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How Does Podcasting Work?
It has been said that in October of 2004
a Google search returned less than 6,000 results for
the term "podcasting". Today, a similar search
yields more than 857,000 results. Like the blogging
phenomenon, podcasting has come out of nowhere and attracted
an enthusiastic following.
While some traditional radio talk shows
have begun providing podcasts of their regularly-scheduled
broadcasts, the bulk of the podcasts that have cropped
up tend to be independent broadcasters who have a fascination
with technology. As a result, some podcasts are a little
rough around the edges. Nonetheless, it is clear that
the technology provides a significant opportunity and
potential. Even nay-sayers believe that podcasting is
more than a passing fad.
Podcasting is RSS that is used to syndicate
and distribute audio files. Podcasting contains an audio
file in the RSS feed's enclosure tag. An enclosure tag
is used in RSS feeds to include certain types of files.
The file contained in an enclosure tag can be: an image,
a data file, a video file, or an audio file. Podcasting
specifically refers to RSS feeds that contain audio
files in their enclosure tag. The RSS version that currently
supports enclosure tags is RSS version 2.0. All podcasts
are currently created using this specification.
The benefit to podcasting is the fact
that users can sync content with their media player
and listen at a time and a place of their choosing:
radio on demand. And while this technology is not limited
to music, it seems to be the area that has received
the most attention.
Podcasting is generally inexpensive to
implement. Investment in a good quality microphone will
ensure that the recording is audible. Depending on knowledge
and experience, some podcasters invest in audio conversion,
compression and audio editing software applications.
Also, web space bandwith and software to create the
feed for the podcast is needed. All in all, the initial
expense is relatively small.
Publishing Podcasts
In three simple steps, independent broadcasters can
have their voice heard:
1. Publishers create audio content, posting
it on a website for listeners.
2. Create or edit an existing RSS feed
including a link to the audio file in the "enclosure"
field of an RSS 2.0 feed, uploading it to a website.
3. Tell the world that a podcast is available.
Listen to Podcasts:
In three simple steps web surfers can listen to podcasts:
1. Download a news aggregator or RSS reader
that supports podcasting or sync a wireless device like
an iPod with your computer.
2. Enter the URL of the podcast feed into
the news aggregator or podcast management software.
3. As new items appear in the aggregator,
review the podcast's description and listen to those
that are of interest.
As popularity increases it is likely many
voices will be drowned out, but for now, an independent
broadcaster with a microphone and unlimited bandwith
can make a name, create an image and change the world.
Useful Tools for Podcasting:
Create podcast feed - http://www.feedforall.com
News aggregator supporting podcasts - http://www.feeddemon.com
or http://www.primetimepodcast.com
See also Podcasting Tools - http://www.small-business-software.net/podcasting-tools.htm
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
NotePage http://www.notepage.net
a wireless text messaging software company.
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This article may be used freely in opt-in
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box is included and the links are active. A courtesy
copy of the issue or a link to any online posting would
be greatly appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
.
Additional articles available for publication available
at http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
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