It is amazing to experience technology changes as they are occuring. Over the past six months, podcasting has started to take off. According to Pew Research, there are over six million podcast listeners on the Net. And there are a bunch of folks that are jazzed about the kinds of social and commercial changes that this medium will spawn.
And these millions of listeners are using lots of different pieces of software. On the Windows platforms, you have iPodder and Doppler as the principal podcatching clients. On the Mac, there are plenty of other tools including iPodderX. And these tools are very good.
But Adam Curry wasn’t happy with just good podcatching software. So he and his development team have been working on podcasting production software. On yesterday’s Daily Source Code, Adam demoed his new production software which he is dubbing “CastBlaster.” From the sounds (and sights) of the software, it looks really good. I am getting excited to try the software – whenever the beta is released.
Of course, I have no idea whether the “studio” software will be proprietary or open source. I would guess that it would be open source. After all, I am sure that he will be using existing open source software as a basis. But I do think that Adam wants to monetize this – but through the “services” angle. In December, he registered the domains for the PodShow. And recent DSC podcasts have hinted at the launch. There is a functioning web site (with little to no content) and lots of hints. I don’t know where this is going, but I suspect that Adam wants to start a “network” of podcasters. On that network, he can charge “rent” (storage space) and collect his “cut” of advertising revenue. In a way, he is building an “MTV” network all over again. But this time, the talent will be far more decentralized – and geeky.
Rick Turoczy talked about this on his “hypocritical” blog. At the same time, Christopher Carti talked about this on his Social Customer Manifesto blog. Both seem to predict big things for the venture. If buzz could kill, this would be homicidal!
-CyclingRoo-
Roo,
Thank you for mentioning the hypocritical blog. It’s greatly appreciated.
Okay, okay, maybe I’m a bit caught in the hype, but I think podcasting is here to stay. Unfortunately, I have a face for radio and a voice for newspapers. I’ll stick to writing.
Keep up the good work,
Rick
Back at ya, Rick. I only post links worth reading – and yours is one of ’em.
-CyclingRoo-