Jason Piasecki, president of ImageQuest Design, has launched a free Web site, InsideMuskegon.com, which features weekly “podcasts” and a web log (or blog) on which to share opinions.

Podcasting is the distribution of audio and video programs through the Internet. The files are usually in the form of MP3 audio and can be played on an MP3 player after being downloaded.

“It is a weekly podcast that hopes to go and find the answers to questions people have about issues that are happening here in Muskegon,” Piasecki said.

Piasecki said he hears people talking about the issues in Muskegon, but he feels many are not getting the answers they need from traditional media sources.

“Podcasting is a great way to bridge the gap and get those answers out there to people,” he said.

With the podcasts covering issues from business to education, Piasecki said he hopes that people will become more aware of what is happening in Muskegon and also become more involved.

“People are working hard and there are some advocates for the Muskegon area,” he said. “It’s kind of easy to sit back and complain about it, but if you want to solve a problem, you really need to be part of the solution.”

The interviews so far have featured Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce President Cindy Larsen and Muskegon Area First President and CEO Jim Edmonson. A new interview available today is with Muskegon Main Street Manager Dan Rinsema-Sybenga. Each is 15 to 20 minutes long. Piasecki said he would also like to have community leaders and politicians answer questions that people may post on the blog.

Piasecki said so far he has been happy with the feedback and is trying his best to make the content interesting.

“I’ve had a lot of fun doing it,” he said.

Larsen said she is excited to be a part of the program.

“I think that being able to get a message out globally is just so exciting,” she said. “It’s another example of how we’re moving into the information technology economy.”

Larsen said the program is an entrepreneurial move for Piasecki and a way for Muskegon residents and those interested in Muskegon to stay informed.

“It’s a great way to get out information that’s not typically covered by the mainstream media,” she said. “It allows people to get in-depth information about our community, and it allows people to ask questions.”     BJX