There’s nothing stopping someone from using a digital voice recorder as the entire recording studio and only turning to Garageband or Audacity or other apps for editing.

The point is, yes, get started. My recommendation to ‘find a friend’ is because it makes if easier to fill the time. I will sub to all of your podcast for a listen later this week.

I admit at the start that I’ve not been involved in the production of a podcast. That’s not why I wrote it.

In some ways Macs were downright unfriendly for podcasters. For one, the internal microphones were not a good choice because of their location (picked up noise), and two, they didn’t come with a microphone-in port so you’d have to buy a USB microphone (more cost less choice).

In fact, Macs still don’t come with microphone in.

If you’re starting a podcast I really do NOT suggest buying a Mac if you already have a Windows or Linux PC. One app is hardly worth the switch. There are other choices, and heck, you can even use a social network like Utterz now to create a podcast (no editing capabilities though so I’d really only use it if you were doing a “live” type show).

1) There are probably more people producing podcasts at this point with Windows than there are with Macs. It’s just as easy to record and edit a show on Windows as it is on the Mac. The only thing you lose is the ability to put together an enhanced AAC show.

2) Providing a transcript does more than just address accessibility, it also provides fodder for the search engines (which can’t index audio).

3) I also agree with Dani’s comment that you can do a perfectly good show by yourself it you’re good at it. In fact, I prefer a good solo host because I feel like they’re talking directly to me…if done well the show is far more engaging than one where I feel like like a fly on the wall listening to someone else’s conversation.

The biggest advice for someone thinking about starting a podcast…start it! You can always hold of promoting the show until after a few practice ones are under your belt (which can be discarded if you want).

1) Audacity is a good way for us PC users to podcast, and less expensive than switching to a Mac!
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

2) I think podcasting is an activity you can choose to do alone or with others. It’s all in the content and presentation. That’s what makes it enjoyable. Plenty of single-podcasters have excellent shows, and are very popular. (Sorry, but as a podcaster with no co-host I have to defend it!)

I like your thoughts- a good post for those who want to get started. Just wouldn’t want your recommendations to scare those who perhaps want to start podcasting and don’t want to do it with someone else.

If you want to podcast- then podcast!