a fun story. It was also performed in front of a live audience, and I always love to hear audience reaction.

They also have some film goodies up on their site too.

http://www.lightningbugfilms.com

Radio Play Goes To Broadway

Wowza. Now this is cool. You might have recently heard The Dibble Show's Lord of the Things on yes, the Sonic Society. Well, right now the Dibble Show is doing a stint on Broadway! How cool is that?

It began December 9th, and will run through December 30th. You know, there is a possibility I may be in NY during that time- I might need to try and check this out!

Dibble's creator is none other than Jerry Robbins of Colonial Radio Theatre.

Congratulations!

If You Haven't Heard It Yet..

Sonic Society is playing DRE's version of A Santicon Carol in the podcast this week.

Also a reminder that there is a Society marathon on December 26th through CKDU- so stream it through your computer and hear the entire second season over again!

In defense of the podcast... and this blog

UPDATE: I just had to move this to the top again, there have been some good comments from readers!


From 12/5:
Well, I suppose it had to happen eventually. A- a- criticism. Of my beautiful audio world!

You all know by now I'm a bit of a podcasting fan. Well, perhaps freak is more like it. Doors open all over with endless possibility of what you can do with the podcast, from content, to even marketing your wares. Musicians do it all the time with their work, giving you a taste in the hopes you will buy their entire CD, or see them in concert. Why not the same in the audio drama world?

Well, it does happen, not just in podcasting, but in radio too. I have several Shadowlands CD's as well as an Afterhell CD because of hearing them on the radio.

What makes podcasting such an important medium is the ease. Both in creating, and in cost. The proof is in the podcasts out there, audio cinema is popping up all over the place! Anyone can create a podcast and get it up in a feed- no radio stations airtime needed. Hell podcasting even gave Sonic Society major exposure, and in turn brought exposure to all the great audio cinema groups out there.

We would all love to make a living off of doing these podcasts and shows, oh I know it. That is part of the reason why we work so hard at it, the number one reason being our love for what we do. I feel though that podcasting some or even all of your content can only help that along. I honestly think if you are not podcasting your content, you're missing out on a great marketing opportunity.

That's a big reason I began this blog. To help spread the love. A fan (I suppose) of the blog wrote me and asked me why I had veered away from blogging about audio drama, and have been blogging about podcasts. This was a confusing accusation to me. As I went through my posts for November, 11 of them were about audio drama of some form, out of 19 posts for the month. Sure, they podcast. But how is that any different than if they were all on the radio? There would most certainly be less posts if I stuck to only one medium. Podcasting happens to be the most prominent right now.

Why not use it as an advantage, rather than thinking of it as a hindrance?

For All The Sonic Society Addicts

I just read some very important programming info over on the Sonic Society blog that you must know!

Now!
This very instant!

I'll give you a hint- it involves Boxing Day, which when Jack told me about it, in true American form I blurted out- "So that's what- New Years'?"

Gak- I'm such a goof.

A Christmas Carol as only Robotz can do it

A Christmas treat, brought to you by Dream Realm Enterprises! The Robotz of the Company bring us their interpretation of A Christmas Carol... and it's wonderful!
From the latest DRE newsletter:

DRE is proud to present the Robotz of the Company Players presentation of a holiday classic - A Santicon Carol. A familiar story retold for a future generation! It has action, adventure, intrigue and romance! Starring Jonithan Patrick Russell, Kyle Borcz, Sally Wiget, Shane Harris, Joe Thomas, Jim Barbour Ellie Hirschman, Dani Cutler, Jeff Niles, Captain John Tadrzak, Steve Anderson and Kae Woo! Featuring holiday music performed by Kevin MacCleod! This brand new holiday special is available right now FREE to download at DREGold!

Here's a direct link to download:
A Santicon Carol

Grab the family, some nog, and gather around the computer!

Replay Night: Sonic Society Podcast

Somewhere in the Society universe a week disappeared, yet the podcast moved on. To get back on track, podcasters get a treat- a replay of Episode #39 from mid-October, featuring Afterhell.


