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Learn Storytelling at Home, At Your Own Pace
I created the Storytelling Workshop in a Box™ to allow people to learn to be masterful storytellers at home, in their own way, in their own time—regardless of whether they want to use storytelling as a performer, as a self-employed professional, as a manager, or even as a salesperson.
The Story-Pod™ is the next extension of that idea: all 37 sessions of the Storytelling Workshop in a Box pre-loaded onto the easiest to use, most elegant audio player in the world, the Apple iPod. (You can opt for an iPod Nano 6th generation, an iPod Classic 7th generation, or an iPod Touch 4th generation—see below.)
The Story-Pod is the quickest way to storytelling mastery! It contains advanced information about storytelling that you can listen to anywhere.
Now, the Story-Pod comes pre-installed on your choice of three new iPod models. Altogether, the Story-Pod comes in your choice of four models:
- Pre-loaded on a brand-new iPod Nano (6th generation)
- Pre-loaded on a brand-new iPod Touch (4th generation)
- Pre-loaded on a brand-new iPod Classic (7th generation)
- CD-ROM only - for those who already have an iPod or other MP3 player and want to load the recordings onto it at home.
1. The New Nano
Here is some of what CNET says about the new iPod Nano:
"Apple shrank the Nano's design by nearly 50 percent while maintaining a 24-hour battery life, generous capacity options, and existing features such as music playback, an FM radio you can pause, Genius Mixes, podcasts, audiobooks, photo gallery, clock, stopwatch, pedometer, and support for the optional Nike+ fitness system. Apple has also added an integrated clip, which saves you from having to fork over money for an armband."
"The FM radio player, which was only added to the Nano in 2009, is one of the best you'll find on a portable device. With it you can pause and rewind up to 15 minutes of any live broadcast, as well as store your favorite stations as presets and tag songs from compatible stations, making it easy to purchase those songs when you sync back up to your computer."I have to admit that I'm crazy about all the ways you can carry or wear the iPod Nano. Pam teased me about not wanting to take it off my wrist. But it's wonderful to have an iPod that doubles as a wristwatch.
iLounge remarks on the Nano's crisp, bright new display (which looks much better than these photos show):
"You can see the interface even if you’re looking at the nano on a fairly sharp off-angle. With a peak brightness level comparable to past nanos, artwork pops with color, and though both text sizes and empty space suffer by comparison with the iPhone and iPod touch, Apple has achieved some generally impressive visual compromises here."
Here is an iPod Nano in silver (left) and graphite (right):
Engadget's reviewer says,
"It's so light that when using the clip to attach it to a shirt (or in our case, the strap of a bag), you barely notice it hanging there at all."
"The new nano is a smart, fast, capable player that should please a lot of people..."
You will love the sharp, color screen for the iPhone-like controls and for displaying photos and album art.
Here's a not-great photo of the great screen, showing the "album art" for the Storytelling Workshop in a Box™ on a new-model, blue iPod Nano. As you can see, it's small enough to clip to a watch band. In this photo, I have the headphone cable (it comes with white earbuds, not the black in this picture) hidden up my sleeve. It's out of the way for working around the house without snagging on anything:
Who else has a "wristwatch" that can display photos of the grandchildren? (Okay, I'll stop gushing. Just think of it as a super-light container for having your Storytelling Workshop in a Box recordings with you at all times.)
2. iPod Touch: Cousin to the iPhone
"The king of the portable media players!"—Computer Shopper Magazine
"Packed with features...Review verdict: Don't delay buy today"—Debby Turner, OnlyKent.com
"The iPod Touch is an extremely versatile device—media player; pocket gaming machine; productivity tool; Internet communication device; and now, pocket camcorder, still camera, and FaceTime video phone."—MacWorld Magazine
"Don't want an iPhone? Get this! A handful of new software and hardware features make the iPod Touch the perfect alternative for anyone unwilling to stomach AT&Ts service...—Peter Ha, Techland.com
The iPod Touch can connect to the Internet through WiFi. You can buy songs from iTunes, do web surfing, and use Apple's suite of web-based applications for the iPod Touch. In fact, there's a whole slew of applications you can download (many are free) for your iPod Touch—without needing a computer to even access them. Most of the applications at the iPhone store work on the iPod Touch (except the ones that require the telephone or GPS functions of the full iPhone). There's a free ebook reader, hundreds of games, an interactive Weather Channel reporter on conditions and forecasts, nutrition and fitness aids, and much, much more!
