Cubit
1601
well, possibly. it depends on what your interests are. if you are really into strategy games i can think of one podcast that you are missing out on…
Did you just walk into a bookstore and ask what the point of all these fuckin’ books was … or are you actually looking for recommendations?
You might be a bit late for the best of the best - but things are starting to shape up again if you’re genuinely interested.
Not at all, though I do tend to speak my mind.
Like I said, I’ll go back, have a listen, and try to adhere to Qt3 etiquette with my follow-up.
You guys were a lot better on the last one, I thought. It’ll just take time to get used to the format.
dwolfe
1605
Don you guys have a ‘mute’ or ‘cough’ button in skype or whatver it is you use, like a walkie-talkie? This is a serious question, this is standard in any RL studio, so I wonder why good podcasting software wouldn’t have it. Seems like you could toggle it when typing (note I’ve never had any issue with background noise in TMA, just curious out you produce it).
Quaro
1606
If your mics are setup right they shouldn’t pick up typing in the first place.
That’s a big “if” there, buddy! :)
I don’t know about the other guys, but my mic is just the piece of crap attached to my headset. It’s not a separate mic or anything.
I think we just have to keep podcasting to work out those kinda kinks. Definitely we could get more conscious about switching to “mute” when not talking, as a way of reducing clacking keys. Or, better, try to not type altogether, as best as we can.
With webcams we could scribble signs and hold them up, too. “HEY LUKE, WAKE THE FUCK UP.” etc.
Or maybe go with remote electrodes.
Surely there’s an app for that.
Of course if he’s asleep, the sign isn’t going to help much. I think zen is onto something with the whole electrode thing.
Thanks for the reply!
I suppose I’m less interested in genre coverage than in how the presentation magnifies or diminishes the content. Sometimes words that might appear mundane on the page come to life in the speaker’s voice or in their presence.
In other words, is there anyone whose work is especially well suited to this format? Or is everyone a would-be sportscaster or stand-up comedian? :)
Peter
It’s usually more of a talk show format. There’s no shortage of crap, certainly, but there are plenty of great shows (Three Moves Ahead, Out of the Game), and some that even break out to great effect (A Life Well Wasted, One Life Left).
I’d say a good number of us use it as an occupier during chores or on road trips, where previously I would only use music or listen to radio equivalences.
There are plenty of very professional podcasts out there. Some from actual sportscasters or stand-up comedians.
If you like podcasts but aren’t listening to This American Life, there’s something wrong with you.
Cubit
1613
your best bet peter is to browse the podcasts via the itunes store. that is really the only place to get a good overview of whats popular and to divide everything into categories. otherwise its a crap shoot finding good stuff.
This, I know, puts me in the minority but I am beginning to hate TAL.
I find their whole thing entirely too precious. Maybe its just that they are on a bad streak, but starting with the one that had the moronic yentas who don’t want to vaccinate their kids all the way up through the recent one that ended in travelling pants or something, I’ve had to force myself not to unsubscribe.
The economy ones were great though. And I know they are capable of good straightforward storytelling, so I’ll give them one last chance.
Thanks for the tips, folks. I’ve never been much of a talk-show fan, so maybe this isn’t for me. But I’ll check out the ones that have been mentioned.
Peter
Also be sure to check out Radio Lab, which bested This American Life in many ways years ago. http://www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab/
And, though his site is like something from 1999, you should become a member (for free) at Joe Frank’s website, just so you can stream a few of his shows. He’s a radio genius. http://www.joefrank.com/
I’m also a huge fan of On the Media, though I could see it being really dry and boring for some folks. http://www.onthemedia.org/
Already a fan of On the Media from NPR, but didn’t know about the podcast. Listening now!
dwolfe
1618
Do check out Three Moves Ahead if you were ever a fan of Tom vs. Bruce. The group has good chemistry. I’m still waiting on my coffee.
I’m well past beginning, making me a minority of the minority. I hate hearing from or about stupid people, no matter how precious or how emotional I’m supposed to get over it.
I know. It’s like they expect you to have empathy for people who aren’t like you. WTF?
The few times I’ve heard TAL, I’ve had to turn it off quickly because it placed me in severe danger of falling asleep at the wheel.
