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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Jan 13, 2020 17:37:24 GMT
There've been a few whispers about the idea of creating a podcast recently, so here it goes with a dedicated thread!
If you've got some suggestions as to the format or who or what might feature in it, please do share. Also tell us what SW podcasts could serve as a model, and which ones you admire and why you recommend them.
Should it be - like my favourite Star Wars ones are - based around a new lore subject each week, or should focus on our thoughts (aka our spin) on the latest news, rumours and experience at conventions/fan events? A third option would be to base it around reviews of ongoing new material: films, TV, books and even comics. We could also have it as a combination of these.
Two hosts, or more? Will the hosts be consistent - again, as in my favourite podcasts - or will it be revolving? Will it be released weekly, monthly or whenever we feel like it?
Does someone already have recording equipment? If not, are people prepared to chip in to finance it? I'm not convinced a laptop-based microphone over Skype is going to do our podcast any help. If we're gonna do it, it should be done as professional as possible. That doesn't mean we need the hosts to be physically in the same room, but it does mean that their network connection has to be clear and not lagging.
What would the name be? Naberrie: a Star Wars Podcast?
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Post by Alexrd on Jan 13, 2020 18:21:14 GMT
Why not make some private test runs with the existing equipment of those that want to be part of it? Pick an handful of topics to discuss, and record. Some sound problems could even be fixed in the moment and benefit future tests. If it's clear enough, those test runs could even be released and then a proper podcast with its own structure can be defined.
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Post by Subtext Mining on Jan 15, 2020 1:38:07 GMT
For starters, I don't know any SW podcasts except for Rebel Force Radio, and I've only listened to the episodes focusing on John Williams' music. (In 2016 I saw some episodes of the YT show Collider Jedi Council, but that doesn't... doesn't count). My idea was to have a pro-PT centered podcast, which I can't imagine already exists, but there could be some. It's a niche that seems to need to be filled and it would be unique. For formats I had suggested a round-table set of members. Typically 3 or 4 per episode. We could rotate depending on availability etc. The usual structure would be to either pick a few common complaints about the PT and iron them out. Or, in better faith, each episode we invite other SW podcasters onto the show as guests (that we know won't be dicks) and allow them to air a few of their PT complaints (one topic at a time) to which we rebut. For each topic there would be something like their opening statements, our rebuttals, then an open dialectic discussion. Then onto the next topic. And there wouldn't have to be a winner, just an open discussion. At the end we can ask the listeners what they think. But the point is to open a dialogue and get people to look at the PT in ways they otherwise wouldn't have. Another idea, which is largely what our Skype conversations (live and text) centered around, is just us and someone asks a deep, ponderous question about the PT that's been on their mind then we discuss. From an earlier discussion in another thread: --- As far as a podcast, and Stamp might be alluding to this, but way back 4 years ago this whole gang started with that idea. It was actually Negotiator1138 [back then Kenobi1138] who started a thread at TFN seeking interested parties in creating a pro-PT video making colab. Then with the people who responded he started a private message thread. I believe it was me, Cryo, Midi, Negotiator and a couple other guys that have long since vanished. The convo didn't last very long or ultimately go anywhere, but Midi had suggested using Skype and I suggested having a podcast. After the convo quickly died, a few weeks later I started a new private thread with more people (I got the admin to expand the # of people allowed in a PM), which also included Tony, Stamp, Mikeximus, Pyro, Xezene, Hevy etc. where initially I was inviting them to all co-create a Skype chatting gang. Which went quite well. We had 3 or 4 good, quite lengthy live Skype chats about SW. Then the Skype thread evolved into soley a text chatting place that thrived strongly for, what, about two years. It's still going to this day, but it's slowed down. Also I don't have access to Skype right now. There's gotta be about 5 books worth of material in there. I believe Cryo was thinking about printing it out at one point, or something, but it was a lot of MB? But anyways! One big reason I started all that was to see who would be interested in starting a podcast. But being that most of us are shy and socially awkward it wasn't quite gelling ideally in that particular regard . Sometimes it was hard to get people to go on live, and to talk once on, haha. I'd still like to do a podcast at some point if thngs were to fall into place, but I'm also realistic, haha. I even have a few different format ideas, which I mentioned in Kenobi1138's thread, but we can get into that if a podcast thread is started. Bo Dong!
