Can you explain Podcasting ?

[reminder]

I would be grateful if someone could explain 'Podcasting' to me.

If I was uploading audio files onto my website and visitors were coming to download those files, how would I use podcasting?

Is there any special technology / software I would need for podcasting ?

thanks for the info

[GepperRankins]

it's just moron speak for "radio show on an mp3"

[tesco]

it's just moron speak for "radio show on an mp3"

Really.
I never understood it either.

edit: wiki says a podcast is a radio mp3 file automatically downloaded by software through RSS (like, to get the latest one every time a knew is released).

[Vargas]

Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. Podcasts are distributed using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats.

The term podcast, like "radio", can mean both the content and the method of delivery. The host or author of a podcast is often referred to as a "podcaster".

Podcasters' web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their files. However, a podcast is distinguished by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading RSS or Atom feeds.

Usually the podcast features one type of "show", with new episodes either sporadically or at planned intervals, such as daily or weekly. In addition to this, there are podcast networks that feature multiple shows on the same feed. One can listen to a podcast either on a computer or on a mobile audio device (such as an iPod).

Podcasting's essence is about creating content (audio or video) for an audience that wants to listen or watch when they want, where they want, and how they want
http://www.podcastalley.com/
http://hype.non-standard.net/
are good sites to check out some podcasts

[Spider_dude]

podcasting is the name of a tv show on mtv, airing 9.30pm till 10.30pm EST, it follows the band POD (payable on death) as they "cast" new groupies for their next video, cleverly titled "on the casting couch". It is shown after that program about jessica simpson (would get it) and her husband (homo).

[Vargas]

If I was uploading audio files onto my website and visitors were coming to download those files, how would I use podcasting?

this site has a podcast
http://www.dubsession.com/podcastbroadcast.htm
But you could also use webjay.org, so users could stream or download your files:
http://webjay.org/playthispage?url=h...tbroadcast.htm

or use a flash player to play them as a playlist
http://snode.port5.com/dub.html