Bytesurgery has developed a system whereby blog readers can leave audio comments instead of the usual text comments at the end of blog posts. Most are familiar with the concept of audio feedback from Adam Curry’s Daily Source Code, but that is a podcast, not a blog.
Currently users input their audio comments into the Commentcasting system by calling an Irish number +353 76 6020927 and entering the “extension” of the relevant blog. (the 076 area code is for a VOIP provider)
I would prefer to see a Java Applet with a PTT button instead in the comment section of the blog post. A similar applet allowing realtime half duplex converstions between multiple users exists, and indeed was popular back in the dot com days on many sites. However it seems that the system is aimed priimarily at podcasters, and so the phone input is ideal, as such “consumers” do not have a PC to hand, and do have a mobile phone to hand!
This will allow your listeners to reply with audio comments on a normal phone while listening to your podcast. Pausing your show, they simply dial our number, enter your ID and talk. The comments you approve will be embedded alongside your Podcasts in a subscription feed (RSS) for everyone to hear!
Bytesurgery could monetise their system by charging podcasters to use the service, and could indeed go one step further and get a premium number (not 1550 because techies are not idiots ordering ringtones, so maybe the more resonable 0818 instead). Congratulations Bytesurgery.
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