The web is starting to buzz about Apple sending “cease and desist” letters to Podcast Ready (and others), claiming that they are infringing on Apple’s trademark on the “iPod.”

ZDNET’s Russell Shaw thinks he’s uncovered the true reason for it. You can read his (rather lengthy) post right here. It makes sense, but it doesn’t change the fact that this is going to become a very big issue.

Leo Laporte has proposed changing the name to “netcast”. There’s even a poll up at Twit.tv with a few other suggestions. I was actually surprised to see that the majority of voters on that poll feel that it’s too late, and “podcast” is unchangeable.

I don’t think “podcast” is an unchangeable term. In fact, I think it would probably be best if it changed as soon as possible. As some, including Leo, have argued, the term “podcast” is confusing to not “tech” people. They think they can only listen to it on an iPod which, of course, is not true…but is “netcast” the best possible replacement term?

It’s the best one that I’ve heard so far, but I’m not totally sold on it. Especially since “podcasts” don’t actually “cast” anything.

This is the definition of “podcast” from Wikipedia.

Podcasting, a portmanteau of Apple’s “iPod” and “broadcasting”, is a method of publishing files to the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed and receive new files automatically by subscription, usually at no cost. It first became popular in late 2004, used largely for audio files.

So why don’t we just call these things what they are?

They’re SHOWS.

The method that you recieve them is through a feed. So why not call the feeds “Audio Feeds” and “Video Feeds”.

For example: “Thanks for watching My Tech Lists, if you would like to subscribe to our show, please visit our website where you can subcribe to our Video Feed.”

I don’t know…maybe that’s not catchy enough, or maybe it’s too confusing to non-techie people, but I think “podcast” needs to go, and now is the time to do it.

What do you think?

This post has been moved to Apple Gazette.com