Podcasting files and WordPress...
Written By RightOn on Feb. 18, 2008.
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I'm using my iBook setup with a Sony ECMMS907 Mic to record my podcasts... my question is, I'm using WordPress and the podcasts are saved as MP3's.
I'm currently looking for ways NOT to host them on my own server to save on storage space (I have a lot but I'm stingy) and bandwidth (again, I have a lot but you know how things go if you become unexpectedly popular or something).
I host three separate services on one plan so I don't want to cause any spikes that would kill my hosting.
I've looked @ PodPress for WordPress and it LOOKS cool, but from everything I can see... it's locally hosted media only, nothing for external files. Is there anything or any way to link to a remotely hosted podcast MP3 file and still get the nifty FlashPlayer like UI?
Thanks!

Tyme
Written Feb. 18, 2008 / Report /
Yes, PodPress just makes the integration (RSS feed, etc.) easier. Have you checked out Libsyn?
RightOn
Written Feb. 18, 2008 / Report /
Hmmm, I may just have to hope I'm not that popular and just host it using PodPress. :)
I don't want to rely on a free host as the three I've tried had regular outages or sketchy connectivity and I don't want to increase my hosting bill per month by $10 for what I would need on Libsyn or similar hosts.
I guess I'll bite the bullet for now and see if I NEED bandwidth relief later.
BTW, it's so much nicer podcasting on a GOOD mic! :)
Chris24
Written Feb. 18, 2008 / Report /
I think there is a way to insert the PodPress player, etc, with an external file. If you're writing a post in the WP-Admin, then go below and click "Add Media File", and where it says "Location", you link directly to the MP3. Remember that since this is an external file, you can't change the ID3 tags of that file from PodPress, you'll have to manage that locally (before you upload), or with your media host.
If you're looking for a free host, try TalkShoe -- they allow you to upload media files (but there are maintenances from time to time :/). That being said, I haven't used TalkShoe in a number of months, I've moved to Libsyn.
EDIT: I just found this: If you're only looking for a way to insert the flash audio player, and could care less about the other features, there's also the Audio Player plugin for WordPress. I'd still recommend PodPress, but if you really don't need all the features (like stats, podcast feed, etc), I'd go with the audio player plugin.
RightOn
Written Feb. 18, 2008 / Report /
Actually, that Audio Player plugin does Feed integration and Enclosures for Podcasting so I think that's a MUCH nicer simple plugin.
Thanks!
cavemonkey50
Written Feb. 19, 2008 / Report /
RightOn, if you're looking for the full Podcasting experience, my plugin Podcasting supports external files and handles iTunes tagging as well.
RightOn
Written Feb. 19, 2008 / Report /
Looks interesting, I'm running into an issue with adding in an MP3 from the post writing screen...
I put in the full URL to the MP3 file and hit "Add" and the page refreshes back to the URL field and nothing has changed... according to your documentation I should have a more detailed panel with a button to send it to the editor with keywords etc...
I've already done all the setup in the options panel so I'm stumped...
RightOn
Written Feb. 19, 2008 / Report /
Nevermind... apparently I didn't see that you have to post your entry first for it to go to the next step.
cavemonkey50
Written Feb. 19, 2008 / Report /
Really? So you can't add a MP3 without publishing a post? If so, that should not be happening. You should be able to add drafts without issue.
I'm going to be working on giving the plugin a major update before WordPress 2.5 is released, so I'll certainly look at addressing that bug.
RightOn
Written Feb. 19, 2008 / Report /
Yeah, if I start a fresh post, and attempt to add the player/MP3 to the post as I would say, a photo... it won't let me, yet if I publish the post and edit it I can.
cavemonkey50
Written Mar. 31, 2008 / Report /
RightOn, just letting you know I released a new version, 1.5, which should correct your issue.