Final Podcast

Hello fellow podcasters!

After weeks of research, rewrites, pitches and research... I have a final product! I am extremely proud and excited to share my emulation of Quick and Dirty Tips 'Everyday Einstein' podcast- with my very own blonde flair on it of course! It is titled 'Our Sacred Privacy and Google Glasses', where I introduce this brand new technological invention and discuss some of the prominent and controversial issues surrounding this technology.

I must admit, in the beginning I had very little interest and a rather sour taste in my mouth about this kind of invention, which was why I decided to focus on it so I could learn a lot more. I have to admit, that I have come a LONG way, and now look at Glass in a whole new light.

Want to understand more about what I am talking about? Have little knowledge about Glass yourself? Then my podcast is a great place for you to start! Enjoy :)

://soundcloud.com/skovy-1/everyday-einstein-our-sacred

Software

Ladies and Gentlemen...
A moment of silence for the big moment- the time has come! After all of our countless hours researching, blogging, writing and rewriting, the time has come for us to record our melodious voices into a software that will be around for the rest of eternity!

Dramatic? Me?! NEVER! However, I am super excited to put this project together! I cannot believe we are finally approaching the final point of the podcast. I have decided to record using the Apple app on my MacBook called Garageband. While I have used Audacity in the past to cut songs for dance, Garageband has a specific section for recording and editing material for podcasts. Not to mention the fact it has been a good year since I have used audacity and would have to relearn all the shortcuts for Audacity again. When searching help for understanding how to use Garageband for podcasts, I had a pretty good feeling Apple would have a webpage or two explaining the process. I was right! I found multiple extremely useful tutorials on Apple explaining how to record in general, adding jingles and sound effects, importing other media files and how to export the file as a podcast file. I also found an extremely well put together tutorial on YouTube, that was only 7 minutes long. It compliments the knowledge I have gained from Apple, and hits the main points that are needed to make a podcast. Many other YouTube tutorials are around half an hour long, which not only were too long but not as informative. Also, the longer ones seemed to be for real 'tech' junkies, using some language I did not understand and getting into functions that are not necessary for me to complete my fairly simply podcast assignment!

I usually pick up these sort of online and technology based systems pretty well, so I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what I am doing. Knock on wood, I think I should be able to hit this one out of the park! I recorded some practice material, and layered a song in the background to try a sort of 'intro' experiment, and I was very impressed with the quality of sound, and the ease and efficiency I was able to complete that task. I am very excited to get going on this, as now that I know it isn't going to be that hard to make the podcast, my brain has begun to spin with ideas of what I can do!!

Best of luck to everyone on their final products!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W06GHAhO6Uw
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2012?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Structure

Hello fellow bloggers!

I hope that I am not judged too harshly on my picture this week. I was proud because I was able to find a paint program online (for free! holla student programs!), that I could load as a jpeg image onto my post... but somehow it is only in the top left... and I still cannot figure out how to put it in the middle!

So like many other podcasts, mine starts with a straight line, (an introduction) on Google Glasses and privacy. The following half circle is to describe the the background information that is given on Google Glass itself. I then added an upward slant because the podcast begins to pick up and expand, when I explain some of the many ways they have figured out to use Google Glass for thus far. Next, I added another half circle in, as I give some background information on the actions Google has given to protect users and others, concerning privacy, when Google Glass is around.I then added to loose half circles that are slightly larger as I give a slight background on hacking, and the basis of privacy itself but expand both ideas to connect to Google Glass specifically. Finally, I added splatters of paint moving in an outward direction to display the examples I give of privacy issues thus far. They are a bunch of dots because of the amount of factors that affect these issues.

I utilized the structures "all things considered" and "radio lab" from the examples to help describe my story board. I sort of stretched the meaning for my larger loops, but I feel as though it still accurately helps to describe my storyline. 

The count that I arrived at for citations for the "Icon for Access" of 99% Invisible podcast was 17.

Have a lovely week :)

Search Strategies

Me oh my, fellow researchers!

