Of course it was inevitable - the continued chase for podcast revenue. Once iTunes jumped in, followed by large corporations who started creating and distributing their own podcasts, it wouldn’t be long before some one came up with the bright idea to cash in on the myriad of small, independent podcasters.

The challenge is to organize all of those podcasters, supply the advertising, collect the money and somehow split it up equitably. And apply this idea to a group as diverse as you’ll ever find. In fact, the word ‘group’ is applied arbitrarily.

However, let’s take a quick look at the players:

First there’s Audible.com. In a recent press release, they outlined their strategy: “..tools that enables podcasters to build multiple revenue streams around capabilities such as advertising management, dynamic ad-insertion, underwriting and secured transactions.”

Podtrac promises to “specialize in highly targeted podcast advertising, by precisely matching audience demographics and interests with the appropriate advertising for those listeners and viewers.” They also perform “valuable third party measurement services of podcast circulation.”

Then there’s Castfire, which “allows content producers of audio and video to generate advertising revenue by seamlessly connecting them with media buyers and consumers.”

Podvertiser, which is launching in 2006, offers to “enable you to generate revenue from the podcasts you love to create.” They do this by hosting your podcast, tracking it and inserting ads in it.

Fruitcast likens the challenge of adding advertising to podcasts similar to what Google’s AdSense does. When you sign up for their service, each time a listener downloads the program, they’ll automatically add a sponsor’s message at the beginning or the end of the program.

I skimmed several of these programs and realize that there are pros and cons to all of them. The biggest gripe from podcasters about these systems seems to point to Audible.com because they’re using a proprietary (closed) system, including their own audio format, and will charge for each download.

Paul Colligan of The Affiliate Guy, though, was quite enthusiastic about Audible.com’s business model and was looking forward to having access to the statistics that Wordcast will generate.

“If you’re podcasting with some sort of business model, and somebody’s going to do the tracking and hosting and more important to do the customer support for you, this is a great, fabulous thing,” said Paul.

Bloggers have generally weighed in heavily against Audible.com, though, so it’ll be interesting to see where this whole thing goes.

If you’re a podcaster and are looking for ways to generate a few dollars from your podcast, I’m sure it’s worth your time to take a look at these emerging technologies and services.

Tim ‘Gonzo’ Gordon shows you how to create professional, high-quality audio on your home computer. With 25+ years of radio production, writing and voice talent, Tim can show you how to set up a small pro studio and create audio for fun and profit. Subscribe to his free newsletter Digital Audio Bits. Learn how to podcast with Podcasting Adventures Online.

Posted by admin as Podcast Page at 7:21 AM CDT

Comments Off

It can be worth your time to educate yourself about the features of the GPS tracking devices and in the end decide which unit will best suit your needs, life style and budget.

There is certainly no shortage of GPS tracking devices available, so I think doing a little research can save you a lot time and hassle in the buying process.

Most of newly designed and developed GPS tracking devices these days feature a voice prompt that tells the direction for you to take during the entire trip.

There are basically four main types of GPS tracking devices to consider.

1. The first is in-car navigation systems, which helps you to identify your location from point A to point B in your car.

2. The second type is the portable outdoor units for outdoor type of people.

3. The third are a handheld type of GPS tracking device that have built in radios which not only allow you to communicate with your fellow hikers, but will also display everyone’s location on your screen.

4. The fourth type is a combination of the first and second type, known as PDA/GPS hybrid. GPS tracking devices of this kind offers you large screen and a PDA to help you keep organized.

If you’re on a budget, then it is necessary to decide which features of the GPS tracking devices are most important for you. If for instance you want a full featured car navigation system, it can easily run for more than $1000. The marine GPS tracking devices vary widely in prices, but a very good choice may cost no more than $1000. And, if the PDA/GPS hybrid devices interest you, the typically cost of these GPS tracking devices range from $400 to $900.

Here are some features of GPS tracking devices to consider.

In -Car Navigation System

These GPS tracking devices can be built in to your car. You can also buy a device that mounts onto your dashboard. Perhaps the desirable features of these systems include the voice guided directions, detailed built in maps, touch screens, rerouting in case you get off course, and a database with points of interest to help you locate the nearest gas station, and other establishments.

Portable Outdoors Unit

The portable outdoor units are perfect for those who want a GPS tracking device that is not limited to the car. The features that one should look for in a handheld GPS tracking device are lightweight, waterproofing, rugged, color screens, long battery life, and mapping features.

Note that the handheld GPS tracking systems are geared towards people who spend a significant amount of time outside, that’s why it is named “outdoor units”.

The Marine Systems

If you are on the water and fishing is your passion, then the marine GPS tracking devices are the right one for you. These systems are designed to be on and around water. They usually feature waterproofing, easy-to-read screens, color chart plotters, onshore and offshore maps, fish hotspots, and sonar capability.

PDA/GPS Hybrid

This type of GPS tracking device offers a good combination of the car navigation systems and handheld devices. You’ll get the large screens and a PDA to help you keep organized. However, only limited companies have tried to make these units and all have some serious limitations.

There are many companies that offer GPS devices online. You can read the reviews of each type of unit to get a better idea of the quality and if the unit will be cost effective for your budget.

Posted by admin as Telecommunication Center at 5:57 AM CDT

Comments Off

Now that you are a mother, you’re probably becoming aware of countless things; from the beauty of little sock to the number of hazards there is all around the apartment. And things which once appeared easy, for instance, a casual walk in the country, are now extremely more problematic. Find a large selection of baby & child products including; prams, Silvercross prams and babywear from leading brands online.

Getting the most appropriate pushchair is essential. Yet, it can be intimidating to find out the number of prams, twin pushchairs, carrycots, three-in-one prams and three-wheeler pushchairs available these days. Despite this fact, the key to getting your hands on the most appropriate pram and/or pushchair is straightforward - go for the one that’s best for you, your child as well as your entire family.

If you are looking for a pram, pushchair or an all-terrain buggy appropriate for jogging then buy based upon user-friendliness. You want to be able to assemble, dis-assemble and load your pram with your valuable cargo with composure, even if the precious one desperately needs a nap. Always test out your pram at a shop, or else look for comments on the web in order to help understand which one will best suit you.

The way you regularly travel will definitely affect your pram or pushchair choices. Regular public transport users require a pushchair which is lightweight and straightforward to get up and down steps. Whereas, if you use a vehicle, then it is important that you make sure that the pushchair folds to a size that fits in the boot of your car. Some pram and pushchair combos can also be changed into a car seat, which is can be very helpful.

Two pram characteristics can simplify walking with your baby. Pram wheels by and large either rotate, which makes it easier to use them, or lock, which is vital for irregular surfaces. Many items include both.

Always take a look at the height of the handle on your pram. This is significant if older brothers will be walking alongside the pushchair, as well as differently-sized grown-ups; as you might well want a pram or pushchair that comes with a changeable handle height add on.

Pram and pushchair combos will accommodate your kid’s changing needs, from newborns lying back to more energetic toddlers. By thinking about your needs, and the main features of the prams, will help you lay your hands on a pram to carry you and your new born into your future as one.

Posted by admin as Information Parlor at 1:52 PM CDT

Comments Off