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964% Growth! That's What Podcast Ready Does.

2007-10-30T09:32:00.000-05:00

There are a number of reasons why people produce podcasts: just for fun, to get the message out about a cause or a charity, to raise awareness of a business or premium service, or to advertise. One thing they all have in common is: to be heard. But for podcasts that are trying to earn revenue, or drive audiences to a service from which they earn revenue, how do they promote their show?

A lot of podcasters swap promos and collaborate to get the word out. Others use tools like Facebook, Twitter, or My Space. Still others buy ads through Google or on related sites such as the Pickle, and everyone hopes to get featured on the front page of iTunes' podcast section. (At the first Expo one promoting podcaster put stickers on the wall in front of the urinals in the men's rooms.)

The question is, how does a media company promote their podcast to the mainstream? And how do they hit the 150+ million people this year that will choose not to buy an iPod, opting instead for a less expensive, more feature-rich media player?

That's what Podcast Ready does.

We've licensed our podcast-receiving technology to device manufacturers who in turn are installing it directly onto their products at the factory. The end result is, the consumer is introduced to the wide world of podcast content the instant they connect their new players - no installation, and no configuration; just plug-and-receive.

As part of the first time experience, we pre-populate the receiver with sample podcast feeds. The user can of course opt not to remain subscribed, but for the content creator its a chance to get their feed - their freshest content - into the ears of millions of potential new audience members.

This works. It drives new subscribers to shows. Of course, its up to the content creator to keep them, but the exposure is on a scale like no other - 350 millions exposures in the next 12 months.

Even though we haven't begun shipping with our largest partners (shipping is slated to begin in November) several podcasters have already witnessed the benefits just from being part of our standard website download.

(that's a 790% increase in 14 days!)

Another podcaster (graph shown above) has seen their subscriber numbers grow steadily since their inclusion two weeks ago. And this graph is only going to jump once we start seeing the projected 10,000+ activations a day.

Using Podcast Ready's services to promote your show is the most effective tool out there. It ensures fresh, timely material and literally puts your content in the palm of your potential listener. We still have plenty of slots to fill, so drop me a line or give us a call (866-343-5166) if your interested in taking your show mainstream.

We're Number 4!

2007-10-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

I spoke with a podcaster at the Podcast and New Media Expo over the weekend that had just made the switch from Libsyn's statistical system to Raw Voice Generator. The first thing he noticed was that while Libsyn didn't report any contact with myPodder, Raw Voice's system showed myPodder to the 4th most popular client downloading his show. I wonder if they take that into account when Neilson certifies Libsyn stats...

In a hurry?

2007-09-19T23:53:00.000-05:00

One of out users asked in the forums why myPodder doesn't automatically begin downloading new episodes upon execution. Having the program pause after scanning the feeds to allow users to de-select episodes we thought was the best default, but we have been working to make it an option.

Although the option isn't implemented yet, there code is there and its easy to implement for Windows users. Basically, create a shortcut to the 'mypodder.exe' program in the 'mypodder' folder and add "-download" at then end of the path. This will force the application to load in an minimized form (look for the butterfly next to the clock), scan your feeds, and automatically begin downloading.

Below, is the contents for an "autorun.ini" file that will make this auto-download initiate from Windows autorun menu or when you double-click on the devices drive icon in "My Computer". Simply replace the contents of the current "autorun.ini" file with this text, remove the device, and reconnect it. There are a few notes, so check the forum post for the details.

[autorun]
action=Get your podcasts
icon=.\mypodder\pictures\DEVICE.ICO
open=mypodder\mypodder.exe -download
label=myPodder iPod
includeRuntimeComponents=True
includeRuntimeComponents=True
shellexecute=mypodder\mypodder.exe -download
shell\Auto=&AutoPlay
shell\Auto\command=mypodder\mypodder.exe -download
shell=Auto

This is an undocumented feature and not officially supported yet, but if you have any questions or problems please let us know.

And the winners are...

