[photo by Yours Truly 
]
Today my message is short and sweet.
Please listen… (my audio file is only about one minute long). Click here…
And while you’re here—I’d like your opinion.
How do you feel about audio files embedded into posts? Do you enjoy listening to them, or do you find you rarely listen to MP3 files embedded into blog posts? I have created pod casts before in my life and actually quite enjoy making them. Would you be interested in hearing more pod casts from me or other bloggers?
Don’t be shy, lay it on me!
Create a great day!
Like this post at Jane Be Nimble? There’s more on the way! Get them emailed to your inbox or via RSS.
I think you should make more of those podcast Lori.
Not trying to be creepy but, I think you have a sweet voice.
I actually expected it to be much lower xD. Now I’m going to have a whole new concept of you when I look at your profile pic. lol
Anyway, happy holidays.
Steven´s last blog ..Intellectual understanding Vs. Intuitive connection
Hey Steven,
That’s the thing about audio or video – I think it can sway people one way or the other. I’m kind of torn about it…
You know, in the same way like how the book is always better than the movie? (jk)
I’m sure, like most people feel about themselves, I can’t stand the sound of my voice (!) – but I LOVE the creativity afforded by pod casting (music/sound effects/story telling/etc.).
Well, maybe I’ll keep it rumbling around in my brain over the holidays and get back to you.
Thanks for your thoughts, for listening, and for rocking the comic world! Have a GREAT holiday!
~xo (and my xo is meant to not be creepy, too!)
Lori,
Your voice is lovely!
And know that I wish you a very happy holiday season. You are a sweet and caring friend, and hearing this today is like having you here, if just for a moment. I’ll take that!
Regarding do I listen to these – I will depending upon the length, and what I perceive the content to be. Under 5 minutes, and I’m more likely to listen. Longer, and it has to be more compelling to draw me in.
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Lance-
Awww…(blush) thanks, Lance. You’re a caring friend, too, and I so enjoy your blog and your presence here on the web.
Thanks for your insights about pod casts/audio, etc. They help me a lot as I decide where to take this ship (i.e., blog).
Enjoy the holidays, Light Giver!
Hey Lori,
Great voice, but I still find video or text holds my attention better on blogs. Try a video next time and ask for our feedback again.
Gordie´s last blog ..How To Use Goals, Autosuggestion, Commitment And Consistency.
Hey Gordie,
How’s life? It’s always great to “see” you and your smiling pic. (I just love your avatar -btw.)
Thanks for your honest and kind response. I know what you mean – video tends to grab my attention more than most other forms of media. Well, with the exception for a good ole’ fashioned paper book! I just love reading books and the occasional article in the New Yorker.
That said, I’m also a sucker for great radio programming. So, I think that’s why I’m so drawn to pod casting/MP3 audio.
Hmmm…we’ll see!
Thanks again for you thoughtful comment, Gordie.
You’re so sweet!
I love your voice!
I wish you the best too!
This post needs more exclamation marks!
But seriously, I love your voice. It was fun getting a ‘new’ perspective of who you are.
P.S. I agree with Lance.
Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..The Pain of Our Pain
Hayden, I laughed out loud when you said, “This post needs more exclamation marks!” Geez, girl, how the hell did you get to be so funny??!! You’re a trip.
Thanks for loving my voice (omg, how can that be??? ha), now I just need to find something interesting to say!
And, thanks for your comments regarding your interest in MP3/audio. They help me out a lot!
Be good, Hayden, and I hope you get to experience lots of fun during the remaining days of 2009.
Awww, what a sweet holiday greeting! You’re the best, Lori!
Jay Schryer´s last blog ..A Christmas Story
Thanks, Jay. I’m glad you thought that was a sweet greeting – I was trying as hard as I could not to sound like goofy chick I usually am. ha ha ha
Really, thanks for all you’ve done to help me this year, and for just being you.
Hi Lori,
Thanks for the audio greeting, it was awesome!
