Dave Winer recently proposed 'rebooting' the podcast directory world. Like many of us, he noticed that the existing directories have become ad-laden vote-getting slums where a few users rule the roost. Winer proposed a new directory free of advertising and with the one true goal of promoting podcasting. No votes, no ads, just a directory for listeners to use.
I know that I've been dissatisfied with Podcast Alley and its ilk for a long time now. That's the primary reason why we recently announced that we would only be maintaining our show listing and supporting the new BluBrry from now on. Todd Cochrane can be abrasive at times, but I have no doubt that he has podcaster's best interests at heart.
A few big names have jumped onboard with the idea and the directory has just started to come to life. I find it ironic that a few of the names promoting the new directory are from commercial podcasting ventures and I am therefore somewhat suspicious of their motives, but I think everyone knows better than to mess with Dave Winer.
Keep an eye on the directory here. I hope it grows into a Good Thing(tm).
I call it a hub rather than a directory, and it is only focused on the UK podcast scene, but Britcaster.com is and always has been a non commercial entity with no voting, no commercial advertising (except for member podcasts and promotion of member podcasts) and remains a unique oasis in the commercial-laden world. It may be time to roll out a global version perhaps. At least then all the non-brits who try and register - how hard can it be to suss out the focus of the site? - will not have to be kicked back by us admins.
One registrant, an American podcast who clearly missed the many "you must be British" messages, suggested the site was prejudice against Americans and threatened us with the might of the ACLU... Oh how we laughed...
I've popped by Britcaster before. It's a great hub :)
As a Canadian, I've been subjected to American hubris on many occassions as well. Since we share a rock it's hard to et away from and a little tiring at times for sure.
» GNC-2006-07-25 #190 from Geek News Central
You would thing for a guy on vacation I could have gotten started earlier, but family meeting required a late start, such is life. As always a jam packed show of great tech content. Sponsors: [Save 15% on any order... [Read More]
I call it a hub rather than a directory, and it is only focused on the UK podcast scene, but Britcaster.com is and always has been a non commercial entity with no voting, no commercial advertising (except for member podcasts and promotion of member podcasts) and remains a unique oasis in the commercial-laden world. It may be time to roll out a global version perhaps. At least then all the non-brits who try and register - how hard can it be to suss out the focus of the site? - will not have to be kicked back by us admins.
One registrant, an American podcast who clearly missed the many "you must be British" messages, suggested the site was prejudice against Americans and threatened us with the might of the ACLU... Oh how we laughed...
Posted by: Neil Dixon | July 22, 2006 4:55 PM | Permalink to Comment