Bernice Afriye, W14: Software

Hello Professor Andreae and class,

I had to make two small downloads to get access to all of Audacity's features. I also needed to download an encoder to be able to transfer the recorded file into mp3 format. I am not at all technologically competent, so I relied on tutorials, videos, feedback and reviews (go figure) to teach  me how to use basic I recorded a simple conversation and then proceeded to try and edit it. It was very difficult to cut out specific portions, until I watched a video by seeitdoit titled "Audacity - Audio Editing" and learned how to use the zoom function to accurately edit files.

Audacity has a great Wiki page that goes though how to stream audio, split and record tracks, remove tracks, record vocals, fade music and other helpful tips for new users. I'd recommend that before downloading the software you check the site to make sure your laptop can support Audacity and that you feel comfortable using the software. The Wiki page goes through step by step how to se specific features, but it is hard to absorb all of that information at once. These are some of the most helpful sources that beginner programers should visit:

seeitdoit: "Audacity- Audio Editing"

Jerome Gratigny: Learn how to use Audacity

wiki how: 4 Ways to Use Audacity

How to Podcast: Audacity Tutorial for Podcasters

If you are having trouble using Audacity, even after accessing these sources and visiting Audacity's page, know that you are not alone. Learning how to use Audacity is a frustrating process. You should allow yourself at least a week to familiarize yourself with the new software. If you are still finding the tools difficult to navigate, try to make your recordings as seamless as possible so you are required to do less editing later on.

With that said, I don't like how my voice sounds recorded. That isn't something that is not likely going resolve itself overtime. However, I am satisfied with the quality of the recording and can't wait to start recording the entire episode. My micrphone is really sensitive, as a warning to my fellow and aspiring podcasters, make sure that noise interference is a minimal.

I haven't recorded anything so complex as a podcast and am a little intimidated at the thought of editing my material down to fifteen minutes. Editing my sample conversation was easy, but I don't know if I will have the same luck with my episode. I am committed to getting to know Audacity but I have alternatives just in case this relationship doesn't work out.