Interviews

Podcasting Comics


By Hervé St.Louis
March 27, 2006 - 23:34

Decades ago, in the hey days of the North American comic book industry, fans and collectors communicated with publishers, and vice versa through letter columns. When dedicated fans outgrew the restrictions of the letter pages, they created their own fanzines to discuss their hobby. At first disorganized, some fanzines eventually became established magazines that covered their industry.

Although there have been television series and covering the comic book industry, it only when the Internet appeared that coverage of the comic book industry became a force to be reckoned with. At first bulletin boards appeared, leading to established Web sites, such as the Comic Book Bin. A few years ago, blogs, operated by individuals grew to cover the information and provide individual point of views on comics.

Thanks the continuing growth of Web technologies, there’s a new contender to providing information about comic books on the Internet. It’s called Podcasts. Podcast are recordings that users can download and listen to. It’s a bit like a radio snippets. One such site, specializing on reprint material offers podcast to a wide list of subscribers. We caught up with Chris Marshall of http://collectedcomicslibrary.blogspot.com/ to discuss Podcast and their place in the world of the comic book industry coverage.

What are Podcasts in your words for people who have never heard of them?

A podcast is a downloadable audio file that can be listened to at the users convenience either on a computer or portable devise like an iPod.

How do Podcast differ from blogs?

Podcasts an audio and Blogs are written.

Can Podcast co-exists easily within a Web site or a blog?

Yes. That is what I do with my Website, Blog and Podcast

What prompted you to start your Podcast?

I always wanted my own comic book radio show. Podcasting allows me to do that.

What are the other main Podcasts on the comic book industry?

There are so many...here are a few of my favorites
Comic Geek Speak http://www.comicgeekspeak.com/
Comicology http://www.comicology.net/
Comic Book Noise http://www.comicbooknoise.com/
Golden Age of Comics http://goldenagecomics.libsyn.com/
Geek 4x4 http://geek4x4.libsyn.com/
Komics Kast http://komicskast.libsyn.com/

Have you seen a change of heart from people listening to Podcasts since your launched yours?

The medium is still too new to give an exact answer.

Are Podcasts blogs for people who don’t like to write?

No. I don't agree. Radio and newspapers coexist. So can podcasts and blogs.

How can comic book fans find older Podcasts on the Internet?

The term "Older" doesn't fit. Mew podcasts shows are popping up everyday. As for my site, simply go back in my blog posting to see show notes on past shows.

Do you interview guests from time to time?

I have conducted two interviews and plan on many more in the upcoming months.

What is the audio quality used in Podcasts?

All of my shows are Bit Rate: 160 kbps and Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz

What tools do you use to create your Podcasts?

iRiver IFP-899 MP3 Player – 1gig memory
AKG D890 Dynamic Microphone (black)
LiveWire PfFX-105 interconnect audio cable KLR(f) ¼ phone 5ft.
Hosa GMP-112 stereo adapter ¼ phonejack to 3.5MM stereo plug
Excel EXWS01BK mic windscreen (black)
Behringer UB1202FX Stereo Mixer with Effects
Microphone Stand RadioShack model 33-370 and Heavy-Duty Mic Holder
3-ft Y-Adapter Audio Cable (2)
Adjustable Stereo Headphone RadioShack Model 33-1182 (Titanium Diaphragm)
Headphone adapter 6.3mm plug to 3.5mm socket

Is the technical barrier as easy to overcome as say blogs versus full-fledge Web sites?

It took some tinkering, Google searches and e-mailing proven podcasters to get me started.

How much bandwidth do Podcast use on a Web site?

I use Liberated Syndication for hosting my shows. For a small fee I get unlimited bandwidth, so I don't have to worry myself with those numbers.

Do you need a trained radio voice to record Podcast of yourself?

No. But practice, practice, practice. Have good notes. Listen back to every show to critic yourself. It takes time to get a format down. I'm still evolving my show. And practice, practice, practice.

Do you feel like you are talking to yourself or do you really feel like there is an open communication with listeners?

No. I'm talking to one person. It just gets listened to by hundreds.

How different is Podcast from say traditional radio?

No rules with Podcasts. 15,000 shows and is growing everyday. Where on your bedside alarm clock radio can you find programming tailored to only you and your specific tastes?

How different is Podcast from online Radio?

I'm not sure. I don't bother with online radio, but it's probably a lot like traditional radio, so see above.

What are some of the advantages of Podcasts?

See above.

What are some of the disadvantages?

None yet. I love podcasting and podcasts!

What kind of plug ins do users need to listen to Podcasts?

See above. A computer and iTunes www.itunes.com

How easy is it to discuss something as visual as comics on an audio format?

Very easy. There is so much content to talk about and a complete 100 year old history.

When I see television shows about comics or DVD commentaries with comics features, they always seem so statics and dull. Yet, I’m a comic book fan and I know that it isn’t true. Do you think Podcasts can have the same problem with comics?

That is in the eye of the beholder.

Do you think Podcasts can reach audience curious about comics without some of the traditional barriers with fan sites?

Yes. Both Marvel and DC have started their podcasts. So far they are just "round table" interviews and discussion. In time, they will branch out to different formats and styles.

How much do you love Pods?

I am all about podcasting and I promote not only my podcast, but others shows and podcasting in general.

So tell me everything I need to know in order to enjoy Podcast too.

See above, A computer, iTunes and an iPod. This may help too:

http://www.cadence90.com/wp/index.php?p=3548 - Four Minutes About Podcasting
http://www.podcast411.com/
http://juicereceiver.sourceforge.net/index.php

Thanks!


Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12

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