2007-09-17T14:20:00.000-05:00

First I'd like to thank everyone that participated in our 100K Play contest. Its been a lot of fun and we've really enjoyed all of the creative entries. Having said that, on to the winners:

For FIRST PLACE with 2549 points for various extra credit activities which included some very creative videos, the winner of 100,000 downloads and an iPod Touch for one of their lucky listeners:

Tech Talk for Families
by Dale Critchley

SECOND PLACE (by only 15 points) - winning 100,000 downloads as well - goes to probably the most high-spirited and competitive player in the contest:

Britney Mason's PopCast
from Britney Mason

HONORABLE MENTION #1, winning 10,000 downloads:

Sturgeon's Law
from Random

HONORABLE MENTION #2, winning 10,000 downloads:

Typical Mac User Podcast
from Victor Cajiao

Congratulations!

In the coming weeks we'll be inserting your podcast feeds into the default subscription lists of millions of Podcast Ready enabled devices from Coby, SanDisk, iRiver, Cowon, and many others.

Podcast Ready at IFA

2007-09-02T18:19:00.001-05:00

Hagen and Christian, co-founders of Podcast Ready and my business partners, are representing Podcast Ready with one of our licensees at the IFA in Berlin. The largest consumer electronics show in the world... lucky dogs.

The Last Day for 100kPlay

2007-08-31T09:47:00.000-05:00

Today's the day. If you haven't signed up already now is your last chance. With the recent addition of new device partners we'll be pre-loading your show's feed onto nearly 35 million devices. That should drive those downloads pretty quickly!

Good luck... and thanks for making this so much fun!

Happy Monday

2007-08-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

10 more days left in the 100kPlay contest and things are booming. So much so that we're going to give away another grand prize: 100,000 downloads from new myPodder users. We have millions of MP3 devices going out through various retail outlets and each one will be pre-set with podcast feeds... sign up today and your's could be one of them!

29 Days and Counting

2007-08-02T10:16:00.000-05:00

Its kind of odd the we had so many requests in the beginning of the contest to extend the deadline, but as we enter into the second half there is hardly any activity... of course, you can win just by entering, but if you want to go for the grand prize of 100,000 listeners then you need points.

I thought I'd make a little re-cap of all the different ways that are still available to earn points:

1. add chicklet to your site	1000
2. get people to register	1
3. create a quick video	15
4. make friends and share podcasts	10
5. get another podcast to sign up	15
6. play a promo for Podcast Ready	25

The first limited time offer has expired (it was good for 200 points) but there will be more before the end of the contest. And don't forget that one registered user from the winning show will win an iPod.

Extra Credit Gimme: only good through Monday

2007-07-26T17:20:00.000-05:00

Here's what is probably the easiest extra credit yet for then 100K Play Contest: make a suggestion. Tell us what you'd like to see added or changed at http://www.podcastready.com. This one is so easy that we're only leaving it open until 11:59PM CST on Monday, July 30.

5 points for every suggestion
5 more points if they realistic suggestions

For instance, "have the system email me when someone accepts my friendship offer" is worth 10 points, while "make it so I can share podcasts and program my microwave at the same time" would probably only be worth 5 points.

Because of the points and the ease of this one, each contestant (promo code) is limited to 10 entries each (for a maximum of 100 points) and yes, all 10 can be in one single email. Send entries to 100kplay@podcastready.com and don't forget to include the promo code.

Want more?

Okay - how about the same point system for pointing out bugs?

5 points for every bug
5 more points if its a real bug

For instance, "when I click to accept a friendship offer but I'm not in the friendship page, nothing happens" is worth 10 points, while "when I click to share podcasts it doesn't set my microwave to defrost" is again probably only worth 5 points. (What is it with you guys and microwaves anyway?)

So that's it.. two little emails could be worth a total of 200 points... have fun, and have a great day!