These past few weeks have sure put me to the test with my research skills! I think I have spent more time on search engines and journal databases lately than I have spent eating... and thats a big problem because eating is my favourite thing to do! I have truly learnt a lot about my personal likes and dislikes when deciphering which database is appropriate for any given topic. I think I have exhausted all of the following databases and search engines for my podcast so I believe what I am about to reveal of each, can be extremely useful to the 'lost researcher'!

I have used Boolean logic in the past, as I was originally introduced to it in grade twelve. I remember the librarian giving us a lecture on it, and thinking to myself that class couldn't possibly be more boring, slash when would I ever use this!? HOW WRONG I WAS. I have used it countless times this year! Unfortunately I never had any research essays or assignments in first year so my skills were a little rusty, but they have definitely improved again this year. Boolean logic uses the words "and", "or" and "not". By using "and" you are able to group together search terms so that you can discover works that include both of your search terms. By using "or" you will broaden your search by combining concepts, giving results using either one of your search terms. By using "not" you will be able to focus your search between similar search terms to make your results even more specific. By using Boolean logic, one is supposed to gather results that are more specific to your topic by factoring out unwanted ones using the and, or and not function. I have found many articles this way, and will continue to use it.

By searching by subject, you must be extremely precise from the get go. It may be in your best interest to brainstorm words around what you believe your subject to be, and use that list to find the one that appears most controlled to the English language, not a made up word by society. It is very useful to have this tool in your knowledge because being able to define your topic will help you to search more effectively for resources. I have tried a few times, especially when I am searching a topic that appears to be newer, because by bringing it down to its most basic roots I am able to find some sort of article.

I much prefer using the library databases to Google Scholar. I find Google Scholar to give too big of a span of results. By using the library you can narrow your search right off the bat by choosing a database that is in the field of your topic. Not only that, but there are usually at least five databases to use if the first one you use does not give you the results you were looking for. Google Scholar works very well as another resource for sure, and can give you a lots of results; they may just not be the ones you were looking for or be available at York. Due to these reasons, I would rely on the York library database for future searches.

While this process has been very informative, I will appreciate the break from research for sure! 

Digging Deeper

So far, I have not taken many steps to researching for my podcast… if I’m being honest. The only research I have done was for my initial pitch transcript. I did have days set for when I wanted research complete, however after looking at my marks from my first two assignments, I have had to try and rearrange the direction of my podcast. This has resulted in shifting my focus back to my topic yet again, which I was not anticipating.
When I was looking before, the only scholarly resource I found was in Social Sciences Abstracts. The invention of Google Glasses is still very new, and I feel as though I put all the research techniques we learnt about in class to good use, it’s just that there are no studies being done the glasses specifically yet. Or if they are, they have not yet been published and released. The article I did find was from a sociologist point of view, looking at the total effects of technological distractions on society and their daily activities. I do plan on finding at least one or two more scholarly sources to back up my research, as opposed to only using website articles. However, some of the best information is coming out of these techy websites. These techy websites, have allowed me to definitely find more than enough information for my popular sources. I have been looking for information that has to do with the features, capabilities and release information on Google Glasses. 

I hope that by the next time I have to write a blog I won’t be as upset and will have all of my podcast troubles sorted out. 

Topic Refinement

The word pitch is a funny word. Up until this course, the only definition of pitch I was familiar with was the baseball pitch. Especially since I was a pitcher when I played baseball. But now, I have a whole new respect for the word. The pitches that we did for this course were extremely helpful for me, when considering putting together my topic. It was hard at first to narrow down my topic, but the fact that there was a time limit put on to when we were able to have a topic chosen, and then having it organized in a coherent and exciting manner to present in front of others truly made it a forceful decision. 

I think that in terms of using this pitch idea for other classes, depending on the type of assignment, can really be an excellent way to make your decision earlier on about what your focus will be. The fact that you should also try to create a research question to help you to focus your paper earlier on will give you some sort of direction at the earliest possible time during the writing process to not only encourage better time management, but to create a paper that is more thought out, because the topic of the assignment has been in place for a long period of time. For larger essays, this technique may not work because sometimes the final topic of the essay may not become clear until later, or you may need more time to think out and ensure that the correct topic is being written about. 

