I just figured out how to load letterboxing clues onto my iPod, and it seems pretty handy. I didn't see any other postings about this, so I'd thought I'd write this in case anyone else is interested.

1. Highlight and copy the clue you want to save.

2. Paste it into textedit, or another word program that can save things in the plain text format(.txt). Save it in the text format. (on a Mac, in textedit, this is under the 'Format' heading, and says, 'make Plain text')

3. Name the file with the town and name of the letterbox.

4. Make sure your iPod is on Manually 'Manage Songs & Playlists' mode. Plug your iPod into your computer. From the 'summary' tab, select "Enable disk use" or "Manually manage songs and playlists"

5. Drag this file into the 'Notes' folder of your iPod.

6. Now it's available on your iPod on the trail! (in the Extras catagory, under Notes)

Does anyone else do this? any tips?

Here's a link to where I found most of the methods in this post: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93951

wow! how cool is that?! will see if mine can do that

I know my cousin S+K does that too. Although he doesn't post to or read the boards at all
chadams

Hey, you can also listen to the old Letterpod: Letterboxing Podcast on you iPod, and pretty soon we are going to get out some new episodes too! I've started a new website that IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION, but just as a teaser for you iPod users out there, I am accepting audio clues to the website as well, so soon you maybe able to listen to special audio clues. Stay tuned.

jackbear

Wow that sounds cool

is it just for ipods or will any mp3 player have access?

Awesome! Thanks for the info. Will definitely have to try that. Beats carrying around the paper clues, for sure.

Hmmm, wonder if I can put them on my "chocolate" phone the same way?

Mercs

All mp3 players can download "podcasts". How do you currently get music off the internet? The episodes at Letterpod will be available to download in mp3 format, and you can also "subscribe" to the episodes with a service, like the one we will be using on Podbean.com. Anyway....I hope to be making more official announcements soon!

jackbear

Hey, I've enjoyed all the Letterpods, thanks! I especially liked the Dartmoor episode. Looking forward to more!

There's more you can do. If you'd like to use the "area search" feature of AQ, or the Export Box Info function on Letterboxing.org, you can convert the straggle of clues for use in your iPod by using a little "ebook for ipods" utility that can be found at:
http://www.ipod-notes.com/

This converts the string of clues to the smaller format which is more useful to your iPod.

For example, before going on vacation I might do a search for Ohio letterboxes. I then select the Print Clues option (AQ), and SAVE the page AS a .txt file. (On Lettrboxing.org, Export, then "save to disk" and then if needed convert to TXT later.) Remember the file location! as you will need this later.

I usually clean the resulting file up a little, to remove header information and stuff that will just be in my way when the information is in the iPod. You might also want to combine all of AQ's separate pages for a place into one file (cut and paste).

After manipulating the file, convert them using this utility. After converting them on my desktop I usually clean up the html coding a bit more, getting rid of additional junk and separating clues in a visually useful manner. Then, after cleaning them up, I transfer them to my ipod as in number 5 of Magpie's message.

Try it a couple times to get the hang of things.

If you are not familiar with the basic HTML used on the iPod, some additional info about html used in ipods can be found on this page:
http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2005/06/make_ebooks_for_1.html

Walkabout

All mp3 players can download "podcasts". How do you currently get music off the internet?

I don't. I have only put all the CD's I own onto the Mp3 Player. I don't want to pay for music my Hubby insists on buying on a disc. so he owns the disc and I own the Mp3. =)

Sounds like a good system!

Well, if you find a "podcast" on a website, directory, etc., you should be able to download the mp3 file directly to your computer. Then you can tranfer the file to your mp3 player however you do that (I assume you have some sort of software to facilitate that, or maybe its click and drag the file to the mp3 player icon).

If you have a PC you can sign up for a service like ODEO or Podnova or one of these, and they will help you subscribe to podcasts so you never miss one. If you have a MAC, you can do this from iTunes (I think some PC users can use iTunes too, not sure...can you tell I'm a MAC user!)

jackbear

Oh happy day!
That is much slicker, and perfect for travel. A thousand thanks, Walkabout.

Woo hoo! After a little effort, I got some clues loaded to my iPod. Yea!
I'm so excited. Now I can just store 'em up and be on my way. No papers to lose or spill on. Thank you soooooo much.

I love technology!

Mercs