Promos for Points

2007-07-16T12:23:00.002-05:00

Here's an easy one, and its worth either 10 points per, or 20 (or even 25)... your choice. To earn 10 points, pick one of the promos at the bottom and play it in your podcast. For 20 points, do your own promo. Here are the rules:

it only counts if its part of your regular podcast - no "special episodes" or shows outside of your normal publishing pattern.

it only counts if its in the first 1/2 of your show

if you make your own promo, it has to name the same points as the pre-recorded (if you add one additional point about Podcast Ready you will get an additional 5 points)

Every time you run a promo, shoot us a note with the episode number or a link to the file and add the points to your score. Email any questions to 100kplay@podcastready.com or comment here.

Pre-recorded promo choices:

Promo #1
Promo #2
Promo #3

Using Channels

2007-07-15T14:32:00.000-05:00

Podcast Ready provides each user with their own channel. A channel is simply a personal feed to which you can add anything you wish. By default, this channel is private and is used to deliver specific episodes of podcasts directly to your player.

But by making your channel public, you can create a mash-up of any content to share with the world - and by adding friends you can allow them to contribute to your channel as well.

Here is a quick video tutorial showing how to set this up.

Contest Entries

2007-07-15T09:09:00.000-05:00

Valleywag's been picking on Calacanis and Mahalo lately, particularly with regards to their traffic. A quick check of Alexa though shows that Mahalo is kicking our rears hands down.

The fact is, that's so *not* surprising that no one would even think to compare the two. What is kind of interesting to me though is our contests. We announced our contest within a week or so of each other and today Jason posted that they've had 70 entries already. That's great!

So far we've have 58 videos entered in our 100K Play contest. That's a difference of 11, which is a lot closer than I'd expect when you consider then shear difference in traffic.

A 15 minute point quickie

2007-07-11T16:24:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick way to get an extra 15 points in the 100K Play contest: get someone else to enter. For every show that registers and puts your promo code in their registration email, you will get 15 points added to your score.

Media Ready is now "Podcast Ready"

2007-07-10T16:32:00.000-05:00

In a press release dated yesterday, mediaREADY announced their new partnership with Podcast Ready. Quoting Jeffrey Harrell the CEO of mediaREADY:

Soon select MediaREADY portable media player products will become Podcast Ready-enabled. The MediaREADY Glider and MediaREADY Aero will be the first models to come pre-installed with Podcast Ready's myPodder� podcast management software. Weighing just over an ounce and under 4" in length the ultra-portable Aero� Audio Player/FM Tuner/Recorder is clearly the brightest new star in the MediaREADY� line. "The partnership with Podcast Ready is yet another exciting development for MediaREADY and is a great revenue sharing opportunity for us

"100k Play" Leader Board

2007-07-09T16:42:00.000-05:00

Here are the current standings. There were a lot of great videos sent in this week. If you have not had a chance to check them out, I've created a play list over on YouTube.

Again, don't forget that there is extra credit for putting a Podcast Ready chicklet on your site, inviting '100kplay' to be a friend at podcastready.com, and sending '100kplay' an episode of your favorite podcast. When making friends or sharing shows, please don't forget (or tell your friends not to forget) to put your promo code in the note... it makes it a lot easier for us.

If you have any questions about your current score please don't hesitate to ask.

1	Mikeypod	1114
2	Britney's Mason PopCast	1106
3	Tech Talk for Families	1078
4	Typical Mac User Podcast	1067
5	Crescent	1033
6	100 Word Stories	1019
7	808Talk Hawaii	1017
8	Audio Gumshoe	1016
9	Audio Courses	1012
10	Mike's Hotdish	1012
11	Taylor Marek Podcast	1011
12	Bucket	1006
13	Sturgeon's Law	1006
14	Startup BizCast	1005
15	Looking Out The Window	1003
16	Clever Little Pod	1000
17	Kiva Podcast	1000
18	Podshack Radio	1000
19	The Jazz Show	1000
20	Kansas City Weather Podcast	1000
21	The Wicked Good Podcast	1000
22	Zaldor's World Podcast	1000
23	Impact Players Podcast	1
24	UsedWigs Radio	0

Thanks... and good luck!

