Amazing: I *just* wrote an explanation of aggregators yesterday. here is a the exchange between me and another user on a Pocket PC forum. (FeederReader is an aggregator for a Pocket PC device).
"Duckie" said: I mean seriously...why is it a big deal to go to a website and download the podcast? "GSmith" said: I agree that downloading one podcast is not that big a deal. Try checking 30 web pages for new podcasts, downloading the new ones (after remembering which ones you've downloaded already) transferring to your Pocket PC, listening to them, then deleting them. There's a tipping point where using an aggregator makes sense. Plus you can use FeederReader for text blogs and news as well. And on the Pocket PC, going to each website, then finding and downloading the new podcasts is even harder. With FeederReader, selecting "Do | Update All Feeds" can automatically check for new podcasts and download them, turning a 40 minute interactive experience into a 10-second icon tap. Anywhere you can connect to the internet (WiFi hotspot, cell phone), FeederReader can check and download new items. It all depends on how easy you want it to be, and how many you are going to check. I have 200 feeds and about 50 podcasts that I'm subscribed to directly on my Pocket PC. I can give you the list and I'd love for you to tell me how long it takes you to check the web sites, download the new podcasts, and read the new text items on each site. But you're right, for one or two podcasts, it's easier with FeederReader, but it's still possible without it. "Duckie" said: While I will agree, on the basis of your argument, that an agregator is helpful to those who listen to 30+ Podcasts, it still doesnt seem like a tool for the normal uiser. I could see news organizations and reporters or fellow bloggers using your app, but Joe Schmoe (who barely knows how to open a word document without infecting himself, everyone in his email database, and Nasa) would have to be jobless to have time for 30+ Podcasts. I barely squeeze 5 in per week with my schedule, and mine isn't even hectic. I mean, good on ya, mate, for creating (what I can only assume is) a good app for a niche market. Perhaps you're ahead of the game and I just don't know it yet... Now, if and when your app downloads the latest episodes of 'Lost' for me...then we can talk. "GSmith" said: I appreciate your kind comments. And your sense is right that you have to WANT to listen to podcasts. Perhaps part of the reason that you only have time for 5 podcasts is that you spend time checking and downloading. As news, information, and entertainment move to RSS feeds, FeederReader will be available for you to save time by checking all feeds with one tap. You can then spend your time listening. Of course I *do* think I'm ahead of the game somewhat. I spend a lot of my time teaching people how to use FeederReader and RSS Feeds on the FeederReader Forums. Once people have a desire to read, watch, or listen to RSS feeds and podcasts, they are usually happily surprised when I tell them they can get those feeds directly to their Pocket PC without using a desktop computer at all. Any Wifi Hotspot or cell phone data connection will work. Some people will not find it useful. But many people will (and have) found FeederReader a convenient and timesaving tool when you don't want to be tied to your desk. Ever download the latest RocketBoom while shopping, then watch it in line at the store? I have. It's amazingly cool. I'm not saying it's for everyone, and it may not be for you, but RSS Feeds and in particular, FeederReader, have totally changed the way I get my information and entertainment. Greg Smith Author, FeederReader - Pocket PC *direct* RSS text, audio, video, podcasts www.FeederReader.com - Download on the Road ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Most low income households are not online. Help bridge the digital divide today! http://us.click.yahoo.com/I258zB/QnQLAA/TtwFAA/lBLqlB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/videoblogging/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
