Podcasting is the latest craze on the Internet and it continues to expand daily. Former MTV host Adam Curry and software developer Dave Winer are credited with developing podcasts. Curry wrote a program called iPodder that allowed him to automatically download Internet radio broadcasts to his iPod, and Winer was instrumental in promoting RSS. (Really Simple Syndication).
What is RSS? RSS allows people to subscribe to your favorite blog or podcast and the information can be automatically downloaded to your computer. Subsequently, Curry and Winer devised a way to send audio files through RSS feeds.
The term Podcasting comes from “iPod” and “Broadcasting”. However, you don’t need an iPod to record or listen to a podcast. Anyone with a computer or mp3 player can listen to a podcast.
From radio talk show hosts Al Franken to Rush Limbaugh, traditional radio is embracing podcasts. Additionally, talk show host Sean Hannity and NPR (National Public Radio) are offering their shows in podcast form.
Television is also welcoming podcasts. ABC News, CBS “60 Minutes”, TV Guide and Ebert/Roeper Movie Reviews are available via podcasts.
What is podcasting? Podcasting is an audio file that you create on your computer and then upload to the Internet so other people can listen to it. All you need is a computer, a microphone, and voice editing software.
Anyone can podcast. It is perfect for women, men, students, work-at-home moms, and seniors. If you have something to say, podcasting is a great way to achieve this goal.
Do you have a favorite hobby that you would like to share with others? Are you a business owner and would you like to increase customers? Have you ever dreamed of being your own talk show host or disc jockey? With podcasting, all of the above things are possible.
You could have your own podcast up and running today.
What do you need?
1. A microphone
You will need a microphone for your computer so you can record your show. You can buy a decent microphone at any computer store or at Radio Shack. (http://www.radioshack.com).
2. A voice editing program
Voice editing programs allow you to record and edit your program. There are two free programs on the Internet that you can use.
(a) Wavepad: (http://www.nch.com.au/wavepad)
(b) Audacity: (http://audacity.sourceforge.net)
3. Upload Show to website or hosting company
After you record your show, you’ll need to upload it to the Internet. You can put it on your website or you can use one of the many hosting companies. Podblaze.com (http://www.podblaze.com) is a company where you can host your podcast.
As you can see, podcasting is very easy to get started. We are at the beginning of this roller coaster ride that will reach astronomical proportions as time goes on.
The only way to decide if podcasting is for you is to get started. Take the first step and you will see how you like it.