Podcasts, Video & Downloadable Audio

I almost forgot I had already written a post about Week 9 of 23Things. Since it didn't address all of the aspects of the lesson, I'll go ahead and summarize them here.

I like VideoJug and have found some very helpful videos there in times past. So I was glad 23Things reminded me of its existence. Now, many times, when I am looking for how-tos, recipes, etc. I prefer something I can read so I can intake the information at a pace that works for me and easily/quickly refer back to specific points when necessary. By nature, videos aren't quite that way. But at the same time, sometimes there's nothing quite like being able to see something in action to help you understand it or how to do it. So I do see a lot of value in how-to videos, atleast as one supplement. (I enjoyed videos on giving massages as well as grilling steak!)

I also enjoyed Metacafe's "Production School." I can't imagine that I will be filming much, but the tips were interesting to know and helpful for the rare (or future!) occasion in which I might need them.


As for Podcasts... I like the idea. But I never got into them. Probably because I'm not a big "auditory learner." I'd rather read or even watch. I feel like listening demands more attention that it's worth - although that statement probably has unintentional implacations. The most I've got into downloadable audio (other than music :P) is listening to a great series of sermons while I was dating/engaged to Sam and driving three hours roundtrip almost every weekend. I was sitting, forced to focus, unable to deter my visual attention, but able to devote enough attention with my ears that something a little more productive than music was a nice change of pace. I should think about doing that more - even if my long drives aren't quite as frequent. (I doubt it would be worth it on short drives with frequent interruptions.)

About the Podcast services: Odeo is self-proclaimed "easy to find, play, and enjoy."
Mevio seems to have more of a focus on video.
Sometimes I forget that iPods even have video as I'm still toting my 3rd Generation - it doesn't even have color, ha!
PodOmatic had more of a focus on contribution: creating, uploading, etc. even just from the front page. Without looking too deeply I would guess they would be the ones offering stats on viewing, as they had "ranking" displayed on the front page.

I don't think I could ever get into something like NetLibrary myself. Although it could be a good source to recommend. If I AM going to listen to something I would want it to be something inherently audio - a sermon or seminar or something. I don't like listening to audiobooks. Never gotten it to it. I suppose if I ever really had the time and gave them a chance I might be able to get something out of them. But I enjoy the reading process. Part of the joy of reading comes from that process - taking in the information and piecing it together yourself. I don't want someone else taking away from my imagination by imposing flow or tone or even tone of voice upon my experience of a book. Reading is a personal process and I want to keep it that way. :)

That said - I know many people who ARE readers who still enjoy Audiobooks. More power to them.