I've been hearing of "Podcasting" for a while but didn't pay it much attention. I recently decided that I was going to see what this was all about. For those interested, here is what I have learned.
Podcasting is basically downloading pre-recorded audio content (usually in mp3 format) to listen at a later date when it is most convenient for you. Basically, you run Podcasting software on your computer and "subscribe" to the content you are interested in. On a schedule you chose, your computer will go check your subscriptions to see if that provider has posted any new audio files and download them at that time.
The Podcasting software will also go one step further. After it downloadeds the new content, it can then copy it to your mp3 player. That is where the name came from. The Apple Ipod is the most popular mp3 player so this whole process became known as "Pod"casting.
I didn't have interest in this because I thought that this was an "Ipod only" thing. Having an Ipod or any portable mp3 player is not necessary, you can simply listen to the files from your desktop/laptop just as well. I think it's unfortunate that this has been labeled after the Ipod when it is not necessary to own an Ipod to use the service.
Podcasting is becoming quite popular by commuters. They get their content over night and then listen to it on the portable mp3 players on their way to work. You could also copy those files to a CDRW and take that CD with you to work if your mean 'o IT dudes won't let you stream FFR.
It's pretty easy to get started. First you need Podcast software. I am using the free "Ipodder" program: http://ipodder.sourceforge.net/index.php
Once you have the program, you need to subscribe to the content you are interested in. There are a lot of good quality Podcasts available and 10 times as much junk to work your way though. A little searching should produce almost any subject you are interestred in. One good site to find Podcasts is: http://podcastalley.com The Ipodder program also has a huge list within itself.
Now, I in no way would advocate listening to Podcasts when you can listen to FFR, but it may be fun to fill in the time that FFR is not available with content you are specifically interested in. Maybe we should start Podcasting the "Once Upon A Time" thread and share the ongoing saga with the rest of the world.
Let me know if you have any questions, I'll see if I can make up an answer for you.
I think it's going to be interesting to watch the next few years and see how internet technology will change how we get and watch our entertainment. What do you think?
__________________
"It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others."
Usually Podcasting is not music but more "talk" programming. Subjects like politics, religion, comedy, news, etc. You are more likely to find Podcasts about new music/movie reviews/news than the actual music itself.
__________________
"It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others."
JD had brought this up to me earlier in the year and we were considering the possibility of offering Podcasts of his shows. You could download them as mp3 files into any mp3 player you have.
The problem is that the artists don't get paid for the music contained, so podcasting our shows would technically not be legal.
Like you said though, talk radio or original content is fine.
Yeah, I was thinking more after I answered Mz's question and thought there probably is no music podcasting other than what is used under license in the "production". After I think about it, podcasting music would be no different than music file sharing. It's a great medium for talk shows though.
__________________
"It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others."
I suspect that we will gradually obtain more and more of our entertainment by specific subscription . . . both audio and video. I think as everyone is getting sick of constant advertising, we will move towards a "pay to play" entertainment system.
There is also a very good chance that I'm completely wrong too.
__________________
"It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others."
As much as I like Mythbusters and especially Adam, the quote "I reject your reality and substitue my own" is not his. It was first used in a really lousy/wonderful fantasy/sci fi movie called "Dungeonmaster" (1985) You should check it out. It is used in the segue just prior to the WASP segment, about a 1/2 hour in. It stars Richard Moll, with hair as Mystema.
Thanks Mz . . . that is cropped from a photo I took of one drawer out of a china hutch I built for my wife. Actually I built two of them. My dad had me build one for my mom for their 35th anniversary. He paid for materials for both hutches and I built them. I need to see if I can find a pic of the entire hutch.
__________________
"It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others."
I like it too, DT! Did everybody get the reference? Hey! There is your first podcast! I have a cabinet project coming up and I need to know how to make that joint.