"You can expect some gasps from people to whom you're demonstrating the interface for the first time"—Macintoch.com
Like last year's model, the iPod Touch contains these functions:
- Music player,
- Video player,
- Safari Mobile web browser,
- Photo player,
- iTunes WiFi store browser,
- YouTube browser,
- Calculator,
- Stopwatch,
- Timer,
- World Clock
- Calendar and
- Alarm.
The latest model adds some important new features, making this possibly the only device you'll need to carry:
- A rear-facing camera that can also record HD video,
- A video editing machine,
- A front-facing camera perfect for placing calls on Skype, etc.
- The ability to place FaceTime video calls to other late-model iPod Touch or iPhone users (when you have access to a WiFi network),
- A built-in mic that can be used to record (with apps from the App Store).
"The iPod Touch has morphed into a music player, a video player and recorder, a tiny tablet [computer] a gaming device, an organizational tool, and much more."—Jonathan Rougeot, Computer Shopper Magazine.
Turn it sideways and your photos change to match!
"It's quite amazing to access the Web on a tiny device like this, with its unique user interface to make scrolling and zooming pages possible, and such features as Bookmarks, History, clickable URLs, a finger-touch keyboard with a built-in '.com' key, and support for multiple pages."—Macintouch.com
"An amazing piece of technology!"—PC World
"Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I was at my mom’s place and my sisters and I were sitting around, digesting and talking about old albums we once owned. A simple ‘remember that perky song about cannibalism?’ from my sister prompted me to whip out the iPod touch, tap iTunes, and search for The Buoys’ ‘Timothy’ over my mom’s wi-fi network. While they reminisced I jacked the Touch into the stereo and said ‘You mean this?’ Man, it was like I walked on water."—PlayListMag.com
The iPod Touch, like other iPods, communicates with your computer through the free iTunes program, connected by the included USB cable. Unlike the other iPods, it can also communicate with the internet directly through an existing wi-fi network.
"Were I to be asked to recommend the nearly perfect gift for a loved one who wants to take video on the road, I wouldn’t hesitate to suggest a stop at the nearest Apple Store for a gander at the iPod touch."—Macworld.com
"The Apple iPod Touch is arguably the last shot fired in the war of the portable music players. There's simply no catching up to it i terms of quality and capabilities."—CNET.com
Like all flash players, the iPod Nano and the iPod Touch won't skip—no matter how much you jump around while you're listening. Perfect for learning while you exercise, carry the baby, work around the house, chop trees—whatever activity you already do that you'd like to turn into an opportunity for advancing your storytelling.
3. The iPod Classic
The iPod Classic is unchanged this year from the previous year's model, which was, well, classic.
Here's what Stephen Hall said in his review:
Overall, the original iPod concept was so good, and that is why the iPod Classic is still a solid choice for a music and media player. It will hold thousands and thousands of songs (up to 30,000 according to Apple…). I also backup some important files to my iPod Classic, in disk mode, so that I have that additional extra copy of my most vital files. When you have such a large iPod, you can do that. It shouldn't be forgotten either that while the display of the iPod Classic isn't as good as the iPod Touch or iPhone, it is still quite good and you can play music videos, TV shows, and movies purchased on the iTunes Store.
I'd recommend the iPod Classic without hesitation, to those who have more than [16 or 64] GBs of music in their iTunes library and want to carry their entire collection. Furthermore, if you have videos and video podcasts you want to always carry with you, again, you can't beat the storage. I have the lower capacity flash devices as well, but the big hard drive based iPod Classic continues to play an important role in my iPod Collection.
And CNET says, "The iPod Classic refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and intuitive user interface…If you can resist the fashion appeal and gee-whiz features of Apple's slimmer iPods, such as the iPod Nano and iPod Touch, the iPod Classic still delivers the most bang for the buck."
