Blogtalkradio's Hot Tip Of The Week, Calling in to host Options

[ChristieSweetBTR...]

It's that time of the week again; time for me to give out a golden nugget of knowledge to all of those who choose to enlighten themselves!

Seriously, though, as most of you know, we have released Click to Host backed up by skype, and we are VERY excited about that! So what does that mean to you? It means better quality when utilizing this premium feature to host your show, and ease of use with a feature you are bound to love.

Now many of you guys already use or have used skype to host your shows. This is the scoop on Skype: it is an excellent feature, capable of producing a VERY close second to hosting via landline (and many hosts prefer Skype to a landline), however, from time to time, Skype does have issues. Should you ever run into any issues while using skype to host, immediately email service@blogtalkradio.com for a resolution, or come into live help. What the release of Skype really means for you premium hosts out there is a much clearer sound quality, making your premium services even more valuable than they were.

Here is a brief overview of how to use Skype to Host:

1. Visit www.skype.com and click on the Get Skype Now icon on their home page to start the installation process for Skype, once you have downloaded the program click on the install manager to install the program. Skype will then install on your computer, this will take about 15 minutes to complete.
2. Once you have installed Skype to your computer you will then be prompted to create a user account for Skype, click on the create new account link and complete the form.
3. Once you have completed your sign up you will then need to launch Skype by clicking on the Skype icon on your desktop. Log into Skype using your username and password and the program will open.
4. When you are ready to launch your show you will need to click on your Switchboard link in your account, once the switchboard is open you will see the Skype icon where your host number is, click on the Skype icon you will be prompted to choose which program you want to open just select Skype; it should already be highlighted, click on OK and your host dial in number will be called automatically. Once you are connected to your host dial in number you will be prompted to enter your pin number, this is not done automatically and will need to be entered manually.
5. Keep in mind that when you are ready to host your show you will need to just click on the Skype icon on your switchboard and the host dial in number will be called automatically, you do not need to enter in the host dial in number manually, however you will need to manually enter in your host pin number.
6. To enter your pin number you will need to click on the arrow button on the Skype interface to activate your Dial Pad, once you have the Dial Pad open please enter in your pin number and press the number 2 button to start your show, or the number 1 button for more information on hosting.
7. Once you click on the drop down arrow, you will select Dial Pad: key in your host pin number and press 2 to start your show. To hang up your show you will click on the red End Call button on your Skype interface.


Now, while we are on the subject, let's talk just a bit more about how to call in and host your show. Many hosts don't realize this, but you are actually supposed to call in 15 minutes or CLOSER to your scheduled air time. If you call in any further out than that, you will likely be disconnected.

Who here knows which method of dialing in will ensure the best possible sound quality? Anyone? Come on guys, raise those hands!!! OK, I see a few of our seasoned hosts in the back waving those hands frantically... Let me see, Sunny, what way is the best? That's right!! Landline (was there ever any doubt?). Thanks, Sunny for always being here to answer our most grueling questions!

Of all the methods we can use to dial in, landline is best! Now some hosts may argue that skype is better, and as I mentioned earlier, it is a VERY close second, and if you prefer it, GROOVY! There are also VOIPS and cell phones, which tend to be catalysts of dropped calls and feedback, however, if you are using one of these methods, and your show quality is exceptional, keep doing it! If you have noticed some issues with feedback or dropped calls, however, it may be time to try a different method. The key is to use the method that works best for you and your show.

There is one last hosting method that I had not yet mentioned. Using a studio set-up (sound-board, mixer, etc) Now let me tell you that BTR's service team does not offer support with setting up or using a set up like this, however, there are MANY AMAZING shows that do have them in use, and the quality is outstanding. If you are interested in setting up your own studio, I would highly advise you to find a host with a spectacular sound and a studio set-up to mentor you, and here is a great example, given by The Midnight Marauder: http://forum.blogtalkradio.com/index.php?s...pic=165&hl=

OK, y'all! That is it for me this week! Time to get all gussied up for BTR 101 today, but please join us for more tips and answers to your most burning questions!


PS~Let me give a quick type out to Reverend Rockdog who is always here to make me laugh!!!




Ensuring Your Success,
Christie Sweet
Customer Support Representative
BlogTalkRadio
www.BlogTalkRadio.com


Join us each Wednesday at 1pm EST for New Host Training Live!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/blogtalkradio101

Are you looking for ways to meet other hosts? Share questions and ideas? Pull in new listeners?

If so, you should join us here:
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Blogtalkradio/
or here:
http://forum.blogtalkradio.com/

Have a question about BlogTalkRadio? Click here!

[Rev. RockDog]

[TV TALK]

I tried it last week once and it was gargling my words at points. Anyone having better luck than I am? Could be my old tired computer..lol