What is Podcasting?

In quick terms, a podcast is like an "on demand" radio show.

A radio show (like the CBC) may choose to put out the sound files for the show onto the internet. That's great, but it's not podcasting quite yet. But, using RSS, they can have their radio show sent automatically to people who subscribe it.

The Podcast is a Blog with Sound

But let's just explain this in terms of something you already know (or ought to know): the blog. Think of the podcast as a blog, except it uses sound files (MP3s, for instance) instead of words. In fact, you can use a plain old blogger blog to do a podcast. All you need to do is provide a link to a sound file on your blog and there is, you have a podcast.

Subscribe to a Podcast using RSS

If a podcast is a blog with sound, then you subscribe to a podcast the same way as you do with a blog: using bloglines or Google Reader.

The Podcast Advantage: MP3 players and Podcasting

There is a bonus way to subscribe to a podcast as well (which is not required as part of thing #12): through an MP3 downloading service such as iTunes. I find this way easier (you just search for the podcast in iTunes and hit "subscribe" and things are taken care of for you).

This creates a larger advantage. If you are "subscribed" to a podcast via an MP3 downloading service, then your MP3 will have the podcast pre-installed whenever you charge it. That means the podcast is right there for you to listen to when you turn on your MP3 player. I have had many great walks to work with my iPod because I discovered a fun new podcast waiting for me.

Conclusion

In the end, Thing #12, is just a review of RSS but it doesn't tell the whole podcasting story. The problem with demonstrating the true power of podcasting is that I'd have to ask you all to have MP3 players to do it properly.

That said, I hear that branches are getting MP3 players to test out overdrive. . . maybe you would want to try subscribing to a podcast as well?