Like they say on TV, if you haven't seen (heard) it- it's new to you!

Podcast Story Turns Into Screenplay

Matt Wallace, Parsec-Award winning author for the Variant Frequencies podcast, had some bragging to do on MySpace:

"I can safely announce that one of my stories, which originally appeared on the Variant Frequencies podcast, has been optioned by an Australian producer. What's more, I've signed on to adapt it into a feature-length screenplay myself for his production company."

[snip]

"This is a huge gig for me, creatively and professionally. It's hardly a million dollar studio deal, but it's certainly 300 times more than I've been paid for any of my other stuff. And it's a shot, however slim, to break into an industry I honestly never thought I'd have access to. I have no idea if the thing will ever sell, much less be made into an actual movie; I'm dealing with an independent producer here. But so far he's delivered on everything he said he would. If he can deliver the contacts, who knows? The one thing I do know about Australian filmmakers is that they're resourceful bastards."

Congratulations Matt!

Check out more of Matt's stories in the Failed Cities Monologues, which can be found on Podiobooks.com.

http://www.podiobooks.com/podiobooks/book.php?ID=110

Want to advertise on the cheap?

Want to let people know about your audio business, or your theatre company? Well, the podcast pickle can help! Get a 125x125 ad placed in their right side bar for a mere $25 for a month. You are guaranteed 25,000 clicks (meaning it will be in the rotation 25,000 times) in that month.

Since the pickle has been named one of the coolest sites in 2006 by Time magazine, I think it's worth trying it out for a month and seeing what happens! I know just in the forums alone, there are always about 50+ guest in there at any given time that I'm there. And I'm there a lot. (No, I'm not ashamed to admit that.)

And no, you don't have to have a podcast to have an ad... ;-)

I bought one for my podcast, and there was a slight surge in traffic to the site, so I got one for this blog too! For me however, it's my way of saying thanks to such a great site and directory.

Tell 'em Dani sent ya....

Gifts for the Audio Cinema Addict

It's not all about accessories.. you actually need something to listen to as well! I was hunting around a bit (which is called procrastinating over my list of 500 things I need to do), and I found some great gift ideas for the audio drama/cinema/story addict!


A visit to Colonial Radio Theatre's blog brought me many ideas. They now have 4 of their Christmas tales on CD, all neatly packaged in a beautiful cover. Grab the Charles Dicken's Christmas Set from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Blackstone Audio. Head to Colonial Radio's website for links and a glimpse at the cover.

http://www.colonialradio.com/

Next, give those you love a little taste of Hell for Christmas... (oh I totally loved typing that!) with Ollin Productions Afterhell CD's. Pop it in after the family listens to the Colonial Christmas plays and the kiddies go to bed. It is guaranteed to keep you toasty warm.

http://www.afterhell.com/purchase.html



I don't have a picture/logo, but there are plenty of great ideas, and many different genre's over at Crazy Dog Audio's site too. You can't go wrong with all the titles they offer:

http://www.crazydogaudiotheatre.com/cds.php

If you check the links of the collective, or even the podcast links on the sidebar, a lot of your favorites have their own gear that they sell too- so give THEM a little Christmas present by wearing their stuff proudly!

Gift ideas for the addict who likes water

Discovery Tri-Fold Wireless MP3 Shower Mirror

Bathe and shave to your favorite tunes with this wireless MP3 shower mirror.

• Powerful FM transmitter projects a wireless signal from any iPod, MP3 player, CD player or TV within a range of 100 ft.
• High quality water proof speakers
• FM radio and LED clock
• Lighted, fog-free mirror for shaving and grooming in the shower
• Secures to shower walls with included suction cups or adhesive tape

The fogless mirror lets you listen to your favorite music while saving you time in the morning.


iHome iH21 Water-Resistant Streaming iPod Dock and Speakers

Consisting of a dock and matching speakers, the iH21 let's you beam your tracks to the basement, the kitchen, and even your bedroom. Plus, the speaker is water-resistant and remote control-friendly. (thanks, Gizmodo!)




