Do you ever get a feeling just by looking at something that it isn't all above board? I mean, most of us realize by now that the nice Nigerian fellow that keeps emailing us does not, in fact, exist. When we get those random faxes about $99 luxury vacations or mostly free health insurance, we know they belong in the shredder. So, why do I get such a bad feeling about two of these podcast-finding websites?
Web design being one facet of my professional writing education, I am somewhat alarmed by the design of Podcast.com and Podcast Pickle. When most of your page is comprised of glaring, flashing ads, especially when some are of the click on the so-and-so to win $$$$ kind, it doesn't scream professional, let's put it that way. Also, I had to jump through hoops to access the podcasts, especially from a search.
So, I think I'll stick with Podcast Alley. I found one there called Skeptoid: Critical Analysis of Pop Phenomena that I added to my Google Reader. Then, using NPR's site, I was able to find more podcasts that I would like to hear. I think this will be my favorite way of searching--going to websites that interest me and looking for podcasts. I added NPR: Books to GR, too.
Overall, this Thing has been very trying. It took a long time to figure out how to access the podcasts. Then, I realized that some podcasts that I liked required software download to listen unless you used Google Reader to get to them. Hmmmm...
You see, I didn't really care for Google Reader, but now I can see it has the positive side of allowing me to listen to the podcasts of my choice without downloading special software. Points for Google Reader.
I don't know how much I will use this personally, but I can see it being a fine way for libraries to send out info, either internally or externally. Some people learn best through auditory methods. With podcasts, you are no longer limited to a written style and a mix-up of styles could only add to learning and retention.
P.S. - NPR is a great resource. You can use it to find podcasts on all sorts of subjects, and I think it would be a fine site to recommend to patrons.
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