Apple’s iTunes Music Store offers erotic podcasts that some are calling ‘porncasts’
Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 11:07 PM EDT"Now available for download through iTunes: raunchy sex banter, erotic storytelling sessions and reviews of pornographic Web sites," Vauhini Vara reports for The Wall Street Journal. "Last month, Apple Computer Inc.'s online music store launched a directory of podcasts -- audio shows that can be downloaded free from the Internet and usually feature amateurs discussing mainstream topics like cars, sports and independent music. At the same time, it also opened its doors to a racier genre of audio files that some are calling 'porncasts.'"
Vara reports, "With names like 'Fetish Flame' and 'Open Source Sex,' the adult podcasts are often created by self-proclaimed sex experts who have cheap recording software, a bit of free time and little or nothing in the way of professional radio experience. Many of the rambling audio shows focus on the creators' sex lives, often punctuated with stutters, long pauses and the occasional, 'Um, so, what should we talk about next?'"
"Dawn Miceli and her husband, Drew Domkus, host 'The Dawn and Drew Show.' Violet Blue is the voice of "'Open Source Sex,' a show that serves up sex advice and readings of erotic fiction," Vara reports. "As podcasting reaches a more mainstream audience, the more risque audio shows -- and Apple's role in distributing them -- could come under greater scrutiny. Apple declined to say whether any of its users have complained about the adult podcasts, which can be downloaded by anyone regardless of age. The company said it could potentially pull programs that it deems too explicit, but declined to say whether it has done so yet."
Full article here.
Related MacDailyNews articles:
Apple iTunes Music Store shows explicit porn-style album artwork without warning - July 12, 2005
Mossberg: Some openly pornographic podcasts slip onto Apple's iTunes Music Store - July 06, 2005

You can't please everyone. Apple can pull what they deem inappropriate, but there will always be someone who doesn't think its enough. As far as I'm concerned, its the parent's job to know what their children are doing online. If that means putting the computer in an open area (i.e. living room) and, God forbid, actually paying attention to what they do, then so be it. Like I said, no matter what Apple chooses to do, they won't please everyone. It is ultimately the parent's responsibility.