It is a multimedia file (usually a "sound" file / MP3 audio file) that an individual can download to an MP3 player or to his/her computer to listen to the file at a convenient time. Podcast content may include interviews, seminar speakers, class lectures, audio tours, public safety messages plus many other types of audio content including private "radio shows." These files are placed on a web site/uploaded to a web server and then distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds, more commonly known as RSS feeds.
The word "podcast" is a portmanteau of Apple's iPod and broadcasting. The accompanying RSS file makes it possible for listeners to subscribe to podcasts using one of several podcatching software or podcatchers like Doppler, iTunes, or many others. The Windows Media Player or other audio applications can be used to listen to a podcast from a computer using one of the podcatchers or by downloading the file to play on a MP3 player. For more details about podcasting, check out the Wikipedia entry.
Subscribe to a podcast feed so you can listen to it either using a podcatching software like iTunes on your computer or a MP3 player such as iPod that you sync to a podcatcher.
The word "blog" is short for "Web log." A blog appears as a single web site, usually devoted to a single topic, where content is added in a journal style format and usually displayed in reverse chronological order. Most blogs are primarily composed of text that is combined with images and links to other blogs / web sites that are related to the topic. Many blogs will include links to videos (vlog); audio (podcasts); and photos (photoblog).
What makes blogs so popular is the ease of adding the content. Whereas in order to create/maintain most web sites, the developer must code/tweak the content in html, a blog allows for content to be added via a series of input boxes and the blogging software writes the code. Another advantage of blogging is that readers can search a blog and contribute to it by commenting as a guest or a member. The action of posting entries to a blog is "blogging," and the one who does so is called a "blogger." The Internet environment for blogs to exist is known as "blogsphere," and a collection of links to other blogs is nicknamed a "blogroll."
RSS is a type of file format (which is XML-based) that allows users to subscribe to their favorite web sites, blogs, podcasts, etc. and to have new content "pushed" / delivered to their computer (get news and information from multiple resources in one reader). This content is delivered via a feed reader. RSS is a type of syndication feed and is gaining ground as a delivery system of choice for sending desktop alerts. At this time, only a small percentage of Internet users subscribe to RSS feeds, but that percentage is growing quickly.
The 
or 
or 
icons on a web page indicate that a feed from that web site / blog / podcast is available. Subscribe to it with a reader like Bloglines (a great place to start for those new to RSS).
How to Subscribe to an RSS Feed:
For more detailed information or to figure out how to start using feed readers and news aggregators, check out the University of Kentucky's Kentucky Geological Survey RSS web page.
The CAER is always seeking new ways to educate and inform our stakeholders on energy issues. Cutting-edge information technologies, such as blogs and podcasts, give our stakeholders more options to use web-based resources and services to access relevant CAER content any time, from any location.
Alice Marksberry
CAER Web Coordinator
Email: Email