Blogging 101: The beginning — from Careers in New Media

Cip logo 300 blog 2013

Blogging 101: The beginning

This series has been a long time coming. It has taken me years of blogging and podcasting to develop my own ideas, methods and theories about how to develop useful, valuable content to my readers, listeners and viewers.

Blogging 101 will be an on-going series and use many different media. There will be text blog posts like this one, audio podcasting, video interviews and screencasts and any other methods that make sense and provide value.

If you have questions about the how, what, when and why of blogging, send them along. Your questions are always the best source of new material for my writing and I will gladly answer your questions or find someone who can.

Why blogging?

I get asked this question quite often and my answer is nearly always the same. Blogging is one method — a very productive method — of showing people “what you do and how well you do it!” I consider this to the main goal of anyone who is seeking a better life and/or career. When you share your knowledge and experience with others through blogging (and other methods), you directly demonstrate your expertise and value to others. Even more, when you capture this expertise and value in a blog, it is then available around the world, 24/7. It works for your regardless of what you are doing — sleeping, working, spending time with family.

When we work face-to-face, we can help and educate 1,10, 100 people at a time. When we share our expertise online we can, potentially reach thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of people. Capturing our knowledge makes it available to anyone who might be seeking it out through online reading, social media or search engines.

If you are not blogging yet, I hope you will start. If you are already blogging, I hope you will find ways to share more of your knowledge more frequently. This series will seek to help you on your way, support your efforts and give you ideas on how to expand your reach and influence. I’ll write about blogging philosophy, technology, tools, and ideas on what you have to share and how you can best share it.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. I look forward to hearing your questions, comments and seeing your blogs and how they grow. Be sure to send all of these along via comments here, email to douglas@welchwrite.com or via the various social media sites..

Upcoming Blogging 101 Topics:

  • Any connection to your readers is worthwhile
  • What do I have to share?
  • What is an expert?
  • Technology to tie your blog to social media sites — DLVR.it, IFTTT.com, Buffer and more!
  • Cooperating with other bloggers and sites
  • ..and much, much more!

Video: WordPress Wednesday 7: Embedding YouTube Videos

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Short WordPress tips to ease your way, especially if you are just getting started with WordPress.

How to embed YouTube videos (and more) in your WordPress blog posts.

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See previous episodes of WordPress Wednesday in this playlist

 

Music: “Go Kart” by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com) under Creative Commons License.

Video: WordPress Wednesday 6: Using Images in your blog posts

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Short WordPress tips to ease your way, especially if you are just getting started with WordPress.

How to add images to your WordPress blog posts

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See previous episodes of WordPress Wednesday in this playlist

 

Music: “Go Kart” by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com) under Creative Commons License.

Douglas’ Top YouTube Videos for 2013

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Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel to see all my new videos in 2014!

 

Repairing a damaged soaker hose – A Gardener’s Notebook
2,875 Views
5,836 Estimated Minute Watched

Converting audio files with iTunes
2,821 Views
4,780 Estimated Minute Watched

How-to: Wine bottle edging for your garden beds project
2,415 Views
7,296 Estimated Minute Watched

Forwarding GoDaddy Domain to WordPress.com blog
2,319 Views
7,116 Estimated Minute Watched

TechnologyIQ – Bluestacks Android Emulator for Mac and Windows
1,315 Views
1,581 Estimated Minute Watched

Garden Tip – Wine Bottle Container Waterer
1,221 Views
949 Estimated Minute Watched

Install Firefox for Mac
1,084 Views
1,840 Estimated Minute Watched

Bill Farmer, The Voice of Disney’s Goofy, Talks about “A Career in Voiceover”
1,055 Views
6,252 Estimated Minute Watched

A Gardener’s Notebook:Repairing a damaged drip irrigation line
1,014 Views
3,140 Estimated Minute Watched

KitchAid Mixer Unboxing
877 Views
2,565 Estimated Minute Watched

 

Video: WordPress Wednesday 5: Learning about WordPress using WordPress.com

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Short WordPress tips to ease your way, especially if you are just getting started with WordPress.

A quick introduction to setting up an account/blog on WordPress.com and posting your first blog post.

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See previous episodes of WordPress Wednesday in this playlist

Music: “Go Kart” by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com) under Creative Commons License.

* Follow New Media Tips on Twitter at http://twitter.com/newmediatips * Like New Media Interchange on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/newmediacareer * Circle New Media Interchange on Google+ at http://tinyurl.com/gplusnmi

Video Rewind: December 2013: A monthly review of my recent videos

Here is a playlist of all the videos I produced in December 2013.

