A Guide to Podcasting

Q: What is PodCasting?

A: Podcasting is being able to listen to audio content from Websites that can be downloaded on your Ipod or any other audio player that supports MP3. Podcasting also is a shortened derivative of the words Ipod and broadcasting.

Q: What types of formats does podcasting use?

A: Podcasting uses an XML (Extensive Markup Language)-based technology in the form of RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed. Using enclosures is the key to making podcasting work with RSS feeds. This is a feature supported by RSS2.0.

Q: What exactly is Extensive Markup Language?

A: XML's primary purpose is to share structured text and information on the internet. You can learn more about XML at Wikipedia

Q: What is RSS feed?

A: RSS feeds subscribers the latest updates that have occurred on the Website.

Q: What should my RSS feed include?

A: Your RSS feed is the published content of your Podcast. The RSS file should include the title, descriptions, and links to the MP3 files.

Q: Where can I publish the content of my RSS Feed?

A: Here are two sites that allow you to publish your content:

1. Newsgator works inside Outlook Express
2. Bloglines is a very popular Web-based RSS Feed

For more information go to CommonCraft.com.

Q: How can podcasting help me in my business and marketing?

A: Using podcasting allows you to publish radio shows that interested people can subscribe to. By recording a show and adding it to your site, your visitors can download it from your site instead of going to specific sites looking for your show. This will also allow increased interaction of your visitors while they visit your site.

Q: Where can I tape a radio show?

A: The following sites tell you how to tape your own show:

Live365: gives you the tools to start your own radio station to share your talents globally.

Shoutcast: is a freeware streaming audio content site that allows you to internet radio server.

Q: Is there any other type of audio software that I will need to have in order to use the sites mentioned above?