Corporate Podcasting Expressway

Bruce Springsteen once wrote a song called : 57 channels and there is nothing on.
One of the most interesting verses is:

Well now home entertainment was my baby’s wish
So I hopped into town for a satellite dish
I tied it to the top of my Japanese car
I came home and I pointed it out into the stars
A message came back from the great beyond
There’s fifty-seven channels and nothin’ on

If we consider that the definition of ‘channel’ as being the medium used to convey information from a sender (or transmitter) to a receiver. Taking this definition one step further we have: Simplex – one definition suggests that this type of communication is one where all signals can flow in only one direction. Half Duplex allows communications in both directions, but only one direction at a time (not simultaneously). Duplex allows communication in both directions and unlike half-duplex allows this to happen simultaneously.

In the context of how humans communicate or are forced to conform with, the advent of the Internet has brought about an irony – selective communication – for example recently both Google and Microsoft have been accused of restricting selective content to Chinese users of their services. Blogging (individual web-logs or online journals) is now a new industry – consider that in 2002 only 200,000 Blogs existed, now over 30 Million Blogs are available (how many remain active is another topic/question). If the Internet has the power to give anyone (let us put the digital divide situation on the side for a second) to get online and express their opinion then a positive consensus on issues should emerge.

Some commentators have suggested that reliance on the Internet is probably under threat. Already media corporations are commissioning ‘their’ own Blogger’s and associated resources – maybe to ensure opinions are consistent and advertisers are ‘eyeing’ up the potential for product positioning. The need for interactivity (2 way communication) is what the Internet has morphed into, yet this communication will be restricted as world paranoia continues.

The Internet is a place that has the potential to bring the world together, instead inappropriate content is rampant, vandals seek to damage websites, children are threatened and identities can be compromised.

The so called ‘Myspace’ generation maybe at ease with the social networking technology that is now available. However, an opportunity to debate on world issues appears a far of priority. I noticed the BBC’s recent subtle approach on engaging with the public on issues of the day – through emails etc. However, programming for ethnic / communities is still established at the midnight hour!?

In the advent of new satellite channels coming to the fore – I hope it will not be in the vain - recently one channel simply shows someone’s home wedding video in the hope that it is providing quality content and entertainment - maybe the joke is on us!!

Popularity: 31% [?]

Back in 2002 it was reported that only approximately 200,000 blogs existed in the world. However, by the end of the last US election campaign over 30million had been created.

The word Blog is derived from two words: WeB and Log. Its origins as a journal mechanism have stood it good ground as a tool for the ‘everyday’ person to express their view from their own little platform. Google were early visionaries to view the potential for this facility. They purchased Blogger.

Blogging has matured into now offering picture, video and mobile journaling. New organisations offering blogging tools are rapidly appearing / emerging - some that charge for their services, for example audioblog (now renamed hipster) for video and audio streaming (some are unmetered) and You Tube - Free for all to upload their videos.

These services are ideal for personal and networking (social) sites such as Myspace.com or Hi5.com. These networking sites incorporate personal profiles and the power to both blog and display videos of interest.

The question to really ask is whether blogging will enter the corporate arena and be considered a serious business tool.

At this moment it seems that there is an opportunity. Knowledge Hemispheres believe that because the technology is still widely viewed as new, young, hip and social there is a need for greater corporate awareness of its potential. One such example could be by setting up sharable site around the world of corporate learning. For example e-Learning and Knowledge Management communication. If students in the real world actually enjoy interaction on a social and academic level - what stops this from becoming virtual, spreading across national borders.

With correct tagging, cross-referencing such tools could prove invaluable to helping organisations learn and develop their staff.

Once the concept of the power of blogging becomes established in a corporate entity only then will other departments be willing to place their trust in this technology.

Popularity: 17% [?]