You can find all my past videos on my YouTube Channel. If you enjoy a video, please click the Like button or Subscribe to the YouTube Channel. Doing that directly effects how many other people see my videos. 

Video rewind december 2013

 
Click the playlist menu Youtube playlist icon to see a list of all the individuals videos in the playlist. 
 

Elsewhere: Google Chromecast Now Streams Pandora to Your TV

As New Media has developed over the last several years, it has always been one of my biggest concerns that this media be easily available on as many platforms and through as many sources as possible, but especially through the television that sits in nearly everyone’ s home. The burgeoning availability if devices like the ChromecastRoku, AppleTV and more are very important in this regard. They make new media available to more and more people in easier and easier ways. Seeing services like Pandora and others easily available using your smartphone or tablet is an important step in giving New Media a parity to other media types and make it just as easily accessible.

I can say I have been very happy with my Chromecast and it has become the go-to device for streaming YouTube, Netflix, Pandora and Songza to my big screen LCD television. As a long time podcaster, I look forward to a method of streaming podcasts directly to it in the future.

Google Chromecast Now Streams Pandora to Your TV

Music-streaming service Pandora is finally offering support for Google’s Chromecast device, which plugs into any HDTV to stream online videos and music, controlled from your tablet or smartphone.

Chromecast users can access Pandora starting now via the free Android and iOS mobile app update. The $35 HDMI dongle, which debuted this summer, already supports Vimeo, Redbox Instant, Netflix, YouTube and Hulu Plus. Compatibility with HBO is also reportedly in the works.

Read the entire article on Mashable!

Google Chromecast Now Streams Pandora to Your TV

Buy Google Chromecast from Amazon.com

New Media Gear 22: Blue Microphones Spark Digital Studio-Grade Condenser Microphone for Apple iPad and USB 2.0

New Media Gear 22: Blue Microphones Spark Digital Studio-Grade Condenser Microphone for Apple iPad and USB 2.0

I don’t often currently have the need to record high-quality audio to my iPad or iPhone, but I know a lot of podcasters who record to their mobile devices as a matter of course. The Spark would certainly add a level of quality to mobile recording while removing the need for mixing boards, phantom power and other encumbrances that make location recording difficult. The Spark plugs directly into the data connection of both older iPads using the 30-pin connector and also newer units with Apple’s Lightning Connector.

I have always liked Blue’s products, including a Blue Snowball that I currently own, and the Spark looks like it could be another great product. 

Listen to audio samples from Blue Microphones web site

From Amazon.com…

  • Features Blue’s legendary studio condenser capsule and electronic components
  • iOS compatible with iPod touch (4th Gen), iPhone 4/4S, iPad/iPad2/iPad (3rd Gen)
  • Use the Apple Lightning Adapter (sold separately) for compatibility with iPhone 5, iPad (4th Gen), and iPad Mini
  • Work with Garage Band and other recording applications
  • Focus Control switch offers two sonic signatures in one mic, plus onboard control for volume, gain and instant mute
  • Headphone jack for zero-latency real-time monitoring

Click for more information and reviews on this product.

Blue Web Site

Previously on New Media Gear:

News: iTunes Podcast Show Submissions on Vacation from December 21-December 27, 2013

Just got this email from the iTunes Store crew. Please note that this only effects the submission of new entries to the Podcast Directory, not submissions of episodes on existing shows.

iTunes Podcasts

Dear podcast provider,

Submit a Podcast will be temporarily unavailable from Saturday, December 21, to Friday, December 27, 2013.

During that time, Submit a Podcast will not be accessible and you will not be able to submit new podcasts. Processing of metadata changes to existing podcasts will be delayed.

If you have any additional questions, contact us.

Sincerely,

The iTunes Podcast team

Video: WordPress Wednesday 3: Backing up with WordPress Database Backup Plugin

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Short WordPress tips to ease your way, especially if you are just getting started with WordPress.

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I show how to install and use WordPress Database Backup plugin to protect your WordPress. You can back up manually or set it up to automatically backup your data via email.

WordPress Database Backup Plugin

See previous episodes of WordPress Wednesday in this playlist

 

Music: “Go Kart” by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com) under Creative Commons License.

* Follow New Media Tips on Twitter at http://twitter.com/newmediatips
* Like New Media Interchange on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/newmediacareer
* Circle New Media Interchange on Google+ at http://tinyurl.com/gplusnmi

It’s Christmas Time Again with Grant’s Advent Calendar Podcast

Grantsadventcalendar

Whatever your religion, you probably have some traditions that center on the Winter Holidays — whether Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Winter Solstice or just seeing it as a time for celebration for being “halfway out of the dark!”  One of our traditions has a New Media twist to it.

