Tue, 2 January 2007  Fred talks with Chris McGrath, cover artist for The Dresden Files. He also delves into the nature of "good"
vs "bad" criticism, how to handle the negative varieties of both, and looks at some of the best art in small
press RPGs from 2006.
The Music:
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Obviously you want constructive criticism, so I'll do my best to oblige.
I have to say that the two reviewers you cited hit the proverbial nail on the head. You come off as stiff and over-prepared, and most importantly you don't sound like you're having fun. This is your fandom-BE EXCITED, mess around, adlib! If something doesn't work, edit it out later.
Perhaps you should think about recruiting a co-host or two? It must be hard trying to create a rapport with empty space, having someone else with you live (if not necessarily in person) might help you to act more natural, as well as provide opportunities for discussion and analysis of the books that would fall flat if you attempted them alone.
You also need to break the show into smaller pieces, with a few regular segments. This will make it easier for listeners to pay attention, and give a sense of continuity, if that makes any sense.
EX: The Dresden Quote of the day. Pick a quote, explain the context, and why you love it. It would only take a minute or two, would help break up the show and help you connect with members of the fanbase.
I'm not a podcast expert by any means, but the one cast I regularly tune in for does all these things, which makes it fun to listen to.
The pod cast I am referring to is the Dragonball podcast at daizex.com. Go to the show list, pick out one that's not a special episode and give it a listen. It might help to inspire you!
I have to say that the two reviewers you cited hit the proverbial nail on the head. You come off as stiff and over-prepared, and most importantly you don't sound like you're having fun. This is your fandom-BE EXCITED, mess around, adlib! If something doesn't work, edit it out later.
Perhaps you should think about recruiting a co-host or two? It must be hard trying to create a rapport with empty space, having someone else with you live (if not necessarily in person) might help you to act more natural, as well as provide opportunities for discussion and analysis of the books that would fall flat if you attempted them alone.
You also need to break the show into smaller pieces, with a few regular segments. This will make it easier for listeners to pay attention, and give a sense of continuity, if that makes any sense.
EX: The Dresden Quote of the day. Pick a quote, explain the context, and why you love it. It would only take a minute or two, would help break up the show and help you connect with members of the fanbase.
I'm not a podcast expert by any means, but the one cast I regularly tune in for does all these things, which makes it fun to listen to.
The pod cast I am referring to is the Dragonball podcast at daizex.com. Go to the show list, pick out one that's not a special episode and give it a listen. It might help to inspire you!
The show's broken into pretty small pieces. I haven't really done segments longer than 6 minutes, outside of an interview. Are you suggesting I do something more in the vein of 60-90 seconds per section? :)
Here's the thing, too: the original episode two was entirely ad-libbed. And you know what? I took an hour to say what I said in 9 minutes with a script -- and it would've taken about a month to edit, compared to this one taking about two days.
So as much as I'm trying to build on the feedback I'm getting, I also have to stay aware of what I can't managably do -- what the limits of my ability are.
So, baby steps ahead. I hope folks'll stick with me as I get it done incrementally, rather than with a sudden, stark, implement radical change all at once sort of strategy. :)
Here's the thing, too: the original episode two was entirely ad-libbed. And you know what? I took an hour to say what I said in 9 minutes with a script -- and it would've taken about a month to edit, compared to this one taking about two days.
So as much as I'm trying to build on the feedback I'm getting, I also have to stay aware of what I can't managably do -- what the limits of my ability are.
So, baby steps ahead. I hope folks'll stick with me as I get it done incrementally, rather than with a sudden, stark, implement radical change all at once sort of strategy. :)
I didn't mean that you should do EVERYTHING all at once. I just wanted to mention anything I thought might be helpful, in case you saw an idea that made you think, "Hey! That might work."
Also I didn't mean adlib the whole show, more like that you should have an outline, as opposed to a script.
As for smaller pieces I was thinking of how your opening sort of bled into your discussion on criticism which blended into the start of your interview, however the tone shift there was sufficient to clarify it as a new segment. And FYI the opening and discussion before the interview was pushing nine minutes by itself.
Time is relative. One guy talking for eight and half minutes, however well-informed he is, is not the same as two people having a discussion for that same amount of time.
I enjoyed the interview a great deal, you seemed much more relaxed and into what you were doing when you had someone else to play off of.
You should know that when I comment critically, I tend to go much more indepth about what I don't like, than what I do. That's just my style, and it doesn't mean I bear you any personal dislike, or that I think you're terible, because that's not the case.
I really can't wait to see you find your stride with this podcast. I think you have some interesting thoughts and great ideas, but as of right now the way you articulate them isn't doing them justice.
Best of luck!
Also I didn't mean adlib the whole show, more like that you should have an outline, as opposed to a script.
As for smaller pieces I was thinking of how your opening sort of bled into your discussion on criticism which blended into the start of your interview, however the tone shift there was sufficient to clarify it as a new segment. And FYI the opening and discussion before the interview was pushing nine minutes by itself.
Time is relative. One guy talking for eight and half minutes, however well-informed he is, is not the same as two people having a discussion for that same amount of time.
I enjoyed the interview a great deal, you seemed much more relaxed and into what you were doing when you had someone else to play off of.
You should know that when I comment critically, I tend to go much more indepth about what I don't like, than what I do. That's just my style, and it doesn't mean I bear you any personal dislike, or that I think you're terible, because that's not the case.
I really can't wait to see you find your stride with this podcast. I think you have some interesting thoughts and great ideas, but as of right now the way you articulate them isn't doing them justice.
Best of luck!
Thanks for another great show. I had to rebuild my bookmarks and I'm glad I did because I found this and Jim's Livejournal. I like the show, thanks for the questions.
I really appreciated the discourse on criticism.
On a macgeek note, have you played with any of apple's ipod features. Hyper links, chapter sections and different art? This last Butcher Block would have benefited from different thumbs during the podcast. Also you have the hyper links on the page, but links embedded in the file would be great.
Thanks for the podcast, I look forward to more. Maybe interview with James Marsters. Or more on Codex Alera.
John
I really appreciated the discourse on criticism.
On a macgeek note, have you played with any of apple's ipod features. Hyper links, chapter sections and different art? This last Butcher Block would have benefited from different thumbs during the podcast. Also you have the hyper links on the page, but links embedded in the file would be great.
Thanks for the podcast, I look forward to more. Maybe interview with James Marsters. Or more on Codex Alera.
John
Thanks for the pod casts - just discovered and caught up (FYI there is a rss feed over on LiveJournal for the podcasts) -
My only negative comment - would be handy to know before hand how long each episode is
My only negative comment - would be handy to know before hand how long each episode is
posted by: Star Straf on Wed, 1/10 04:18 PM EST
John -- I have not played with those options -- didn't even know they existed. Are they accessible/settable in any way for someone who's doing his work on a PC?
Star Staf -- I was under the impression folks could see how long they are, but I'll try to remember to mention the length in the posting. I do know about the RSS feed over on LJ -- I set it up!
Star Staf -- I was under the impression folks could see how long they are, but I'll try to remember to mention the length in the posting. I do know about the RSS feed over on LJ -- I set it up!
Ok so I spoke to soon. The cool enhance podcast stuff can only be created on the mac. It can be played in iTunes, Quicktime, on mac and PC and iPod. You'd have to host an enhance and non enhanced. Fred email me if you want my attempt at enhancing the Butcher Block.
Well this is still a cool and informative podcast. Thanks
Well this is still a cool and informative podcast. Thanks
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