Guest guidelines

This document was originally written by Ryan in Google Docs.

While there is a great deal you, as a guest, can do to prepare for an episode, here are the basics:
 * listen to a recent previous episode to get an idea of the show's general flow
 * read the show note structure, read some (and if you're daring, all) of the links
 * find headphones and ensure it works
 * find a microphone and ensure it works
 * setup a Gravatar if you have not already (so we can credit you in our People section)
 * write a short biography for your Personal page (example)
 * swear less, not more
 * ask your host questions if you have any

Below is a more specific set of steps you can perform to head towards an extraordinary show.

Listen to a few of our previous shows

 * each show follows a generally unchanging format
 * listening to the show you will be on will give up a general idea of the format
 * it gives you an idea of how you sound

Use a quality microphone in a relatively quiet location

 * sounds ridiculous and obvious
 * a microphone built into your laptop or mounted on your desk near your keyboard will pick up extraneous noise like typing
 * we want to have your voice in its best quality so you sound great - we can only do so much in post production
 * if you don’t know if you have a quality microphone, Ryan can tell you via Skype
 * you can get a great USB headset at Target/BestBuy/Walmart for usually under $35

Use headphones

 * this prevents us from hearing ourselves via your computer speakers
 * it also prevents us from distractions coming through your speakers (like a noisy ad bomb)
 * keeps you focused and allows you to hear us better

Read the show notes; read up a little on material

 * generally, we are pretty lax on what you need prepared, the real host will usually prepare before hand a majority of the material
 * read up a few stories or links, or inquire more about the show topics beforehand

Prepare a “Where can we find you on the Internet?”

 * at the end of every show, or when you need to leave, you will be asked to plug yourself
 * you must have a twitter, google+, website, blog - something you actively and currently use that we can link back to
 * if you have a project that you cannot plug for other circumstances, you can simply use your most well known public identity

Refer to the calendar and emails for scheduling

 * The calendar will have a general schedule for the day of any given show
 * Refer to emails from your host or Ryan for the most updated scheduling (emails typically take precedence over the calendar)

Ask if you have questions

 * if you have questions, please ask the show host or Ryan and they will get back to you