By far, the worst experience I had with creating files and uploading and embedding was with my audio files. As a matter of fact, I think this was my worst experience with this class so far, and even with the entire program. Seriously, I thought I was going to pull my hair out. To start with, I put off recording these.. At first, I couldn't figure out why... but after I got into the recording process, I figured it out. (Listen to the recording below to find out ;-))
So once I finally got over my desire to completely blow off this assignment and sucked it up, Here's what happened: First, I created an account on Audio Farm. That was pretty easy-- not too many issues there. But then I could only upload mp3s to the site, so I had to go and download a new program to record in, as the audio recording programs I have either 1) don't have the option to make an mp3 file or 2) I couldn't figure out HOW to make the recordings mp3s. So I downloaded Audacity, as I'd worked with this program before. I had to also download an add-on to be able to convert those files to mp3s... oh, and there was some random clicking/tapping sound in the back of the recording(s), and for the life of me I can't figure out what it is.. I sat COMPLETELY STILL. But it's not terribly distracting, so I just went with it. So yeah, it was a little extra work, and an annoying tapping sound...but so far, no biggie. You can hear one of my recordings (that doesn't have the tapping sound) here:
Well, this was just the beginning. I go back to Audio Farm and try uploading my files. The first one uploaded pretty easy. The second and third, not so much. I literally tried uploading each of these about 5 times each. I kept having to sign out of the site and return and try again. Then, once I FINALLY got them all uploaded, I realized Audio Farm didn't have an embedding option (WHAT?!?!). Granted, this was my mistake for ASSUMING it did and not checking.. but it was still annoying. So I search a little on the internet and find I can use PodBean to create a player that plays my files on Audio Farm. I start this whole process, get right to the end and PodBean (even though they said I DIDN'T have to have an account) requires me to set up an account before it will create my player (LIARS!). So I set up an account. Well then it seemed like it would be easier to just upload my files onto PodBean. So I scrapped Audio Farm altogether and re-recorded one of the files and then uploaded them to PodBean. This was WAAAY easier than Audio Farm. But then came more headaches.
I had to search and search to find where it was that I could create the player to embed. Once I finally found it, I copied the code and tried to embed it into my site. The first THREE times, nothing showed up. Then on the fourth time, a blank box showed up... no player. I just gave up for the evening (as I'd been working on audio stuff for about 5-6 hours at that point). I revisited it the next day and , miraculously, the player embedded on the very first try. FINALLY. So then I go to edit my profile... only I can't figure out how to get to the "Manage" tab. I clicked a million different things, went to the "Help" menu, but NOTHING helped. Just as I was about to give up, I clicked on SOMETHING (I still can't figure out what) and, lo and behold, there was the "Manage" tab. I quickly bookmarked it, for fear it would suddenly disappear again. I was finally able to edit my profile.
JEEZ-LOUISE could this have been any more difficult???? I'm just so glad it's done.
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