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 Episode 9 [26:43m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In past shows, we have discussed wikis, blogging and podcasting. This time we tackle the buzz-laden topic of “WEB 2.0.” It seems that just about everyone has at least heard the term, but it’s difficult to find anyone who can really tell you conclusively what WEB 2.0 really is. We hope to shed some light with today’s discussion.

Brigid Barnacle from Trenton New Jersey writes in:
I keep hearing the term “Web 2.0” thrown around, but I can’t seem to figure out what it is. Is it a language? Is it a piece of software? If it’s so popular, why can’t anyone explain exactly what it is?

Alan had a little too much fun calling local businesses in town to see if he could get any answers about WEB 2.0. We play some of the phone calls throughout this segment. Does this mean Promethius endorses “prank” calling? Look out Jerky Boys!

First of all, WEB 2.0 is partly a buzzword, just like “.NET” or “Ajax.”

But main elements surrounding the buzzword involve “open data,” (see flickr), “participation,” (see digg).

Other concepts mentioned: WEB 1.0, Collective Intelligence, e-Commerce rating systems

Sites Mentioned: flickr, digg, wikipedia, youtube, netvibes, yousendit, del.icio.us, newsvine

Applications Mentioned: Basecamp, Pretty CMS 2.0

{update - 9/21/2006} -  Ken Yarmosh has a recap of the “New New Internet Conference,” and it just makes me laugh, because the term “Web 2.0″ is strewn all about, but it still doesn’t really tell us anything specific.  Web 2.0 has to be one of the most majorly over-used buzzwords of the decade!

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 Episode 8 [24:02m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This episode is wrapped around an experiment, or maybe “demonstration” is a better way to put it. The term “timeshifting” is often used to describe the benefit to the podcast listener of being able to listen to content whenever and wherever suits them.

We demonstrate that timeshifting also benefits the podcast creator. Alan and I recorded our audio for segment one separately from one another, at a time and place of our own choosing. The pieces were then edited together to make the episode you hear today, called “Very Good Things.”

I start out by revealing my very favorite marketing blog of all time - Duct Tape Marketing by John Jantsch. He never seems at a loss for new ideas and insights. His blog is like a marketer’s toy store just brimming with wonders from all ends of cyberspace.

John’s new book is due out later this year. I can’t wait!!

Other great posts from the Duct Tape Marketing Blog:

• What does your email address say about your business?
• How to beat the Wal-Marts.
• Sending and receiving very large files.

Alan shared his love for his Lomo LCA camera. They really do take amazing photos. Check out the Lomographic Society website.
Some of Alan’s Lomo collection is online.
Tony also shared a cool little site he found: expresspdf.com. You can submit any Word, Excel or web file to the site, and it emails you a perfect pdf copy within seconds. Kind of nice if you’re working on a computer that’s not your own.

Finally we wrap up our discussion in the studio “live” on tape to discuss our timeshifting experiment. If you are considering implementing a podcast for your organization, you can generate a whole lot of good content by sharing the burden among several staff members. If you set them up to record when and where it is most convenient for them, staff will happily participate.

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 Episode 7 [22:13m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

We’re excited to have Alan Houser with us in the studio today. Alan is our Creative Director who is not only a talented Web Designer, but he’s also a podcast pioneer.

Alan and Tony wax poetic on all things podcasting. Tony’s excited about flying to Cancun on his honeymoon the next day!

To kick things off, Alan defines podcasting: “Like radio for the internet… but more than that” … “It’s about syndication… subscribing to a podcast through iTunes or other news readers.”

clipped from wikipedia.com
Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet using either the RSS or Atom syndication formats, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The term podcast, like ‘radio’, can mean both the content and the method of delivery. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster. Though podcasters’ web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their files; a podcast however is distinguished by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading RSS or Atom feeds.

Usually a podcast features one type of ’show’, with new episodes released either sporadically or at planned intervals such as daily or weekly. In addition, there are podcast networks that feature multiple shows on the same feed.

The guys agree that one of the strengths of podcasting is the portability. A listener decides when they want to listen, where they want to listen and on what device they use. This is the core principle of “Web 2.0″. Tony mentions the term Timeshifting. {again with the Wikipedia…}

clipped from wikipedia.com
Time shifting is the recording of television shows to some storage medium to be viewed at a time more convenient to the consumer.

The guys talk about shows they subscribe to: TWiT.TV, Cranky Geeks, KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic and Duct Tape Marketing, to name a few.

Tony makes the great point that podcasts in his playlist are all considered continuing education. You can find just about anything to broaden your horizons.
NOTE: Search on Yahoo’s Podcast site for what interests you, and you will find someone talking about it: podcasts.yahoo.com

Alan shares his podcast history: The Mobile Podcast A-Go-Go, where he talked about web design from the seat of his car. CreativeXpert, an interview show that Alan hosts to talk with other designers. The Bionic Genius Roundtable, an entertainment/comedy show where three self-proclaimed genii talk about what they’re having for lunch and interview fringe stars.

The guys then discussed how when home recording technology for musicians became more affordable, this is the same technology that podcasters and businesses have adopted.

Tony suggests that posting a podcast {or even a blog} is like fishing… the reach is far & wide.

Towards the end of the show, the discussion turns to non-conventional uses of podcasting, including recording a show on the commute, director’s commentary for a TV show, exercise, live broadcasting and even in-house audio training for new employees.

Join us next time on The Promethean for our discussion of Web 2.0 technologies!