I mentioned in my New Media Resolutions post at the first of the year that I want to do whatever I can to improve the quality of audio on line and in downloadable media. I was reminded of that “cause” this past Sunday morning by the folks at, well, Sunday Morning. The CBS show presented a piece on how vinyl records are becoming “cutting edge.”

Just as I pointed out in January, the sound of what is being sent into the cloud needs to improve, if for no other reason than to avoid trying to figure out how to cram a “record” into your iPod. Seriously, for those that are my age, it’s unfair for us let those brought up on listening to audio in the mp3 format think that’s the best music can sound. For those that have never heard the sound of a vinyl LP you owe it to yourself to hear all of what the artist labored to put into the music, especially the parts the mp3 format has had to discard.

I know, I know, you’re going to say that the human ear can’t detect the difference between a vinyl album, a CD, MP3, WAV, etc. I’m sorry, I disagree. I hear a difference. And it’s especially noticeable in the MP3 format, the most popular format for portable devices and online streaming. The reason it is the most popular, if you didn’t already know, is that it is the smallest file size. An MP3 file is a fraction of the size of, say, a WAV file. File size is directly related to download time.

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This year, I will…

…do everything I can to make the adoption of “new media” as easy for everyone as possible. We “early adopters” can’t forget that most folks are still digesting the internet as a whole, much less all it has to offer. There is so much more going on than Google, iTunes, and text messaging.

…remember there is a difference between sending a message and conversing. Spend more time talking face to face or on the phone with people. Text, e-mail, etc. are great for quick thoughts but can never replace the emotion of a great conversation.

…work to improve the quality and the content in my writing. I write more now than I have in years and I want my blog posts to be more than articles. I want them to inform, inspire, and entertain all at the same time. (Okay, this one is going to take a lot of work.)

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I’ve just wrapped up a project that had me working alongside some great folks. One of which I’ve now…gulp…convinced to start podcasting. This guy is a nut and really needs an outlet for all the creativity. Whether the content of what he and a friend create will attract an audience is obviously yet to be seen. But that’s not really the point.

For years I’ve been asked what it takes to “be on the radio.” For those same years I’ve always given one of two answers (Three, if you count the “What are you nuts?” answer.); go to college and get a broadcast degree with an eye toward being a more well-rounded person and to have a fall-back or hang out at a local radio station and get to know the people. Radio folks are pretty open to teaching and love to help people “pay their dues.” Both answers always came along with the “work hard, it’s not for everybody and prepare to eat a lot of mac and cheese” warnings. It also had to sound just a bit harder than it was. C’mon, I had to justify the fact that it’s a blast getting paid for never really growing up.

So, when Jerome asked me, all I needed to say was, “Do you have a computer?” Okay, technically, podcasting isn’t broadcasting, it’s more narrow-casting. But, you can develop the same skills and have the same fun with a whole lot less effort. What followed were many more questions that I was happy to say I had the answers for, thanks in part to fellow members at the Association for Downloadable Media.

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‘Dancing With the Stars’ crowns a speedy winner. –USA Today

Spice Girl Mel B loses ‘Dancing With The Stars.’ –Daily Telegraph (UK)

These two headlines really drive home the point of “knowing your audience.” Same story…different audience. If you’re podcasting, video podcasting, blogging, or even writing a letter for that matter, you probably know who your audience is…at least you should. You’re half way there.

While in radio I’ve had the chance to work with some really great talent. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with some talent that, in the beginning were very mediocre and became great. Most of them were dedicated to getting better and were anxious to find new ways of doing it. You know, finding the big “secret” to fame and fortune. Well, here is the big secret….ready?

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