It is an interesting read as it sort of chronicles listenership and those who have been with us for a long time.

Captivating and funny

Imagine a podcast where some guy and his wife are talking in a basement recording studio. That's podcasting. Now, imagine they're funny, and imagine the studio actually works. That's this podcast.

Submitted By: nobody.really@... (on 4-2005)

So a little due diligence I found the IP is part of Podshow's block at RackSpace. I skype Chris from Podcast Alley, cause I knew him way back before Podshow, and asked him what was up. Oh yeah, the IP was asking for authentication when I visited so I couldn't see what going on.

I asked him what they were doing with the feeds. His reply was that they were caching them. No big deal. Still problematic in a sense that I am not pinging them to send them an update, but whatever, they got a plan and caching isn't inherintly evil. At this time I requested him to add the User Agent information to the script they were using to pull the feeds. That never happened.

Needless to say I shared this information with a couple of podcasters who immediately blocked the the IP address. But I didn't. So for the last three months they have been hitting not only my feed but the feeds of many other people every half hour and caching them.

But this is where the problem comes in. Yesterday with the botched launch of the new Podshow+. I took a look at the IP which was no longer asking for authentication and took a look around. I look at it like if my feed is public and you are using it in your site and your IP is public and broadcast to my database I can use it too. So I took a look around. Yikes!

I found my feed . . . or did I? What I found as others are finding or any podcaster whether they belong to the network or are paid by podshow is that they are re-writing the cached feeds!! Yup. Changing tags, truncating data, modifying the RSS generator tag to say "Podshow Delivery Network" (Update: it reads "PodShow PDN") and . . . and rewriting the original URL of the feed that they cached. Are you kidding? They don't even link to my original feed. So how would I know people are even subscribed? I wouldn't and they would. More incentive to join their network I guess.

If people weren't sure about Podshow's intent to make money off the back of every podcaster then this is a sure sign that if they did't they sure do now. The fact that Podshow is purporting even at this early stage to be the proprietor of all podcasters is a joke. The arrogance to think that we all somehow owe them or should allow them to rewrite our feeds because their network is the be all end all signals that this is the end for them.

If you would like to stop Podshow from caching your feed and rewriting it as they roll Podcast Alley, Podsafe Music Network and the Podshow home page into the mega Podshow+ PDN then block this IP: 72.3.228.221.

Update: It appears as of 12 a.m. on July 7th the Podshow caching bot or script was turned off. But have some fun checking your logs for their IP address I bet it's there.

Update two: If you would like to see some screen shots and read more of this discussion check out Michael Geoghegan's post or Todd Cochrane's. For some other good opinions, Paul Colligan's "Podshow Hysterics" post and this one from FuzzyBlog. It will be interesting to see where this conversation goes today as this picks up some steam.

Final update then new post: 9:31 a.m. July 7 - Podshow is scraping from the ip again so lets have some fun.

Final final update: 2:05 p.m. July 7 - The XML chicklet link now goes to podcaster's original feeds.

Tags: Podshow PDN caching feeds rewriting feeds 72.3.228.221 ]]>Three months ago I created a podcast management system. Part of that development was tracking everything that happens with all files, especially RSS. Being a huge stats nerd I freaked when I kept getting regular hits from this ip: 72.3.228.221 to my main RSS feed where the User Agent was null. WTF, a null user agent?

So a little due diligence I found the IP is part of Podshow's block at RackSpace. I skype Chris from Podcast Alley, cause I knew him way back before Podshow, and asked him what was up. Oh yeah, the IP was asking for authentication when I visited so I couldn't see what going on.

I asked him what they were doing with the feeds. His reply was that they were caching them. No big deal. Still problematic in a sense that I am not pinging them to send them an update, but whatever, they got a plan and caching isn't inherintly evil. At this time I requested him to add the User Agent information to the script they were using to pull the feeds. That never happened.

Needless to say I shared this information with a couple of podcasters who immediately blocked the the IP address. But I didn't. So for the last three months they have been hitting not only my feed but the feeds of many other people every half hour and caching them.