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Post by Alexrd on Jan 15, 2020 10:37:25 GMT
I like the idea of answering listener's questions. But personally, I don't think addressing PT complaints (at least as a main topic) would make the podcast unique. I think it sets a bad premise, that there's inherently something wrong with it. Examining the PT and its themes could be a good way of going about it. And the inevitable disagreements along the way could make for interesting discussions. But perhaps having a secondary segment of what the media is saying about the PT (in a given week) and address those complaints (assuming they are complaining) could work.
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Post by Subtext Mining on Jan 15, 2020 13:42:14 GMT
Yeah, that's better, and I'd thought of that over the years. But for the mere sake of posterity let me ask: what kind of audience would we aim for? Approximately the majority of the public seems to think there is something inherently wrong with the PT. I could be wrong, but I imagine a positive only PT-centered show would have a moderate sized audience at best. And that's fine & all, I just think the majority of the PT-disliking crowd would think, "Hm, fine, I'll listen to it once just to see how wrong they are..." "...Yep, I knew it. They were wrong about everything. They didn't address a single one of my concerns. These deluded nerds think the PT is inherently perfect. They even glossed right over the fact that Qui-Gon should never have taken Anakin to Naboo or left him in the hangar!" (to use one of our favorite examples ) That's why I was alluding to the idea that perhaps the show would be more intriguing to a wider audience if the PT-nitpickers, or at least fence-sitters, had one (or more) representatives on the show as their mouthpiece, airing their concerns in real time with us as we go about our discussion. So when we do, for instance, talk about the 3rd act of TPM, the PT-complainers will have thier surrogate there to say "Wait, Qui-Gon should never have taken Anakin to Naboo!" (sorry, I just can't get over that one) And we all can iron it out as best we can without making a whole show of it. The point being its not just a gushing echo chamber. Maybe just making sure at least one of us remembers to play PT-disliker's advocate on & off would be enough. *And not that seeking a big audience is what's important. What ever serves the PT and the show best is what matters, and that's what I'd look for. And I'm perfectly ok with even no audience. I just wanted to add, and I could be wrong, that having a non-lover in the discussion might help round out the conversation and thus speak to more people. And, like I said, thus expose them to a ...larger view of the PT in the process. I had actually forgotten that I'd thought of this more balanced approach after Negotiator's PM thread had died down. When I wrote the above post, I had only gone back to re-read the PM and wrote down what I'd said all those years ago But again, I think you may have hit the sweet spot. Answering some listener questions (they don't have to be complaints, just things like "How did Padme die?") and a segment for addressing the latest media PT ramblings may be more ideal.
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Post by Subtext Mining on Jan 15, 2020 17:00:45 GMT
And for the record, the intent for this forum and my ideas for a podcast were quite different. But I thought it would be nice to experiment with both worlds: a safe haven away from the tired old usual whining, and a place to actively engage with it. But yes, a podcast like that would just be an audio version of a popular forum like TFN. Just, perhaps more structured and civilized.
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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Jan 15, 2020 18:31:24 GMT
Why not make some private test runs with the existing equipment of those that want to be part of it? Pick an handful of topics to discuss, and record. Some sound problems could even be fixed in the moment and benefit future tests. If it's clear enough, those test runs could even be released and then a proper podcast with its own structure can be defined.
That's a good idea, Alex. Trial and error is often the best way to approach so many things in life. I think we could record 3 or 4 programmes and then decide what's worthy of being released first. In post-production we can also edit out parts we agreed were awkward, took the chat off course or perhaps a host inadvertently gave away personnel information they'd prefer was omitted.
For starters, I don't know any SW podcasts except for Rebel Force Radio, and I've only listened to the episodes focusing on John Williams' music. (In 2016 I saw some episodes of the YT show Collider Jedi Council, but that doesn't... doesn't count). My idea was to have a pro-PT centered podcast, which I can't imagine already exists, but there could be some. It's a niche that seems to need to be filled and it would be unique. For formats I had suggested a round-table set of members. Typically 3 or 4 per episode. We could rotate depending on availability etc. The usual structure would be to either pick a few common complaints about the PT and iron them out. Or, in better faith, each episode we invite other SW podcasters onto the show as guests (that we know won't be dicks) and allow them to air a few of their PT complaints (one topic at a time) to which we rebut. For each topic there would be something like their opening statements, our rebuttals, then an open dialectic discussion. Then onto the next topic. And there wouldn't have to be a winner, just an open discussion. At the end we can ask the listeners what they think. But the point is to open a dialogue and get people to look at the PT in ways they otherwise wouldn't have. Another idea, which is largely what our Skype conversations (live and text) centered around, is just us and someone asks a deep, ponderous question about the PT that's been on their mind then we discuss.
