Is the term Podcast dead?

[X Pat Radio]

Leo Laporte wants to change the name from Podcast to Netcast. Probably becuase of all the Apple hype this past week.

I think its too late to change, and Netcast doesn't have the same "ring" to it.

[Craig]

Try to change the name at this point and you're not only going to have to start from scratch in promoting the new name but you'll also lose the momentum gained from riding on the coattails of the iPod. Hate it as much as you want to, its popularity and podcasting's association with it (as much as we curse that association sometimes) has been a huge contributing factor to podcasting's growth. Be patient and people will think of "podcast" as a unique entity of its own.

In addition, "netcast" is a worse name than "podcast" in that it implies you have to be connected to the internet. If you are going to try to change the name, at least come up with something that conveys the three essentials of podcasting: automatic, personal, and (optionally) portable.

Craig

[WyethDigital]

If you are going to try to change the name, at least come up with something that conveys the three essentials of podcasting: automatic, personal, and (optionally) portable.
Actually, continuing to hypothesize, I think you're almost dead on; except I think that conveying "portable" in a new name would be a must (rather than optional). I can't think of three more personal decisions than What I'm going to listen to, When I'm going to listen to it, and Where I'm listening. IMHO, leaving the portable out of it shortchanges the other two.

There are those that get their panties in a bunch about this, when most of the time -- as we're starting to see in this case -- the hype around the issue is far more fearsome than the facts. If those folks want to rebrand themselves then they should go ahead. They don't need our permission! Leo already has a highly visible show and career, so if he wants to rebrand his show as a "netcast" (why not just go all the way and call it an Audio Blog :? ) he has that luxury. Me? I don't. Nor do a lot of others. Thing is, I don't care that I don't have that luxury. I'll continue happily branding what I do as podcasting -- well, video podcasting to be more accurate, which beats the putrid alternative, "Vlogging," any day of the week, that's for sure!

Eric

[Craig]

I didn't mean that portable was an optional part of the name, I meant that the name shouldn't imply that podcasts have to be portable (thereby changing the conversation Leo objects to from "I don't have an iPod" to "I don't have a portable MP3 player").

Craig

[Shawn]

Zunecast, anyone?

[EclecticMix]

I can't listen to netcasts because I don't have a net.

Cheers -

george

[WyethDigital]

I didn't mean that portable was an optional part of the name, I meant that the name shouldn't imply that podcasts have to be portable (thereby changing the conversation Leo objects to from "I don't have an iPod" to "I don't have a portable MP3 player").

Craig
Gotcha. Misunderstood.

Eric

[roadrageradio]

Try to change the name at this point and you're not only going to have to start from scratch in promoting the new name but you'll also lose the momentum gained from riding on the coattails of the iPod. Hate it as much as you want to, its popularity and podcasting's association with it (as much as we curse that association sometimes) has been a huge contributing factor to podcasting's growth.

Rather like riding on a tiger's back. It's a great ride until the tiger gets hungry.


Be patient and people will think of "podcast" as a unique entity of its own.


I've been paudcasting for a year and a half, and I am tired of the roll of the eyes and the smirk for my geekiness when I mention "podcasting." It's a stupid name, and we had this discussion over a year ago, before iTunes hit, and people then said "we can't change it, it's too established." If they were wrong then, maybe they're still wrong now.

I produce a weekly audio commentary on news, politics and contemporary culture, and I really don't care how you listen, as long as you do. There ought to be a word for what I do that doesn't make people think I'm pathetic. And there has to be a way to explain it in 15 seconds without mentioning RSS.

Something like "It's audio (or video) that you can listen to (watch) whenever you want." And then add whatever unique features the program offers.


In addition, "netcast" is a worse name than "podcast" in that it implies you have to be connected to the internet.


Agreed.


If you are going to try to change the name, at least come up with something that conveys the three essentials of podcasting: automatic, personal, and (optionally) portable.


I'd prefer something simple and functional like "television " (view from afar) or "toaster" (makes toast). I'd like to see "personal" in the name because it implies all three attributes.

[paul]

I'm so glad I didn't go with my first idea for a title: The PODCAST podcast.

[inoveryourhead]

Try to change the name at this point and you're not only going to have to start from scratch in promoting the new name but you'll also lose the momentum gained from riding on the coattails of the iPod. Hate it as much as you want to, its popularity and podcasting's association with it (as much as we curse that association sometimes) has been a huge contributing factor to podcasting's growth. Be patient and people will think of "podcast" as a unique entity of its own.

i absolutely agree. why do we keep having to fight with this? it's called a god**** podcast - why are we bowing when we ourselves don't trouble at all?

let leo laporte do his thing too, i don't sweat it. i tell people i do internet radio, it works fine for me, but i know i'm a podcaster.

[rookiee]

I personally would go with the term "MobCast".. not only does it have anarchist grassroots connotations, but also, it means "Mobile Cast".. for mobile media. :)

Another term I was playing around with was "FeedCast".. I mean why stray from what it really is? The only thing that differenciates a Podcast from any other format is simply its distribution method.

Netcast is too general sounding... A Shoutcast could be confused for a "Netcast", as could Webcast and any other principle idea...

I do agree we need to get away from anything with "Pod" in it because it's too easy for an entity like Apple to lay claim to it and perhaps even attempt to patent the format, which would be bad for EVERYONE.

[WyethDigital]

Netcast is too general sounding... A Shoutcast could be confused for a "Netcast", as could Webcast and any other principle idea...

I do agree we need to get away from anything with "Pod" in it because it's too easy for an entity like Apple to lay claim to it and perhaps even attempt to patent the format, which would be bad for EVERYONE.

First, Apple couldn't patent the format (media delivered via RSS), they could only try to trademark the name. Given the patent office's reluctance to grant them other pod-centric names, I find it highly unlikely that such a trademark would be successful.

As far as name suggestions go, ShoutCast is the only one I've seen so far with any sort of a "ring" to it. It doesn't convey much about what it is, but it's catchy.

Eric

[EclecticMix]

Shoutcast applies to software already out there. One needs to be careful when using "cast" in anything they are making up. A good friend of mine hosted the Miami Valley Musicast until the people who own Musicast sent him a C&D. Made up words that belong to someone are not fair game.

Bottom line is that you can do what you want, but the term Podcast isn't going to go away. Personally, I've never liked it because of its apparent association with the iPod, but like it or not, we're stuck with it. Worst case scenario would be if an alternative term were to become popular - then you'd spend your time explaining that it is the same thing as podcast.

Cheers -

george