Dennis Miller is "podcast ready"

2007-07-09T09:14:00.000-05:00

Podcast Ready is one of two directories listed on his web site. 3 guesses who the other one is...

4th of July Leader Board Report

2007-07-04T11:19:00.000-05:00

The friends and the videos are rolling in (check them out here), and the top three spots have shifted:

1. MikeyPod	1066
2. Typical Mac User Podcast	1036
3. Crescent	1023

Keeping in mind that the first 1000 points are awarded for chicklet placement, the field is still wide open for someone to take the top spot with a few videos and friends. Here is the rest of the standings:

4. Mike's Hotdish	1012
5. 100 Word Stories	1011
6. 808Talk Hawaii	1006
7. Audio Courses	1005
8. Looking Out The Window	1002
9. Audio Gumshoe	1001
10. Taylor Marek Podcast	1001
11. Startup BizCast	1000
12. Bucket	1000
13. Kiva Podcast	1000
14. Podshack Radio	1000
15. The Jazz Show	1000
16. Kansas City Weather Podcast	1000
17. The Wicked Good Podcast	1000
18. Zaldor's World Podcast	1000
19. Impact Players Podcast	1
20. UsedWigs Radio	0

Thank you to all that have entered so far. As always, if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them here or email them to 100kplay@podcastready.com. Just by entering you could win placement that'll drive 10,000 downloads but the top spot is going for 100,000 - and one of your listeners could win a free iPod just for registering.

Happy Fourth all.... I hope your skies are a lot clearer than they are here today.

Extra Extra Credit Credit

2007-07-03T11:10:00.000-05:00

In the contest to win massive exposure of your podcast on millions of MP3 devices there is a new way to earn extra credit: make friends.

Specifically, log into pocastready.com, find the user '100kplay' and make him (me) a friend. When doing so, type in your promo code into the note so I know who gets the credit. Once thats done, send 100kplay an episode of your podcast. That's all there is to it.

Make 100kplay a friend = 5 points
Send 100kplay an epsiode of your podcast = 5 points

You can only get credit for sending one episode, but others can earn points for you by doing this on your behalf.

If you are not sure how to make friends or share podcasts at podcastready.com here is a quick little video explaining how:

Its pretty straight forward but if you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to send them on - either comment here or email them to 100kplay@podcastready.com.

There's 100,000 potential new listeners at stake, so good luck!

A little clarification

2007-07-02T14:53:00.000-05:00

A few questions have come in about the video clip extra credit so I thought I'd try to clarify things a bit. As originally posted, the rules are simple:

Shoot a video clip that includes someone saying "I love Podcast Ready"
Upload your clip to YouTube and tag it with "100kplay" and "podcasting"
Email the URL of your clip along with your registered promo code to 100kplay@podcastready.com to claim your bonus points

The "I love Podcast Ready" line can be in any context - it can be a simple web cam shot or part of a conversation.
Anyone can record and submit this on your behalf. If you are worried about claiming the points for the video, tell your friends or listeners to use your promo code as one of the tags - the required tags are '100kplay' and 'podcasting' but there can be other tags as well.
The same person cannot be delivering the line in more than one video.
The same reason (see the original post) cannot be used in more than one video.

Leader Board for 07/02/07

2007-07-02T11:19:00.000-05:00

We're almost two weeks into the 100k Play contest and the leader board is heating up. Holding the top three spots:

1. Typical Mac User Podcast
2. Crescent
3. 100 Word Stories

To date there has been no extra credit given for any video clips, and at potentially 15 points per video this option could sling almost anyone in the contest to the top with just 2 or 3 entries.

Currently we have 20 shows participating in the contest so if you're afraid that you might be getting in too late rest assured, there's still plenty of time.

