Podcasting

A study shows that Apple's iTunes might help podcasting reach a critical mass by 2010.

While I must admit that podcasting is revolutionary, that it is taking content and music into the hands of listeners, I feel apprehensive about the commercialization of podcasting. But then again, podcasters do need to pay the bills and keep their shows going. I'd be lying if I say that I won't accept advertisers if I do ever come out with a podcast. It will give me a chance to earn money to improve and keep my podcasting going. Leo

Ipod Garage talks about Audible.com's new system that allows podcasters to track how many times their podcasts have been downloaded and forwarded, where it was downloaded from, and how far into a podcasts a listener has gone into before stopping. Though it is primarily aimed at podcasters, this system is probably more beneficial to some else: the advertisers.

The commercialization of podcasting have divided the podcasting community. Some welcome advertisers with open arms, as this will, as I have said, allow podcasters to earn will indulging in their passion. But some say that by getting advertisers on a podcast, you will feel obliged or indebted to them. A podcaster said that those who accepts advertisers will one day make the same mistake as traditional radio has, that is, they will push away their audience because they will get tired of items or services pushed into their ears.