"If you want to pack every speck of digital media you own into your pocket, this is Apple’s best iPod option."—MacWorld.com
Here's a photo of an iPod Classic, showing (poorly - it looks better than this in person) the album art for the Image Riding Toolkit, which you can get for 1/4 price when you Supersize your storytelling library on your Story-Pod.
Which iPod to Get?
The Classic is larger than the Nano or the iPod Touch. The Nano will fit in any pocket (probably even a change pocket!), on your collar or on your wrist; the Classic and the Touch are easier to keep track of.
Only the Classic uses the Apple click-wheel navigation, which is the easiest to use without looking at the screen. The Nano uses a simplified version of the Multitouch touch-screen gestures used on the iPhone, whereas the Touch lets you swipe, pinch, etc., to change the size of photos, etc.
The Classic holds 4-15 times as much as the Nano or the Touch, but is slightly less skip-resistant during exercise. (That said, I've mowed the lawn many times listening to my iPod Classic, and never had it skip once.)
The Nano is the only one of the three to feature a radio. It also integrates a pedometer. Only the Touch, though, can do voice recording without needing an optional accessory. The Classic can play back video; only the Touch can take (low-definition) photos and (high-definition) video.
The Touch has so many computer-like features that CNET says, that, as good an MP3 player as it is, it's "more pocket PC than an MP3 player." You can even use it to make Skype calls (via a WiFi connection), browse the internet, and much more.
All are great music and media players. All are very cool.
Here are all three of the above models next to each other, so you can see the differences in size and shape compared with a photo of a Nano in my hand, so you can get a sense of their actual size. The Nano, by the way, is playing the radio (tuned to 90.9 FM):
With the Story-Pod, You Get Everything You Need
The Story-Pod comes with a CD-ROM (to use with any computer), which not only contains the sound files (mp3's) of the recorded sessions (for backup), but also has printable files (pdf's) of all the exercises, transcriptions, and indexes that come with the Deluxe edition of the Storytelling Workshop in a Box.
You can read these files on your computer or print them out for the convenience of reading them anywhere. If you choose to Supersize your iPod's storytelling library, you will get additional CD-ROMs for the Image Riding Toolkit and the Beginning Storytelling Toolkit as well as for the 8 aadditional instructional products and storytelling recordings.
The iPod, like all true Apple iPods, comes with the distinctive white ear-buds (headphones), a cable to connect to your computer (for recharging the battery —and for synching your songs with iTunes 9, if you like), and a simple set of instructions. (Note: if you don't want to ever connect your new iPod to a computer, I recommend getting the optional Griffin PowerBlock for iPod, which will allow you to charge the battery without going through a computer. You can order it from Griffin or from third parties, or—for your convenience—from me when you order your Story-Pod.)
This is a brand-new iPod, and it contains enough extra memory for at least a couple thousand additional songs (the Classic holds about 10,000 additional songs!) and hours and hours of additional audiobooks or videos—if you later choose to purchase and load them from the iTunes music store or other sources.
But that's all icing on the cake. To use your Story-Pod right out of the box, just connect the headphones, turn it on—and listen. That's it!
I have done the work for you of setting up the iPod, charging the battery, and installing the Storytelling Workshop in a Box™ (and any additional) recordings. You can just focus on hearing the best storytelling instruction available in any form.
No need to fiddle with CD's or try to find your place once you take a break. When you turn off your iPod and then turn it back on, it will begin exactly where you left off! This technology is just about as easy as the telephone.
4. The CD-ROM only edition
All four editions come with the CD-ROM, which not only contains the mp3 files of the 37 recorded Storytelling Workshop in a Box™ sessions (for backup), but also has printable files (pdf's) of all the exercises, transcriptions, and indexes that come with the CD edition of the Storytelling Workshop in a Box.
If you already have your own iPod or other mp3 player—or would rather listen to the Storytelling Workshop in a Box™ on your computer, where you can even make your own CD's to listen to—you can get the CD-ROM by itself, and save.
What About Existing Owners?
