While podcasting is understood by many to be a combination of the words iPod and streaming, this definition is very misleading. Because you can listen to a podcast on any device that has speakers and can play an MP3 file, the current definition of podcasting needs to be expanded.
Here are 3 ways to explain what a podcast is that won’t confuse someone into thinking they need to run out and buy an iPod.
- On-Demand Personal Cast. This term was developed by Jon Watson on his blog bizpodcast.com. He says that Personal On Demand Cast really highlights the power of podcasts. You can listen to what you want when you want.
- presentations on demand. I developed this term because many podcasts I’ve listened to are simply people who have something to say and are looking for an audience to say it to. Many of these podcasts are based on a talk radio format and therefore I call them presentations.
- On-Demand Publishing Cast. Lee Gibbons, the CEO of Podango.com developed this explanation for podcast. He explains that because people can quickly deliver content to users, a podcast is simply published based on that demand.
Whether you choose one of the terms above or develop your own, the time has come for podcast enthusiasts and experts to start explaining which podcasts have no connection to iPod. This will help shed a more precise light on what podcasts are so that people can better understand them.
(c) 2006 Leesa Barnes. All rights reserved throughout the world.