Many people with something or nothing special to say are deciding to take it to the Web. In this third installment on self-publishing, we’ll take a look at (or listen to) Podcasting.

Get Started Listening iPod Not Required

Podcasting is a relatively new way for publishers to deliver content via an RRS 2.0 feed (RRS stands for really simple syndication) to anyone subscribed to the feed. That content is usually an MP3 file (an MP3 is a compressed audio file).

Subscribing is easy, especially if you know how it all works. Users subscribe to Podcasts using "Podcatching" software (also called an "aggregator"). The aggregator periodically checks for new content and downloads it to your computer. It can then sync the content to a portable music player, such as an Apple "iPod."

As you've probably guessed by now, the term Podcasting comes from combining "iPod" and "Broadcasting." However, Podcasting does not require an iPod. Any digital audio player or computer with the appropriate software can play Podcasts.

And, in many cases, you don't even need to be subscribed to listen. Most Podcasters offer direct links to their MP3 files on their websites.

Aggregator Get One and Start Listening

There are quite a few very good (and free) aggregators out there. My favorite right now is iPodder. It is available for Mac and Windows and you can get it for free by going to iPodder.org, from there click on the software link. If you’d like to go directly to the download, it’s: http://ipodder.sourceforge.net.

Once It’s Installed

After you have the Podcatching software, all you need to do is add your favorite feeds. There is a directory built into the iPodder software to help get you started —from there you can subscribe to shows listed in the Podcast Alley top 50 or the iPodder X Top Picks and Most Popular.