Podcasting - advantages, detractions

The advantages of podcasting (Link to response in podcast) are many, including the portability, user driven choices, minimal cost, and "ease" of use. However, I say the latter with a little trepidation since I didn't find the technology very easy to follow. Podomatic is a little difficult to navigate and find functions, but in the end it works. The pairing of podcasting with visuals is a dynamic teaching/presentation tool that can bring together audiences in vast locations. I particularly like the ability to allow live commenting when podcasting making the experience interactive and engaging for the audience.Podcasting is a tool that should be used with a purpose, not just aimless rantings or opinionating. When used as the latter, it can be a distraction, as is the case with text blogging.