Video podcasting is a wonderful new way to keep in touch with family and friends, and also provides an innovative way to show the world your expertise.

Although new and computer-based, podcasts are not just a tool for young people or advanced computer users. They are a tool for sharing knowledge and experiences. And although the name may suggest they are a complicated, in fact they are relatively easy to create and publish.

A podcast is an audio or video file distributed by RSS software that can be downloaded on the Internet. But, rather than typical online audio or video files - which are only available to be downloaded or viewed after the user has found it - when a podcast is created, subscribers automatically download new episodes as soon as they become available.

This is because of RSS software. RSS - which stands for Really Simple Syndication - is a technology that feeds a description of web content with a link to the original content. When content is updated, the RSS feeds a headline and description to subscribers automatically.

When combined with a podcast, it allows subscribers to see when new episodes of the podcast have been created, and automatically downloads these episodes to subscribers. All that is required

A video podcast is a creative way to securely share your experiences with family and friends, and your expertise and skills with people on the other side of the city or the other side of the world.

Vacation highlights, birthdays, anniversaries, outdoor adventures, and holiday celebrations are all perfect for a podcast. In fact, any photos or video material can easily be made into a video podcast.

Digital photos can be turned into a video photo-album, complete with a voice-over and background music. And a two-minute video-clip can make the viewer feel as if they are experiencing the moment, rather than merely watching what has already happened.

A video podcast provides an added a dimension making the viewer feel as if they are experiencing the event as it is happens - a feeling not conveyed through traditional email and photos.

Podcasts can be easily shared and password protected so only your family and friends are able to access them. So you can be assured your memories and precious moments are shared with only the people you choose.

In addition to sharing your experiences, video podcasts are also an excellent way to share your knowledge.

There is no substitute for experience, and your years of experience have made you an expert. There is no better way to share your expertise than through a video podcast. Your experience doing any craft, pastime, hobby, or trade are all skills that can be easily captured on video, and published on the Internet for a world-wide audience.

If you own your own business, or plan on starting a business, a video podcast can be an easy way to reach potential clients and customers. By showing the world your expertise, you are telling the world that you are an expert and can provide the types of services people are looking for.

Even in a world where technology is advancing every day, skills and expertise are always in demand. Podcasting is a technology that will allow you to reach a greater audience.

Video podcasting is a technology with endless possibilities. Whether it be to keep in touch with family or friends, or for a business to reach-out to new clients, podcasting is a simple and affordable way to do both.

Adam Peck is a freelance journalist in Toronto, Ont., Canada. Visit http://www.northstreams.com for more information about podcasting. Northstreams Inc., is a Toronto-based company that specializes in producing professional video and audio podcasts.