The 'word of the year' in 2005 was 'podcast'. In our last issue, we looked at blogging, who should blog and when, and other tips on how to use this rapidly growing media format. Blogging has also given rise to new forms of blogging-related media, including podcasts, wikis, vlogs and more. Trying to navigate your way through this new new media universe? In this issue, we offer an overview of each, places to find out more information, and tips on using them in your communications strategy.
So if your resolutions revolve around podcasting, we've got you covered!
What new new media formats have you confused? Email us at sequences@sequentia.net and we'll help you out in our next issue!
Jen
Jen Evans
President, Sequentia Communications
The New New New Media, or What the Heck's a Wiki?
So you finally think you've got a handle on this whole blog thing.It's basically an online journal! you tell yourself proudly, and then suddenly out of left field some smartypants asks you if you have a wiki. And you're back at square one.At a certain point, new media became highly fragmented media. Short on the heels of the blog came the brainchild of Adam Curry, MTV VJ, the podcast. Podcasting is a cousin to blogging that has become a massive form of media a mere year plus into its existence. Podcasting has been followed quickly by its slightly more glamorous cousin, videopodcasting. And then there are the aforementioned wikis, don't forget vlogs and it's just a matter of time before we're plogging on our phones.
(My favourite territorial stake in the media evolution has to be that of Creative Media, a very innovative little company that has the great misfortune to compete with Apple on MP3 players and other devices. You must admire the gumption in this definition, but Creative, you're not fooling anyone. Podcast does not stand for personal on demand broadcast.)
So what is a Wiki, a vlog, a podcast? Let's go through the basics, and the circumstances under which you'd want to use them.
Wiki: A collaborative web page that is created and managed by a number of authors. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
The most famous example of a wiki is Wikipedia, the de facto online encyclopedia that is an amazing example of the democratic collection of information, if an imperfect one.
Wikis can be useful as internal tools if you have a remote team working on a piece of content together. Due to the editable and democratic nature of wikis, they have limited applicability as a communication tool, but are fantastic intranet and collaborative tools.
Vlog: A web page that distributes content in video format. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vlog
Vlogs are an excellent way to distribute visually driven information. If you are an organization that needs to represent itself visually; for example, a design firm, a modeling agency, an animator; then a vlog is an excellent way to showcase your latest work and your strengths. I predict we will see forward-thinking design, branding and ad firms start to produce vlog newsletters, if they aren't already.
My favourite vlog is Salon's Video Dog. It's worth sitting through the Salon.com commercial for a true sense of just how democratic and creative media meshing has become, as video dog alternates between moments of late night brilliance, to inspired spoofs and content hacks for everything from commercials to TV shows, existential angst.)
Podcast: Audio content that is recorded and delivered via RSS, really simple syndication. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast
You can get an RSS reader from Google or this link. A podcast is like a radio program that automatically downloads to your MP3 player as soon as a new episode is ready, so that you can listen to it when you like.
The rules around podcasting are similar to last week's rules for when to blog or not blog: make sure you have the expertise to keep people coming back, and pay attention to audio quality, including voice and production values — even if your content is fantastic, if you can't hear it or it's delivered in a tinny monotone, listeners won't be coming back! And it's in your interest to keep them coming back. The audience for podcasts is exploding with over 7 million podcast signups at iTunes alone in October 2005.
Videopodcast or vodcast: Video content that is recorded and delivered via RSS. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vodcast
Is there a difference between a videopodcast, a vodcast and a blog? You be the judge. I would describe a vlog as a collection of related video entries whereas a videopodcast or vodcast would be created and distributed as original content, but time will tell.
And that's it for this week's new new new media primer! Stay tuned next month for an indepth look at where search engine marketing is going, including some changes at Google that anyone using Adwords should know about.
Sequentia News
In case you weren't aware already, Sequentia is on the move. This is an early heads-up that Sequentia will be moving offices at the end of February. We look forward to welcoming all our clients and friends to our new home in March.Timewaster
Extreme ironing, anyone? No, it's not a joke. But it is one of our favorite time wasters ever! And just in case you thought that was photoshopped by some guy in his basement, here's what Wikipedia has to say about this.Okay, we can't resist! If you have not seen this, or even if you have, take a look at the Chronic of Narnia rap as performed by the fine cast of Saturday Night Live. Yep, it still holds up after repeat viewings.
In This Issue
January 2006
| • | What the Heck's a Wiki? |
| • | Sequentia News |
| • | Extreme Ironing |
| • | Quick Tips |
| • | Podcast Directory |
There is so much ground to cover when it comes to podcasting and we've barely skimmed the surface. If you're looking for a great online resource for all things pod casting including some great how-to articles, visit Podcastingnews.com
Yahoo! is beta testing a search engine for pod casts and vidcasts called (what else) Yahoo! Podcasts. What we like about Yahoo! Podcasts is the ability to search by keywords and view podcast/vidcast lists in core categories such as arts, technology, comedy and politics. To check it out, visit podcasts.yahoo.com.
Did you miss our last e-newsletter? Click here to find out whether you should jump on the blogging bandwagon, and more.