The tool is not the content : I Should Be Writing inspired me to finally put down my thoughts on the Podcasting Upheaval of 2010. I will say that what follows isn’t anger or frustration at one individual. This is my opinion as I personally view it. I don’t claim it to be right or wrong. Keep that in mind. If anyone feels like they want to comment on this post, go right ahead. But if this turns into a shouting match, shout amongst yourselves, I’ll be eating popcorn while working with those who take what is said for what it is and use it (because that is what writers do, they take criticism and turn it into magic shiny things of brilliance). Oh, and said shouting match participants will have their comments deleted. As a ref once said, “Let’s get it on!”
Nonconformity is one of those hidden gems not discussed much as a motive for podcasting fiction. It is implied that the product can’t be put into a nifty little box. “This is horror. This is science fiction.” And the ways podcasted novels have evolved into full cast productions can be considered logical, amazing, and a wonderful use of the tools given. Why are authors choosing to turn the written word into audio drama? Engage the listener (and potential customer) by creating a richer experience. Hutch is breaking away from the mold and I applaud him for doing so because the world needs more misfits. (Side note: You should read the latest newsletter I received from Chris Brogan; it expands on this not fitting in thing in better detail)
We all create worlds in our own ways and while there is a growing urge to focus on the self, (How can I get a better bang for my buck? Do I switch to producing some free content and have listeners pay for the rest? etc), there isn’t that sense of raising the bar. If we want to make podcasting a truly lasting part of the written culture like movies/tv/video games etc, we have to become more tightly knit. As it stands, this body is wriggling on the floor at moments, observing individual parts flex their muscles, running hard with fast starts out the gate, dazzling the crowds occasionally (Amazon sales rankings anyone?), but that well-oiled machine vibe isn’t present. Sure, a lot of us focus on our individual projects and encourage each other on Twitter FB etc, but there is more to support than retweets, promoting content, and buying books. We have discussions on forums and some people will chat on skype … what about conference calls so authors can bounce ideas back and forth? The skeletal framework is in need of some old fashioned physical conditioning. We should be willing to branch out and have podcasting as part of the whole … go into more uses of YouTube. (We like web series like The Guild. Surely, there can be web series based on the podcasted written content.) We like comics … figure out how to get more works done as graphic novels.
There are two glaring excuses looming over it all: “We don’t have the time,” and “We tried that before.” You get what you put in when it comes to creativity and I’m as guilty as anyone in not including more people of different backgrounds into my projects. But if we feel we don’t have the time, stop writing, stop creating, say you are done and move on; a “Poor pity me” cynic is worth cutting off. If we have tried that before, we wouldn’t be in the spot we find ourselves in; filled with doubt, debating over how to play the hand we are dealt, and feeding into the fear of failure.
The only way to break the cycle in my view is to stop being a reactionary community and start being a truly proactive one; this means quality over quantity, embracing all forms of entertainment to keep the listeners we have and attract new ones who may in turn buy our work, and also tap into markets that aren’t embraced much at all save for strictly best-selling books. (I am specifically meaning braille books in this case.) Audio is great but what 99% of you take for granted is the fact that there is a large community of patrons just waiting to get fiction and read it. Braille is a dying breed thanks to technology, but I feel that it still has it’s place. I personally wouldn’t have been introduced to a little book series about Harry Potter if I hadn’t gotten my hands on a copy from a braille publisher. There are many options open to us. Let’s stop looking at door numbers 1,2, and 3 and open them all. What do you say?
8
Mar
It is early in the morning and I find myself contemplating what I want to do in the next couple of months as far as the main Astral Audio Productions website is concerned. Already, I have some ideas. Mostly, this is content related. There a nice group of people behind the scenes waiting to be heard and I haven’t given them the proper credit they deserve. So once the next few planned podcast episodes roll out, I plan on haulting any podcast creation for the near future or at least cut down to one a month or so. I want to really buckle down and improve what you see when coming here. This means more about the actors – who they are, noteable roles they’ve been in, recent projects etc – more about myself, my personal thoughts on issues, my goals, and the random cool bits of info I find on a regular basis – more about podcasting in general, defining and showing examples of podcasts that influence us here at Astral Audio Productions – an. . . .
