FAQ
Why?
Our passion is to see your organization succeed outside of "the box". Podcasting and the internet have brought with it new ways to reach people. We want to see your positive messages spread by utilizing technology while making it simple for you. This is the heartbeat of the company. Simply put: we want to see you reach people.
My question was not answered on this page. Is there a way to contact you?
Feel free to email any other questions or comments to info@podpoint.net.
How large can an audio file be for upload?
We have a limit of 75MB per file. If your file is larger, try re-encoding it at a smaller bitrate.
Is this just for sermons?
Most Christian podcasts are understandably Sunday sermons. It is easy since sermons are weekly content that is already produced. However, we encourage you to seek new uses such as supplements to lessons, announcements, mid-week devotions, special interviews, leadership training, announcements, etc. We would like to see some extremely creative ways of using podcasting.
Can I upload music?
You can only upload music if you own the copyright or have written permission from the copyright holder for use. If there is excessive music uploaded to an account, we may request documentation from the copyright holder. Please keep this in mind. For example, do not record and upload your entire church service if you do not own the copyrights to the songs.
I uploaded an audio file but it does not show up in the podcast feed or on my PodPoint page. Why?
When you upload a media file, it is not automatically published. This is so you have the option to modify the file information before publishing. To publish a file, simply go to the MEDIA MANAGER in your control panel, find the file you wish to publish in the listing and click the red X. It should change to a blue check, meaning that audio file is published (to unpublish a file, simply click the blue check to turn it back to a red X).
Can non-Christian organizations sign up for PodPoint?
We want PodPoint to be a community of ministries, churches, and Christian organizations. Content will be monitored. If we feel that your content does not directly related to our purpose, we reserve the right to remove it.
Is there some way to put this audio on our church/ministry/organization website?
In your control panel, there is a section called BROADCAST. Here, you can generate custom code that can simply be copied and pasted into the HTML code of any site you wish. You have many options, from play/pause audio buttons to fetching the latest episode title.
How do I get my podcast listed in the iTunes directory?
When you register for an account, the PodPoint staff will take care of listing your podcast on iTunes after you publish your first episode.
How can I subscribe to a podcast?
iTunes is an excellent podcast client. You can download a free copy from Apple. After it is installed, you can manually subscribe to a podcast. First, click the large PODCAST button on the PodPoint page, copy the web address of that destination page, then, in iTunes, click the ADVANCED menu and select SUBSCRIBE TO PODCAST. Simply paste the web address in the text box and hit enter. iTunes should begin downloading the most recent episode in that feed from PodPoint. After that point, new audio in that feed will automatically be downloaded to your computer. (visual tutorial coming soon.)
Do I have to have an iPod or MP3 player to listen to audio from PodPoint?
We know that by the term "podcast" it sounds as if you need to own an iPod in order to listen. This is not true. In fact, you do not even need to leave your computer. All of the podcasts on podpoint can be listened to directly on the PodPoint page. We always offer the optional solution of downloading the mp3 file directly or for our more tech-savvy users, subscribing to the podcast feed in a client such as iTunes.
Why should I choose PodPoint as opposed to some of the other generic podcasting solutions?
We understand ministry. We understand your passion to reach people. Our vision is to create a site that ministries can use to easily podcast, but also create a ministry hub with hundreds of Christian-related podcasts. By using PodPoint's podcasting services, you are part of this hub, reaching more people than any stand-alone podcast solution.
We also understand that some of your listeners may not be tech-savvy. So, we offer several options spanning from listening directly on your PodPoint site with little or no tech knowledge to subscribing to the podcast feed in a client such as iTunes.
We know that you will be glad you chose PodPoint over some other fly-by-night podcasting service.
Does it cost money to listen or subscribe to audio on PodPoint?
Listening or subscribing to podcasts on PodPoint will always be completely free.
When will I be able to sign up for an account with PodPoint?
We are currently working to integrate a merchant system for monthly payments. After that system is fully integrated and a few more features are added, PodPoint will be available for use. We expect to launch sometime in March or April 2006.
How much will it cost to have an account on PodPoint?
We want to help you spread your message through podcasting, and we would like to do it for free. However, bandwidth and server cost are not free to us, and thus, there is a $19.00 per month fee for a podcasting account. We know that it will be well worth it to you even if you reach one more person.
Listening or subscribing to podcasts on PodPoint is always completely free.
I have never created an MP3. What would you recommend?
All audio files must be in MP3 format. First, you must make a recording of the content you wish to upload. This can be done with a CD recorder, or recorded directly into the computer. Using iTunes, you can import a CD and encode it as an MP3. Upload that MP3 file to PodPoint and you are ready to go! (visual tutorial coming soon)
How many people can listen to my/our podcast?
Feel free to promote your PodPoint page and your podcast to your organization and anyone you meet! There is no limit to how many people can listen to your podcast. Your audience is truly unlimited.