H2O Audio for nano (2nd Gen)

• Is NOT compatible with the iPod nano (1st Gen)


• Submersible up to 10ft/3m (when paired with H2O Audio Waterproof Headphones)


• Commander™ Scroll Wheel allows function of the iPod Click Wheel in the water or while wearing a glove

Only 17 shopping days until Christmas! ;-)

All good Dibbles must come to an end

I've enjoyed hearing this on The Sonic Society- it's been a hoot! Here's hoping for more Dibble in the future!

Meeting #46

Topics Covered:

-Emails and voicemails!
-Yep, we get that area code all straightened out
206-984-2383
-Colonial Radio Theatre brings us The Dibble Show, and Lord of the Things Part 3
-More of the round table discussion recorded over the summer by Jack Ward, Greg Taylor, and Jim Munroe.
-and as always, Dr. Floyd!

BBC Audiobooks Gets Perfectly Normal

Perfectly Normal Productions sent out a press release yesterday with some good news- they have struck a deal with BBC Audiobooks to begin providing "compelling, high quality audio entertainment for bite-size delivery direct to home computers, portable media players and mobile phones."

Why, that sounds a bit like podcasting, doesn't it?

From the Press Release:

"A Screen as Wide as your Imagination

"Podcasting should be so much more than a platform for stand up comedy and audio diarists", says Maggs. "And video on a handheld device will never rival the storytelling experience of a big screen. But we can fill the gap. In our hands mobile entertainment bypasses the optic nerve and hotwires the imagination, with a widescreen experience you can enjoy anywhere - in the car, the train, or on the sofa with your eyes shut."

BBC Audiobook’s Publishing Director Jan Paterson said: “More and more people listen in this easy to use format. Our deal with Perfectly Normal will provide listeners with audio like they've never heard before, specially made for commercial digital delivery.” PNP’s Richard Adams added: “There is a hungry audience wanting quality entertainment on the move and they're not going to believe their luck. This will break the mould of how people think about downloadable audio.”

PNP creates quality audio drama, with a focus on Science Fiction. Dirk Maggs is an acknowledged master of dramatised audio, winning numerous awards and commercial success for his “movies for the ears” including BBC Radio's Batman, Superman and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy."

It sounds like good news for the portable media medium, as well a good step for the audio drama world. I love win-win situations!

Thank you very much Clym, my fellow addict from across the Atlantic!

I'd be lost without you , podcast

Well, if you head to the link, you will get to read my adventures at Chicago's O'Hare airport over the weekend. Isn't it funny how after you tell folks you were layed-over for 18 hours in an airport, you find out from people how terrible the place is to begin with?

However, thanks to my trusty mp3 player, I had several podcasts lined up to help me get through my ordeal. It may be a small list, but I had several episodes of each to catch up on, so trust me, it adds up!

My life savers!

~ROFLcast (another awesome music cast!)
~Mike and Evo's Wingin' It! (geez I miss them- I need to get my ass up there for a show again!)
~AndyCast Podcast (this guy is FUN-NEE! Check him out, the Uninformed Biography is definitely a must-listen!)
~Democracy Now! (Well I had to get my news in. What was I going to do? Sit there and watch CNN on the airport monitors all day?)
~Decoder Ring Theatre (I am nearly caught up with Season Two of The Red Panda- yay me! And it rocks, I might add...)

I had plenty more I wanted to get to, including the non-podcast production of Colonial Radio's Captain Blood. ( I can feel Jerry's eyebrow raising now...) But hey- Christmas break is upon me, and I venture BACK to Boston with the whole family! More listening time!

Again, hit the link below and get an idea of my (non) adventure!

I'm reviewing and I don't even know it!

Oh ok... I knew it. WhatI didn't know however was when the podcast was actually going to be live again- and my news is IT IS!

Click on the logo to get to the latest podcast. Each episode they play previews of new podbooks that have recently been added, give you all the latest news, and hey- reviews! Yay!

Then subscribe or bookmark the blog, because you will always be kept up to date on the latest from the podbook universe. It's a great resource, and it will be up in my links very soon (yes, it should have all ready been there, I know. I'm a loser.)