The previous two posts on this topic set the stage for providing a concrete definition for blogs and podcasts. Not an easy task by a long shot but worth a try just the same.

I think that one of the limiting factors in widespread adoption of social media tools involves the ability of the everyday person to understand exactly what these new outlets are and how they can fit into their everyday lives.

So when a person says, “Read this blog.” Or when they say, “Listen to (or watch) this podcast.” What do they really mean?

It may be easier to wrap it up with a definition of what I know both blogs and podcasts are. Blogs and Podcasts are both channels whose content is delivered via the web.

A Blog is a text driven channel presented to users via the web. Blog content is presented in a stream of individual posts called ”blog posts.” Blog posts can contain photos, video and audio but ultimately bloggers use text to frame the messages delivered via their blogs. And delivery via the web means through a web page or through RSS that is stored on the web. So no matter how a person consumes a blog the web is always the central point of access for the blog content.

A Podcast is a rich media driven channel that uses RSS with enclosures as its primary vehicle for the delivery of content. Podcast content is presented in a stream of individual media files called “podcast shows.” A podcast can be supplemented by a blog whose posts parallel the podcast shows and contain additional information such as notes, links and images relevant to the podcast show.  This supplemental information is typically referred to as “show notes”.

I realize that these definitions are not the most succinct ones in the world. But I do believe they bring us closer to a better understanding of what these two social media tools can accomplish for their producers and their users.

Bloggers are delivering their primary message via text while Podcasters are delivering their primary message via audio or video files. Both are using the web with RSS as a catalyst for syndicating their content.

I’ve come to believe that the tools used to enhance blogs and podcasts are separate from the more important factors of the primary content and method of delivery. Commenting, trackbacks and tagging can be used to enhance both blog posts and show notes for podcasts, creating a more social experience for both the content producer and content consumer.

So if you’re on the social media sidelines trying to decide whether you should start with a Blog or a Podcast, ask yourself some questions. Do you prefer rich to express yourself in audio or video form? Or do you prefer writing, possibly supplemented by images. If you said yea to the former then you would probably do well with a podcast. If you chose the latter then a blog would probably be your best choice.

Either choice does not restrict you to one medium forever. I think it’s perfectly fine for a blogger to supplement their blog with the occasional “podcast show” while podcasters can (and certainly will) supplement their podcast with an occasional “blog post.” 

[tags]Social Media, Blogging, Podcasting, Analysis[/tags]