Comments from our colleagues

Hey Peg:

I am really enjoying getting oriented with the iPod. I have about 6 or 7 podcasts downloaded once a week and find some of them great listening while traveling. One I really enjoy is TWIT: This Week in Technology. The latest “podcast” focused on the conflict in the industry over the use of the term “pod” as a generic descriptor for these downloadable audio files. Of course the term is a derivative of the Apple iPod. The term iPod is a registered trademark, the same as iTunes. Just as “Formica” is used by many to describe plastic laminates used on counter tops etc…it is a trademarked name and those who extrapolate on its name to describe a related business, (i.e. “Formica Pros”, Top Formica Company ”) are infringing on that trademark. So…the “Podcasters Association”, “Podsearch”, and other websites using the term “Pod” are receiving letters from Apple to cease and desist using their intellectual property. What might be used instead? The term “netcast’ has been used and might take its place…but the Podcasting enthusiasts are an independent lot and look as if they will try tilting with the windmill. Despite their quixotic behavior, I think they will eventually be forced to relinquish their hold on the “pod” based nomenclature in favor of a generic descriptor. Just when podcasting is building up market potential for investment that could launch this medium into mainstream big time, we are forced to rename the technology and confuse the masses just a little bit more. Will the end result of this struggle hurt Apple, or help it?
I don’t know, but its fascinating and educational listening. Give TWIT a try. It’ll bring out the geek in you.

Ken

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ok, so lets assume that the financial industry is our technology leaders and early adaptors. Try some of the financial web sites for their pod cast on 'education. Granted there is a marketing included but some of the 10 minute discussions are actually quite good, a model for where we are going??????

Chuck