Q...What's a podcast?
A...A podcast is a self contained radio show. Unlike a mixset, it contains talking segments usually and has a set purpose over it's course of episodes. Podcasting takes advantage of XML/RSS technology to automatically download to people's computers/mp3 players via a subscription. Think of podcasting as being Tivo for the internet; it takes things you don't want to miss and brings them to you without you having to even think about it.
Q...Where can I find your playlist?
A...You can't. Podcasting is governed by a different ruleset from radio. Basically put, fees charged for broadcasting are based on revenue intake. If no revenue is taken in, then no fees are to be charged. That's why you'll never hear a commercial on a podcast (but may see something on the website.) Playlists aren't published because of the same issue, but also because in electronic music, many artists have access to songs not yet released. These labels may not want these songs exposed to the public, as they might still be in the working on the song phase.
Q...So how can I make my own podcast?
A...It's really easy. All you need is a microphone, some recording software, a server to upload to, and 3 hair plucked from the tail of Cerberus. Well, maybe you can do it without the hairs, but it's not as fun. All you do is record your show, master the show so it doesn't sound like you're talking into a bucket, and upload the mp3 file to your server. Then you'll need to create an RSS feed. There are many programs out there to use (such as
Feed For All) or you can create your own RSS feed (of which a great how to tutorial can be found
here.) Then all you need to do is promote, promote, promote!
Q...What can I do on my podcast?
A...Whatever you want! You can do music shows, talk shows, sports shows, whatever you feel like doing. There are also video podcasts, m4a enhanced podcasts, yadda yadda yadda.
Q...How do I get on iTunes?
A...By submitting it via the "submit a podcast" function.
Q...How long should my podcast be?
A...There are many different lengths. If you're doing a talk show, then 30 minutes to an hour is perfect. For music, 1 to 2 hours is great. At BTU, we used to do three hour podcasts, but that was honestly just way too long. Remember that people have to download your file to listen. Make the file too big, and it'll take forever to download. Sacrifice sound quality for length, and you'll come out sounding like AM radio. 96kbs is a great bitrate for podcasting because the sound quality is great, but the file isn't huge.
Q...Why should I podcast instead of doing streaming.
A...That answer is simple. Today's world is an on-demand society. We want things when we want them, and not a moment later. By podcasting, you allow people to listen to your show whenever you want. They don't have to make an appointment to sit down and listen. They can also listen anywhere and as many times as they want. The convenience of podcasting is it's biggest benefit. If you still do streaming radio, may I suggest either doing a podcast to supplement your show (maybe kindofa highlight show situation) or making your podcast archives of your old shows.
I'll post more up as they come to me.
