Popcast aggregates podcasts and publishes top ten lists of whats making podcast waves. Note the difference between iTunes, big, major and commercial world; and Odeo, (the alumni of Blogger regroup) community, DYI, no money podcasts.

Paul Lehrman's "Insider Audio"  column in the November '05 issue of Mix  magazine has some keen insights into iPods and podcasting technology.  In particular he asks why more people aren't creating podcasts using binaural mic'ing, which gives the listener a much more realistic, "being there," experience.  It's a natural technology for this medium, given that most people listen to podcasts with earbuds/headphones; just about the only way to guarantee that a listener gets the binaural affect.  Check it out at Mix online.

By the way, there are many low- and high-priced binaural mics available.  (Do a Web search on "binaural microphones" and
revel in the results.)  Personally, I use the Soundman OKM series. They fit right in the ears (like earbuds); perfect for recording inconspicuously and priced at around US$ 100.00.

820,000 people listened to a podcast in 2004 according to Bridge Ratings. 4.5 to 5 million will in 2005. That's almost a 500% growth rate. By 2010, 63 million listeners are projected. 

The average podcast user downloads  6 podcasts a month and spend 4 hours a month listening.

Bridge also reports 1) more and accelerating interest in all forms of digital media 2) good websites that stream media and podcasts drive radio station listener loyalty. The pattern is clear. Online is providing a key to unlocking new consumer behavior. No more one size fits all. Consumers can organize different forms of media, different ways of listening and different methods of responding to suits them. That's important to know and understand.

Some of us simply are more aurally than visually oriented. Whether we're on vacation or just going about our day, a few of us tend to use an audio recorder instead of a still or video camera to capture moments that catch our ear. The sounds might pour out of ...   more »