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By Ginger Campbell | March 2nd 2007 06:48 PM | 3 comments | Print | E-mail | Track Comments
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More What's Up Doc? Reflections on Why Science Matters articles

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About Ginger Campbell

I am an emergency physician with a long-standing interest in neuroscience. I also enjoy reading about other scientific disciplines.

In addition to writing here, I do two podcasts, ... Full Bio

I discovered the Scientific Blogging site while preparing the next episode of my Books and Ideas Podcast , which is going to be a discussion of Dr. Lee M. Silver 's excellent book Challenging Nature . Therefore, I must admit that I am more of a podcaster than blogger. However, my primary goal is similar to most science bloggers in that I want to promote an understanding of science and the scientific method among general audiences.

The general format of both of my podcasts is to pick books aimed at general audiences and discuss them. I think I am realistic in assuming that few of my listeners will read the books I discuss, so my goal is to communicate the key ideas in a clear, concise manner. Recently, I have added author interviews, which I think are really great because they offer authors the chance to talk un-interrupted and in detail. I think the podcast format is an excellent opportunity for scientists interested in sharing their ideas with the general public.

My hope is that I will make contacts within the Scientific Blogging community that will help me to make better podcasts and also provide an outlet for scientists that would like to reach more people.

Clearly, the problems and challenges facing humankind will require a better educated public than we currently have.

Comments

Hank's picture
Dr. Campbell, welcome to Scientific Blogging and we hope to learn some new things from you.

You wrote on article on why you wrote an article. That's very meta. You also set a record for number of personal promotion links in a single post so we moved all that stuff into your bio section for you. It shows up on every article you write so people won't miss it. ;-)

I think once wireless networks become standard in all public locations, then podcasting might really take off.  But I am not sure, because when the podcast is really handy is on the way to work, just like the radio.  However, I don't think wireless networks can broadcast to a moving receiver because the range of wireless is just so small.  You would have to desing some sort of web of service hubs, that would relay the data cloud of the traveling person who is trying to listen to a podcast. How exactly are you expecting people to make use of podcasts?  A daily habit?   

docartemis's picture

I have been listening to podcasts almost daily since they became a free part of iTunes™ in the summer of 2005. So I guess I do expect it to be a daily habit since it already is for about 1% of the current internet-using population. Currently the data indicate that about 60% listen at their computers and the rest (like me) put them on their mp3 players and take them with them. The great thing about carrying an mp3 player is that you can listen, not just in your car, but while you walk or excercise, or whatever else you have to. This portability and the ability to listen to whichever podcast you want, when YOU want, is part of what makes podcasting different from radio.

So, while better access to Wireless would be nice, I do not think it is the main obstacle to podcasting taking off. Right now the main obstacle is that support is not build into the Internet Explorer™ Browser, which is still used by many people. iTunes™ is free and runs on Windows™ (not Vista™) but few non-iPod™ users know this. You can listen on your computer without software (podcatchers or iTunes™) but this is less convenient. I guess if I was listening on my computer the whole Wireless issue would become relevent, so I guess I finally get your point.

At any rate, you are probably right that direct downloads to our cars are only a future prospect. What is more likely is the continuing integration of iPod™-type connectors in new vehicles, which has already become standard in my high end vehicles. I personally have a very low-tech solution. I drive around with one ear bud in, so I can listen to traffic with my other ear.

 

 


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