Every year for the past 4 or 5 (I would guess) we have subscribed to a podcast by Grant Baciocco — Grant’s Advent Calendar. We first met Grant through his great work on The Radio Adventures of Doctor Floyd — a pioneer podcast that brought all the fun and silliness of old time radio to the 21st Century.

Grant’s experience with the Dr. Floyd podcast led him to podcasting one of his Christmas traditions. Each  year his parents would fill an Advent Calendar with trinkets and he would open one door a day, much like many other kids. Grant’s grown up now, but he still brings his “childlike excitement” and silliness to the Advent Calendar each year.

Grant produces a video a day from December 1-25 where he opens the appropriate door on the advent calendar and shares its contents with us. But he also does more — so much more! Each video contains a skit, a parody, a musical number, an on-location opening — you never know quite what to expect each day — which is exactly what an Advent Calendar is all about.

Visit Grant’s Advent Calendar on the web! Episode 1 for 2013 is already available.

 

You can also catch Grant’s other series, Uncle Interloper Space Explorer on the same channel!

 

Gift Guide 2013: Rode Podcaster Microphone

rode-podcaster

Rode Podcaster USB Dynamic Microphone

The Rode Podcaster is a very popular microphone among both podcasters and YouTube video producers. It has a deep rich sound that makes nearly anyone sound better and more professional. This USB mic plugs directly into a USB port on Windows or Macintosh computers so no mixing  board is necessary.

The Rode Podcaster also has an innovative work around for one of the downsides of a USB mic. Due to the design of a USB mic, you cannot monitor yourself i.e. listen to yourself using headphones, as you can with traditional mic and mixing board combinations. This is due to the fact that there is a delay caused by the computer processing the signal directly. The Rode Podcaster, though, includes an earphone jack directly on the microphone itself. From this you can monitor yourself as you speak without any delay being inserted. A nice touch.

More 2013 Gift Guide Items:

Gift Guide 2013: MXL Studio 1 USB Desktop Microphone

MXL Studio 1 USB Desktop Microphone

Another nice, entry-level microphone for the podcaster or other media-maker in your life. 

From Small Business Trends, Podcasting Microphone: Review of MXL Studio 1 Red Dot

“I am not a sound expert, but I have used several external microphones over the years to record both audio and video (well, the audio portion of my videos).

But I have to say that this little microphone kit is now one of my favorites. It comes bundled in a durable carrying case, which is a small point. But one that makes a lot of sense given that most podcasting types are probably also mobile types. The company sent me a media review unit for this post.”

Read the complete review 

More 2013 Gift Guide Items:

Video: WordPress Wednesday 1: Updating Regularly

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Short WordPress tips to ease your way, especially if you are just getting started with WordPress.

Today’s video quickly shows how to update your WordPress, plugins and themes using the WordPress Dashboard and how to tell when there are updates waiting to be installed. More tips and more detail coming with future episodes in this series.

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Music: “Go Kart” by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com) under Creative Commons License.

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* Like New Media Interchange on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/newmediacareer
* Circle New Media Interchange on Google+ at http://tinyurl.com/gplusnmi

Gift Guide 2013: Zoom H6 6 Track Portable Digital Recorder

Zoom H6 6 Track Portable Digital Recorder

While this item is a bit pricy for a holiday gift, it is an amazing device. I have used several of the Zoom recorders in the past, including the H1 and H2, but the Zoom H5 looks to be the recorder I have always wanted. If you have a podcaster, YouTuber, or other new media creator in your, extra special, gift list, this might just be the ticket to make them very, very happy.

Features:

  • Interchangeable input capsules that can be swapped out as easily as the lens of a camera
  • Six-track simultaneous recording
  • Four mic/line inputs with XLR/TRS combo connectors
  • Gain controls (real knobs!) and -20dB pads for each input
  • Phantom power for all main inputs: +12/+24/+48V
The addition of XLR connectors with Phantom power opens up large opportunities for high-quality remote recording outside your “studio” including interviews, live shows and more. The interchangeable capsules also provide a high amount of flexibility in how you might use the recorder.
 
I must admit that the Zoom H5 is definitely on my own personal wish list!
 
