GOLDEN RULE #1: SAVE IT!
Regularly save your document (or playlist or EDL or VIP) as a new version (00*), keeping all previous versions (001, 002)!
don't be a loser...

GOLDEN RULE #2: DOES IT WORK?
With plenty of time to spare, make sure you have all the gear you need to record with, and that it all works!
do tell someone if it needs fixing...

GOLDEN RULE #3: LISTEN ON THE SPOT!
Monitor your recording (for distortion etc.) while there's still time to put it right - before your contributors go!
don't give me that blank disk look...

GOLDEN RULE #4: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
Get permission to use what you've recorded - from the people, the place, and the copyright holders!
do not go to jail if at all possible...

GOLDEN RULE #5: BE MUSICAL!
Mix and edit like a musician - whether it's speech or music, it's all about pacing, intonation, and dynamics!
do let your interviewees breathe...

GOLDEN RULE #6: MAKE SENSE!
Edit so that it makes sense, isn't boring, and can be heard - listen to the big picture, as well as each edit!
didn't he say that already?...

GOLDEN RULE #7: CHECK THE FACTS!
Check simple things like dates, pronunciation, as well as big things like "do I know what I'm talking about?"
publish and be sued...

GOLDEN RULE #8: MIND YOUR EARS!
Listen on loudspeakers and on headphones - everything sounds different - and check both stereo and mono!
double-check edits, tuning, and the mix...

GOLDEN RULE #9: LISTEN AGAIN!
Listen again, and again - wait until the next morning and then listen again; get other people to listen!
do get some perspective...

GOLDEN RULE #10: KEEP IT SAFE!
Backup your work including the original recordings - always have two copies in separate places!
lightning often strikes once...

GOLDEN RULE #11
Let us know what you think it should be...

© Golden Radio / Royal Academy of Music