The Jason Salas Experience

I used to be hardcore into podcasting, but I've since fallen from grace. I was at one point listening, downloading, producing and uploading MP3s like a man possessed. Because for several months, I was. My OPML file for subscribed podcasts, which at one point supported more than 60 shows, has been whittled down to only about 15 that I deem really, really, really good. Label me fairweather, but I've come back down to earth a bit and refined my enthusiasm for what's valuable and what can be commodified.

For me, the honeymoon is over: I'm less blown away and not so easily impressed, and I'm starting to get real about podcasting. Let's get to work and analyze the given pros and cons that continue to drive the platform.

PROS

• I like that the barriers to entry have been completely torn down. Anyone can be a listener one day, and have their own show the next.
  
• I like the ubiquity of the MP3 format as the main mechanism for delivering content.
  
• I like the RSS-based distribution model, being time-shifted, asynchronous and portable.
  
• I like the fact that the content, by and large, is free.
  
• I like that the subscription model is openly opt-in and opt-out and user-controlled.
  
• I like that the format is at the moment unregulated, so we can say what we like.
  
• I like that there are freeware podcatcher clients and paid programs available.
  
• I like how BitTorrent introduced P2P-conscious, bandwidth-efficient file transfer.
  
• I like how seamlessly/quickly video podcasts came on the scene and the movement in the VOD and DVR markets. I predict video ultimately dominating audio as far as the majority platform for available podcasts.
• I like the community-based, self-sustaining promotional engines in directories like PodcastAlley, Podcast Pickle and iPodder.net. They've taken the marketing budget out of show exposure, which is a mammoth achievement on its own.
• I like how more mainstream radio shows are seeing the benefits of syndicating their programs as downloadable files. Ads can be retained, inserted, or cut out.
• I like the simplicity of the production process...just a voice and a mic. No producers, no callers, no time-limitations, not cut-off dates, no required contests or promos.
  

CONS

• Still, I don't like the fact that many of the people who setup podcasts aren't talented in the traditional radio sense of the word and don't put emphasis on production value. (Just a note: I'm not saying all podcasters aren't talented people, not at all. I've heard some show hosts that could absolutely blow away mainstream DJs. This is to be understood as people not having refined vocal skills and gracious, personable show host qualities and organizational abilities comparable to traditional mainstream radio staff. In this light, the majority of podcast hosts still need work on refining their mic savvy, not opting for shock value or droning through a show.) There's a well-deserved reason college radio, independent music, pirate stations and public access TV have such a bad rap, so let's all move towards better production. Because it's the assumed lack of professionalism that mainstream naysayers are banking on to bring about the platform's collapse.
  
• I also don't like how the platform is now well into its second year of existence and the podosphere is still chock-full of people telling everyone how great podcasting is and why we should all get involved. We're past that. Passionate evangelism is important, but for those of us who are already sitting in the theater, don't tell me what a treat it is for me to be in the playhouse...start the damn movie already.
  
• I don't like how there's no real formal published direction in which to be headed.
  
• I don't like that Microsoft still has yet to develop a presence in the podcasting space. This would be the third major milestone in the history of the platform, behind Adam Curry and Dave Winer creating the format and Apple's release of iTunes 4.9. A massive corporate marketing push from another major player with the moxie to introduce new RSS namespaces and tagset extenions, and allow for new features in Windows Media Player v.Next.
• I don't like how the print industry has yet to really endorse the platform to mainstream audiences through dedicated magazines. This is critical to give podcasting credibility to the unaware masses.
  
• I don't like the non-realtime aspect of show development, making true interactivity nearly impossible.
  

I guess it's a fair trade. There aren't exorbitant cost inputs going in to making a show so the ROI is minimal, so the platform is superior to the alternative - satellite radio - in terms of cost. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a huge advocate of podcasting. Like most platforms and media, it's an arrow I've now got tucked in my quill, to be employed properly and tastefully.