We're in 2020 now, and I'm afraid the days of prequel defending being a niche thing are long gone. That they may be a disappointment to your podcast hopes, but I definitely think it's for the better that support for the films is now more mainstream.
One of the podcasts I refer to above, that has impressed me so much since I first discovered it is Aggressive Negotiations, and its two hosts have long striven to present aspects of the PT in a new light, and to illustrate the layers that are often ignored. They approach Star Wars from a positive perspective, but never positive for the sake of it either. Though I tend to stick to their episodes on the prequels and Clone Wars, fans of the newer films will also find something to enjoy. So which shows would I recommend you start listening to? Episodes 8 and 9: Breaking Anakin, Parts I & II (40 mins each).
The first podcast I listened to, funnily enough, was the official one of another forum: TFN's "The Forecast". I was never a member of that site, but it's popularity seemed to lend its audio programme an heir of authority. That was back in 2015, in the months before TFA came out, and it was really enjoyable (3 regular hosts I believe) but by 2017 the presenters had left, so I quickly jumped ship. You can find some of these guys on the Random Chatter network today, though I rarely to listen as the original crew are never together.
I'm not so keen on your idea of bringing in established podcasters, especially at the beginning. We need to find our own feet, to settle into our own unique groove, and it would be dispiriting to become the vassals of somebody else so early on. There's no guarantee we'll even have a small audience by 10 shows, but we should still try our best in the hopes that some out there will find our thoughts interesting. Perhaps later on down the line, when we've formed our own identity, we can afford to bring on other podcasters. If they'd interested in us, that is.
I would much rather the idea of one (or two) of us interviewing someone whose worked on the films. This could be anyone from a visual effects designer to puppeteer - we wouldn't be seeking out the big shots by any means. Getting a mic on one of the unsung heroes from behind the scenes would be super cool. I'd also be happy to talk to someone involved in the Clone Wars animation, which would be much more doable.
My own model for the podcast would be to borrow the format of Aggressive Negotiations. I find there's something special about two really keen Star Warriors who are willing to explore all the themes, minor characters and deep lore of the mythology. I think constantly changing the presenters would pull the listeners out of the experience. As Alex mentions, it would be a better to do a lot of testing, before then determining which two to go with. The successful pair should be people who bring the best out of each other, bouncing off their ideas to propell the conversation, and don't need to agree all the time either.
I do not like the idea of sticking in a prequel basher for the sake of appealing to non-PT fans whatsoever. These folks are never going to come, and I don't know of any top podcasts who bow down to that silliness. What you do regularly find is a presenter who mostly likes the PT but will have some grievances with a few of Lucas' more controversial decisions. I've never minded that. In that regard, emperorferus might be a good candidate for our podcast.
I like the idea of answering listener's questions. But personally, I don't think addressing PT complaints (at least as a main topic) would make the podcast unique. I think it sets a bad premise, that there's inherently something wrong with it. Examining the PT and its themes could be a good way of going about it. And the inevitable disagreements along the way could make for interesting discussions. But perhaps having a secondary segment of what the media is saying about the PT (in a given week) and address those complaints (assuming they are complaining) could work.
There's no guarantee we'll even get listener's questions in the first place. I like some optimism, but I think we should play it with strategic low expectations instead. That is: we assume it's only the forum members (and its regular lurkers) tuning in from the beginning, and do our best to put on a good discussion for them. If we can succeed on that, then maybe others will want to listen.
I'm not sure if there's going to be much media comments on the prequels in the years ahead. Our best bet would be to tackle some of their most infamous transgressions from the past. Perhaps Cryogenic could come on for an interview about his 70,000 word rebuke of that ant-PT reviewer from Entertainment Weekly?
