Need: Bring device manufacturers, software providers, and new media content creators together to formulate standards to improve consistency in the podcast experience.
One of the things that I advocated in my hands-on training at the recent 2008 New Media Expo is the need to have more consistent experiences within podcasting. It is my belief that device manufacturers, software providers, and new media content creators need to work together to ensure that standards are developed and implemented. As an example, standards such as common usage of primary XML tags in device menus and character limitations should be agreed upon to provide consistency across platforms. Moreover, common use of tag names in software tools is essential to avoid confusion when training or working with other media developers. These are just a few of the items I’ve promoted in training and educational materials as it relates to Experience Design principles and the need for standards.
While it seems like an impossible task to bring device manufacturers, software developers, and new media content developers together for a common purpose, I remain optimistic that as a group of dedicated New Media developers we can do incredible things to move the evolving podcast industry forward. I discussed this very issue with Rob Greenlee from the Zune Development Team a couple of weeks ago and he was very supportive of the idea. Therefore, what we need now is a large body of devoted media types to bring this topic to those that make important decisions and recognize that there is a movement to create standards.
As a demonstration of this very issue, Paul Chaney and the IBNMA has committed to working with me, the community, and industry to help move podcast standards to the forefront. I applaud such efforts and know we can count on the IBNMA to get the message out! Knowing this, I propose several questions to the community and hope to begin the dialog on this topic.
What do you think needs to be done to begin and sustain the movement?
What are some of the standards that you’d like to see considered?
Who are the movers and shakers in the industry that need to be involved to bring standards to reality?
I look forward to reading the communities ideas and views on this important subject. If you feel a need to have a deeper discussion on this topic please feel free to contact me at mharper@podcast-tuneup.comPodcast Standards: Post 2 - The Tool Chest