Help! It's not working. What do I do?
You can always ask for help or report a problem by emailing syne@weavecast.com. I welcome problem reports as it gives me a chance to fix things. Because, however, your humble host is also your service tech, I ask that you peruse the frequently asked questions below before you email. It may be that you'll find the answer to your problem there. As much as I enjoy helping listeners, it cuts into the time I can spend working on the next episode.

What is a podcast?
Do I need an iPod to listen to WeaveCast?
How much does it cost to subscribe?
How do I subscribe?
How do I subscribe with iTunes?
Can I listen to WeaveCast without subscribing?
How do I stream the file (ie: play it directly from the site)?
Can I buy WeaveCast episodes on audio CD?
Can I play WeaveCast for my guild?
Can publish an article about WeaveCast in my guild newsletter?
Can I distribute WeaveCast MP3 files and burn my own archive CDs?
How can I support WeaveCast?

What is a podcast?
A podcast is a radio show served over the Internet. The podcast producer puts together a show and uploads it to a server as an MP3 audio file. Listeners download the file (either manually or with a software program that “subscribes” to the podcast) and listen to it on their computer or an MP3 player such as an iPod. Unlike traditional radio, podcast listeners can play the episode whenever they choose.

Do I need an iPod to listen to WeaveCast?
Nope. All you need is a computer with an Internet connection and the ability to play sound. An iPod or other MP3 player just makes it easy to take your music and podcasts with you: outside while gardening, on long drives, at the gym, even while warping your loom.

How much does it cost to subscribe?
Nothing. A WeaveCast subscription is completely free. At this time, the server fees, travel expenses, and equipment costs are paid for by your host, Syne Mitchell. In the future, I hope to make WeaveCast self-sustaining, through grants and donations.

How do I subscribe?
To subscribe to WeaveCast you need a computer with an Internet connection (preferably DSL or cable high-speed access as the files for an hour-long show at CD quality are typically around 50MB) and a podcast aggregator (which is a fancy way of saying software that automates checking for and downloading new episodes.)

iTunes is the most popular aggregator, and like WeaveCast, it is completely free. And no, you don’t need an iPod to use it. You can download and install iTunes from the Apple Web site. (Yes, there are versions that run on Windows and Linux, as well the Apple operating system.)

Once you have iTunes or another aggregator installed, you should be able to simply click Subscribe and have the subscription automatically added to your aggregator. If that doesn’t work, try my directions for subscribing with iTunes.

How do I subscribe with iTunes?
iTunes is the most popular podcast aggregator or podcatcher. It’s the program I use. It automates the process of checking for and downloading new podcast episodes.

1. Install iTunes from the Apple Web site. Make sure you install the version that matches your operating system.
2. Open iTunes. (Typically by clicking on a desktop icon or from the start menu.)
3. In the Source menu on the left-hand-side of iTunes, click Podcasts. Any podcasts you are subscribed to will appear in the right-hand pane.
4. Click the Advanced menu at the top of iTunes. A drop-down menu will appear.
5. Select “Subscribe to Podcast.” A “Subscribe to Podcast” dialog box appears.
6. In the text box of the “Subscribe to Podcast” dialog box, enter the feed URL for the podcast. For WeaveCast you would type or cut-and-paste the following URL:


http://feeds.feedburner.com/WeavecastAPodcastForHandweavers


7. Click OK. iTunes will now add the podcast to your subscription list and begin downloading the latest episode.
8. To download the previous episodes, click on the triangle to the left of the WeaveCast title in the podcast list. This will display all of the WeaveCast episodes.
9. Click the “Get” button to the right of any additional episodes you wish to download.

Now that you have subscribed, the next time you open iTunes it will automatically go on the Internet and check for (and download) new episodes of WeaveCast. You can listen to an episode in iTunes by clicking on the title of the episode you wish to play. If you have an iPod or other type of MP3 player you can use iTunes to download the WeaveCast files and take them with you on the road or wherever life takes you. For those instructions, check the iTunes help.

Can I listen to WeaveCast without subscribing?
Sure. It’s a great way to try out WeaveCast if you don't already have a podcast aggregator like iTunes installed.

On the Microsoft Windows operating system (using Internet Explorer):

1. Right-click on the “Download Episode #” link in the show notes. A menu box appears.
2. Choose “Save Target As.” A dialog box appears asking where you want to save the MP3 file. Choose an easy-to-locate spot, such as the computer’s desktop.
3. After the download completes, double-click the MP3 file to play it. (You will need headphones or speakers to hear the sound.)

If you like WeaveCast and don’t want to miss any episodes, I suggest you subscribe or (for those new to this whole podcasting thing) subscribe with iTunes. Subscribing is free and is easier than manually downloading each episode by hand.

On Apple computers:
I have no idea. If you do, please email me at syne@weavecast.com and tell me how so I can update these directions.

On Linux and other operating systems:
I have no idea. If you do, please email me at syne@weavecast.com and tell me how so I can update these directions.

How do I stream the file (ie: play it directly from the site)?
If you click or double-click the “Download Episode #” link in the show notes, your computer may start streaming the MP3 file (that is, trying to download and play the MP3 file at the same time.) Because of the large size of a WeaveCast episode, this is not recommended. With a 50MB file, streaming can lock up and/or result in lower audio quality. It is highly recommended that you either download the MP3 file manually or subscribe.

Can I buy WeaveCast episodes on audio CD?
Yes. Customers whose dial-up connections cannot download 50MB files without timing out, or who simply prefer the CD format, can purchase archive CDs of the show for a nominal fee using the WeaveCast Order Form. I keep the costs low on these CDs. This is not a money-maker, but rather a way to make WeaveCast available to those who are unable or unwilling to download 50MB files (hi Mom!) and yet still want to hear the show.

Can I play WeaveCast for my guild?
You bet. In fact, some listeners play WeaveCast in their cars when carpooling to fiber festivals. I can’t imagine anything more fun, and love the idea that my voice has traveled to the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival, even if I haven’t gotten there yet.

Can publish an article about WeaveCast in my guild newsletter?
Please do. I could use help getting the word out. In fact, I've written a press release to make your job easier. Feel free to use as-is or edit it for length.

Can I distribute WeaveCast MP3 files and burn my own archive CDs?
Sure thing. WeaveCast is offered under a creative commons license. As long as you don’t modify the episode, don’t charge for the content, and give WeaveCast credit for the content (a pointer to www.weavecast.com is sufficient) you can spread WeaveCast far and wide. WeaveCast is like handweaving: meant to be shared.

How can I support WeaveCast?
Your comments on the blog are always appreciated. My dream is that WeaveCast will become a two-way conversation and a “virtual” guild for those who live far away from other weavers. Those who want to go a step farther can pledge a donation.