Comments on: Pros and cons: Open Source doc tools http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/ A weekly podcast for technical communicators from DMN Communications Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:09:54 +0000 http://podbean.com/?v=3.2 by: Scott http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6856 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:22:43 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6856 Thanks for the pointer to Levelator. It looks like an interesting tool, and I hope that they're able to put out a Linux version sometime in the near future. I'll have to check out the Windows version in the meantime. Thanks for the pointer to Levelator. It looks like an interesting tool, and I hope that they’re able to put out a Linux version sometime in the near future. I’ll have to check out the Windows version in the meantime.

]]> by: Scott http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6856 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:22:43 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6856 Thanks for the pointer to Levelator. It looks like an interesting tool, and I hope that they're able to put out a Linux version sometime in the near future. I'll have to check out the Windows version in the meantime. Thanks for the pointer to Levelator. It looks like an interesting tool, and I hope that they’re able to put out a Linux version sometime in the near future. I’ll have to check out the Windows version in the meantime.

]]> by: Scott http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6856 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:22:43 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6856 Thanks for the pointer to Levelator. It looks like an interesting tool, and I hope that they're able to put out a Linux version sometime in the near future. I'll have to check out the Windows version in the meantime. Thanks for the pointer to Levelator. It looks like an interesting tool, and I hope that they’re able to put out a Linux version sometime in the near future. I’ll have to check out the Windows version in the meantime.

]]> by: Tom Johnson http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6853 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:30:49 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6853 I just read your article on working with Audacity to clean up sound -- http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techtips-10dec06.htm. Thanks for the tips. I plan to try out your techniques because the two areas of Audacity you mentioned (noise removal and compressor) are functions I've briefly looked at but not fully explored before. As for audio levels, the Levelator is an interesting tool -- http://www.gigavox.com/levelator Sometimes the Levelator really helps, and other times, particularly when there's background noise, it can make it worse. But it's definitely worth trying out, if you haven't already used it. I just read your article on working with Audacity to clean up sound — http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techtips-10dec06.htm. Thanks for the tips.

I plan to try out your techniques because the two areas of Audacity you mentioned (noise removal and compressor) are functions I’ve briefly looked at but not fully explored before.

As for audio levels, the Levelator is an interesting tool — http://www.gigavox.com/levelator

Sometimes the Levelator really helps, and other times, particularly when there’s background noise, it can make it worse. But it’s definitely worth trying out, if you haven’t already used it.

]]> by: Tom Johnson http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6853 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:30:49 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6853 I just read your article on working with Audacity to clean up sound -- http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techtips-10dec06.htm. Thanks for the tips. I plan to try out your techniques because the two areas of Audacity you mentioned (noise removal and compressor) are functions I've briefly looked at but not fully explored before. As for audio levels, the Levelator is an interesting tool -- http://www.gigavox.com/levelator Sometimes the Levelator really helps, and other times, particularly when there's background noise, it can make it worse. But it's definitely worth trying out, if you haven't already used it. I just read your article on working with Audacity to clean up sound — http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techtips-10dec06.htm. Thanks for the tips.

I plan to try out your techniques because the two areas of Audacity you mentioned (noise removal and compressor) are functions I’ve briefly looked at but not fully explored before.

As for audio levels, the Levelator is an interesting tool — http://www.gigavox.com/levelator

Sometimes the Levelator really helps, and other times, particularly when there’s background noise, it can make it worse. But it’s definitely worth trying out, if you haven’t already used it.

]]> by: Tom Johnson http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6853 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:30:49 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6853 I just read your article on working with Audacity to clean up sound -- http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techtips-10dec06.htm. Thanks for the tips. I plan to try out your techniques because the two areas of Audacity you mentioned (noise removal and compressor) are functions I've briefly looked at but not fully explored before. As for audio levels, the Levelator is an interesting tool -- http://www.gigavox.com/levelator Sometimes the Levelator really helps, and other times, particularly when there's background noise, it can make it worse. But it's definitely worth trying out, if you haven't already used it. I just read your article on working with Audacity to clean up sound — http://www.geeks.com/techtips/2006/techtips-10dec06.htm. Thanks for the tips.

I plan to try out your techniques because the two areas of Audacity you mentioned (noise removal and compressor) are functions I’ve briefly looked at but not fully explored before.

As for audio levels, the Levelator is an interesting tool — http://www.gigavox.com/levelator

Sometimes the Levelator really helps, and other times, particularly when there’s background noise, it can make it worse. But it’s definitely worth trying out, if you haven’t already used it.

