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View Full Version : Great podcasting info from AudioScrobbler


Illinoise
Jun 15th, 2005, 09:55 AM
In the past, I've used AudioScrobbler (http://www.audioscrobbler.com) to find other musicians who sound like my favorite musicians and find out which songs people listen to most.

Recently, I thought I would see if other people were listening to podcasts ... and, sure enough, they were!

HOW IT WORKS: People, like me, add a plugin to their music library apps (iTunes, etc.). Then, as they listen, the plugin reports the played songs to the AudioScrobbler database. AudioScrobbler does some cool things with the information, including creating a grapevine of artists, telling you which songs/casts are played most/by most people, giving you suggestions of other artists/podcasters you might like. I think it's an intrinsic way of finding bands/podcasts that you might like, but don't necessarily sound like what you're already listening to. Plus, it's not a vote system ... or even a "favorites" system ... it's WHAT YOU ACTUALLY LISTEN TO! All your guiltiest pleasures, revealed.

REMEMBER, though: When searching the site for podcasts, the database is looking at band name/authors/podcasters. So, while you might not find much under "Illinoise!" (http://www.audioscrobbler.com/explore/?artistname=illinoise%21), you may find a lot under "Just Pete & NASA Janet (http://www.audioscrobbler.com/artist.php?id=10215008&mode=music)" (or Brian Ibbott, Craig Patchett, etc.), depending on how the mp3 was titled.

Very cool stuff. Check it out and consider adding the plug-in to your music app. You can even check out the song's WE'RE listening to (http://www.audioscrobbler.com/user/Illinoise) and add us to your friends list.

ferg
Jun 15th, 2005, 01:11 PM
That's really cool. I kind of wish that sort of thing was built-in to iTunes (opional, of course)...There are some privacy concerns, though, which is why, I suppose, not that many people are using it (relative to the whole community of listeners, that is).

Illinoise
Jun 15th, 2005, 03:08 PM
Oh, yeah. Privacy concerns like, "What if I'm caught listening to audio smut!?"

C'mon, there is no such thing as privacy anymore. Now, add the plug-in and let me see what you're listening to! (I'm guessing it's J. Giles Band, isn't it? That's what you're so afraid of!)

ferg
Jun 15th, 2005, 03:26 PM
I should have been clearer. I don't have any privacy concerns, and I will install the plug-in, but the notion of someone tracking their listening habits may not appeal to others.

As for J. Giles...come on! You say that like it's a bad thing.

radioclash
Jun 17th, 2005, 05:42 AM
I've been on Audioscrobbler for ages: http://www.audioscrobbler.com/user/timbearcub/

Sadly I am my own biggest fan...I think it's because I listen to my casts to check out they are working OK. Nice to see others too - but I've not re-installed the plugin on my machine yet, and I listen to most of my podcasts on the iPod which of course doesn't show here...

Illinoise
Jun 19th, 2005, 08:19 PM
Actually, the latest plug-in for Mac iTunes DOES include the option of tracking your iPod listening habits, as well! So jump back in, Tim. We're waiting to stalk you. Musically. That is.

radioclash
Jun 20th, 2005, 11:31 AM
ooh have I really arrived? I have stalkers now? :D

I've reinstalled the WinAmp plugin...don't use iTunes so should have said: Audioscrobbler doesn't work for those of use with elderly iPods that don't use iTunes...LOL :D

Insomnia Radio
Jun 20th, 2005, 11:39 AM
This is great!

I'm really looking forward to version 1.11 for Windows, hopefully it will track iPod play as the Mac version does? that thing is constantly glued to my head! Typically I only use iTunes on my desktop for previewing band submissions, etc...but we'll give it a test drive!

allthewhile
Jun 20th, 2005, 05:34 PM
http://www.audioscrobbler.com/user/allthewhile/

I thought I posted this but I guess not.

FOUR people have listened to my show. W00t!