Focus Group of One

I've said it over and over, "There's nothing more dangerous than a focus group of one." However, in this case I am going to break my own rule.

There's so much talk about Podcasts, I had to check it out myself. But, before I tell you the results of my experiment, let me define what a Podcast is. A Podcast is an audio file, similar to a radio show, posted on the internet to which you can subscribe. Having a subscription means every time a new show or episode is released, software on your computer downloads that file automatically. Then, the next time you sync your mp3 player that file is moved onto it and you can listen anytime and anywhere you want. Think of it as Tivo for audio.

Now back to my experiment:

For the last three weeks I've been listening to some of my favorite Podcasts and I have to say it has really changed the way I use the media. I no longer have a radio in my office. I just don't need it. I want to listen to content on my time and on my terms.

The major question that remains is this: How are marketers going to use Podcasts as a marketing tool? Are they going to place commercials within the context of the Podcast or are they going to create Podcasts that are specific to driving a particular brand. In other words are we going to have the BMW Podcast where all the content is created by and about BMWs or are we going to have The Comedy Hour brought to you by BMW, where the content is created by someone other than the company and the company is merely a sponsor, picking up the model from today's radio and television industries? I'm not quite sure yet.

Here's a few Podcast resources to get you up to speed:
Odeo.com : A Podcast Directory
iTunes 4.9 download : Makes subscribing to Podcasts easy.
Podcast Tutorial : Steps to create your first Podcast.

Now here's a list of the Podcasts I'm listening to:
ABC News.com - Nightline
Engadget.com - Tech and gadgets
Indie Airplay - The west coast independent music scene
The Treatment - KCRW's independent film show
This Week in Tech - A technology show featuring some of my favs from the now cancelled show, The Screensavers.

All of these can be located either at Odeo.com or through iTunes 4.9

Have fun!