Q. What is a podcast?
A. A podcast is an audio file, usually in MP3 format.

Q. Why not just call them MP3s?
A. Podcasts are unique because they allow users with special software to subscribe to and receive automatic updates for them.

Q. Whoa, whoa, whoa...subscribe? Does this mean I have to pay for your podcasts?
A. Not a cent. MP3.com's podcasts are currently 100 percent free for everyone to download and listen to. When we say subscription, we simply mean that you can set your software to automatically download our new podcasts as soon as they're available.

Q. So how does this wacky podcasting thing relate to MP3.com?
A. We've just started a new weekly podcast for our Great Albums feature. In the podcasts, MP3.com editors talk about key albums related to various genres and musical themes. It's a quick way to get caught up on the music that should be in your collection, and it's updated every Monday with our Great Albums feature. Download and listen to it at work, so the boss-man doesn't catch you reading MP3.com! You can even take us with you on your morning commute or on your morning jog!

Q. That sounds cool. How can I listen in?
A. The easiest way is to download the MP3 and then listen to it using your favorite audio-playback software or hardware. Click the MP3 button in the header of every Great Albums feature for the raw MP3 file.

Q. I really liked that podcast of yours. How can I subscribe so that I automatically receive the next one?
A. You'll need software that supports podcasts. iTunes and iPodder are two of the more popular podcast-ready clients. All you need to do is feed this XML link into the appropriate place in your software, and your subscription is ready. The XML link is also at the top of every Great Albums feature.

Q. Does MP3.com have plans to do other content in podcast form? How about reviews or developer interviews?
A. Yes, we do! But it will be a little while before we have all the kinks ironed out. If you have comments about the podcast, feel free to send an e-mail to the features editor with your comments or suggestions. If you'd like to see us podcast more stuff, the best thing to do is keep listening to our current podcast and pass the XML link around to all your podcast-listening friends.