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February 28th, 2007 | Posted in Podcasting 7 Comments »
Someone wrote to me asking if I have examples of companies integrating podcasts into their mix of technical communication deliverables. If you know of any, please let me know in the comments to this post. Here’s what come to mind:
- I know Novell does podcasts.
- BMC also provides podcasts.
- Boagworld uses instructional podcasts as a marketing vehicle for their company.
- I believe DMN Communications also uses podcasts to increase their visibility.
- WordPress isn’t a company, but they have a podcast that includes tips and other instruction.
- Pandora has some instructional podcasts about music.
- The Podcast Academy had an instructional podcast on using Audacity.
- Slate has some explainer podcasts that are popular.
- Microsoft’s Channel 9 has a mix of audiovisual content.
- The Harvard Business Review has an ideacast that is popular.
I wish I could think of more examples where companies are starting to use podcasts in their mix of technical communications. I think screencasts and Captivate videos are more prominent for technical instructions. Podcasts aren’t very good at delivering step-by-step technical information. Concepts are where podcasts excel.
You might ask the guys over at ipressroom.com for some examples, or also email the Podcast Academy folk. Personally, I think every company should have a podcast on their product (if it warrants it). I know Madcap recently announced integration with audio content such as podcasts. That surprised me a little — I wasn’t aware that there was even a demand to start integrating podcasts with technical help content.
Please let me know if you find any other examples.
Hey Tom –
Totally agree with your thoughts on integrating podcasts into technical communications. Much of what is out there now just scratches the surface of what can be done. Podcasting is another valuable communication channel to add to the mix. As you know, what’s unique about the medium is the ability to provide audiences with unique content and insight that cannot be found anywhere else. We work hard to reveal the human side behind a company (to get beyond the marketing copy – though it’s not always easy). We do podcasts (and complete podcast portals integrated with client websites – so clients get a complete turnkey package if they want) for all types of companies – from the LA Opera to Trend Micro, Inc. Here is a page on our site that includes some samples.
We also just completed 30 podcasts for Solidworks Corp – one of the leaders CAD software – promoting their Solidworks World 2007 user conference. You can check out the podcasts here: http://blogs.solidworks.com/countdown_to_swworld/
Keep up the good work!
- Chris
Thanks for the input, Chris.
A couple of years back, Apple released audio documentation for its VoiceOver screen reading application (http://www.apple.com/accessibility/voiceover/manual.html).
The audio chapters are simply spoken versions of the documentation. Audio guides probably won’t work for all types of software, but this concept might be an excellent way of presenting overview information.
Scott
Thanks for the link, Scott.
Here’s a site with some more podcasts. In the Technology section, the first one on the Adobe Creative Suite might fit what you’re looking for.
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I don’t know why everyone isn’t pod-casting. You can put ads right in there and they get circulated around. It’s a great way to make your site more hip and get advertising at the same time. I think people are just scared of the new technology… They need to get on the band-wagon.