So one uninformed post begets another uninformed post. I guess the IFRA model is to simply regurgitate that of others even if the information is grossly inaccurate. Here is our response to Alex Iskold's post.

http://blog.podcastpeople.com/posts/6837

Doug I have to disagree with you. To argue that it is inaccurate to connect podcasting with audio is ridiculous because that's how the market sees it, whether its true or not.

Vincent,

I'd have to disagree. The market does not see podcasts as audio only. This is apparent simply by looking at the video podcasts in iTunes or the indiepodder.org directory. Users who continue to think podcasts are audio only are behind the times and the number of such users is thinning quickly. I do believe that as a community, podcasters should make an effort to educate their audiences that podcasting is a delivery mechanism for any media type. Also, I applaud companies like Apple for using the podcasts moniker for both audio and video and staying away from further confusing users with words like vlogs, vodcasts, video feeds, or the like.

I'd love to here more of your thoughts.

Matthew Bischoff

When I meet people and tell them I have a podcast, many still say "what's a podcast?" I think it's WAY early in the game to think podcasting is over. And why is this?
(1) The name makes many people assume it's an ipod only, not just audio files on the internet. So we have a job ahead of us educating others.

(2) As much as it shocks the heck out of those of us that are internet natives, not everyone has high speed or broadband to their homes. They don't see it as the same as coughing up money to the cable company, and are still happy with (dare I say it) dial up service. And while you can read blogs like this one just fine with dial up, it is an absolute barrier to audio and vido on demand on the internet.

(3)With the installation of community based wifi (only available in very few cities) and even this can be another financial cost for monthly access, we have to look at the technical divide we are creating between those who see constant internet access as vital to their jobs, and those who don't use it at all, or not as intensely-yet.
We need to remember, before condemning podcasting as a failed experiment that it may be a bit ahead of the curve. Let's remember many people dont feel laptops and blackberrys are mere extensions of their arm.
We all thought web TV was a failed experiment a few yearsback, and now Aplle has introduced Apple TV- so the merger between computer and TV is just getting closer to the marketplace.
But let's face it. Until high speed internet connections are available in every home nationwide, even in "farm country", when it's affordable and computers capable of processing video quickly are also in every home, we are talking about a fraction of the potential audience that can even access what's out there at this point in time.

You can go buy a tv, plug it in to any outlet, and get reception and at least a few channels of content anywhere in the US. To access the internet, you need at least a phone line and a susbscription service. To get high speed connections, if they are available in your area, that's even more expensive. there's a higher financial barrier to cross to even access content still, so i think you need to take these factors into consideration before writing off podcasting at this point in time.

Agree 100% Podcast is nearly impossible to monetize in any sane fashion. the high end folks scoff at CPM models. They want (cannot blame them) guaranteed revenue.

No money means lousy content. Some cute stuff but no quality. With google announcing free Podcast hosting, the industry may perk up. However, all the current players will be in the dead pool in a day!