FredMcKinnon.Com

Hey Ya’ll -

Hope everyone is well. I wanted to take a minute and tell folks about what I’m doing with “podcasting” these days, explain it a bit more, and then ask for your help.

I’ve mentioned “podcasting” in previous blogs – it’s the craze online these days. Basically the word “podcast” comes from “Ipod” (Apple’s portable media player) and “broadcast” (we know what that means already, right!?). A podcaster would typically do the following:
1) create media (whether audio, video, text, or a combination – on any type of subject, etc)
2) upload media to a web server that supports “RSS” (Really Simple Syndication) feeds.

The end-user has a variety of options for enjoying a “podcast”. They can:
1) visit the website and listen to the podcast online (only if the podcaster puts a link or “play” button referencing the audio file – most do)
2) subscribe to the podcast with special software that receives “RSS” syndication (ie. ITunes, IPodder, or web-based content systems such as your My.Yahoo.Com page).

For the end-user, the advantage to podcasting is that:
1) you don’t have to keep checking a web site to see if there is new content – when the new content is published (broadcast), you automatically receive the content.
2) after receiving the content, you have many choices of what to do with the content (ie. listen to it on the website, listen on your computer, burn a CD and take with you, or transfer to your portable media device, such as an IPod, Rio, Palm, etc).

OK – so much for the tutorial. I’ve been doing a “Highest Praise Worship Podcast” for a while and have really enjoyed hearing back from those who listen. It’s like having my own “radio show” for the whole world to subscribe to. Sometimes listeners will return to the “podcast page” and leave comments about the episode.

Personally, I think this is a golden opportunity for the church. It’s been my experience that the church, for the most part, usually slides into last place when it comes to utilizing technology. I would guess that the overwhelming majority of church leaders have never even heard of a “podcast” or what it’s all about. Then again – because “podcasting” is so popular online and is quickly becoming one of the best methods of media delivery, the church should be jumping on this like crazy!

That’s where HPP Christian Web Hosting comes in. I’ve just created a new web hosting account that is targeted for those in the ministry who wish to get involved with podcasting. It’s very affordable, and has all the tools someone would need to begin a successful podcast. Churches could do a “podcast” of their sermon each week. Laypersons who have the gift of teaching, but no pulpit to teach from – can have the world to teach to. Musicians and songwriters can “podcast” their new songs and ideas to everyone.

The HPP Podcast Plan (view details) is $9.95/month, and has plenty of storage and bandwidth to do the job. I’d like to ask for your help – tell your friends about this. Tell your church leaders about it. Help rally the Kingdom so that they can take advantage of this technology. Sure, this is a business appeal too … we could really use the business right now! At the same time, nothing would make me happier than to see all the “podcast directories” on the internet filling up with Christian-oriented content.

For a limited time, we’ll be offering a free $10 Gift Certificate to the ITunes Music Store for new customers on our podcasting plan as well!

I have several ideas of things I’ll be doing w/ the Highest Praise Worship Podcast – and because the two main ideas are so vastly different, I’m not sure if they’ll be the same “podcast” or not – I may have to create a new one. I’m already doing the podcast that features praise, worship, and instrumental music. I’m also considering a more “personal”, intimate podcast – where I’d simply sit down and play the piano and “lead worship” (singing and playing, ministry) for about 15 minutes. That podcast would be for no other purpose than to take myself into your living room, and assist you … your own personal “worship leader” (ha!). Subscribers could listen on their computer, or burn a CD and have their “worship session” on the way to work. Interested in your feedback and comments on that idea.

Thanks for helping me spread the word. I hope you have a great week.

For the Kingdom,
Fred