Streaming? Downloading? Why RSS?

I have been struck by the continuing confusion in the marketplace in defining a download. The overly simplified convention holds all video within a web browser is streamed and all without is downloaded. I wrote a recent article on Downloading on the Internet and how at VoloMedia we define the three different types of downloads – RSS, Progressive and Direct. One of the challenges for ADM will be to concisely define our medium and explain why RSS matters to publishers. With the existence of suitable metrics and advertising solutions, there is no justification to keeping any media locked just within the confines of a web browser.

What will Steve introduce this year?

Last year was a really exciting time during MacWorld in January.  The anticipation for Apple to enter the cell phone market had reached a boiling point.  Steve Job’s presentation was perhaps his best.  The phone or as I like to call it, a palm laptop with a phone, is an incredible piece of technology.  A product that is leaps and bounds ahead of the competition.

The iPhone has been a valuable device in meetings with potential sponsors that haven’t downloaded Culture Catch’s vidcasting show.  As a digital assistant, the iPhone has been a homerun for me.  Apple really delivered another great digital device.

January is upon us again. What does Steve have up his sleeve this year? I don’t know.  Those who say they know, don’t.

As a member of ADM, I can tell you what I want that would improve my downloading lifestyle.   I want Steve to introduce an Apple television set that does to the TV industry what the iPhone is doing the cell phone business.  A total revolutionary device that simplifies the viewing of network, cable and downloadable media content.

I see in my crystal ball Steve’s presentation on stage at the Mascone Conference Center.  He’s standing before a giant image of an old television set with a stack of electronic boxes on top of it.  One for the cable, one for DVDs, and one to power the home theater speakers in the room.  On the table in front of the TV set are six remotes.  Three remotes work while the others are kept around just in case they might do something if the instructions ever turn up.

Adages, Ads and Analytics

“If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?”

No, I’m not going to discuss the philosophy of existence. But I am going to draw an analogy.

How many times have you heard the question “Yes, the podcast has been downloaded, but how do you know if anyone listened to it?” If I had a nickel for every time I’ve been asked that question…

But enough with the platitudes.

The fact is, there’s a specific type of person who wants to know the answer to this question and this person is very important to the future of our fledgling medium. This person is known as The Advertiser. (Or, if from an advertising agency, the Media Planner/Buyer.)

More specifically, The Advertiser wants to understand the level of Engagement that your audience has with your media because simply put, your audience will be more receptive to their marketing messages.