Podcasting
(partly from Wikipedia)

“Podcasting” is the distribution of audio or video files, such as radio programs or music videos, over the internet (via RSS or Atom syndication). This sounds complicated and it is, to me, because I have to worry about getting the code right. You, on the other hand, don’t ever need to look at a confusing thing EVER because you can download free software that’ll do it for you [like iTunes]. You can listen/watch/listenandwatch on mobile devices (like ipods) and personal computers (like my ibook G4). Podcasters’ websites also may offer direct download of their files, but the subscription feed of automatically delivered new content is what distinguishes a podcast from a the old timey internet download-each-episode-manually radio show. Real-time streaming isn’t technically podcasting either (see below).

Podcasting’s living essence is about creating content for an audience that wants to listen when they want, where they want, and how they want. You feel me?

Podcasters
What one is called when one podcasts.

How to Listen
To fully enjoy what podcasting is all about, you will need to download special software through which you can subscribe to Soccergirl, Incorporated (and other shows… if you must) This software reads the RSS feed and recognizes when a new item or “show” is added to that feed. It then downloads the show to your computer or ipod (you configure it however you want) and you can enjoy the content at your ever-loving leisure.

p.s. RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication”. If you’re interested in learning more about the nitty gritty of it (and it’s a pain in the ass to figure out) there are some great tutorials here. There are lots of other tutorials all over the internet (for iTunes specific feed issues, for incorporating video and images, etc.) and I suggest Google for those.

p.p.s. You know, if you’re starting a podcast and would like to learn how to handle RSS, I’m all for it. It’s certainly true that my RSS skills have come in handy lots of times. On the other hand, there are things like Wordpress (that’s what this blog is… seriously… yes, this one you’re looking at right now) that generate the feed for you. I’m using that now (obviously) and my life is better because of it. Still, if you’re serious about podcasting, it’s important to have at least a tertiary grasp of the system in case you run into problems. Hence, this mini summary with convenient links to more comprehensive resources.

Blau!

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