Is there anyone that still doesn’t know what podcasting is?  I seriously doubt it. Some may know it by different names, but, they use, (or have used), the technology in some form or other quite often over the years. I’m sure this adds to the meaning of the burning question on everyones mind, “Is there anything new under the heavens?” (In my opinion, not really, just new and improved ways to ‘get it done’ and/or get it out.)
Recording devices of differing kinds have been around for a long time. (If you do just a little research, you will find that the first were related to audio recording and reproduction). At first they were bulky and non-portable. Over time, they became smaller and more portable and got easier and easier to use.Â
We’ve all heard of a thing called a VCR? (You know, the thing before TIVO.) In its time, it became one of the most popular time shifting devices ever and was eventually used by the masses to adapt their favorite program viewing to increasingly busy schedules. It was a wonderful device (as long as you could figure out how to set the clock) but, it did have its drawbacks. Over the years, manufacturers tried their darndest to make it as simple to use as they possibly could, but, it still had its shortcomings. I list some of them below:
- What does this flashing 12:00Â mean?
- Do I have enough tape for this program?
- Did I set it to the right record speed to record my programs for the week I will be away?
- Did I remember to set the timer to on?
- What if the power goes off?
- Did I rewind that old tape I’m using for the new recordings this week?
- What did I do with the tape I haven’t had time to watch yet . . . ?
(Since I used to be in the TV/VCR sales and service biz, I know there are many more but let’s move on.)Â
With the advent of the affordable cam-corder, people began to use their creative talents to capture the events of their lives (and others) and expanded the use to creating their own movies and/or generating laughter, interest (and some generated large profits) according to their ability to communicate with the media. Some used it for good; some did not.
It is my view that in reality, podcasting (whether audio or video) is another way of being able to listen to, or watch, what we are interested in at a time that is convenient for us. Many have been doing it for years under the old names and with the old technology, but now the technology is changing (drastically) and it is time to leave the old ways behind and enter into the future. As we enter in, we have very few limitations and a great many opportunities before us. We will still be able to time-shift our favorite stuff and we have new and exciting ways to express ourselves creatively as well. (This we will talk about later.)
See ya next time . . .
