MY FIRST STEPS ON GOOM
Becoming a Goomer
To join the Goommunity, all you have to do is create an account by completing the registration process.  It will only take a few minutes. The information you provide will allow us to create your first radio based on your musical tastes. To activate your account, check your email and click on the link we send you.
You can then customize your playlist and discover everything Goom has to offer  !  Exclusive podcasts, broadcasts, news and sports – there is a vast choice of content.
Terms of use policy
It is important to read our Terms of Use Policy [TOU] which outlines the compulsory contractual agreement you enter into when you sign up.  This governs the use of the Goom platform.
Responsibility
We host your content but you remain responsible for all the elements you choose to broadcast on your radio.
Moderation
The GOOM platform is a space that allows freedom of expression, and it is in everybody’s best interest to use the service responsibly.  We are as vigilant as possible and we count on you to identify and report abuse of the system, such as podcasts that might be regarded as containing inappropriate content.
Inviting friends
It’s very simple - if your friends are part of the Goommunity, go to My Goom and send them an email inviting them to listen to your radio.
Creating podcasts
A podcast is a free means of broadcasting audio and video files on the Internet.  Using RSS or Atom the user can listen or automatically download audio content directly to their own radio.
Everybody can create a podcast quickly and easily - you just need a computer, a microphone, and the appropriate software to record your voice.
If you don’t have the right software Audacity  – is free and works on multiple operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux).  This is probably the most popular program for such purposes and is used by numerous podcasters.  Another inexpensive option is to use Quicktime Pro.
These are just suggestions; other software is available so feel free to choose whichever one you like best.

F.A.Q - Discovering GOOM
What is Goom?
A simple concept…
Goom is a new type of platform for digital radio that allows you to listen to thematic stations programmed by professionals (legally and free of charge), whilst also providing the tools to program your own radio.  What Goom offers is unique: radio programming with optimum audio quality - Goom produces a level of sound quality never before achieved on the Internet.
Goom has a large and diverse selection of music genres such as hard rock, reggae, hits, and the latest music causing a buzz on the Internet  !
An innovative concept…
GOOM has created My Goom, a new free and easy to use social network that allows users to create their own radio with a complete set of programming tools. A “Goomer” (a member of the Goommunity) can share and introduce their music and podcasts while making loads of friends  !
What’s the difference between Goom Radio and other on-demand music sites?
Goom is radio in the true sense of the word !  Goom broadcasts according to the rules and regulations of professional programming – and there’s more !  We research our own content so we can provide weather forecasts, news, sport, music news, shows by Goom DJs – we are a team of producers, DJs and journalists that live with a passion for radio and music every minute of the day !
Is Goom free?
YES ! Subscription and use of all Goom functions is completely free.  The service is financed by advertising.  Phone-in options will become available eventually, but you will be informed closer to the time and it won’t affect your normal use of Goom.
What is the Goom player?
It is the zone which allows you to listen to all Goom radios – both professional and user generated.  It’s also the place where you make audio and written dedications and it is customizable by changing skins.
What are the tabs on the homepage for?
You can navigate to different areas of the site by clicking these tabs:

•  HOME : the Goom homepage.
•  RADIO : all existing radios, Top 100, new radios, hot radios.
•  MUSIC : all the tracks available on Goom to add to your playlist.
•  PODCASTS : all available podcasts on the platform for adding to your playlist.
•  MY GOOM : your personal space - your profile, your friends and your Goomwall.
•  SEARCH : look for an artist, a fellow Goomer, a song, a podcast, a radio …

How do I personalize my profile?
After signing in, click on the My Goom tab, then Edit.  From there, you can update your personal information, personalize your page and customize the text with a strong visual presence.
How do I find something?
Using the Search tab on the homepage you can search for an artist, a Goomer, a song, a podcast, a radio …
What is my responsibility as a user of Goom?
Goom takes care of technical expenses and broadcasting fees linked to its use and My Goom performs operations such as counting the number of listeners on your radio. However, you are solely responsible for the musical and editorial content that you decide to program into your radio. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with our Terms of Use [TOU] policy before uploading visual and/or audible content to the community.
What is the minimum internet connection speed needed to listen to a radio?
You need a standard 128kbs ADSL connection to use Goom.
Can I listen to a Goom station anywhere other than on Goomradio.com?
GOOM Radio is (or soon will be) available across all formats of digital mass media: WiFi Radio, mobile phones with a radio application and, before too long, DAB.
What do I do if I forget my password?
No problem.  In the player, click on Forgotten your password?   and follow the on-screen instructions.
How do I change my password?
After signing in, click on the My Goom tab, then Edit.  Here you will find a My Info box where you can change your password.
How do I sign in / sign out of the website?
By clicking the Log In / Log Out button in the top right corner of the homepage.
How do I delete my account?
Go to the Contact page [goom@goomradio.com] and select Delete my account.
What if I need more help?
Look through the rest of the FAQ first as you should find the answers you need there. If not, contact us here ![goom@goomradio.com]