Earlier this year I set up my blog to do podcasts of every post. The feedback was very positive and though I’ve let it slip, I may very well get back into doing it.
There is a great WP plug-in that makes it super easy and embeds the podcast button/player within each post. If you’re interested then shoot me an email and I’ll get the info for you.
Cheers!
George
George Angus´s last blog ..A Tale Of Three Magazines
Hi George,
You know, that’s interesting now that you mention it. I remember seeing the ‘audio’ button on your posts and now I realize I was seeing it but wasn’t quite sure what it was for – or what I’d be hearing, so it never occurred to me to play it! Shoot, now I have to go back and listen to some of your posts, that’s so cool!
I actually downloaded a WP plug-in for pod casting when I first set up my blog, but now remember that I uninstalled a couple of months ago when I still hadn’t done any pod casting at that time.
Yeah, I’ll definitely shoot you an email about the WP plug-in you use, I’m interested! Thanks for your comment – I’m glad you liked my little greeting and it didn’t grate your nerves like it did mine!
Hi Lori:
I liked your podcast and I would be interested in listening to more of your podcasts in the future. I think you’ve got a really nice voice…but, I know what you mean about hearing the sound of your own voice, which is always weird. In any case, thank you for all of the good holiday wishes!
Tim´s last blog ..Weekend Musical Diversion: Ray Charles
Hi Tim,
Thanks for your feedback. I know you’re not the type to sugar coat, either, so I’ll have to trust you that you’re not buttering me up! ha
What’s funny is that I was a spinning instructor for 8 years and I got so accustomed to being in front a pretty big group of people, with a headset/mic, while working hard and sweating my butt off, too, so a pod cast seemed like no big deal. Funny, now that I think about it. I didn’t even think of that yesterday when I was recording. I didn’t write anything down before I started, either, I just spoke from my heart and it gushed out.
Oops, sorry for the long brain dump there.
Thanks for your thoughtful response and for being kind to me this year.
Cheers to you, Tim!
Hi Lori!
Hey your voice is great and your kindness is evident in it, so never fear!
As I may have mentioned, I am launching a new blog in early 2010. In thinking about that I have entertained the idea of doing some video on there. For me, video is more “attemtion grabbing” but I do listen to audio frequently as well. I have had the same worries and I probably have more to fear than you! See, I live in Kentucky, and while we are far from the stereotypical view people somtimes have of us (toothless, barefoot, ignorant hillbillies LOL) I still do have a bit of an accent. This I have been told by a few northerners as well as some people from out west. Now, I can talk and I don’t sound like a hick, but certainly my accent would come out. I have teetered between not worrying at all what people think and wondering if I would turn people off! LOL
For you, I say go for it, and maybe some video too! Perhaps some video of you on the “Front Porch”! Know what I mean?
Hi Keith,
Wow, exciting! A new blog??? Don’t hold out!! I want to hear about it! I can’t wait to see it! Very cool, Keith, very cool, indeed.
I know what you mean about the accent ‘issue’ you bring up. But, to be honest, I love accents! All of them! And I’m not shy to say that accents from your area are one of my favorite. I say OWN IT and don’t shy away from it. It makes you YOU. If I want to hear a voice with no accent or ‘flavor’ I’ll listen to the national news (YAWN!!!). I think it’s all about content (as Suzen said, below).
If what you’re saying draws me in, the accent is just like the topping on the ice cream – it’s ALL GOOD!
And, hey, what a great idea! Video on the Front Porch!!! I LIKE IT!!! Of course, then everyone will see when I’m really pouring a tall glass of Merlot for us when I’m writing that I’m pouring iced tea (ha – joking there).
Enjoy the holidays, Keith, and I can’t wait to see you rock 2010!
Hi Lori!
I agree with all – your voice is so sweet and I could definitely to MORE! You know it all comes down to content – whether its written or spoken. I’m always blown away by ANYone who can master any technology here since I’m an admitted bimbo with anything beyond a simple posting – so obviously I’m in awe of you doing this! I’d listen with the same enthusiasm I read your blog!