]]> by: Scott http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6845 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:16:46 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6845 Tom, Thanks for your comments, and the pointers to other podcasts. And thanks for listening. It's always nice to now that someone is listening ... To answer your questions: How we record depends on our schedules. Sometimes, we use Skype and record with a little Linux tool chain that I discovered online. At other times, we record individually. I use Audacity to record and edit/level the audio -- the noise removal and normalization tools are pretty good but I've yet to find (or at least remember!) the optimal settings. I've been experimenting with different mics over the last little while, and resulting audio (even after editing) have been a bit inconsistent. I've settled on a simple headset and that seems to be working better. As for more spontaneity, we're working on it! Stay tuned. Scott Tom,

Thanks for your comments, and the pointers to other podcasts. And thanks for listening. It’s always nice to now that someone is listening …

To answer your questions:

How we record depends on our schedules. Sometimes, we use Skype and record with a little Linux tool chain that I discovered online. At other times, we record individually. I use Audacity to record and edit/level the audio — the noise removal and normalization tools are pretty good but I’ve yet to find (or at least remember!) the optimal settings.

I’ve been experimenting with different mics over the last little while, and resulting audio (even after editing) have been a bit inconsistent. I’ve settled on a simple headset and that seems to be working better.

As for more spontaneity, we’re working on it! Stay tuned.

Scott

]]> by: Scott http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6845 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:16:46 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6845 Tom, Thanks for your comments, and the pointers to other podcasts. And thanks for listening. It's always nice to now that someone is listening ... To answer your questions: How we record depends on our schedules. Sometimes, we use Skype and record with a little Linux tool chain that I discovered online. At other times, we record individually. I use Audacity to record and edit/level the audio -- the noise removal and normalization tools are pretty good but I've yet to find (or at least remember!) the optimal settings. I've been experimenting with different mics over the last little while, and resulting audio (even after editing) have been a bit inconsistent. I've settled on a simple headset and that seems to be working better. As for more spontaneity, we're working on it! Stay tuned. Scott Tom,

Thanks for your comments, and the pointers to other podcasts. And thanks for listening. It’s always nice to now that someone is listening …

To answer your questions:

How we record depends on our schedules. Sometimes, we use Skype and record with a little Linux tool chain that I discovered online. At other times, we record individually. I use Audacity to record and edit/level the audio — the noise removal and normalization tools are pretty good but I’ve yet to find (or at least remember!) the optimal settings.

I’ve been experimenting with different mics over the last little while, and resulting audio (even after editing) have been a bit inconsistent. I’ve settled on a simple headset and that seems to be working better.

As for more spontaneity, we’re working on it! Stay tuned.

Scott

]]> by: Scott http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6845 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:16:46 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6845 Tom, Thanks for your comments, and the pointers to other podcasts. And thanks for listening. It's always nice to now that someone is listening ... To answer your questions: How we record depends on our schedules. Sometimes, we use Skype and record with a little Linux tool chain that I discovered online. At other times, we record individually. I use Audacity to record and edit/level the audio -- the noise removal and normalization tools are pretty good but I've yet to find (or at least remember!) the optimal settings. I've been experimenting with different mics over the last little while, and resulting audio (even after editing) have been a bit inconsistent. I've settled on a simple headset and that seems to be working better. As for more spontaneity, we're working on it! Stay tuned. Scott Tom,

Thanks for your comments, and the pointers to other podcasts. And thanks for listening. It’s always nice to now that someone is listening …

To answer your questions:

How we record depends on our schedules. Sometimes, we use Skype and record with a little Linux tool chain that I discovered online. At other times, we record individually. I use Audacity to record and edit/level the audio — the noise removal and normalization tools are pretty good but I’ve yet to find (or at least remember!) the optimal settings.

I’ve been experimenting with different mics over the last little while, and resulting audio (even after editing) have been a bit inconsistent. I’ve settled on a simple headset and that seems to be working better.

As for more spontaneity, we’re working on it! Stay tuned.

Scott

]]> by: Tom Johnson http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6842 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:12:39 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6842 I just listened to you guys on the way to work. Thanks for choosing my podcast as your pick of the week! I liked what you said about open source tools -- I didn't know Open Office supported conditional text. I'm surprised that open source tools do this and not professional tools like Word 2007. I'm glad to see another technical communication podcast and I wish there were more to listen to. When I run out of tech writing related material to listen to, I turn to techie podcasts, like TWIT (This Week in Tech). Someone just recommend Boagworld to me and I like that one quite a bit too. What other podcasts do you recommend listening to? I'm always looking to discover more. I like all the research and preparation you guys put into your podcast. I'm curious about your setup. Do you use Skype to call each other? Do you use the Levelator to level the varying audio? What tool do you use to record and edit your audio? Finally, why do you read your material? Sometimes I wish you could be more spontaneous in the delivery. But overall you have solid content. Congrats on your upcoming Basecamp presentation in Vancouver. Thanks so much for your podcast. Tom I just listened to you guys on the way to work. Thanks for choosing my podcast as your pick of the week! I liked what you said about open source tools — I didn’t know Open Office supported conditional text. I’m surprised that open source tools do this and not professional tools like Word 2007.

