Create an RSS for your Podcast

So you want to be a Podcaster; you had an epiphany of an idea, created a website, recorded your podcast in your favourite audio program, added in all of your cutting edge sound effects and background music and even went so far as saving your recording as an MP3 file and uploading it to your server.

Now you are sitting there, scratching your jaw and surfing the internet while trying to figure out what the next step is...

Okay, maybe your story doesn't fit into the above scenario exactly, but if you have read this far you are definately looking for the skinny on what else you need to do.

Fortunately, you have come to the right place. The Podcast Empire Crew has put together the following information to help you cross the next hurdle:

The XML/RSS file that every Podcaster must face in order to get their sound heard.. at least, heard by more people than your mom and crazy aunt Edna (and yes I am sure she has very nice feedback).

RSS is not exactly new. It has actually been hanging around in the darker shadows of the Internet for a while now. It was not until Blogs and Podcasting that the format really found its niche.

First of all, RSS Stands for 'Really Simple Syndication'.

"Wait, wait... my crazy aunt Edna told me that RSS stood for Rich Site Summary..."

Yes, well, your crazy aunt may not be so crazy after all... at least she knows something about the history of RSS anyway. RSS may also stand for RDF Site Summary, but really, I don't care if you hold that it stands for 'Randolf's Simple Script'; the point is that it really is a Really Simple way to Syndicate, or publish information on the Internet so that other people can easily and universally download your file.

RSS is a pull technology, enabling you to receive only content that you specifically asked for (or pulled from the Internet). Think of it this way: email, webpages, radio, television, they're all created by somone else who thinks they know what it is that you want. All you have to do is show up and the content is dropped in your lap; these are all examples of push technology.

Essentially RSS is a file format that is designed to put media control exactly where it should be... in the hands of the viewers. All you need is an aggregator and a speaker and a little time to find the content that really floats your boat and you'll be set.

If you want a lot more information about the history of RSS, check out our RSS History Page.

So you have now either determined what RSS stands for, or determined that it really doesn't matter, and are ready to get down to the nitty gritty business of pounding out the code.

Well, first take a deep breath, because this is going to be relatively painless... trust me.

RSS really is a method for SIMPLE SYNDICATION... that means simple code.

"Yeah right... just like Monosyllabic means only one syllable... tell me one I haven't heard"

Ha Ha, yes and driveway is actually a place where you park, I know, you can't always judge a burrito by it's wrap. But honestly, if you can get through your very first RSS entry almost every other one that you create will be exactly the same (as far as the code is concerned anyway). So how 'bout we just get on with it then?

RSS is an encapsulment type language and essentially functions like the legend on a roadmap and the map itself, telling an aggregator (the thingy that people use to git yer feed after you go to all this trouble) where to get your file, and what all the applicable information is surrounding said file (like the name and description of your new podcast).

Stay with us for part 2!! ----------(click here!!)-------------->