Before I gripe, here is my big idea!
* We need a PodCast Player I don't know how it would work, but someone needs develop a program that will play "enhanced" podcasts on the desktop. These podcasts would ship with an XML file. The PodCast Player Encoder allows the producer to embed tags in the MP3 file that fire off a call to the PodCast Player's in-program text window, looking like some sort of WinAmo Playlist. Then when a topic comes up in the podcast that the producer wants to point out, the embedded tag calls the XML file, which puts the conten-specific text (links, band info, additional commentary, etc) inside the in-program window.
Just imagine, listening to a podcast, a link is mentioned the BAM, you have the link right in front of you.
Another benefit would be some sort of method to comment on the show, to be sent back to the producer's web page. Maybe it would show up as a comment on the post, or maybe it is just an email to the producer. Maybe there is also some sort of chat option to connect with others listening to the same podcast.
There, that's my big idea. Who knows, it may already be in the works somewhere. What do you think?
OK. Now on to the other stuff. Even after my Mega-Post on Podcasting and Podcasts, I still have a few complaints!
* Too Many Podcasts Who has enough time to listen to them all? There are just too many fun podcasts out there, and too little time. I need to work at work, so I can't listen to someone rambling on about this or that and really "get" what they are saying. I do much better in the car where I can really listen to the podcaster. The bad thing is, that is only 40 minutes out of my day, total. That doesn't leave much time to enjoy a full-blown podcast. I am sure eventually folks will get bored of doing them or bored or listening to some of them, and the bad ones will dop away leaving only good choices.
* Most Podcasts are too long Same as above, but seriously, I think 15 minutes is about right. These that run and hour or more, man! Not that they aren't good, but I can't handle it. Keep it short, or provide a 5 minute sample of the show so visitors can sample it before downloading the entire thing.
* Most Podcasts have a file size that is too large I realize that most of the world wines and dines on DSL or Cable Modems, but some of us don't. If the MP3s are that bulky, can't we find a file format that is smaller? 25-50 MB is a lot to ask. OGG is much smaller, but sadly, not supported by iPods. Maybe we could come up with some low-fi option for slow bandwith connections.
* Podcasts seem restricted by iPods Are we going to say only formats supported by iPods qualify as a podcast? Or shall we grow this concept beyond its origins?
* Many Podcasts do not provide links mentioned in the shows Come on, if you mention a web page or a program or a song, at least post a link on your site!
* Podcasts are addictive The bad thing is, you find a show you love and they only produce one podcast a week. More! I want one every day!!!
Still, when it is all said and done, podcasts are a lot of fun. I can't wait to see how it all evolves.
I just hope I have enough time in the day to enjoy what it becomes!
as far as " Podcasts seem restricted by iPods..."
I don't understand.
Aren't all podcasts MP3 files?
Can't everybody read MP3? I hope so 'cause, no other format is going to happen.