And don't forget, if you are a winner one of your listeners that uses your code will win an iPod.

myPodder on an iPod

2007-06-27T12:13:00.000-05:00

Two people asked me yesterday how to install myPodder onto their iPod so that they could download their subscriptions from work (where they are not allowed to install any software). So I decided to make a quick little tutorial showing how to do it. Its not hard, and it doesn't mess up any content that you have already put on there (or will put on there) through iTunes.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Extra Credit

2007-06-22T23:06:00.000-05:00

Here's the first opportunity to earn additional registrations "points" for the 100kPlay contest: make a video. It doesn't matter how long it is, and production levels don't count. The only thing that matters is that someone in the clip says the phrase "I Love Podcast Ready." Here's how it works:

Shoot a video clip that includes someone saying "I Love Podcast Ready"
Upload your clip to YouTube and tag it with "100kplay" and "podcasting"
Email the URL of your clip along with your registered promo code to 100kplay@podcastready.com to claim your bonus points

For that you'll get 5 registration points (as though 5 people had used your promo code). Want more? Here's a few things you can do to boost those points:

Upload another clip... there is no limit to the number of clips that you can make and you'll get 5 points for each one. The same person cannot deliver the key phrase ("I Love Podcast Ready") in more than one clip though. (that's the catch)
Have someone in the clip mention one specific thing about Podcast Ready that they like. The specific thing though cannot be the same thing mentioned in anyone else's clip - its got to be original. This one though will add another 5 points to the bonus
Make us laugh... if your clip makes someone in the office laugh you'll get another 5 points... we've been working way too hard lately and we need some humor.

Lastly, you'll want to try and make these somewhat entertaining regardless of the contest. The way things are going, we might just decide to tie something else to these videos... like perhaps a second "grand prize" for the best video... or something crazy like that.

That's it. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Otherwise, point, shoot, upload... and win :)

Additional Prizes Added

2007-06-22T10:40:00.001-05:00

We've received a lot of feedback regarding the contest and how it favors larger shows with larger audiences. We plan to announce different ways that podcasters can earn registration credits without actually driving registrations, but in the mean time we thought we throw this out: additional prizes!

At the conclusion of the contest on August 31, we will draw 3 names from the list of all the shows that have entered and give them placements on devices to drive 10,000 downloads to each.

That's 10,000 new potential listeners just for entering.

Stay tuned for more details on how you can win... and don't forget to add 100kplay as a twitter friend for instant information and updates.

100K Play Updates

2007-06-21T10:30:00.001-05:00

Want to keep up to date with the latests standings and information about the contest? 100kplay is now on twitter...

Drive 100,000 new listeners to your podcast

2007-06-20T23:56:00.000-05:00

"100K Play" Contest

What's it worth to get 100,000 first-time downloads of your podcast? Here's your chance to find out. Podcast Ready is giving away one placement on every copy of myPodder to one lucky podcaster. This means that your podcast feed will be pre-configured on MP3 devices from iRiver, Cowon, Skullcandy, and Wolverine (just to name a few) as well as in every copy of myPodder downloaded from our site, and other's. Your show will remain in the line up until you've received 100,000 downloads from new myPodder users.

This is a huge opportunity to expand your audience, and its free!

Here's how you enter:

Send an email to 100kplay@podcastready.com and include your contact information, your show's name, website address, feed address, and a desired promotional code.
Urge your listeners to visit Podcast Ready's site (http://www.podcastready.com) and register a new account (this will require a valid email address) or update their existing profile using your promotional code.

It's that simple. The show with the most registrations wins. And one lucky listener who registers using the winner's promotional code will win a free video iPod!

What's the catch? No catch. Before you can be entered, I will have to check out your show and make sure that it's not overly offensive or anything. After all, your podcast will end up on MP3 players sold through Amazon and Wal-Mart so I have to make sure that the content is "retail safe." (And before you ask what "retail safe" is, it's entirely up to me to decide... I'll know it when I see it).

Once you've received confirmation that your promotional code is registered, then you are set. The contest will end on August 31st, so what are you waiting for... more?

Okay, here's a little more: if you have a Podcast Ready chicklet on your site when you register your promo-code you will automatically start off on the scorecard with 1000 registrations to your credit! Now what are you waiting for?