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.