Holiday Hugs – and thank YOU for coming to my blog! I treasure you!
suZen
Awww, Suzen, you think my voice is sweet? That seems crazy to me, I feel like I sound so, ugh, I dunno. I don’t even have a word for it!
You’re funny, Suzen (re: admitted bimbo) – so not true! I love your blog – it’s great! And I totally agree with you, too, about content being king.
I was a pianist/accompanist for many years, was our band’s drum majorette for a couple of years, play several instruments, had music scholarships to college (turned them down to join the Army at my parents displeasure), and am just so intensely connected to music – I just love adding music to anything I’m creating.
Now I just need to find something interesting to say with that music…
I LOVE your blog and treasure you, too! Thank you, Suzen!
P.S. Thanks for your reply to my most recent comment at your site, too. You AMAZE ME on so many levels!
Hi Lori! Oh honey don’t get all amazed! I am SERIOUS about being a bimbo on a techy level – come on, Lori, did you not notice I am following MYSELF on my followers? I can’t get me OFF either. It took watching a tutorial 3 times AND taking notes to get how to post videos on my blog! It was so exhausting I decided that was my one and only “trick” tech-wise I’d ever do! I LOVE to write and that’s all I’m gonna do. If I were younger, I’d get some serious classes or coaching on this computer stuff – but alas, I’m a good steward of my time and energy now – techy stuff is NOT where I spend either of them – so by golly I’m totally impressed with your voice recording and all the things I see done on other blogs! You go girl! I’ll be right here cheering you on!
It’s Awesome! I have never thought like this.You have done a wonderful job.Thanks for your holiday wishes! I am so happy to hear the wishes from your own voice.Keep sharing!!!!
Apologies for your comment showing up late, WDS, for some reason your comment was shuffled into my spam filter.
Thanks for your kind comment and for taking the time to leave it here for me – again, sorry about my filter. Every once in awhile it misbehaves.
It seems like most of the comments here support the occasional pod cast when it’s done in conjunction with a regular post – so I might try pod casting on occasion.
Have a great week and thanks for visiting!
Very nice, Lori! I do like hearing the voices of friends on the ‘net … it adds a very personal touch to a post.
I’ve thought about getting into podcasting or audio clips in my blogs more, but am very self-conscious about the sound of my own voice (even though I used to sing lead in a rock band … go figure. LOL) The only audio I’ve done so far has been in the post of my Starlings talking!
Gayze´s last blog ..Challenge Game #5: Dream a Little Dream
Hi Gayze! Apologies for my delayed response…
You used to sing lead in a rock band – get out! That’s awesome, Gayze! Very cool. Now I FOR SURE don’t feel so bad for disliking the sound of my voice after reading what you said here.
Thanks for your feedback. I think I’ll just take it day by day and feel my way through it.
Have a great week and New Year’s!
Well, it was just a little local band, and I was scared half to death every time I was on stage, but I managed to fudge through it somehow.
I look forward to hearing more of your audio posts!!
Gayze´s last blog ..KnitWit: Sockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Fudging or not – you still ROCK, Gayze! That’s very cool.
OK, Gayze, if you like the audio post – I’ll try to cobble together more of those and to make them fun for you.
Enjoy the week!
I think they’re good as an incremental experience. For example, say your key things in a post, but then elaborate in the audio or video or podcast.
I learned this when I was adding slides and e-books to my posts. Folks told me to still do justice to the post, but then have the slides or e-book as an elaboration or additional experience … a slider bar of value.
J.D. Meier´s last blog ..8 Ways to Be Heroic
Hi J.D. and thanks for taking the time to respond to my post. Also, apologies for my delayed response (sorry to leave you hanging!).
What you’re saying here makes a lot of sense. I appreciate you passing along what you’ve learned from your experience. Why reinvent the wheel, right?
