Podcasting the future – is it all new again?
2008 is doing a grand job of eliminating noise and embracing substance – I am sensing an optimism on one particular area that I have not seen for the past two years. This year, podcasting (for want of an alternate name) is finally forging onwards and upwards.
Is podcasting truly mainstream? Big media content is perhaps getting there. Independent content – in which I am far more interested – certainly not yet. Are independent podcast producers earning those big bucks so many (even secretly) craved? A few are earning a living for sure, but money has not skyrocketed through the roof. Are the podcast stars’ names being heard in coffee shops and bars around the globe. Nope.
So what is driving my optimism?
Despite news such as the last UK podcaster discussion forum closing down this month due to lack of real interest by the majority of the members, things are most certainly looking up. New show submissions to BritCaster.com (long overdue a face lift, but on the cards), are up around 200% – that means several every week now. Not only are the numbers picking up but the quality is, too. Rarely now – unlike the past couple of years – do I manually verify a feed’s content to discover some pointless show filled with un-witty ranting (the bane of podcasting) – there are great ideas surfacing, new concepts, show structures, producers new and old are once again thinking about the show they want to produce, then getting off their sofa’s and actually producing them.
Collaboration
I have always tried to wave the flag of collaboration being the strength of independent media vs the big media companies. But podcast producers – perhaps because most of the early adopters had little or no media or production background and did not know how, let alone appreciate the importance and value, of finding others with whom to collaborate (something that was the primary goal of the discussion forums at BritCaster.com).
It is happening at last. I am hearing of a great many collaborations. Everything from groups of people gathering together to achieve a goal, to simple subcontracting of tasks to other producers (money is changing hands, too).
Where is it all happening?
It is not in the forums, that is for sure. Some say it is within the various social networks, but I am hesitant to suggest that is the primary means of connecting people. I believe it is nothing more high-tech than good old-fashioned organic networking – perhaps lubricated by an online network or two – social or otherwise – here and there.
I would love there to be a more open, public space where the convergence of ideas can be seen to take place, because the the more visible this kind of activity is, the more is seeds offspring and inspiration in others to give it a go. One of the gripes of those approaching podcasting with intent to create is the lack of accessible information on where to start. Underground activity serves no wider purpose and has hindered growth of the medium in the UK.
Thankfully, 2008 is a time of resurfacing and we will see a great deal of very positive and creative work coming out of podcasting, and if you are part of the current resurgence of energy or looking to become a part of it, congratulations!