Listening to a radio
About the Goom player
The GOOM player will always be located at the top of the page you are on.
The player is the central element which allows you to listen to a radio by clicking on the big play button.
The player is divided into 2 parts. On the left are the main controls and the information about the radio you are currently listening to (name, slogan). On the right is the screen with data related to the song that’s playing.
How do I find a radio?
By clicking the Search tab you can find a radio by its name or genre.
What are all the buttons on the player for?
ON AIR : Provides access to the list of available radios.
CLONE :  Allows you to duplicate the playlist of the radio you are listening to if you don’t want to create a radio completely from scratch.  Having cloned a radio, you can then edit the content in the same way as if you had made it yourself – adding/deleting songs and podcasts to the programming schedule etc.
SEND : Click this to tell a friend about your radio by sending them a direct link to it.
PLAY (big green triangle !) :  Listen to a radio.
REC : Record an audio dedication.
ZAP (fast forward image) : Skip to a different radio within the same genre.
What types of radio can I listen to?
There is a large and varied selection available  !  You can listen to professional Goom radios classified by type in the pop-up menu at the top of the site next to the GOOM logo. From urban music to hard rock – there are dozens of radios to suit your preferences  !  You can also listen to the radios that have been created by Goomers.  You can easily choose these by checking out the list of Top Radios or by using the search function.  Once you have chosen a radio, click the play button to listen.
How do I save a radio as a favourite?
You can store your favourite radio stations using the numbers 1 - 5 on the Goom player.  Double click one of the buttons to store the radio you are listening to as a favourite.

How many favourite radios can I store?
You can store up to five favourite radios.
What is the ‘Clone’ button for?
This allows you to duplicate the playlist of the radio you are listening to if you don’t want to create a radio completely from scratch.  Having cloned a radio, you can then change the content in the same way as if you had made it yourself – adding/deleting songs and podcasts, the programming schedule etc.
What is the ‘Send’ button for?
You can invite your friends to listen to your radio by sending them a direct link to it with this button.
What is the ‘REC’ button for?
The REC button allows you to record a vocal dedication. You need to have a microphone connected to your computer to use this function.
What is an audio dedication?
Calling a radio station to dedicate a song to someone has been around just about as long as radio itself.  With the audio dedication function on Goom, you can record your own message (up to 30 seconds) and it will be heard just before the song you choose to dedicate.
How do I record an audio dedication?
By clicking the red REC button. When the red circle is illuminated you can start speaking.  You need to have a microphone connected to your computer to do this.
What is a written dedication?
It’s a scrolling message that will be visible on the player to all listening Goomers at the same time, to share your mood, your opinion of another Goomers programming, or just to tell them something …
How do I change the volume?
Click on the big button on the left of the Goom player and move it up and down to adjust the volume.
How do I mute the sound?
Click the little button with the speaker image just below the volume control.

Create my personal radio
Why create my own radio?
Creating your own radio allows you to have complete programming control of the songs, podcasts and information that YOU want to hear. Goom helps you to do this by using a clever tool that assesses your tastes and recommends content accordingly.  This gives you the opportunity to make a radio that completely reflects your personality and identity !
How do I create my first radio?
There are two ways to create a radio.

•  By signing up using the Create Your Own Radio ! link on the homepage. Don’t worry, it doesn’t take long !  By analyzing your responses to the questions, GOOM can provide you with your first personal radio in accordance with your tastes. After that you can completely personalize your playlist !
•  By cloning a professional radio or that of another Goomer.  This creates a duplicate of that radio !  Give it a new name and a slogan and customize the programming !

Can I create more than one radio?
Yes. The number of radios which you can create is currently limited to four.
I have several radios, how do I delete one?
Click on the My Goom tab, then My Radios.  There is an option to delete each of your radios here.  Once deleted, a radio cannot be recovered - so be sure !
Who takes care of broadcasting rights?
Goom covers all the costs of broadcasting rights and other expenses.
What is the direct link to my radio for?
Copying and pasting this link to another webpage (email, blog, MySpace, Facebook) creates a logo on that webpage. When clicked, this links directly to your radio – it’s the simplest way to introduce your radio !
What is the playlist?
Your playlist is the list of songs, jingles and podcasts which make up the programming of your radio. However, unlike on-demand music sites, the list you see is not structured in the order the songs will play in. The idea is that you program the order of play (we call it "rotation"), and choose when you want each item (song, podcast, jingle etc) to be broadcast via your programming grid.
How do I search for a song or podcast?
By clicking the Search tab.  For songs, you can search by artist or song title.  For podcasts, you can search by the name of the creator or by genre.

