The iTunes Feed appears to be slow or non-functional right now, so I’m suggesting that everyone switch to the direct feed to make sure they get all the episodes. I’m working on fixing the iTunes feed, but in the meantime, there’s a quick and easy way to subscribe to the direct feed, and it will look the same in iTunes (and transfer the same way to your iPod, if you go that route).

Here’s how to subscribe to the direct feed (which gets you Coverville episodes as soon as I record and upload them to the site):

Step one: Click this link.

That’s it! In moments, iTunes will start retrieving the most recent episode from the feed, and give you the ability to download other episodes you may have missed (just click the Get button next to any episodes you want).

Alright, the votes are in, and I’m in the process of tabulating the results and compiling the shows. But what this countdown is missing is…

YOU!

So here’s something I came up with – a fun little contest, with no specific prize except for hearing your voice in the podcast. The rules are very simple:

1. Pick a number between 1 and 40
2. Record an intro for that number in the Countdown.
3. Send it to me.

Steps 2 and 3 can be completed by calling the request line at 206-222-2683 and leaving a message.

Here’s where the fun comes in: I won’t tell you which numbers are still available, so the more unique number you pick, the better your chances are. And I will pick the intros for each number based on the following criteria:

1. Keep it short. No more than a 30 seconds, please.
2. Keep it clean.
3. The better the sound quality, the better your chances are. If I get two #27’s, I’ll pick the one with the better sound quality almost always. If you can record and email rather than use the dial-in number, all the better.
4. Feel free to plug whatever you want! Your podcast, your freelance graphic company, your hot dog stand, whatever.
5. I don’t mind if you submit a couple of entries, but don’t go nuts. Keep it three or fewer. I’ll only use one of them. And remember, I’ve got your email address/phone number.

Stumped? Here’s a sample to use if you’re really stuck: “Hi. This is [your name here] from [your show here] at [yes, your URL here], and you’re listening to Coverville. Here’s number [rnd(40)].” (But of course, you can be more creative than that)

I’ll need numbers 30 to 40 pretty quick, so if you’ve got your eye on #38, do it today!

Digg.com has a new podcasting section, where you can “Digg” the podcasts and individual episodes that float your boat. I’m still trying to figure out how to integrate some of their tools into my site and posts, but for now, you can help push Coverville up the Digg ladder by going here.

Digg.com, is seen by more people each day than the usual podcasting directories, so a vote on Digg goes a long way to introduce the show to new listeners.

And if there are folks who know how to do the Digg Tools, please let me know. I’m having some display issues with the onsite voting buttons and tags…