What do you want to see? Seriously, you come for the podcast episodes or because someone told you to check this place out. But what do you want from us to keep your interest?
Word blindsided many as those in the podcasting and social media space were rocked with the news of Tee Morris’s loss. His wife’s sudden death has impacted those of us who know Tee, know the love he has for his daughter, and our collective hearts go out to both of them. We at Astral Audio Productions would like you to help in any way you can. The industrious Kiwi in our cast started a chip in fund to help offset any costs Tee will have in the coming weeks. Any amount you can give is encouraged. (This post will be updated with more information of what those in the podcasting community are doing for the Morris family as it develops.)
10
Oct
Ariel Palooza Promo (Right click, retweet, download, and experience.)
If you are a podcaster and enjoyed the experience of Ariel Palooza, I encourage you to download the promo and play it in your next podcast. I had 25 or so promos throughout the four days and enjoyed promoting everyone’s work. While I couldn’t have all the individuals named, I did strive to have quite a few singled out. It is close to 2 minutes for a promo, and it would have been shorter if I hadn’t gone for the radio station/music festival vibe; not that I regret the end result mind you. The real stand out performance is done by my voice over guy, Jace Edwards. Besides being my inspiration for wanting to get into the broadcasting field, he is top-notch talent, one of the politest guys you will ever meet, and enjoys what he does on a daily basis. He took my short pass and managed to turn it in for an awesome 50yd touchdown
play.
If you use the promo, I want you to do a few things. First, be sure to link to www.AstralAudio.net. Second, email me so I know you used the promo and can thank you. And finally, email Jace telling him who you are, if you liked the promo, or if you want him to do any voice over work for you.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:55 — 2.2MB)
1
Jun
Astral Audio Productions will be releasing a new behind the scenes interview series, and I’d like you to decide who we feature first by voting in our latest poll. The series will focus on some of the typical questions like, “What got you interested in podcasting/voice work?” “Who do you try to emulate?” “What do you have to tell for aspiring (insert related label here)?” Also, we will delve into their listening habits, the music that moves and motivates them, the shows they enjoy for fun, and more. It is a wide open field to start with. You can choose no more than two answers
. The top two vote-getters will move on in next week’s poll to determine who’s voice you want to go beyond.
Feel free to share this post on Facebook, through email, retweet it on Twitter, stumble it, etc. This poll will close next Sunday, and the next one will begin the following day. Good luck to all those involved, and don’t hesitate to ask your listeners/fans/followers to vote for you.
8
May
Firstly, to all the junkies visiting from scottsigler.com, thanks for giving us a look see. We are wanting those who would like to get their feet wet in the podcasting and production arena. It will take a few weeks to get things settled, but I am confident that we can hit the ground running.
Second, I can confirm that I will be back in Natchez on the 15th of this month thanks to me accomplishing the tasks set before me here in Jackson. It has been a learning experience; some good, some neutral, and more often than not refreshing. As always, feel free to share this post and/or leave a comment.
Podcasting Your Novel: Publishing’s Next Wave? – TIME.
This is some great publicity for several podcast related people. If you are reading this, click the link and use the ways they provide to share it. Let’s help the guys and gal get more exposure!
YouTube – WitWi Carmen Sandiego: The Costume Caper Part One. What does this have to do with today? Well, “Double Trouble” of course. Astral Audio Productions will give you hourly updates on the Amazon run of podcasting’s Dynamic Duo in audio format. At 8:00 AM Pacific Time, we will begin the day with the launch and give you the links to purchase the books. (The post might show up early so you can buy on the dot.) This is so we can push them up the charts and help them get noticed. So let’s help Double Trouble! (Maybe we should give them the theme like on the tv show eh?)