Text Blog vs. Podcast

Podcasts

Pro-

• Can use special effects, add music
• Vocal emphasis that is lacking in written format (ie sarcasm)
• Listening can be more interesting then reading a long text
• Saves eyestrain from staring at computer screen
• A good format to reach people with poor eyesight or who are blind
• Gives a human element
• Good for audio learners

Con-

• Difficult to search the content without a transcription
• poor audio quality can make it difficult to hear
• Quality of speaker becomes more important, a dull monotone speaker will lose the audience
• Uhhh, Ummmmm, You know
• Some people are embarrassed to have their voice recorded
• Some places it's not possible to listen to a podcast where it is possible to read (ie work)
• Recording, rerecording, editing, uploading and then posting can take a long time

Text-based Blogging

Pro-

• text is searchable
• Just type and hit post. ~Spellcheck optional but encouraged ;D
• Better for visual learners
• Can read a blog places where you might not be able to listen to one
• Easier for second language speakers (who can often understand written better then spoken)
• eliminates difficultly understanding accents/dialects or speech problems
• (See podcasting cons)

Con-

• Potential misunderstandings due to lack of vocal cues
• Difficult for those with spelling/writing disabilities
• For some people it is easier to say something then to write it
• (see podcasting pros)