:Vocalo.org

If you don't see your question here, feel free to contact us at info@vocalo.org.

What is Vocalo.org? 

Vocalo.org is radio made by you. We take the material you submit (audio, text, video) and turn it into entertaining and informative broadcast. material that plays on 89.5 FM in Northwest Indiana and Chicago and streams live on our website. Check out our About section for more info.

How do I start a profile?

Click on Sign-Up in the top left-hand corner of the page, create a username, and add your e-mail. You will have immediate access to the site. You'll receive a confirmation e-mail with a password and login link which you will have to click on before your next visit. 

What if I lose my registration e-mail or don't click the link in time?

Send an e-mail to info@Vocalo.org from the address you used to sign up with "lost registration" as the subject and we will send you a new link.

How do I update my profile?

Click on the You tab and then click Edit Profile (the smaller tab below the You tab, or the Edit Profile button inside your profile box on the right-hand side). You can add text, a photo, and interests. You can also add your phone number so you will be able to post to the site with nothing more than your phone.

How do I post something to the site?

First, you need a profile (see above). Detailed instructions are on our Help page.

What kind of files are accepted? Files can be no larger than 32 MB. Images can be in any of the following formats: ai, bmp, cdr, cpt, dib, fi, gif, png, mng, jpg, jpeg, pcx, xbm, xpm. The Vocalo.org site will resize the image and reformat it as a JPEG. Audio files can be in any of the following formats: wav, au, mp3, aiff, ogg, vox, gsm, flac.  The Vocalo.org site will convert the file into an MP3 automatically. Click here for directions on converting wma to mp3s using a free downloadable program. Vocalo.org accepts avi, mov, wmv, mpeg, mp4, mpeg2, dv, 3gp, 3g2, mpeg4, qt, mpg.  The Vocalo.org site will convert the file into an FLV file automatically.

I'm having trouble uploading material. What should I do?

1. Check to make sure the file is the right size. See info above.

2. Make sure you are uploading the right file format. Check to make sure the file name ends with the name of the format (for example: .mov, .avi, .mp).

3.If you are still getting an error message you can e-mail us at info@vocalo.org.

My Podcast or Video is above the size limit, what should I do?

We suggest breaking it up into segments. We very rarely play anything over 7 minutes on the broadcast, so we will probably have to break it up anyway. You can label it part 1, part 2, etc., so people on the website can listen to it in order. If it is in .wav format, consider changing it to mp3, the files are much smaller.

How do I use my phone to get my stuff on air? 

 1. Become a User and Make a Profile. Type what you see in the box (for security) and then click "CREATE NEW ACCOUNT".

2. This is your profile page.  Add your phone number in the phone section.

5. When you're done updating your profile, scroll to the bottom and click SAVE.

6. Call 888.635.1112 and press #2.

7.  Check your profile to see your audio!

How will I know when my stuff is on air?

You will receive a notification on your You Dashboard. At this point, it does not notify your e-mail address, so be sure to check back on the site.  User-generated content is sometimes added while the show is on air. However, you should be able to catch your piece in re-broadcast.

How do I increase my chances for getting on air?

Two big things: Everything we broadcast is less than seven minutes long. If your stuff is longer, split it into multiple parts (or we can do it). Second, sending us audio with music is okay, but it makes it more difficult to collaborate with you to get it ready for broadcast. The best way around this is to submit your audio without music, and if you think it should have some music, either upload the music you want us to use, or suggest a music track when you submit the content.

Other Tips:

• E-mail friends and family to let them know your stuff is up on the site. The more attention your pieces get via page views, comments, and votes, the more likely it is to get on air.
• Be sure you understand how mature content and language may shape the way your audio is played on air by reading the Community Guidelines.
• Improve your audio skills by exploring Resources and Tips.

A note about copyrighted material: all submissions must be original content that you have made or have permission to include.

How do I report a copyright or licensing violation?

If someone has violated the copyright or licensing agreement please contact Info@Vocalo.org or 312-893-2956.

I'm trying to find material by a certain user, how can I do that?

Go to the Explore tab. Click the Search button below the Explore tab. Filter it to Users. Type in the user name. Click on their page and you can see all their content.

I missed a broadcast when my stuff or a friend's stuff was on air, how do I find that broadcast?

Click on the On Air Tab. Click on the Archive Tab. Use the blue buttons to move back and forth by month or week. Click the orange link to the broadcast you wish to hear.

I heard there was a story about such-n-such on Vocalo.org-How do I find it? 

You can use the search tab underneath the explore tab and try typing key words to find the story.

I'd just like to cruise around and find some cool content: Where do I start?

Start by searching Categories or Tags that interest you under the Explore tab. Or listen to the live broadcast to hear a mix of material our host already picked out.

How do I participate live on air?

1.     Call the live in-studio number 888-635-1112 and press 1.

2.    Reply to the Shout Box. The host will type a question or topic they are discussing and then read responses on-air.

3.     Write an e-mail to onair@vocalo.org.

I have an event, cause, or Public Service Announcement, and I would like to be on Vocalo.org. What should I do?

The best option? Cover it yourself! It's so easy, you can just call 888-635-1112, press 2, and leave a message.  If you want do something more extensive, use this FAQ section and the Resources and Tips section to learn how to record your own audio and get it on the air. We also hold Open Studios to connect community members like you with training and Vocalo staff.

My stuff is up on Vocalo.org and I want to promote it. How can I do that?

1. Let all your friends and family know when your stuff is on the site. The more hits it gets, the more likely it is to come up on searches and get attention on the site itself.

2. Use the little buttons below your piece that say "stumble, delicious, etc.," to get attention on other websites.

3. Find blogs, articles and websites that are covering the same topics as you. Post comments on those sites and link back to your own work on Vocalo.org.  

I want to connect my organization, classroom, business, or project with Vocalo.org. Who should I contact?

Contact info@Vocalo.org.

How do I report a problem or make a suggestion?

We're still working on the site and greatly appreciate your feedback. Let us know what's working and what's not.  Tell us features or tweaks we could make to improve your experience. You are our co-creators. Send your suggestions to info@vocalo.org.