I’m glad to see another technical communication podcast and I wish there were more to listen to. When I run out of tech writing related material to listen to, I turn to techie podcasts, like TWIT (This Week in Tech). Someone just recommend Boagworld to me and I like that one quite a bit too. What other podcasts do you recommend listening to? I’m always looking to discover more.

I like all the research and preparation you guys put into your podcast. I’m curious about your setup. Do you use Skype to call each other? Do you use the Levelator to level the varying audio? What tool do you use to record and edit your audio? Finally, why do you read your material? Sometimes I wish you could be more spontaneous in the delivery. But overall you have solid content. Congrats on your upcoming Basecamp presentation in Vancouver.

Thanks so much for your podcast.

Tom

]]> by: Tom Johnson http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6842 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:12:39 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6842 I just listened to you guys on the way to work. Thanks for choosing my podcast as your pick of the week! I liked what you said about open source tools -- I didn't know Open Office supported conditional text. I'm surprised that open source tools do this and not professional tools like Word 2007. I'm glad to see another technical communication podcast and I wish there were more to listen to. When I run out of tech writing related material to listen to, I turn to techie podcasts, like TWIT (This Week in Tech). Someone just recommend Boagworld to me and I like that one quite a bit too. What other podcasts do you recommend listening to? I'm always looking to discover more. I like all the research and preparation you guys put into your podcast. I'm curious about your setup. Do you use Skype to call each other? Do you use the Levelator to level the varying audio? What tool do you use to record and edit your audio? Finally, why do you read your material? Sometimes I wish you could be more spontaneous in the delivery. But overall you have solid content. Congrats on your upcoming Basecamp presentation in Vancouver. Thanks so much for your podcast. Tom I just listened to you guys on the way to work. Thanks for choosing my podcast as your pick of the week! I liked what you said about open source tools — I didn’t know Open Office supported conditional text. I’m surprised that open source tools do this and not professional tools like Word 2007.

I’m glad to see another technical communication podcast and I wish there were more to listen to. When I run out of tech writing related material to listen to, I turn to techie podcasts, like TWIT (This Week in Tech). Someone just recommend Boagworld to me and I like that one quite a bit too. What other podcasts do you recommend listening to? I’m always looking to discover more.

I like all the research and preparation you guys put into your podcast. I’m curious about your setup. Do you use Skype to call each other? Do you use the Levelator to level the varying audio? What tool do you use to record and edit your audio? Finally, why do you read your material? Sometimes I wish you could be more spontaneous in the delivery. But overall you have solid content. Congrats on your upcoming Basecamp presentation in Vancouver.

Thanks so much for your podcast.

Tom

]]> by: Tom Johnson http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6842 Fri, 19 Jan 2007 13:12:39 +0000 http://dmn.podbean.com/2007/01/17/pros-and-cons-open-source-doc-tools/#comment-6842 I just listened to you guys on the way to work. Thanks for choosing my podcast as your pick of the week! I liked what you said about open source tools -- I didn't know Open Office supported conditional text. I'm surprised that open source tools do this and not professional tools like Word 2007. I'm glad to see another technical communication podcast and I wish there were more to listen to. When I run out of tech writing related material to listen to, I turn to techie podcasts, like TWIT (This Week in Tech). Someone just recommend Boagworld to me and I like that one quite a bit too. What other podcasts do you recommend listening to? I'm always looking to discover more. I like all the research and preparation you guys put into your podcast. I'm curious about your setup. Do you use Skype to call each other? Do you use the Levelator to level the varying audio? What tool do you use to record and edit your audio? Finally, why do you read your material? Sometimes I wish you could be more spontaneous in the delivery. But overall you have solid content. Congrats on your upcoming Basecamp presentation in Vancouver. Thanks so much for your podcast. Tom I just listened to you guys on the way to work. Thanks for choosing my podcast as your pick of the week! I liked what you said about open source tools — I didn’t know Open Office supported conditional text. I’m surprised that open source tools do this and not professional tools like Word 2007.

I’m glad to see another technical communication podcast and I wish there were more to listen to. When I run out of tech writing related material to listen to, I turn to techie podcasts, like TWIT (This Week in Tech). Someone just recommend Boagworld to me and I like that one quite a bit too. What other podcasts do you recommend listening to? I’m always looking to discover more.

I like all the research and preparation you guys put into your podcast. I’m curious about your setup. Do you use Skype to call each other? Do you use the Levelator to level the varying audio? What tool do you use to record and edit your audio? Finally, why do you read your material? Sometimes I wish you could be more spontaneous in the delivery. But overall you have solid content. Congrats on your upcoming Basecamp presentation in Vancouver.

Thanks so much for your podcast.

Tom

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