Uneasy Rhetoric

When it’s an audio file.

Because of its popularity, everyone wants to podcast. The Center for Economic and Policy Research will be conducting a series of seminars in the coming months on “basic economics for policy analysis and self defense.” In the announcement of these seminars in D.C., CEPR says they will also be offering “podcasts” of each session. (I have not seen the announcement on their very messy website - when I do, I’ll post a link.) Update: The seminar series announcement is on the website.

What they mean is, unless I am mistaken, they will be putting up audio files of each session.

Why the distinction? Podcasting involves two components. The first is the audio file, which I guess we could call the “pod.” The second is the RSS/XML feed. You can’t have a “cast” without it. (You can, but it is a very narrow cast.) CEPR, as far as I can tell, does not offer any kind of syndicated feed on their site, for their main content or anything else. Update: the way the announcement is worded does make me wonder that maybe they do get it.

If you find a “how to podcast” website or article that doesn’t mention some form of syndicated feed, move along. It isn’t any good.

The CEPR seminars, if they ever are announced publicly, are exactly the kind of item nonprofits should consider podcasting. They will be of interest to a broad audience, most of whom will not be able to attend the live events in D.C., and some of the meaning of the content will no doubt be lost were it to be provided solely as an outline or a powerpoint presentation.