Podcasting

So what is podcasting?

Podcasting is a form of “Really Simple Syndication”, known in the industry as RSS. Podcasting relies on a relationship between web server software and client (user) software.

The web server software allows content, Audio and/or Textual, to be widely distributed with almost no effort by the publisher. i.e.: really simple!

The end users software allows for the retrieval of the Audio and/or Textual information with little of no effort. i.e.: really simple!

This discussion will focus on our website, PriestCast.com and how we facilitate podcast uploading and podcast retrievals.

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Publishers

If you are providing content we consider you to be the publisher, those receiving content are subscribers.

Catholic Priests and Nuns desiring to be publishers on Priestcast.com can request a free publisher’s page by emailing contact us through our Contact Page Once a request is received and verified, the publisher will receive an email outlining the following:

The publisher’s personal uploading link.

1. This link will allow the publisher to upload any MP3 formatted file as well as providing the file a title and description. Aside from a web browser (IE, FireFox, et cetera…) the publisher does not require any additional software. The publisher will have to supply their own MP3 capable digital recorder. (If you are familiar with Microsoft Windows Sound Recorder it is possible to record an MP3 file in Microsoft Windows.)

The publisher’s password to their own upload area of the site as well as their tracking URL and password. The tracking site will allow the publisher to view how many visitors they are attracting to their message.

The instructions on how to publish.

1. The publishers upload page a rather simple. It requires that the publisher have an MP3 message already on their PC and in MP3 format. The publisher simply browses to the audio file location and selects the desired file. Then they add the title and description they want the item to be published as. Finally they will press the upload button. The audio file will upload the necessary changes on the website are automatically made. Once the upload is complete all subscribers will have immediate access to this new content.
1. The publisher is done until their next Syndication!
2. Publishers will also receive an email describing how to let others know you are Podcasting and how they can subscribe to your Podcast!

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Users

If a user already has podcast software on their computer, no additional software is needed. If the user does not have podcast software we provide a link to free podcast software on our homepage at PriestCast.com. This free software is called “Juice”. Juice is a RSS/Podcast client. Users should follow the download and installation instructions provided with the software.

Once installed, the user should go to PriestCast.com and select the “audio feed” that wish to subscribe to.

Subscribing is accomplished by:

1. Open your podcast software on your desktop
2. Find the add a Feed button and click on it
3. A window should open that allows for the placement of a URL
4. Open your browser and point to PriestCast.
5. Identify the publisher you want to subscribe to
6. “Right click” on the publishers “Podcast” icon next.
7. Select “Copy Shortcut” in the dropdown menu
8. Go back to your Podcast software and “Paste” the shortcut in to the URL space.

You are now subscribed to this publishers feed.

Now whenever a publisher uploads new content the user’s podcast software will automatically see the new content and, if not already automated to do so, the user can download the content to their computer or MP3 player for future listening.