Guide to building Audio Tours using Open Source software

Open Communities are seeking to build an 'A list' of named individuals
in the world of Audio Tour Guides with whom we would welcome a
cooperation arrangement.

If you feel the list would not be complete without your name please
send me an email together with a site which relates to your work. - but

first Who are we?


Open Communities is a not-for-profit organisation based in Belfast,
Northern Ireland, established with grant funding support from
UnLtd.org.uk.


Our mission is to become the leading source in the English speaking
world of Design and Development information for and about the Audio
Guide industry and an independant first port of call for those wishing
to commission audio tour guides.


It will providing practical information for people who wish to develop
audio tour guides of their community or area. Early responses suggest
that the Handbook will provide a much needed 101 of Audio Tour Guides
and their development


As you already know, an audio guide is an audio recording that provides

people with information and directions about the place they are
visiting. It can also include pictures that give information and help
people find their way. The guides can be played on an MP3 player or
even on a CD in a car for an auto tour.


The first project for Open Communities is to publish a handbook
(sometimes known as a 101) on How to Design, Build and Publish an Audio

Tour Guide. This will be made freely available under a Creative Commons

licence and will attract those considering commissioning Audio Tour
Guides. Input from those on the A list will be welcomed.


The site is called Open Communities because it is based on the same
principle as Open Source software. People from a community co-operate
together to produce an audio tour, which can then be downloaded from
the internet by visitors to the area. Under the Creative Commons
licence system, the copyright to the tour remains with the authors.


The business model will be based on the most appropriate approach to
developing content rather than on shareholder interests - we are after
all a Social Enterprise and Non Profit Taking


Nick Rogers
www.audiotours.net
a part of the Open Communities Project
Belfast