My refined show idea, is all about the outcomes of Google Glasses and whether or not they will create more problems or if they really will help to create a better world. This pitch helped me to create this question and make it the staple idea of my podcast. The following is an excerpt from my pitch in order to show how this activity helped me to refine my idea. 

“I admit, science has never been a strong point for me, and I know that there are others out there who are questioning how these glasses came into existence. Not only that, they deserve to be informed about what this new invention is all about before they get swept away and obsessed with another new technological fad. 

And see even right there, that thought stopped me. Of course there are going to be problems. I mean to start one of the reasons I got contacts was so there was nothing blocking my vision! Secondly, glasses with technological advancements… shouldn’t that money be going into making laser eye surgery a more absolute procedure or did I miss the announcement where we have completely sealed the deal on that testing? How will these glasses affect society…especially when dealing with safety and privacy issues. Is the world really prepared to take on a brand new gadget?”

I am really looking forward to making my podcast now!

Pitching

          This weeks blogs post was incredibly helpful to me, as I have never ‘pitched’ a project in my life, and while researching for this blog, I began to get a much better understanding of what Professor Bell is expecting. 

Some of the best tips that I learnt from each source are listed below:

‘CBC’

• Not only does your idea need to stand out and be original, but you do as well! They are looking for producers that will be just as charismatic and help the ideas to come alive!
• Don’t be afraid to dream up the most wildest ideas and to ask for help when you need it; unbiased feedback can be extremely useful as long as you remain open to it.
• What about your show will appeal to CBC and does it fit in with their morals? What opportunities do you see growing from this idea?

I deemed CBC to be a reliable source to gather information on pitching podcasts, due to their dominance of broadcasting in all of Canada, and the fact that they produce hundreds of podcasts of all different natures every week. Anyone would be lucky to have CBC support their idea; therefore they were my number one source to go to.

‘Forbes’

• In order to capivate your audience, especially when discussing a topic they may not be familiar with, the use of clear, concise and efficient sentences are the way to go.
• To better organize your ideas so you can come up with a superb pitch, Message Maps can be extremely beneficial to ensure that you hit all necessary points. 
• Make sure to reinforce your points with backup information such as stories, examples and statistics.

While the information gathered here is not necessarily for a podcast, I believed that Forbes would be a reliable source as the leading and most respected magazine on business. If anyone would have tips on how to make a better pitch it would be Forbes!

‘This American Life’

• Submissions do not need to be completely formal, and favourite moments that help to underline why the story is so great in a brief manner can really help the pitch.
• Pitches that reflect traditional stories, who are clear in the conflict and that raise bigger questions and issues are important and can help pitches stand out.

I believed going to This American Life would be an important reliable source as Professor Bell mentioned them in lecture and talked very highly of them. Therefore, I was curious myself to hear their expectations of pitches, and trusted what they were saying. 

          Based on the information that I have gathered here, I know that I must begin to throughly organize and sort out the important information that I want to include in my pitch. I want to make my own Message Map for my topic of Clean Eating, so that I can ensure my pitch is very concise and brief, yet hits home on the main points that I want to come across. I will also make sure to be myself and have fun while doing the pitch, because if it is clear that I love my topic, then it won’t be very hard to receive the support I am looking for. 

Works Cited

“About Us.” Submissions. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2014 http://www.thisamericanlife.org/about/submissions

“CBC Radio Pitch- Index.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2014. http://www.cbc.ca/pitch/radiopitchguide.html 

Gallo, Carmine. “How to Pitch Anything in 15 seconds [video].” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 17 July 2012. Web. 24 Jan. 2014. http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2012/07/17/how-to-pitch-anything-in-15-seconds/ 

Topic Selection

While we are only entering our third week of school for Term 2, I have quickly picked up that this Term is really going to give me a run for my money. There is so much to do for every class, and trying to find time to figure out my topic for a podcast that isn’t due for months became quite frustrating at times. I spent much time going back and forth on ideas, until I fully nailed down what exactly is expected of us for this assignment… thanks to all my classmates posts on Moodle. 

