Podonomics

Title doesn’t make a whole lot of sense as I didn’t want to put everything there when I’m going to explain what I need below. Follow along.

As I’m writing the chapter on measuring your podcast, I’m trying to explain feed requests. Now, feed requests are any request made to your feed from anything. Anything is quite broad, so let me narrow it down. Anything could be:

1. A person who added your feed to their feed reader. That’s a feed request.
2. A person who opens your feed in their feed reader. That’s a feed request.
3. A person who plugs in your feed into their browser. That’s a feed request.
4. A podcatcher updating its directory with new details from your feed. That’s a feed request.
5. Any errors or failed attempts (sort of like a 404 error when a webpage can’t be found). That’s a feed request.
6. Any others?

Now, when a feed request is made, is a download registered in my stats because the audio file is enclosed in the feed? Or, would that more accurately be considered a download request?

My thinking is yes, if an audio or video file is enclosed in your RSS feed, then if there’s a request made for your feed, it’s also considered a download request, but not an actual download. If that’s the case, how does this then skew your podcast statistics?

Let me know if I’m on the right track. The most intelligent response will make it into my book with full attribution.

Tags: feeds, RSS, podcasting, technology,

I picked up an issue of Time magazine while waiting at the doctor’s office this morning. It was the first time in months that I read one - a magazine that is - so I was curious to see what was going on in the pages.

Sadly, I was in the doctor’s office long enough to read the entire issue. I said sadly because it meant I missed out on 2-hours of writing. In any case, I came across an article looking at the number of Blacks in baseball. There was an audio series created by someone who looked at some of the Black baseball greats from the past.

I was intrigued that the article called the product - the audio series that is - Oral History. This brought up an interesting thought which is yet another reason why I love podcasting so much.

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I searched my archives and found a bunch of transcripts, audio files and Camtasia presentations that I’m bundling together. Whether you’re new to podcasting or have been doing it for a while (podcasting that is), you’ll find little gems in this bundle of podcasting joy. I’ll post the details on Thursday April 26 Monday April 30th Wednesday May 2nd after 12:01am EST.

Wow, if someone had told me that writing a book would be hard work, I think…I still would’ve written the book.

My deadline was extended to April 30th at my request, but I also promised my publisher that it would be my one and only extension. With 50,000 words still to write, I’m furiously trying to write the copy by the deadline. I know I’ll get it done as I typically shine under pressure.

I’m currently finishing up the chapter called Advertising & Sponsorship. It’s turning out to be a mammoth chapter. Without any screenshots, it’s nearing 15 pages and could top 20 by the time I finish tonight. I’m happy about this since most of the other chapters are 7 pages or less.

What makes this chapter interesting are the various advertising and sponsorship models that exist. And not all advertising and sponsorship models are the same. But one thing that stands out is Podshow, but not for the reason you think.

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The preceding post changed from when I originally posted it early Saturday morning. I could’ve deleted it, but chose instead to edit it. I very rarely edit or touch my posts after I’ve published it, but chose to edit that one after hearing a sermon on TV this morning.

Warning - Religious context to follow. If religion scares you, don’t read the rest.

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A few weeks ago, I commented about the continuous, tired debate of how to get women speaking at technology conference. I know a big part of the reason is because women lack the ability to self-promote. Alot of men have this difficulty, but alot more women suffer from this. I used to coach women on how to raise their self-esteem, so I got a ton of data to throw at you for anyone who wants to contest me on this issue.

I have no problems promoting myself or my work. None. I enjoy the marketing and business development portion of my business, preferring to leave the implementation and support to my very capable Production Manager.

Okay, so what happens when you do everything to let someone know you’re interested and you’re still passed over? But not just passed over, but given the lamest excuse ever as to why they passed women over?

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After close to a year, I now have tons of content for The Adventures of Papa Zeek podcast. In Episode 3, I chatted with my mom whom I call Lady J. We went to a Jamaican restaurant the other day and she was recounting the experience to my sister who didn’t join us. It has everything to do with a well dressed woman and highway robbery.

I’m already prepping Episode 4 which will be my dad describing what happened when he tried to lay tiles on his floor. He’s such a storyteller and makes every adventure seems so dramatic.

Now, my mom’s Jamaican accent isn’t as strong as my dad’s, so you may actually understand what she’s saying if you failed Jamaican Patois 101. Typically, I offer no translation and this episode is really no different. So, listen at your own risk, plus I offer a Jamaican Word of the Episode. Try to add it to your everyday vocabulary.

Go and take a listen.

While I work on writing 60% of the 125,000 words for my book in just 10-days, I wanted to remind you that the International Podcasting Expo starts today, April 20th and finishes on April 21st. This is a virtual event. All you need is your computer, Internet access and speakers to listen to all the sessions.

Here’s a lineup of a few topics that will be of interest:

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While working out on the elliptical machine, I turned the TV at the gym on CNN to get an update on the Virginia Tech shooting.

After all the speeches, there was a moment of silence and at that point, a young man was being comforted in the front row by the President, his wife and a few others. Moments later, the young man, along with a woman, scurried out of the auditorium with a few people accompanying them. The anchor then said:

“Obviously, this is very emotional.”

Really? Sometimes I wonder if journalists have a brain in their head as they utter cliche after cliche, words that have become redundant, meaningless, irrelevant.

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At Podcamp NYC, I met 2 guys who call themselves webcasters. What was interesting about them is that they were streaming all their video live over the Internet and had people asking questions live as well. It was just so cool as it felt like a call-in show.

They posted all the videos online. Take a quick peek at all the interesting people that attended Podcamp NY. You’ll see yours truly as well.

Tags: podcampnyc