So the latest buzz in the blogging world is “podcasting” - defined by Dave Winer here. For those who haven’t heard of it, it’s essentially three steps:
- Picking up a podcasting RSS feed
- These feeds contain enclosures - which are essentially links to external content, audio in this case - and the enclosures download the linked content to the client
- The downloaded content is then added to your music client/portable device automagically.
Broadcasting (one of the first out of the podcasting chute is Adam Curry, ex-MTV VJ) + iPod = podcasting. Pretty cool, in concept. I agree with some of the other commentary on the subject, but I have one basic problem with it: free time.
I can consume text or images a hell of a lot faster than I can audio (or video, longer term), and frankly when I’m in an airport or otherwise on the road, I’d rather be listening to music than commentary. I gotta be disconnected sometime, after all.
For me podcasting has its place - and will undoubtedly be something I play with more as the content availability gets better - but it hasn’t grabbed me to the degree that it has some others. Maybe I need a longer commute.
If anyone needs further info on how to try it, drop me a comment. I don’t have the energy for another HOWTO at the moment 
Enjoy your weekends.
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With the proliferation of MP3 blogs, podcasting may be a good way to pick up new, obscure music from trusted sources. In that way podcasting works like a mutant radio: the user can skip unliked tracks–while keeping the others.
And, finally, a question: does this magic work with other MP3 players?
Thanks.
quite right - with audio blogs as well. the power of audio is substantial, and will podcasting will undoubtedly further its reach. i’m still not going gaga over it - at least to the extent that some other folks are, but i recognize its role.
as for the other MP3 player question, if you’re on windows this link:
http://www.equin.co.uk/ipodder/index.htm
offers up a client that connects to Windows Media player, so the answer is presumably, but i don’t have another player so i haven’t tested it. if you give it a whirl, do me a favor and post back to let us know how it turns out.
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