Thanks again, J.D., and thanks again for visiting my blog. Enjoy your week!
I don’t often listen to mp3/podcasts as many I’ve found are terribly done:
- Monotone voice
- Too many “uuh, err, umm”s
- Lack of smiling (you can hear it!)
- Too? many? inflections?
- Poor structure/spacing
- Bad topic mix
- Music is too loud/random
Yours was friendly and nice but there was quite a bit of spacing and not much smiling heard. Music was pleasant and helped give a laid back feel.
I trust making audio files is more of a skill one needs to practice at rather than just ‘being born with it.’
So keep them coming, you’re already off to an OK start.
Hi Eirien,
Thanks for your feedback! I appreciate it – you are very thoughtful!
I was feeling melancholy, maybe full of emotion for all the feelings I’ve experienced from all the people who read my blog. It’s been quite a difficult year for me, so I also think I’ve was a bit overcome with emotions – good emotions for all the help I’ve been given from the readers of this blog.
It’s probably a good thing if I make sure I’m in a good frame of mind and feeling “smiley” when I record the next pod cast.
Thanks for your encouragement, I appreciate your feedback very much.
All My Best!
Hey Lori,
I love audio as you could probably guess. I think it is a great way to learn more about the author of a blog. There is so much communicated in audio that is beyond what you can write and I would love to hear more audio from you if you get a notion to do that!
Casey (North and Clark)´s last blog ..Trash or Treasure it’s Yours
Hi Casey!
I’m really glad to see you here – you’re one of the people who inspired me to post a pod cast, Casey. I really enjoy both your video and audio media, so thanks for your work!
Thanks for your message encouraging me to post another pod cast. I really enjoy mixing music with voice – so I’ll see if I can deliver something in the coming weeks. Great seeing you again, Casey, and I hope you are having a kick-butt holiday!
~xo
My sweet Lori is coming through loud and clear! (Ah, the old podcasting experiments! I remember those!) I’m happy to hear your voice here. I think it adds another dimension to the blog — particularly to its author. It would be cool to supplment blog posts with audio from time to time. It’s like a bonus feature. : ) The only downside I see is that people who don’t want their web browsing “overheard” might have to wear headphones. It’s worth it, though!
FYI, when I clicked the podcast link using IE, it didn’t do anything, but it works fine in FireFox.
Alison | Quest for Balance´s last blog ..Inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe: Alone
Hi Ali-Bee!
Thanks for your sweet, sweet comments. Yeah, it’s a totally different experience pod casting for my own blog vs. experimenting with pod casting in biotech! Much more fun, I might add.
I get what you’re saying about the headphones component. I completely forgot about that, but what a great point! I agree, in light of what you say here and what others are saying, that the pod cast will most likely be a nice ‘treat’ or addition to a post on occasion. Thanks for your input! Also about dorky IE, too. IE is the sole source of any problems I’ve had with this blog, that’s for sure.
I’ll be looking into other plug-ins and options prior to my next ‘experiment’ to try to iron that out.
Great seeing you, Ali!
~xo
I just started getting your feed in my Outlook email at work. You asked a few weeks ago about how we feel about audio or video files in your blog.
I would prefer the print because I read your blog when I am on a break at work and we are not allowed to stream audio or video.
By the way, I am really enjoying your feeds.
Thanks,
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for taking the time to respond to me; I appreciate it!
Having once worked in a busy/productive company, where everyone’s office was formed of a polycarbonate and cardboard walls (i.e., a cube) cut down to eye level, even the CEO, I rarely was able to listen to anything on the internet – even things I was SUPPOSED to listen to – out of respect for my co-workers.
So, I hear what you’re saying. I’m not sure how often I’ll post audio content for this reason; I want everyone to be able to have access to my blog – without worrying about policies or disturbing one’s neighbor.
Thanks for your feedback, it made my day. Feel free to email me (or use my Contact Me form) if you ever have questions or suggestions about what you’d like to read here at JBN. I’m all ears!
~xo