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All the history you need to know… and nothing else
The history of podcasting is well chronicled. But you’re not reading this book to get a history lesson. You’re reading this book to develop a new hobby or business or enhance an existing one. So we’ve condensed the information here so you can get up to speed in about thirty seconds.
The idea of sending files of sound over the Internet is not new. It was just a matter of taking existing elements, like MP3 and RSS, and reworking them to allow technological visionaries to create a new form of communication.
>>>TECHNICAL TERM: RSS
Personal web journals called web logs, or “blogs” have been around for a while so people could voice opinions and provide information to others. People use these blogs as a personal platform so it was only natural to add files of sound to their textual offering.
>>>TECHNICAL TERM: BLOG
RSS was a file format for sending sound but was not extensively used. It was developed into RSS-with-enclosures, allowing someone to attach MP3 files.
When attached to an RSS file, these sound files could be sent automatically to subscribers, people who were interested in hearing what the person had to say, and downloaded to be heard at their convenience.
The term “podcasting” was coined in 2004 and in just a few months it went from being an unknown concept and an uninvented word to a Google-search result in the millions! Podcasts are springing up nearly every day, like weeds. But good weeds!
Now everyone is jumping on board the podcasting bandwagon from politicians, pundits, professionals, producers, and even pornographers. Anyone with something to say or a product or service to sell or an opinion to share can podcast… and many already are!
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