We've just recorded the 38th episode of the CRM Archaeology Podcast. Every time we record an episode we find that we don't have the time to really go in depth on any single topic. For that reason I want to start a number of other podcasts. The best way to do that is to form a network of podcasts.

Why a Network?

A network is a good way to do this because it becomes a one-stop-shop for all things archaeology. The shows will have a predictable style and format since they'll all have the same editing standards.

We're looking at putting together a mobile application to go along with the network. All the shows would be available in the app for free. In the future, we want to include "Master Classes" on single topics. These would be 5-10 episode shows about an advanced topic. We'd have experts from the field assist with the course and there would be a nominal fee. Think of it as buying an audio book.

How can you help?

We need show ideas, hosts, panelists, and editors. We're trying to secure funding so, at least in the beginning, hosts and editors will be paid. Eventually we would like to compensate regular panelists as well.

SHOWS

We have a number of shows already in the works. They include:

Pioneers in CRM: a show about the beginning of CRM with interviews from the people that were there.
Jobs: a show all about jobs. We'd cover CVs, References, Cover Letters, job hunting, interviewing, etc. We'd have interviews from HR people and hiring managers, too.
Archaeo Technology: this show is about all the tech we use, or should use, in archaeology. We'll try out things we can and we might have some product reviews as well.
Pseudo-Archaeology: a show about all the quackery in archaeology.
Native American Issues in CRM: This isn't about the people we are studying, necessarily. It's a show by Native American CRM Archaeologists about the issues they face in this field.
Women in CRM: Similar to the four shows we've done on this topic, this show would be by women CRM Archaeologists about all the issues they face on a daily basis.
More to come!

We're taking ideas for full, regular, shows and for short run shows on quick topics. Comment or use the contact form if you have an idea, want to host, or can be a panelist.

HOSTS

If you want to host a show we only ask that the show come out on a regular schedule. If there aren't any current event time constraints, shows can be recorded a few at a time and just distributed on the schedule. For example, do you work 10 on 4 off? Record four or five shows on your 4-day and you won't have to worry about it for a while.

A general rule for many shows will be two hours prep time (notes, research, interview questions, setting up interviews) and one hour show time. Shows can be 30 min, too.

EDITORS

We need editors! Currently, I edit the CRM Archaeology Podcast in Garage Band on my MacBook Pro. We can use other programs, though, including Audacity and Adobe Audition. Editing is fairly simple, but, time consuming.

Editing will typically include removing useless parts of speech (um, ah), long pauses, and anything else that makes the person sound unprofessional. You'll also have to add the music track at the appropriate points. A general rule for editing is a 1:4 ratio. That means that for every hour of finished show there will be four hours of editing. Some shows will be quicker than that and very few will take longer than that. If we get funding, you'll be paid a flat rate per show based on that ratio. So, if you're quick and good you'll get more per hour.

Let's do this!

This is an idea who's time has come. We're looking for sponsors for the show and any funding that we can get. I'd love to think we can do this for free, but, getting people to commit on a schedule for all this work is really hard to do. So, keep an eye out for our crowd-funding campaign in the next couple months.

Thanks for reading and I'll see you in the field!