Podcast 101

The name of podcast came from the infamous ipod. Podcast is basically a new form of radio. Podcasters produce their shows as mp3 files at home using simply a computer and a microphone, while podcast listeners download those files to their PCs, laptops, ipod or mp3 players to listen. Because of the easiness and flexibility of production, podcast make it possible for everyone to become a DJ, a talk show host, a journalist or a reporter. Podcasting has brought such a great variety of entertainment and information to Internet users. In aggregatio, podcasts have reached far more audience than even the famous BBC radio shows. On the other side of the coin, podcast listeners have the full control of what they want to listen to and when to listen. Because all these podcasts are produced by ordinary people just like you and me, podcast listeners feel more connected to the hosts. Feedback and interaction between the host and the listeners are importatnt to podcasting. As listeners, you can help shape your favorite shows better and better.

Another great feature of podcasting is, you can subscribe your favorite shows through a program called ipodder and it regularly check for updates and download the newest shows for you. For podcasters, you just have to send your feeds in RSS format through some specific softwares, and your show will be "on net" and can be heard from all around the world!

and btw, whether producing or listening, it's all FREE and FUN!