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Post by emperorferus on Jan 15, 2020 20:56:44 GMT
ArchdukeOfNaboo I'd be glad to take part if there's a spot for me. If not, perfectly understandable. About my complaint, I'm happy to discuss it, and I will not present it in a way that vilifies George's decision. While to me, the broken heart death isn't ideal, I understand George's position: Padme as a character deserved better than to be killed offscreen, and her death was the perfect catalyst for the extinguishment of any light remaining in Vader until Luke came along. It had to be done somehow. It was done in sync with the suit symbol and Vader's rebirth, the last thing, or person, holding Vader back from embracing the darkness 100 percent was gone, and so was Anakin, apparently. The line "Where is Padme?" is the last line Vader says with any genuine concern in his heart for years, and the only one ever in the suit. After that, he was pure Sith. It also shows that George is willing to take risks as a storyteller, I can say that much. He doesn't make decisions to please everybody. Very respectable.
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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Jan 18, 2020 22:56:58 GMT
I'd be glad to take part if there's a spot for me.
Cryogenic what are your thoughts on a potential podcast with the emperor?
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Post by emperorferus on Jan 22, 2020 4:44:39 GMT
Hey, this might be overstepping, but I have someone else to recommend. He has an account here as well as TFN. I dont know if I should say his name without his permission, but this user is one of the most ardent defenders of George Lucas that I’ve seen, and he is also very well versed in old time cinema. You may know who I mean, and he may recognize that Im talking about him. I think he’d be great, especially in comparing the techniques of Lucas to other classic filmmakers, and discussing their styles of directing, producing and storytelling. I will ask him separately before mentioning his name if that’s okay. Edit: the user in question is eljedicolombiano. He’d be a great addition in my opinion.
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Post by stampidhd280pro on Jan 29, 2020 17:18:54 GMT
I haven't thought of any good names for the podcast, but one thing is certain. The slogan has to be "Now THIS is Podcasting!"
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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Jan 30, 2020 1:06:40 GMT
I haven't thought of any good names for the podcast, but one thing is certain. The slogan has to be "Now THIS is Podcasting!"
Already taken, as with "Aggressive Negotiations" :/
Believe it or not, some prequel terminology was even plucked by anti-PT shows during peak basher season. Take "Jedi Council" on Collider Video for example. They may softened up a lot since the shock of TLJ, but go back to the run-in to TFA in 2014-15 and they were absolutely vicious against George Lucas. Talk about thanklessness!
So when you see a podcast or programme with a prequel name, be wary that they may not turn out to be as pro-PT or Lucas as you think.
As for what I would call the podcast? Well, with the Naboo theme of our forum, it's got to be something that echoes that. Tantrums on Theed?
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Post by Subtext Mining on Jan 30, 2020 13:10:34 GMT
Yeah, I couldn't believe the hypocrisy of quote-unquote Collider Jedi Council... They were downright abusive to the PT, it's fans and to George Lucas -anything past ESB- on a regular basis, and as if it was just completely ok and normal. Well, it is to a certain part of the fan base, but any show that caters to that can count me out.
Even that one dude would occasionally vaguely claim he "kind of likes the PT", only to then later go 'Plinkett' on it every other week.
I left a few comments on thier videos asking them to take a more balanced approach, but they obviously ignored me while thier fans ridiculed me in the replies. Ugh, I just had to cut that show out of my life.
But yeah, it boggles my mind that their very name is derived from the PT yet one of the mainstays of the show is the hi-fiving, anti-PT, bro attitude.
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Post by eljedicolombiano on Feb 3, 2020 1:08:59 GMT
Thanks Ferus for adding my name
Is this still happening?
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Post by Subtext Mining on Feb 7, 2020 23:48:30 GMT
Generally, right now we're just kicking around ideas, and determining practicality. Then we could get into some test runs and so on.
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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Mar 8, 2020 18:38:13 GMT
Time to get a test-run going then? With the new season of The Clone Wars now showing, is it not a suitable time for prequel era chatter?
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Post by eljedicolombiano on Apr 5, 2020 16:45:22 GMT
If we do a test run, I guess it's time most of us get Skype
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Post by ArchdukeOfNaboo on Apr 7, 2020 21:49:29 GMT
eljedicolombiano Sure, although after some recent video calls, I'd be concerned about lagging connections interrupting the flow of our conversations.
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Post by eljedicolombiano on Jul 7, 2021 2:22:03 GMT
I guess we all forgot about this
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Post by Cryogenic on Jul 8, 2021 13:27:13 GMT
I guess we all forgot about this It would appear so. I still have old Skype conversations recorded, including a transcript of the entire text chat a bunch of us had -- well, until I quit out of it. Here I am talking of the 2016 to 2018 period. Somewhere in the middle of all that, this website was created, but nobody was really using it. Not that much has changed...
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