Solution:

You don't have to do anything with the CDs. They are mostly provided for backup in case you lose the bird songs on your iPod. The Stokes CDs are already loaded onto your iPod.

However, you may want to add things to your iPod (music, audio books, more bird songs, etc.) in the future. In this case, you may decide it is simpler to load all the Stokes CDs, and then run birdJam Maker so that you can easily sync your iPod with your computer.

Before doing this, try an easier method: Start by enabling 'Manually manage music [and videos]' for your iPod. You do this with your iPod connected to your computer. (Be careful to say 'No--don't erase and sync' your iPod when asked!)

In iTunes, with your iPod connected, you should see 'birdJam' show up under DEVICES in the left column in iTunes and a white iPod Summary page on the right side of iTunes. Near the bottom of the white summary page, check the 'Manually manage music [and videos]' box.

Now you can safely hook your iPod up to your computer without fear of accidentally erasing all the bird songs on your iPod.

While in manual mode, the only way to get new songs onto your iPod is to drag them onto your birdJam iPod icon in iTunes. So that's the first method to try. For anything that you want to add to your iPod, just drag it to the birdJam iPod icon in iTunes. (It's easiest to drag playlists rather than individual song tracks.)

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Method 2 for managing your iPod is more complicated at first--but simpler later, especially if you want to add many new songs or playlists to your iPod.

This is the method described in the Installation Instructions document which is included in the Documentation folder included with birdJam Maker. This method involves using all the CDs that were included with your birdJam iPod. You'll also want the latest version of birdJam Maker. If you're not sure whether you have the latest version of birdPod Maker, try going to the birdJam Maker Upgrade Page or contact us at support@birdjam.com.

Once you've completed all the steps in the Installation Instructions document, you'll want to set uncheck the 'Manually manage music [and videos]' checkbox in iTunes. Then, whenever you connect your iPod to your computer, your iPod is automatically updated.