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NOTE:  The Flash-based “Pickle Player” displayed on the web page plays this episode incorrectly (chipmunked).  I suggest that you download the file using the “Download link.”  I created this episode before I had learned about using the proper encoding rates, bit rates, etc.
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A HUGE show this week, weighing in at 35 minutes. Holy moly, its almost too much rich creamy goodness packed into one show. I don’t really ever want to do a 35 minute show again. I like 15 minute shows. I’ll prove it next week.

This week:

• Openpodcast was down again (and then up again!)
• ITunes 4.9 out at the end of July
• New version of iPodderX
• GarageBand.com goes Full-On podcasting
• Audible still viable?
• Bad news for New York Times employees
• TV Guide podcast
• Freesound Project
• Some podcast envy, and a sponsorhip bargain!
• Scientific evidence that your podcasts can be much faster.
• An actual Rapid-Fire Review
• …and a new segment called “The Weekly Dave Winer Pick”
  featuring the Dave Winer Singers.

All that, and your feedback at the end of the show.
Featured links in the show:

• Kansas City Weather Podcast
• OpenPodcast.org
• LionHardt Technologies - WebPod Studio
• MixCast Live
• Free Sound Project
• The David Lawrence Show
• JAM & PAMs Jingles for your podcast
  (note: I have been told that this page does not list pricing for podcast licenses. Contact PAMS for more information.)
• Shorten your URLs with Shrinkster
• Distorted View Show - 100th Show Anniversary
• Article on Fast Listening

Reviewed on the Show:

• www.DeadAirCrew.com
• Life Stories Radio
• Radio Pie
• Dr. Rubin Health Cast
• Veal Chart
• Dave Winer Pick! - Sushi Radio

Your feedback is always welcome at show[-at-]podcheck.com, or by calling our voicemail line at (206) gag-ipod. Have a pleasant Memorial Day Week!

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(Edited 5/29/2004 to add the Dave Winer Mashup mp3)

I have recently become a listener of Dave Winer’s Morning Coffee Notes (exercising my right to fast-forward through his heart-felt renditions of “Dixie”).  I just listened to his podcast  for 5/27/05, and he asked for some people to pick/suggest a new podcast each week as a way to depart the beaten path and to discover new podcasts 

In honor of Dave Winer’s request, I am starting a new weekly feature called “The Weekly Dave Winer Pick.” It’s important to note that these are suggestions made for Dave Winer, and not suggestions made by Dave Winer.  I started my show called “PodCheck Weekly Review” as a way to wrap up the major podcasting news from the week, as well as to quickly review some podcasts that I find interesting.  I’ll still review some of the more popular podcasts like Dan Klass’ “Bitterest Pill,” “The PK and J Show,” and “Distorted View,” but I’m going WAY off the beatin’ path for the “Weekly Dave Winer Pick” to find other, lesser-known-but-interesting podcasts. 

I’ll only be reviewing shows that have at least five episodes posted to avoid the podfaders, and I’ll only review the ones that I find enjoyable in one fashion or another.  This is a totally subjective measure, using my totally subjective yardstick.  Suggestions are welcome by e-mailing WinerPick@podcheck.com

Thanks for listening!

Here’s a text-only post for you blog readers.  I have been responding to a number of listeners who e-mailed me about my comments regarding the demise (or drastic mutation) of traditional radio.  The e-mails have all been well thought and eloquently stated by broadcasting professionals.  They propose that “traditional radio” views podcasts as “radio-on-demand.”  They have indicated that they get enormous numbers of requests for downloadable versions of shows that they have aired, and that “traditional radio” professionals might help fill the podcasting world with good programming. < ?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

So here is my confession: I admit that I am guilty of “reverse discrimination,” tempted to squeeze the lemon in the broadcasters’ wounds (and sometimes giving into the temptation). I forget that some very talented and creative people produce audio programs for a living, and those people who do it well are gainfully employed.

When I verbally malign “traditional radio,” I see in my mind’s eye a corporate weasel sitting behind his station owners’ desk wondering what kind of inane contest or promotion will bring listeners back to his cookie-cutter radio station.  I don’t think about great shows like WLS’s afternoon drive show “Roe Kahn;” Instead, I think about morning-show forced-chuckle-fests like Bob & Tom, ManCow, etc.  While those morning show hosts are very talented professionals, and have audiences that love them, it is humanly impossible to be funny for 4 hours straight each and every day without succumbing to faux-finish characteristics.  That ”faux-finish” part is what I rail against.

Honestly, I haven’t thought through how this transition will affect non-commercial/public radio programs. NPR/PRI shows like “Fresh Air,” “Morning Edition,” “Whadayaknow,” etc, are all top-notch shows in both production and content. I also hear great podcasts from I.T. Conversations, Small World Podcast, The Bitterest Pill, etc, and I wonder if the points of view currently being served by public radio might soon be sufficiently represented by new podcasters.

The podcasting business model(s) will evolve over the next several years, but one thing is certain; The laborer must be paid. The most disruptive change currently happening to the whole industry is that we are quickly moving to a demand-driven model with extremely short business cycles. When listeners begin voting with their ears and rewarding with their wallets, things are going to get tight for the unprepared. You have to wonder how effective a public broadcasting pledge drive will be if the listener gains control of the fast-forward button, or even possibly abandoning the show for another similar-but-different podcast provided by a non-traditional provider (soon to be called a “pure-play podcaster.”) I’ll tell ya - I won’t miss those pedantic arm-twisting pledge drives one bit.

To sum up: I am a radio bigot, but I’m trying to be a better person.

I’ll adress some of these e-mails in next week’s show.  Thank you again for the fabulous and considerate feedback.  You make this all worthwhile!!

–Scott

(Added 5/24/05: Here is an interesting opposing view from David Lawrence:
http://thedavidlawrenceshow.com/a_sideways_glance_at_podcasting_003478.html )

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Welcome! – Thank you for tuning in AGAIN.  I know that you have lots of choices, and we’re honored that you’re spending a few minutes with us.

• Napster responds to Yahoo’s new music service
• Ego surfing for podcasters
• More podcasting books on the horizon
• Rush get into the act
• Podnova moves us one step closer to a new rating system
• Listener feedback (THANK YOU!!!!)
• ..and The PodCheck Rapid-Fire Review!!! In Haiku!

  We’ll review podcasts.
  I review them in Haiku.
  That’s 5 – 7 — 5.

Reviewed this week:

• The Bitterest Pill
• Small World Podcast
• Barefoot Radio
• The Obtuse Angle
• The Frat Pack Tribute
• and a note to Harold at AudioBlogs.info

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Welcome! – Thank you for tuning in. I know that you have lots of choices, and we’re honored that you’re spending a few minutes with us. Our first show is all news and views; no time to review any podcasts this week! Bummer. Here are some of the topics in this week’s show:

A special note to INA lawyers: This podcast may contain views and opinions contrary to your own. Parental Discretion is advised.

An after-show note from Scott: Mr. Cochrane’s book (which I am sure is a fine publication!) is available now at Amazon!