But this is where the problem comes in. Yesterday with the botched launch of the new Podshow+. I took a look at the IP which was no longer asking for authentication and took a look around. I look at it like if my feed is public and you are using it in your site and your IP is public and broadcast to my database I can use it too. So I took a look around. Yikes!

I found my feed . . . or did I? What I found as others are finding or any podcaster whether they belong to the network or are paid by podshow is that they are re-writing the cached feeds!! Yup. Changing tags, truncating data, modifying the RSS generator tag to say "Podshow Delivery Network" (Update: it reads "PodShow PDN") and . . . and rewriting the original URL of the feed that they cached. Are you kidding? They don't even link to my original feed. So how would I know people are even subscribed? I wouldn't and they would. More incentive to join their network I guess.

If people weren't sure about Podshow's intent to make money off the back of every podcaster then this is a sure sign that if they did't they sure do now. The fact that Podshow is purporting even at this early stage to be the proprietor of all podcasters is a joke. The arrogance to think that we all somehow owe them or should allow them to rewrite our feeds because their network is the be all end all signals that this is the end for them.

If you would like to stop Podshow from caching your feed and rewriting it as they roll Podcast Alley, Podsafe Music Network and the Podshow home page into the mega Podshow+ PDN then block this IP: 72.3.228.221.

Update: It appears as of 12 a.m. on July 7th the Podshow caching bot or script was turned off. But have some fun checking your logs for their IP address I bet it's there.

Update two: If you would like to see some screen shots and read more of this discussion check out Michael Geoghegan's post or Todd Cochrane's. For some other good opinions, Paul Colligan's "Podshow Hysterics" post and this one from FuzzyBlog. It will be interesting to see where this conversation goes today as this picks up some steam.

Final update then new post: 9:31 a.m. July 7 - Podshow is scraping from the ip again so lets have some fun.

Final final update: 2:05 p.m. July 7 - The XML chicklet link now goes to podcaster's original feeds.

Tags: Podshow PDN caching feeds rewriting feeds 72.3.228.221 ]]> Thu, 06 Jul 2006 23:06:38 -0500 tag:croncast.com,416 Three months ago I created a podcast management system. Part of that development was tracking everything that happens with all files, especially RSS. Being a huge stats nerd I freaked when I kept getting regular hits from this ip: 72.3.228.221 to my main RSS feed where the User Agent was null. WTF, a null user agent?So a little due diligence I no Podshow, PDN, caching feeds, rewriting feeds, 72.3.228.221 http://www.croncast.com/rssk/413/Betsy-and-her-husband-Kris-Jul-05-2006_fireworks_used-golf-balls.php Podcasts Croncast - 2006-07-05.mp3

Show: #245
Length: 30:17
Size: 20.8 mb
Format: mp3

Betsy and her husband Kris July 05, 2006

We would have been happy with just a few of lines like this one:

"If there's anyone left on this fractured planet in a couple of hundred years they would learn much of what they need to know about the 2000s from listening to the entire catalogue of Croncast."

It is really interesting for us to gain insight into what it is that draws people in to the show. Being able to read this review has added quite a bit to our understanding of that. And, of course, added more questions. We ask ourselves the same questions that most people ask themselves . . . so why do people listen? Why do you listen? Maybe not just to us but podcasts in general.

Feel free to resond to Bernadette's review at Podast Alley or drop us a comment below this post.

Show: #166
Length: 48:12
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 22.1 mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris 125

Thanks to everyone who has voted at Podcast Alley (when you can get through). Keep'em coming!

Shake it like Shakira
Betsy likes to see Kris squirm
The danger of being a forest preserve officer
The cat ban, put it on a leash
Adult suburbanites shooting at our cat (what they thought was our cat) with a bb gun
Trying to fit in has been a lost cause
You only really need two friends
Kris finally listens to Howard Stern and likes it
Rockstar INXS J.D. vs Marty and the effeminate Mig
I will never live down taking podcasting so serious during Betsy's pregnancy
Selling driver's licenses to 14 year olds to make cash
Giving direction on the show
Second child needs to clap for themselves even at 6 months
Radiated Ball jars of mysterious things from Bobaks
Pickled asparagus vs. pickled squash
My Name is Earl - is really funny