I have chosen to go with the topic of On The Media. I am incredibly interested in talking about current issues and trends in my future, so I figured why not explore such a direction for this project? I throughly enjoyed the way that On The Media’s podcasts were set up, giving background information on the topic being discussed, pulling clips when possible of people involved and bringing in experts to give their opinion as well. For example, in their latest Podcast, one segment named, “Policing Gangs Through Rap Videos” held me captivated until the final seconds of the clip. Not only was the topic interesting and held broader relevance to the rest of society, but began with a quick intro, played clips of the Gang’s rap music, to help listeners with the undoubtable preconceived notion of rap most WILL hold, and brought in a law Professor to show support for a group of people who are usually thrown under the bus. The way their podcasts were set up is probably all I will be emulating as I do wish to add more music and make it as creative and beautifully sound to the ears as possible in order to create vivid images for my listeners. 

This technique I hope to apply mostly has to do with my specific topic I have chosen to discuss. I will specifically be talking about the rise and takeover of what has been dubbed as Clean Eating, and everything it encompasses from the clothes and music to documentation of its every step on multiple social media platforms. I will be investigating the positive and negative outcomes that have arisen from Clean Eating for all, and how far society should be going to conform to this new somewhat healthy norm.

At first I was skeptical to use SPARK, however when Thursday arrived and I was still unsure of a topic, I decided to pull up the webpage. Brainstorming topics and issues I am actually interested in did help, and Health ended up being one of them. Narrowing down my interest landed me with my current topic of Clean Eating and I plan on utilizing the academic planner as well to stay on track with my podcast. Students will benefit from utilizing resources their University has provided for them, and when it comes to decision making in a limited amount of time, SPARK can be especially imperative to success. 

Introductions

Hola amigos!

My name is Stephanie Kovacs, although I do prefer being called Steph!I am a second year student here at York University in the Professional Writing program with hopes of completion within the next year to move onto the joint program with Seneca so I may begin my education in broadcasting! 

Seeing as I am currently extremely interested in sports broadcasting, research into aspects such as teams, up and coming players, players histories and records will be imminent to my success as a respectable broadcaster, so I definitely need to improve my research skills. I am hoping to learn how to organize my ideas so I know what information I need to be looking for, how to utilize all tools (internet, books, articles etc.) to my full advantage and how to fully incorporate the right pieces of information into what I am discussing. As previously mentioned, I am extremely interested in sports broadcasting, however entertainment also strikes my fancy. I am also interested in the field of Health Studies and researching and reporting on health crisis’ occurring in Canada’s very own backyard.

I have zero experience using either RefWorks or Zotero. Perhaps that is why my research skills are so limited. To be completely honest,  I have only done one research essay so far in University and was never asked to complete one in high school. When I was asked to write a research essay in the Fall term, I was extremely lost on knowing what kind of information I should have been looking for and how to find it. I am hoping that this class will prepare me better for not only my future career, but my future essays!

One thing I have researched quite a bit, are clean eating recipes and physical fitness exercises. I am always looking up new recipes to try, and I spend a great deal of time making sure that they are nutritious and cost effective. I am also very interested in working out and staying fit, and I am always on Instagram, Twitter and fitness blogs looking for different exercises and innovative ways to use gym equipment. It never feels like work, and I always feel satisfied when I find new and useful information or recipes.

I am also brand new to radio and podcasting, however I am not feeling intimidated at all! If my future includes a start in radio, I would be more than thrilled! Any and all experience will be helpful to arriving at my fink destination, and I am so excited to take part in the podcast. I think I am most interested in ‘On the Media’ as my topic for my podcast. I plan on broadcasting on the current and popular news in the future so I could really use this opportunity to try my hand at reporting on a news story that is making big headlines in North America currently.

I had no idea what this course was about when I signed up, only that it was a requirement for my major, and I must say, that after only one class, I am very excited about everything we will be doing! I am looking forward to see how the rest of the term unravels!