Blog, Podcast and RSS Advertising fastest-growing segment

According to Podcasting News (April 10, 2006) "blog, podcast and RSS advertising are the fastest-growing segments of the alternative media industry, according to a new report."
The report by PQ Media said that "user-generated online media", expanded at an aggregate 198.4% to $20.4 million in 2005, and is expected to grow another 144.9% to $49.8 million in 2006.
Also, according to the report and Podcasting Media: Blog advertising accounted for 81.4%, or $16.6 million, of total spending on blog, podcast and RSS advertising in 2005, but will comprise 39.7% of the total in 2010 Podcast advertising, meanwhile, reached $3.1 million in 2005, and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 154.4% from 2006 to 2010, when it will be larger than blog advertising

PQ Media report:
http://www.pqmedia.com/blog-podcast-rss-advertising.html
Podcasting News link:
www.podcastingnews.com/archives/2006/04/fastest_growing.html

Internet Advertising Report

Results are in… (from Interactive Advertising Bureau & PwC) … http://www.iab.net/resources/adrevenue/pdf/IAB_PwC_2005.pdf

Internet Advertising for 2005: $12.5B which is up 30% over 2004

Rich Media (advertisements that include some component of streaming video and/or audio and interactivity, in addition to flash or java script ads, and can allow users to view and interact with products or services) is 8% of the total.

What exactly is a Talkcast(tm)?

A Talkcast(tm) is a new way to talk and communicate using the Internet and/or your phone, to connect with other people. Lots of people can simultaneously get on a Talkcast using the TalkShoe website. They can talk, listen, and/or text chat with each other.

Why would people want to do this?
There are lots of reasons to host or join a talkcast. At it's core it's a way to find other people who want to talk about the same thing.
Perhaps you've always wanted to be an amateur talk show host, and interview people.
Or talk with people after "the game" and voice your opinions.
Or talk and chat with lots of your college buddies about old times.
Or form a political or psychology discussion group.
Or learn about something.
Or discuss a book with a book club.
Or talk to a celebrity.
Or create a new dating game.
Or just talk.

So what's the difference between a Talkcast and a phone conference call?
Sure, you could use TalkShoe to create a free conference call with people you know. In fact, that's a good reason to use the website. But a talkcast adds lots of features you don't have in a conference call. First, every Talkcast has a host. Ever been on a multi-party conference call with nobody in charge? That's right, it's chaos. Having a host keeps the conversation on topic. The host of a talkcast can mute or even censor people who are taking over the conversation or using unwanted profanity. Second, a talkcast gets people together who want to talk about the same thing, and brings people together who probably don't know each other. Third, a talkcast visually shows who's talking, by flashing their name. Finally, a talkcast can be recorded so that you, or anyone else who visits the website can listen to, or download that talkcast to their iPod.

TalkShoe Beta update

The TalkShoe beta will begin in the latter half of May, 2006. Beta users will get the first look at our new form of Internet communications. A beta tester should be curious about exploring and using TalkShoe and be willing to provide us with feedback to make the service better, while being tolerant of early bugs. If you’re interested or just want to learn more, please sign up at: www.talkshoe.com.

Intro Blog

Greetings! This is the initial blog for TalkShoe. We're busy building a website to allow people to talk to other people with like interests. Please sign up for our Beta at www.talkshoe.com.