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Show: #165
Length: 49:50
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 22.9 mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris 124

Welcome to the playroom
The wet bar basement fad
Amazon Rainforest shower head fad of today
Kris' body slaves are unsexy eunuchs
Betsy sets Kris straight on SCWF meaning
I am trying to make it Share Croncast With a Friend
Nerds with personal digital devices
Baptists on the front lawn
Betsy can't get anything straight when she tells me for the first time
No beliefs from youth
Kris thinks he is #1 Daddy
I've seen some pretty horrible things this week
Then Betsy reminds me of one of the worst things I've seen first hand
Fourth and Towne for the "muffin toppers", Betsy is on to something
Kris tries to start something with Betsy and she nullifies it
Shoe knowledge will never leave you if you have sold shoes
Handicat is a cat for single men
Vote for us at Podcast Alley

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Show: #145
Length: 33:54
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 15.6mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris 104

Don't forget them votes! We finished last month ranked 62 at Podcast Alley. Sure we weren't around for half of the month but you can helps us out this month with a vote at Podcast Alley to to turn that 62 into a 2, a 6 or even a 26.

Kris deserves a scratch and sniff sticker book
Real men change their own oil
Another Expo closeout adventure
Sweet Goodwill American Girl find
Life is sweet when your broke
at least theres no nanny to sleep with
Maggie learns to Kris
Kris begs for cash
Speculation on theHooters operations manual
Hooters Recruiter
Kris wants Obama to be president
Kris rattles on about Bush
Halloween costume interventions

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Show: #144
Length: 39:58
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 18.4mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris 103

It feels great to be back!

The past two weeks have been good us, the break, the NY Times mention, the Morning Stories mention (thanks Tony and Gary) and all of the emails and comments from listeners.

We finished last month ranked 62 at Podcast Alley. Sure we weren't around for half of the month but you can helps us out this month with a vote at Podcast Alley to to turn that 62 into a 2, a 6 or even a 26.

Our tour of Europe over, Kris and Betsy return rejuvenated- well not quite though I did take Kris on the Olive Garden Tour of Italy...

Actually we spent our time off battling waves of sewage
you know you are an adult when you are really interested in articles titled "What you need to know when buying a toilet"
I now have a dream toilet
but shouldnt everyone

Conclusion of the firefighting drama
Its great to be back thanks for coming back

Also, I have been notified that one of our most loyal listeners Ms. Fiona had a loved one pass away and noone was there for her more than Ms. Natalie, who Fiona would like immortalized as THE GREATEST FRIEND THERE EVER WAS wow fiona you are such a great friend no i mean really a great friend.

If you have a shout out you would like in the show notes email me and I will add it

On an upcoming episode Kris and Betsy weekend plumbing warriors

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Show: #138
Length: 21:06
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 9.7mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris Ep. 97

It's Independence Day make sure you vote at Podcast Alley with the "Vote Croncast" button below.

Show notes go something like this for today, it's a rough one (they all can't be gems):

Next Monday will be the 100th Croncast with Betsy!! So send us your favorite Croncast moments with the show date in an email and we'll play it in Monday's show. Please get them to us by this Friday.

Betsy and I let everyone in on our morning secret, we're fighting and it is making it hard to have a conversation. Which is partially, well . . . the main reason the show is so short today. Maggie is also really vocal on today's show.

We do get into some fun topics, however, like male cheer leaders now on the carnival circuit, Kris says no more life-size Barbie dolls in the house or car and Floridian shark attacks.

For everyone who hasn't been to our site before and want to know what our shows are like check out the Best of the First 100.

You can stream it in the Flash player or download it to listen later.

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Show: #137
Length: 32:17
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 14.8mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris Ep. 96

It's the first of the month give us a vote at Podcast Alley with the "Vote Croncast" button below

Betsy dreams of Kris running off with his toothless cousin
Kris only has eyes for his computer- Maude
Airbrushing your own photo- one of the benefits of being a geek
The Man cleans
I get suckered into Safetytown- the parental version
Don't store oven mitts in your toaster
Don't dry your underwire bra in the microwave
Betsy reminisces about the time Kris bought a car
without realizing it
Walking to your job making pizza at a gas station
Pending grad/podcast party
and I finally get to tell my Target story

For all of those who haven't been to our site before and want to know what our shows are like check out the Best of the First 100.