Why are pieces of content I put in my playlist not complete?
When choosing songs for your radio you can listen to a 30 second extract before (and after) adding them to your playlist.  Of course, when they play on your radio the songs will be complete!
How do I personalize my playlist with new material?
You can find new tracks and podcasts using the Search function.  Also, to help update your playlist, every week on the GOOM site we offer a selection of the newest hits and a classification of the songs most added to the playlists of Goomers. These classifications are made across all genres.
How do I add a song/podcast to my playlist?
To add an item to your playlist, first perform a search then click the “+” icon next to the item you want in your playlist.
How do I delete a song/podcast from my playlist?
To remove an item from your playlist, click the “X” icon next to the relevant song or podcast.
What is a programming grid?
It is all the content of your radio displayed in a list. Your programming grid is visible via My Goom in the Programming Grid tab or on the homepage via the On Air button.  Here you can edit things like when and for how long each of your programmed elements play for.
What is a jingle?
A jingle is a short sound element usually used to mark a transition between different radio segments.
Can I create and add my own jingles?
There is a section of the website devoted to the downloading of jingles in the Podcast area. We already offer a selection of jingles categorized by type of radio, but you can also amuse yourself by personalizing your own  !
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a free means of broadcasting audio (and video) files on the Internet. Using flux RSS or Atom, the user can listen or automatically download audio content directly to their own Goom radio.
How do I record a podcast?
You need a microphone and recording software (and something to say !). A simple way to do this is to use the Audacity software – it’s free and works on multiple operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux). This is probably the most popular program for such purposes and is used by numerous podcasters. Another inexpensive option is to use Quicktime Pro.
These are just suggestions, other software exists so feel free to choose whichever one you like best.
How do I make my podcast available on the platform?
In My Goom, under the My Podcast tab, upload your own podcast by clicking Browse, then when you have found and selected the item you want to use, click Upload and choose a genre for it . Click on Sharing and choose Public to allow other Goomers to use your podcast on their own radio.
Production Functions
Where can I find a podcast to add to my radio?
Click on the Podcast tab which will take you to the programming grids of the radios of your friends and other Goom radios.   Click on the Insert button to add a podcast to your radio.
What kind of podcasts can I add to my radio?
You can add any kind of available podcasts on the platform – either those made by Goom or by other Goomers. Before downloading a podcast, ensure you are familiar with our Terms of Use (link).
Can a Goomer use my podcasts without my permission?
No. Every creator of a radio must specify if they want their content to be made available for the public to use or not. If a Goomer does not want their content to be used by the public, then it can only be heard on their radio.
Is it possible to upload my own compositions to my radio?
Yes. Via the Programming tab, you can upload up to 3 tracks of your choice that you will be able to add to your radio. Ensure you respect copyright legislation by agreeing that you are the owner of the work or have permission to use it before uploading.
Can I broadcast my radio live?
Your radio is live in the sense that when it is broadcasting, whoever is listening to it across the world is hearing the same thing at the same time.  Your radio is a progressive download - the content streams very close to real time.
Can I change the name and the slogan of my radio after its creation?
Yes !  Just click on the icon that looks like a pencil next to the name and slogan of your radio.
How do I export my radio to a blog / personal website?
In My Goom, under the My Radios tab you can copy and paste the direct link of your radio to wherever you want - email, blog, MySpace, Facebook …
Why is there advertising on my radio?
The visual and audio advertising on Goom allows us to offer you an entirely free service. Commercial messages allow us to cover broadcasting expenses and other costs - no adverts = no Goom !
How do I promote my radio?
By any means that seem appropriate ! The audio dedication is a good way to introduce people to your radio !
What will happen if I broadcast pirated or unreasonably explicit/inappropriate material?
You are entirely responsible for the type of content you decide to broadcast. In the case of broadcasting pirated or inappropriate content, you run the risk of having your radio(s) and account removed from Goom.  Depending on the nature of the incident, you run the risk of facing legal action.
Goommunity
What is the Goommunity?
It is the community of GOOM users. It is composed of Goomers to allow interaction between the creators of radios.
How do I edit my profile?
To edit your profile, go to My Goom, then My Profile.  Here you will find everything you need to edit your profile.
How do I find friends on Goom?
With the Search function, you can find other Goomers using different search criteria; name, username, and email address.
How do I find friends through other Goomers?
At the bottom right of other Goomers’ profiles you will find a list of their top friends.  You can click on these profiles and ask them to be your friend.
How do I create my own Goommunity?
By inviting as many Goomers as possible to listen to your radio !
How do I tell my friends about my radio?
Very easily !  There are several ways to do this from the website.  Invite your friends to listen by clicking the Send button on the player, on the left. You can also send them an audio dedication by email to inform them about the birth of your radio !  Just click on the record button and say what you have to say !
What is the Goomwall?
It is your area of personal expression and that of your fellow Goomers. You can write on your own and your friends’ Goomwalls.

What can I add to a Goomwall?
You can write a standard message and post pictures, sounds, videos …
How do I erase a message on my Goomwall?
To erase a message from your Goomwall, simply click Delete next to the relevant message.
How do I leave a message on my friend’s Goomwall?
Go to My Goom and click on My Friends on the right.  Choose a Goomer by clicking on their picture and then write a message in the dedicated space.
How do I send a message to friends?
From the Goomwall in My Goom, you can easily send a message to your friends by clicking the tick box next to the friend(s) you want to send a message to, then by writing what you want to say to them.
How do I report misuse of Goom?
Contact the GOOM team directly by clicking here to tell us about any misuse. We will respond as quickly as possible.

Any other questions?
Not found the answers you were looking for?
Contact the Goom team by clicking here, and we will do our best to answer your question as quickly as possible !