I was inspired to create this type of digital story by some of the stories I listened to on http://storycorps.org/ (one of the resources provided by Dr. Howell). I see this project as the beginning of a larger project. My husband and I are in the middle of the adoption process and as part of that we had to complete a Life Book. After hearing some of the stories on Story Corps, I had the idea to create a digital story about our journey to adopt. Ultimately I would like to record several interviews including family members who themselves are adopted. After photos and text are added we would like to add the finished project to our traditional Life Book.
I give you this background/vision to help with the critique. I left some blank spaces in the audio where I plan to place transitions involving text later. My husband loves the project idea, but hates his voice on audio and asked if he could hire James Earl Jones to play him- lol!
I used Audacity to put all of the separate audio files together and to cut some of my narration (I talk a lot). The music is called Quiet Storm and was downloaded from http://www.freeplaymusic.com/. After everything was together I exported it as a single mp3 file. Blogger did not like my file and despite the numerous formats I tried (all listed as accepted), the file would never fully process. So I uploaded my mp3 file to http://www.yourlisten.com/ and then embedded the file here.
Angie,
ReplyDeleteI thought this story was very good. The background music was just right. It was soft and didn’t overpower the story. I also really like the two perspectives on the same story. I think this worked very well.
One suggestion I have is to clean up the audio a little bit. When you were speaking, the audio was perfect, but when your husband was speaking, there were some popping/cracking noises that were a little distracting.
But overall, very nice job. What a wonderful project for you to be working on!
The back-and-forth really works here. You’re lucky you have such a good sport with whom to work. What I also liked was your idea of going with a theme with your stories and having other family voices involved. I’m feeling a bit behind as I just was able to access the first assignments today: Your theme plan inspired me but adds a bit more pressure to rise to the challenge!
ReplyDeleteI notice Charity suggested you clean up the popping noises. How does one do that? (I'm way behind techno wise.)
Thanks, everyone! I agree my husband's audio wasn't as crisp. I'm not sure why- but he spoke softer, too and I had to increase the sound level in Audacity, so that might have something to do with it. Does anyone know how to clean up noise like that in Audacity?
ReplyDeleteAngie,
ReplyDeleteWonderful project! I agree with Charity about cleaning the audio up. This is something that I am working with as well.
Like you mentioned, your husband spoke softly, which you corrected in Audacity. I think that raising the volume in audacity also picks up any noise that may be going on while you are recording.
Check out these:
http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Click_Removal
http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Noise_Removal
What a nice story.. you are fortunate that your husband was a willing participant in this. I loved the back and forth of the story because it gives the feeling that both of you are telling "your" story to the next generation in your family. What a great way to preserve history.
ReplyDeleteIt is always interesting to see how different people approach a project. I can see how this story will fit your final goal of having a Life Book. It is also fun to see/hear the different perspectives of the same situation from you and your husband. I can sort of sense the humor of your husband, but it might be nice for that to come out more. Perhaps he will loosen up more in future recordings.
ReplyDeleteYour story has a very casual feel, unrehearsed, live recording. This probably works well for your intended audience and use. Otherwise it may come off as fake and rehearsed. I do not get the feeling of "story" as much as I would have liked. Perhaps break it down to and introduction (separate piece) and do the proposal story all by itself. Just a suggestion.