Sound Files for the Web…
While surfing around today, I discovered a really cool utility called Sonic Memo. An enterprising guy named Jay Jennings created a series of very basic Flash applications that have one simple purpose: play streaming audio files on a website with very intuitive and easy-to-use controls. I wish I’d thought of it myself. The KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) concept is well enforced here, and with very little effort, anyone can put streaming audio sales presentations or music soundbites on their websites. What I especially like is that he offers an even more simplified version at a lower cost for those who don’t need even the few bells and whistles that the full program has.
I have yet to find anything overwhelmingly negative to report about the product. The standard version of Sonic Memo has a bit higher entry price than its few good competitors, but you pay the price only once; the others require a low monthly fee. I’d personally rather pay for the software once and use it forever at no extra cost — just like any other application you buy off the shelf. And, continuing with the store analogy, his marketing scheme is similar: whoever sells his application from their website gets 40% of the proceeds, the same way PalmGear gets 40% of the selling price of my mortgage calculator that they sell for me. I’m considering using Sonic Memo myself to help sell my palm applications through those mainstream vendors and any other software packages that I may develop and sell on my own websites.
Far too many websites overutilize Flash, resulting in longer download times and general commercial annoyance, but Sonic Memo is a nice subtle, resource-friendly application for audio presentation.
