Topic: Rss

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discuss the inherent value of podcast RSS feeds and subscriber lists after a host's death, citing the continued activity on Scott Adams' and Charlie Kirk's feeds. They joke about their own "exit strategy" and remind listeners to support the show via the value-for-value model ahead of Valentine's Day.

The hosts discuss the origins of podcasting, refuting claims that Tom Green or others invented the medium before the development of the RSS feed with enclosures. Adam Curry explains that the technology was designed to allow computers to download content automatically over slow connections. They emphasize that the RSS standard is crucial for creator control and protection against platform demonetization.

Media mogul Bill Simmons recently questioned whether the term "podcast" should be retired in favor of "show" or "video podcast" given the shift away from iPods. The hosts debated this, noting that the technical definition of a podcast relies on an RSS feed for distribution. They jokingly suggested "padcast" as an alternative, while acknowledging that the term has become a generic label for digital talk shows.

A clip from Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying's podcast features a discussion on the origins of podcasting, which Adam Curry critiques for historical inaccuracy. Curry explains the technical development of the enclosure tag in RSS with Dave Winer in 2003 as the true birth of the medium. The segment uses this as an example of the "Gell-Mann Amnesia Effect," where experts in one field provide unreliable information on subjects outside their expertise.

The "Value for Value" model, pioneered by the show, is contrasted with the "Podcast Industrial Complex" which prioritizes downloads, charts, and proprietary video platforms like YouTube. Proponents argue that a true podcast requires an RSS feed and that creators should rely on direct listener support rather than advertising or centralized platforms. The model emphasizes that an outstanding product will naturally find sustainable support from its audience.

A critique of the "podcast industrial complex" argues that YouTube is not a true podcasting platform because it lacks the decentralized nature of RSS feeds. Bill O'Reilly's definition of a podcast—distinguished by "tattoos and dirty sneakers"—is mocked as the industry grapples with the shift from independent audio to centralized video platforms.

The discontinuation of Google Reader is cited as an example of tech giants forcing users into controlled social media environments rather than open protocols. Modern browsers like Safari and DuckDuckGo are criticized for obfuscating the URL bar to prioritize search products over direct web navigation. This shift is viewed as a defensive move to keep users within proprietary app ecosystems.

The "Value for Value" model encourages listeners to support independent media through direct donations of time, talent, and treasure. Hosts advocate for the use of modern podcast apps that utilize the open Podcast Index rather than centralized platforms like Apple or Spotify, which have been known to censor or skip episodes. These independent apps allow for features like real-time art updates and chapter-specific content.

Spotify is launching a new strategy to compete with YouTube by paying creators for video podcast views and offering ad-free video to subscribers. However, industry experts warn that this move toward centralized video platforms threatens the open RSS feed model of podcasting. By hosting video directly, platforms gain more control over content and advertising, potentially leading to increased de-platforming and loss of creator independence.

Apple has begun automatically generating transcripts for podcasts that do not provide their own, a move that the hosts suggest may have copyright implications. They advocate for the Podcasting 2.0 standard, which allows creators to include their own transcripts in the RSS feed. The discussion highlights the benefits of modern podcast apps, such as faster updates and chapter support, over the default Apple and Spotify platforms.

Sir Kevin of Devon promotes his YouTube channel, "Real Boring Flips," which focuses on reselling vintage tech. The hosts discuss the difficulties of getting RSS-based apps approved in the Apple and Google stores, noting that developers are often asked for proof of permission to use public feeds. They clarify the Terms of Service for the Podcast Index to help developers navigate these hurdles.

The hosts process a final round of donations, including a "Damehood" for Lydia Terry Dominelli. A listener's question prompts a "Podfather" judgment on whether a show is a "true podcast" if it lacks an RSS feed; the host rules that the RSS feed is the defining technical requirement. The segment also addresses claims by Tucker Carlson regarding Joe Rogan's role in the history of podcasting.

The hosts review the listener-submitted artwork for episode 1364, awarding the win to "Correct a Record." They discuss the show's style guide for artists, emphasizing the need for host names and the avoidance of episode numbers in the art itself. Listeners are encouraged to use Podcasting 2.0 compatible apps to view chapter-specific artwork.

The hosts address a growing media narrative that "podcasting is dead" and has been replaced by YouTube. They argue this is a coordinated effort to move creators onto centralized platforms like Spotify and Apple, where content can be easily censored via Terms of Service violations. They emphasize the importance of independent RSS feeds and the "Value for Value" model.

Podcasting 2.0 technology, specifically the "Podping" system, allows for near-instant notification of new episodes across the decentralized podcast ecosystem. Unlike legacy apps like Apple Podcasts that poll RSS feeds every few hours, Podping uses a blockchain-based notification system to alert apps within 90 seconds. This open-source protocol is available for all platforms to adopt to save server resources and improve user experience.

A discussion on the excessive length of Substack articles suggests that writers like Glenn Greenwald and Naomi Wolf suffer from a lack of editorial restrictions. A proposal is made for a "remix" feature on Substack that would allow professional editors to condense and republish long-form posts as a public service.

The podcasting industry is facing a shift as major platforms like YouTube and Spotify attempt to centralize the medium, moving away from the open RSS standard. Adam Curry discusses the "Podcasting 2.0" initiative and the "Value for Value" model as essential for preserving free speech and independence. The discussion also touches on the "iOS podcast apocalypse," where changes in Apple's download tracking revealed significant inflation in industry metrics.

A prediction is made that the George Zimmerman-Trayvon Martin case will be escalated by anonymous "racial tweets" from government actors. In a separate segment, the hosts discuss "Runting-Stunting Syndrome" (RSS) affecting poultry producers, suggesting it may be part of a broader "war on chicken."

The show recognized Associate Executive Producers from various locations, including Lithuania, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Birthday wishes were extended to Dovidas Golbinas of RSS Blue and Dame Denise. The segment concluded with the "Jobs Karma" ritual for those seeking employment and a final thank you to the sustaining donors who keep the program operational.

The historical origins of Valentine's Day are traced back to the beheading of St. Valentine in 268 AD. The holiday's impact on media consumption and the resurgence of independent blogging and RSS feeds are discussed. The "Value for Value" model is highlighted as a way to maintain independent broadcasting without corporate advertising or paywalls.