While many understand that podcasting is a combination of the words iPod and broadcasting, this definition is very misleading. Because you can listen to a podcast on any device that has speakers and can play an MP3 file, the current definition of podcasting needs to be broadened.

Here are 3 ways to explain what a podcast is that will not confuse someone into thinking they need to run out and purchase an iPod.

• Personal On Demand Cast. This term was developed by Jon Watson on his bizpodcast.com blog. He says that Personal On Demand Cast really highlights the strength of podcasting. He can listen to whatever he wants when he wants to.
• Presentations On Demand Cast. I developed this term because many podcasts that I’ve listened to are simply individuals who have something to say and are looking for an audience to say it to. A lot of these podcasts are based on a talk radio format and hence the reason I call them presentations.
• Publishing On Demand Cast. Lee Gibbons, the CEO of Podango.com developed this explanation for podcast. He explains that because people can deliver content quickly to users, a podcast is simply publishing based on that demand.

Whether you choose one of the terms above or develop one of your own, the time has come for podcast enthusiasts and experts to start explaining what podcasts without the connection to iPod. This will help to shed a more accurate light on what podcasts are so people can better understand them.

(c) 2006 Leesa Barnes. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.