MacFevre
The macCompanion AudioMag
by Wayne LeFevre, December 2006
Just in case some of you may have missed it, macCompanion has changed its distribution a bit. In fact, if you enjoy the web version of the articles, you might not know about some of the advancements we've made.
Using the RSS 2.0 technology, we've made the magazine able to come straight to you, every month and on time. No longer will you have to go to the website and download the PDF version, unless of course you want to. That will always remain an option.
We've made receiving the magazine as easy as a podcast, and in some ways, that's exactly what it is. In fact, we are calling this our MagCast. Using iTunes, or your favorite aggregator, you can sign up to receive the PDF automatically. After which, at the same time every month you can read it right from iTunes or your aggregator. If you have not tried this, I highly recommend you go to the macCompanion website and click on the link, or go to iTunes and search for macCompanion. You can always go straight there by using this iTunes link, http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=196926454
This link will give you the straight XML link for your aggregator: feed://www.maccompanion.com/MagCast/macCompanion_Magazine_MagCast.xml
The next distribution method we have adopted is the AudioMag. For those who are sight impaired, or otherwise unable to read the fine articles and reviews we offer, we now offer the magazine in an audible format. This format is available as an enhanced podcast offering chapters and websites, and recently we have been using Daphne Kalfon's famous I Love My Mac song found at http://www.ilovemymacthesong.com Currently, this feed is available at the same feed as the MagCast. Any feedback would be appreciated if you would like it to have it's own feed.
Now since I realize that you probably don't want to hear my voice all the time, I've brought in guest speakers from the Acapela-Group and Cepstral. Yes, they are synthesized third–party voices, but are much better than Apple's own.
The magazine is then split into four episodes per month that are distributed weekly. The first week we read the columns and editorials, and, as Bill and Ted would say, “Our columnists are Most Excellent!” Because they have such great and interesting things to say, this is our longest 'cast, sometimes approaching 2 hours. Trust me, though. It's well worth it.
The second week are book reviews. The third week, shareware and software. The fourth week wraps it up with hardware and any training material we may have reviewed.
This is a critical time in the podcast world, and is still one of learning and growing. We are no different. Maybe one day, you will be unable to distinguish between a human or synthesized voice. The fun thing is being able to produce and bring the print to life. It is not easy or quick, but I hope you can appreciate who it is meant for. I'm always willing to take feedback. You can leave a message on Skype at MacFevre, or e-mail at feedback at macCompanion dot com.
For those who celebrate, have an incredible, and hopefully Love and Mac filled holidays!