 
From Amazon.com…
The ground-breaking Zoom H6 handheld recorder will change the way you think about portable recording. With interchangeable stereo X/Y and Middle-Side microphone capsules included, plus Shotgun and Dual XLR/TRS Combo input capsules available separately, the H6 is the ultimate chameleon of the audio world — and its advanced preamps make it the best-sounding one too. Whatever your application — live recording, professional film/video work, or broadcast ENG (electronic news gathering) — the H6 can handle it with ease. The H6 offers four main inputs (1-4), plus two additional inputs (L, R) that are derived from whichever capsule (X/Y, MS, Shotgun, or Dual XLR/TRS Combo) is plugged into the unit. The supplied XYH-6 X/Y capsule also provides a secondary input for connecting an external mic- or line-level signal via a stereo 1/8″ Mic/Line In mini phone jack. When a connection is made to that jack, signal from the X/Y microphones is muted. The H6 Line Out is an unbalanced stereo 1/8″ phone jack, located on the bottom of the H6, beneath the LCD display. It carries the analog stereo output signal, as determined by the H6’s internal mixer. The H6 USB port, located on the side panel to the right of the LCD display, provides a digital output of either a stereo mix or the six individual input signals, depending upon the setting of the “Audio Interface”function in the USB menu. In addition, the H6 provides a headphone output with a dedicated volume control, located on the side panel to the left of the LCD display. Connect your headphones to the stereo 1/8” mini phone jack for private monitoring of the stereo output signal. The H6 even has a built-in speaker, located on the underside of the unit, for fast monophonic monitoring of the recorded signal without the need to make any connections whatsoever. This speaker is automatically disconnected when connection is made to either the Line Out or Headphone output.
 

More 2013 Gift Guide Items:

Gift Guide 2013: Blue Yeti Microphone

 
Another great USB microphone from Blue. Like the Blue Snowball microphone mentioned in earlier Gift Guides, this mic connects directly to the USB port on your computer — either Windows or Mac. The Yeti gives a full, rich sound and is compatible with all the typical New Media uses such as video conferencing, podcasting and recording voice or music. The Yeti is very popular with podcasters and live streamers and can often be seen in these productions. I think its classic styling, unlike the futuristic look of the Snowball make it more popular for video production. Its design  harkens back to an earlier day of broadcasting.

More 2013 Gift Guide Items:

News: WordPress 3.7 Update Now Available

WordPress has been upgraded to version 3.7 and I saw notification of this in my WordPress Dashboard today. As usual, this is for users who host their own, local, copies of WordPress. If you you use WordPress.com, your blogs will be updated automatically.

Here are a few updates available in this new version…

  • Background Updates
    • Automatic updates for maintenance and security updates.
    • Daily updates for developers using nightly builds.
  • Stronger Password Meter
    • New password meter to encourage users to choose stronger passwords.
  • Improved Search
    • More relevant search results.
  • Better Global Support
    • Localized versions will receive faster and more complete translations.
    • Background updates will include translations

For a complete list of the extensive updates, view this page at the WordPress Codex, WordPress Version 3.7.

Upgrade your locally hosted WordPress sites today!

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Subscribed 44: Wavelengths Speakers Series from Pepperdine University

Subscribed 44: Wavelengths Speakers Series from Pepperdine University

A close friend of ours is producing this fine series of videos for Pepperdine University. They cover a wide topic area and recent videos include Dino Djalal on Lessons from Indonesia, Director and screenwriter, Nelson Oliver on Bigotry’s Continuing Influence and William Least Heat-Moon on Survival.

From the Wavelengths Web Site…

“Great writers. Inspired thinkers. Dynamic speakers. Pepperdine University Libraries brings them to campus – and now to you online. Wavelengths are webisodes of insight, inspiration and wisdom from speakers at Pepperdine Libraries.”

LinkWavelengths Speakers Series from Pepperdine University

Least heat moon

What are some of your favorite Subscriptions? Share them here in the comments!

Previously highlighted on Subscribed:

Subscribed is a Careers in New Media series  highlighting the Podcasts, YouTube Channels and Blogs that I follow on a daily basis. Check out this entry, and past entries, for some great New Media Content — Douglas

New Media/Social Media Jobs Available – Search by Location and Keyword

Check out our list of New Media jobs (and others) available via SimplyHired.com.

Enter your location for jobs close to you. You can also search on other keywords.

Newmedia jobs

More WelchWrite Work Examples: UCLA Extension Writers’ Program – 20th Annual Publication Party Videos

Below is a playlist of some additional work we recently produced for the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program — recording and editing individual author videos from their 20th Annual Publication Party. Six videos are currently available with another 12 coming soon. You will eventually see all 18 videos on this playlist.

If you a writer, I highly recommend subscribing to the UCLA Extension Writer’s Program YouTube Channel for more great content like this and the author interviews we produced for their new books television and film writing, Cut to the Chase and Inside the Room.

Pub Party Intro Screen

Subscribe to the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program YouTube Channel