Why? Why on Earth would I want to listen to what these people say? I can barely bring myself to read them.

The only 'podcast' you need ever listen to is Maciej's.

http://www.idlewords.com/2004/08/an_audioblogging_manifesto.htm

Al, if I thought that either audio program was a waste of my reader's time, I would not recommend it. If I think there's valuable information to be culled in any of the programs done to date, I'm going to share that.

I myself am particularly interested in the technology behind podcasting, and each time I listen to either program I learn something new,
but that's me.

I listened to the manifesto not too long ago. I don't think the goal here is for audio programs or podcasting to ever replace the written word. I've seen the web grow from personal web sites, to commercial web sites, and on to weblogs. To introduce another way of communicating just seems to me like a natural evolution. Things evolve and change all the time. The only thing that hasn't changed is your ability to make a choice. And with that thought in mind, if you don't care for my suggestion then it's your choice not to follow up on it.

I responded privately, but figure there is always room for a gratuitous... Thwaaap, Bah, P-Tooey.

So, Thwaaap!!

That should teach you better than to engage in debate with someone as eloquent as myself.

Oh Al. I am grateful that a deity of your stature would deign to swoop down from on high and sprinkle me with the fairy dust of your awe-inspiring and infinite wisdom. Thank you, oh great one, for those shining pearls of blinding genius. I am immeasurably humbled in the presence of your incomprehensible omnipotence, and would rather be sealed in a pit of my own filth than dare confront you in the flesh. I hope you can find it within your heart to forgive me, who is but a lowly amoeba, for even existing in the same plane as one so formidable as yourself. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Now that you've recovered from the hour+ it took for your fever-filled brain to absorb all that, let me get the wet noodles out so I can slap you out of it. That should take care of whatever is ailing you.

By the way, I'm responding to that private email, so brace yourself. Take THAT, you, you, you upstate bully. [insert snark here.]

Excellent... now your getting the idea.

I will be accepting tribute between 2:30 and 4PM next Thursday. Virgins are preferred -- yeah, yeah, I know how hard they are to come by -- but cash is always welcome.

His voice sure did bring back memories from way back in the day when MTV actually had M on it. :o)