Article : Podcasting: The

The word ?podcasting? is used often around the internet these days, although many people are still not exactly clear on just what a podcast is!  Simply put, a podcast is a blog (web log) that is made available in audio format.  The audio portion is a standard MP3 file that contains a program or ?show? that can be created by anyone.  Think of it as a radio talk show that can be transmitted from a computer.

The podcast transmission uses Real Simple Syndication (RSS) technology.  It may seem complicated but, as the name implies, it is actually fairly simple.  There are many resources available to help people learn how to record and set up a podcast.  The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow.  In fact, with just a few easy to learn skills, some low-cost (or free) computer programs, and the basic computer equipment and internet connections that you probably already have, YOU can create a podcast and host your own show.

In addition to setting up a podcast, you?ll also want to provide a written blog that offers helpful, supplemental text for your podcast material.  For example, you may briefly mention a topic in your podcast and then tell your listeners: ?For more information on this topic, please see the web site?.?  In this way, you can expand the amount of information your subscribers receive from your transmission.

When you have set up a blog and website, anyone with an internet connection can subscribe to your show.  Listeners will use an RSS ?aggregator,? such as Doppler or Ipodder.  Both of these are FREE downloadable program that allow others to subscribe to any podcast of interest.  They?re easy to set up and can be pre-configured to check for new podcast updates at set intervals.  In this way, a subscriber doesn?t have to be ?tuned in? to your podcast at a certain time; he can just receive notice of an update that is automatically downloaded to his computer and then listen to it at his leisure.  Subscribers listen to these files just like their music files, using Windows Media Player, iTunes, or any other similar audio program that is compatible with MP3 files.

Needless to say, the topics of a podcast are limitless.  For example, maybe you have a special interest (even expertise) in fly fishing.  What a great idea to have a podcast devoted to the art and adventures of this great sport!  You can share techniques, stories, and even take live calls during pre-set transmission times.  Podcasting offers you the opportunity to become a true ?internet personality.?



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Has anyone here ever used a podcast?  If you have please sharfe more info of what you did as this is something that would really interest me.

I have never used this technology, and I believe that it is too soon to play this game.

I remember before some years I was reading a tech magazine, and it was writing that one day all the media will merge down. If you think about it, podcasting is a step to this way

I couldnt imagine listening to a blog. I actually find it annoying when sound is added to sites (except games)

I agree with you. Propably this is not suitable for people that use internet for more than 5 years, becuase they propably are used to use the 'tradditional' internet. Maybe the podcasting will be interesting for the new internet users.

A podcast is a series of audio or video digital-media files which is distributed over the Internet by syndicated download, through Web feeds, to portable media players and personal computers. Though the same content may also be made available by direct download or streaming, a podcast is distinguished from other digital-media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added.
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Podcast i use because I'm new for internet user. ha ha ha ha

I'd be interested to 'hear' someone's blog just to experience it.  I'm not sure that I would prefer it over reading though.

When I was still in school, many of my lectures were podcasted, meaning that they were recorded live and then made available for later listening through web site. It was pretty convenient, however the quality wasn't particularly good.

This seems like it would be a good technology to utilize for internet marketing, but I don't think it could replace the blog. The blog is like print media, and the podcast is like radio. Both have their benefits. I think though that integrating both features would be better than just having one.

I tend to agree with you bwccom. It is like a whole different world, and in any way podcasting can't replace the "typography" type of internet. But of course it is a cool thing :)

I think podcasting, if used effectively and not overdone, can really enhance a Web site. If you have good interviews or informational shows that encourage listeners to explore different parts of your site, it can only help your business, or at least help your traffic. I personally have more respect for an organization when I not only can interface with their homepage, but also hear them talk a bit on their topics. It's makes them more personable than just reading their words, and you can learn a lot about them by the way they talk.