Free Website Content - 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
publications and websites, provided that the resource 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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