Several issues with podcasts

Question

basically i already had a podcast on itunes, and the host i WAS with wouldn't let me add itunes tags to it, it would let me even look at the rss feed apart from a basic link, so i deleted all the stuff from the host and am now looking for a better host?
so the issues i would like to be cleared up
1> who is the best host to go with? cheap or free would be ideal but i understand if paying is a major thing
2> my last podcast is still up on the itunes store and i need that podcasts name as its for my business. i asked for it to be removed via the report a concern button, how long will it take to be removed?
3> what is the best way to make the rss feed? i know some websites can make them but if some restrict you from editing them, like with my last host.
thank you for any help
connor

Answer 1

1. You can host a podcast on any comptetent website hosting service provided that it handles 'byte-range requests' - the method used by iPhones and now mandatory for the Store. There are also services which can host your podcast and make the feed for your, such as Libsyn (Robert Walch, who posts here, works for them and can give you detailed information and encouragement about its use: it's not free). WordPress is popular but complex if you want to do your own hosting, though I don't know whether it's available for Windows. However its complexities lead to more queries on this forum than any other single process. There may be Windows programs which will create a feed but I can't advise on that platform. Most free hosting services are problematic - as they have to make a profit, which they often do by adding adverts to web pages, which they can't do with media files, they have no interest in doing this. Audio hosting services often tie you down badly and are really geared to their own web pages with embedded players. Some also have serious bandwidth restrictions which could become problematic if you get popular.
2. Ideally what you need to do is to add the redirection tag to the old feed. However you evidently can't do that; your next best option is to email Support at podcasts 'at' apple.com and ask them to move the Store to using the new feed. This will keep the same iTunes Store page, but subscribers will lose contact with the feed. (The redirection tag will also redirect subscibers.) Don't be in a hurry to get the podcast removed - you might have trouble re-submitting a feed with the same title. On the other hand, if your existing feed is currently empty or missing that is likely to get you removed anyway. I can't give you a timescale for anything the Store does.
3. Many of the services and programs which create podcast feeds for you don't allow you to edit the code. In fact I'm not sure that any of the major ones do. You could hand-write the code - it's actually not difficult, but you it's unforgiving - a tiny mistake can render it unreadable - so you have to have a clear idea what you are doing. I wouldn't recommend it, but it does give you absolute control.
My 'get you started' page on podcasting includes a sample basic feed you could use as a template, and some general information which might help (though it's Mac-biased as I don't use Windows).
http://rfwilmut.net/pc