Contrary to some previous reviewers' comments, this book goes far beyond what is available in the authors' podcasts or on the web. And because podcasting is a rapidly changing medium in which new issues and concerns arise daily, it naturally goes beyond what previous books have said as well. But most importantly, it provides this information it in a well-written, condensed form that podcasters at any stage can pick up and get something out of.
Even though I've been podcasting since what some consider the early days (Jan '05), I was inspired by a lot of new ideas (as well as thankful for some answers to issues long plaguing me) that I picked up from the book, and I quickly emailed other people who work behind the scenes on my podcast and told them to get a copy, too. It's invaluable to hear what other podcasters are saying about their set-up, their goals, their experiences, and their insights in a more polished and thoughtful format than the kinds of forums where these ideas are usually tossed about. Perhaps one of the great things about "Tricks" is that the authors were able to get podcasters to say what they don't put in their sites on write in forums. As a seasoned podcaster, I didn't expect to get as much out of it as I have, but now I'm grateful that it has been put together.
If you just want to get a podcast out, sure, there are websites where you can find that infomation. But if you want to craft a show, promote it, and shape it into a business, then this book is a great help. And who wants to surf the web and listen to hours and hours of other podcasts to sort through the information that is and isn't useful in creating your own? I'd rather be podcasting.
