An Introduction to the Podcast
The first podcast
was successfully created in February of 2004.
The term was then coined and the first podcast
became available to the public in April of
the same year. Since it’s introduction,
the podcast has been an effective tool for
sharing digital media, such as songs, videos,
and films. The introduction of RSS feeds have
also contributed to the success of the podcast.
If an internet user is impressed with a podcast
they listen to, they can subscribe to listen
to a future podcast uploaded by the same person.
In an effort to retain control over their
artistry, many musicians and actors have cooperated
with portable media companies to share and
distribute their art via podcast. Essentially,
downloading music and videos on the internet
is very user-friendly and takes the hassle
out of leaving your home to shop for entertainment.
Why would anyone leave the comfort of their
home when they could easily download a song
or video right from their PC? Perhaps the
question that was just posed is why many artists
all over the world have trepidations each
time a new form of technology, like the podcast,
is introduced. It makes piracy too convenient,
which has been an ongoing problem for several
years now, despite efforts to put an end to
piracy.
In an effort to please consumers and maintain
profits, many artists have opted to share
their talents via podcast. In this scenario
everyone wins. The internet savvy music listener
can download their podcast directly to their
computer or portable media player for a fee
and the artist gains a new marketing outlet
as well as a profit. While many musicians
and actors have embraced this ideology, there
are those who are strongly opposed to sharing
their work digitally.
In addition to music and film, a podcast is
an effective tool for spreading information.
Just like a blog, a podcast has the ability
to be watched or listened to be millions of
people around the world. Anyone with a microphone
and/or web cam can create a podcast and upload
it within moments. In other words, it really
isn’t that difficult. You don’t
have to be an internet guru to create a podcast
and share it with eager listeners. Sure it
may take a little time and patience to start
and create podcast, but in the long run it’s
a very rewarding experience.
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