Do you already own the complete Storytelling Workshop in a Box? For those who already own the CD, cassette, or downloadable version of the complete Storytelling Workshop in a Box, and want to also own it in the Story-Pod form, I will take another $150 off the price and send you the complete Workshop on a new iPod.
I wouldn't want to leave the existing members behind! I believe you'll find the Story-Pod to be the ideal way to listen to the Storytelling Workshop in a Box (and, with the Supersize option, to the Image Riding Toolkit and the other resources).
Included with Any Edition
No matter what edition you choose, you will get all the usual benefits and privileges of Deluxe Membership in the Storytelling Workshop in a Box, including:
1. A $10 certificate good on any resource purchase from me over $40. Use it like cash when you order any of my two-dozen tapes, CDs, videos, and books!
2. A $10 certificate good for any of my private workshops. Use it in the next year for yourself–or give it to a lucky friend!
3. Private passwords to my web-based Storytelling Workshop in a Box™ Deluxe Edition Website, which includes interactive exercises, a Buddy Board and numerous discussion forums.
4. A complete written transcription of each of the 37 recordings.
5. A certificate for $10 off any resource purchase above $25.
6. A Brain Picking certificate for a full written response by me to your most pressing storytelling question ($585 value).
7. A Free Coaching certificate for 30 minutes of telephone coaching ($110 value).
8. A 50% discount on ALL single-session tele-seminars. Worth $15-$20 or more on each tele-seminar.
12. Free consultations during my call-in hours. Valued at $50 or more each time!
That adds up to over $695 - just in free certificates. Not to mention the private website, discount certificates and call-in hours!
If you Supersize your Story-Pod's storytelling library, you'll also get access to the Image Riding Toolkit and Beginning Storytelling Toolkit's websites as well as the certificates that go with all 10 additional products. You could easily end up with $1500 in valuable extras.
The Best Way to Absorb Information
The Story-Pod is the best way ever to absorb the critical information that, when applied properly, can turn a "so-so" storyteller into a master. The information is all there in the 37 eye-opening lessons. Now, thanks to the Story-Pod, you can listen at your own pace, review at any time, and expose yourself to doses of this storytelling wisdom that are just the right size to suit you—no matter how few minutes you have to spare in a day.
The other day, I was running errands. When I got to the dry-cleaner, I discovered that my order wouldn't be ready for 10 more minutes. "A great time to listen to a CD," I thought. I returned to my car and began rummaging through the CD's in the back seat. When I found the CD I wanted, I put it in to my car CD player, then spent a few minutes searching through it to find where I had stopped listening. By the time I found the right place, my dry cleaning was ready. It had taken me the whole ten minutes to get ready to listen. If I had owned an iPod then, I would never have had to leave the dry cleaners. Take it out, plug in the earphones, then turn it on; it would have been that simple.
With the Story-Pod's portability and simplicity, there will be nothing between you and what you really want: the information that allows you to make productive, creative decisions at every stage of your storytelling.
Ready to order? You can use my secure server to claim your Story-Pod right now.
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Please Feed the Storyteller
Don’t miss this chance. The Storytelling Workshop in a Box™ is something inexpensive–and essential–that you can give the artist in you. The Story-Pod makes it easy and simple to learn during wasted time. Why miss it?
And with the extended library options, you can save even more—while building your library of storytelling information in the most convenient form for listening.
In fact, I'm so sure you'll like both the iPod and the pre-loaded Storytelling Workshop in a Box™ and other recordings, I am guaranteeing the Story-Pod 100%. If you don't find this to be everything I claim it is, just return it undamaged for a complete refund. I want you to be satisfied—and I want your storytelling to grow.
Yours in storytelling,
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Here’s how to get all the member benefits and keep your storytelling moving:
1. Call my office toll-free 1-888-LIPMAN-1 (1-888-547-6261) or 781-837-1940
2. Order on my secure web server, http://storydynamics.com/pod.order.
Doug Lipman
Phone: (781) 837-1940
Toll free: (888) LIPMAN-1 (888-547-6261)
Fax: (781) 837-0508
P.O. Box 946 Marshfield, MA 02050 U.S.A.
http://www.storydynamics.com
This page was last updated on December 16, 2010 Copyright©2007 Doug Lipman