You can stream it in the Flash player or download it to listen later.

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Show: #125
Length: 33:03
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 14.0 mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris Ep. 84

Today's show is about world view with the anology being our choice of arctic dwelling or final days on a piece of drift ice. I feel like I just got back from the arctic with my cold, but by Monday I should be back to full voice ;) (not quite sure what 'full voice' is).

Betsy puts out a call for Eskimo listeners to send us a message, denies the existence of Macaroni penguins. See below:

Betsy: this is a macaroni penguin.

Thanks to everyone who voted so far at Podcast Alley for the show! If you haven't voted yet this month take some time and click the image below.

Vote at Podcast Alley with the "Vote Croncast" button above.

Some people have had trouble voting at Podcast Alley and unfortunately there is nothing that I can do to fix it. We've made Chris aware of the problem but I think to fix the problem would break more than it repairs.

Kris tells a story of young love, dirty street action and how 30 year old men are not really invisible when they are staring. The story goes something like this . . . "Excuse me, are those two chicks making out over there?" The answer was, "Yes. Twice."

Check out the other guys from the Naperville Blogger/Podcaster group:

Evan Brown - InternetCases.com
Rick Klau - Tins
Mike Marusin - marusin.com
Henry Treftz - who's blog I can't find because he was closeted for so long ;).

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Show: #124
Length: 13:36
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 6.3 mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris Ep. 83

Today's show is super short. I am sick and need to take a rest. But the show must go on!

Hey it's the first of the month too!

Vote at Podcast Alley with the "Vote Croncast" button above.

Thanks to Chip for his T-shirt idea. Simple really but looked cool. See the
Croncast badge to the right of this post on bottom, the rectangle one? Put that on the front of a shirt . . . brilliant. After designing T-shirts for a period of my life it is one of those "oh yeah" moments.

Betsy did tball tonight and I did the couch after my first day at the new gig. New gig: great fit. Tball: Betsy's a natural even though she busted out another Goodwill Mommy who was in the closet.

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Show: #83
Length: 16:00
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 7.33 mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris Ep. 43

Press
Becaon News (a local paper) online version
The PDF with photos is right-cheer.

The start of the new M-W-F schedule of shows while we prepare for the baby to come in the next few weeks and continue to record extra shows for use once the new one arrives.

Today Betsy welcomes the end of the month, Kris and Betsy's love of the Peach Blueberry muffin, the "wave" gum, tractor brand affiliation and Gung-Ho references.

Local paper runs Sunday article about Betsy and I, the online version no photo and the scanned PDF is right-cheer. Betsy and I want to thank the writer David Garbe and the photographer for taking the time to hang out with us. The best part of the article is that Betsy gets the "podcaster" label.

Most people we told missed the article because it was in the business section, even though it was on the front page. Guess our friends didn't know that section existed.

Betsy gets a special call from her "eccentric" father after his return from the Antarctic upon his reading of the article and uses her Vicky voice in this show.

That's the wrap up. Give us some votes at Podcast Alley today when you have a chnace.

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Show: #64
Length: 31:06
Format: mp3
Bit rate: 64 kbs
Size: 14.2 mb

Croncast - Betsy and her husband Kris Ep. 22 (Repodcast)

This show is a repodcast of our January 14, 2005 show. Don't forget to vote on the left side of this post for us at Podcast Alley.

On today's show Betsy spills the beans about our special visitors (yet to show up), from FOX/UPN to tape us doing a show and to do an interview about podcasting. So we got haircuts . . . I got a hair cut and Betsy got did.

The bulk of today's show is talking about how Kris was felt up by the beautician, what it must be like going home with other people's hair all over you, the Ebay mafia and how the pregnant Betsy really wiped out trying to come home and eat her Jared diet meal.

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