Lee Gauge wrote:
*Spend less time talking about the other d20 podcasts. While I understand the objective, the execution is tedious. It can take upwards of 20 minutes, and I usually just scan past it anyway.
We, as a network, are working on this because across all of the podcasts that is a similiar complaint. Now, I feel that some of these other podcasters are my friends - some of them I DO actually hang out with on a regular basis (I've known GM Dave for years and GM Chris and TG live down the street from us), but the ones I've never "met" I still respect and want to help their shows as much as possible because I know they'd do the same for me. (Or at least I HOPE!!) However, as I said, it is something we're working on correcting. We'll see!
Lee Gauge wrote:
*Similarly, give a bit more love to the other SWM podcasts. Yeah this is a tough one, especially in light of some of the comments I heard on the Sith Holonews Network. I think one of the hosts on that show is named Dennis. Whatever his name, he reminds me of the comic book guy on the Simpsons -- i.e. a judgmental know-it-all blowhard, which is one of things I really dislike about many in the gaming community. He is one to comment on the quality of your show when his sounds like they record in a can, and it is tough to hear over the babies crying and the dogs barking. Nonetheless, you really should make an effort to take the high road and build a community. Rising tides lift all boats, and there is plenty of bandwidth for multiple SWM podcasts. I still like your show better than theirs, but I must admit that they are not completely wrong on some of their comments. And my remarks about Dennis are probably overly harsh.
I can't (and won't) respond to anything said on any other Star Wars Miniatures Podcasts that's negative about me, my co-hosts or the show except to say; "I hope those guys keep making shows." I try not to judge other people or what they do/say as long as they are happy and it doesn't adversely affect me or my family and friends. I'm proud to say we've been at this year, and no, I never claimed were were perfect, but I think 27 Episodes in 12 months is pretty incredible considering we barely know what we're doing and I had my first child this year.
Lee Gauge wrote:
*Be more considerate of your guests time. This really hasn’t been a problem thus far on your show, but geez, there are times when I just cringe while listening to Order 66. It is like watching/listening to an episode of the Office. Also, take it easy on getting a bumper from them. Again, while I can understand the reason behind the request, the execution is often ham-fisted and extremely painful to listen to. Just remember, when you mix a pint of delicious vanilla ice cream with a handful of chicken s*&t, you probably won’t like the result. Just a bit of old timey wisdom for you... you should pass it on to GM Dave.
Before we start our show all of the guests are given the questions with about 2-4 days in advance to veto any questions and prepare for the ones they want to answer. I also tell them our show generally lasts for 1-1 1/2 hours so if they need to stop, or don't want to be on that long, just let me know. So far, not complaints. Everyone seemed to enjoy it and most have said they would love to come back. (Hell, we lost HALF of the show with Sterling and he's such a great guy he stuck with us while we redid a whole chunk.) Also, each of them has had no issue with the bumpers. And I disagree with "the bumpers being a GM Dave thing." We haven't had much luck at all with them, but that doesn't mean we won't in the future. You never know what the future will bring. Why don't you leave us one, Lee? I'd love to play it!
Lee Gauge wrote:
*I would like to hear more about competitive play. How did you start? Where and when are the tournaments? What events do you participate in? Who are the typical participants? I would be really interested in on location interviews with folks who are really into it. Oh, that is an idea (albeit a bit out there), have you seen the documentary film “King of Kong?” Maybe you can take a page from that book and meet some of the big SWM stars. That is good radio. Oh, even better, add some of your beloved Karate Kid themes and get Brev-san ready for the All Texas Valley SWM Tournament. That type of show has ENnie written all over it.
King of Kong is a great film.
We have kicked around the idea of a d20radio-Con since d20radio started, but it's expensive. On a lighter note, our friends have thought about a Minis Gathering, but time is the issue here. We're all stretched pretty thin as is, but it's something we might do.
Honestly, I've never played in a truly organized contest. I've never seen the appeal. We try to take this show from the prespective that this is a game you'll play with your friends and not one where you dominate strangers. I don't have anything against Organized Contests (I'm doing my best to make it to GenCon this year and intend to play in the SWMs contest...how's THAT for a first jump in?), but I've never been interested in that aspect.
Lee Gauge wrote:
*How about a “So who is this guy” segment to explain some of the more obscure characters in new sets. I am not a huge EU fan, but I do enjoy researching the characters when I see them in a set. I would be interested in hearing your take on who they are and why they are in the sets, and whether their statistics jive with the canon.
I like it.
Lee Gauge wrote:
*I am not crazy about contests -- again, I understand the need for them from a marketing perspective, but the execution in many podcasts is really poor. Try if you must, but undue your progress you could. Polls and other loyalty building devices exist -- try something new. How about a weekly email to your subscribers to remind them of what will be on the upcoming show. An email message, possibly with a sponsor’s link/logo, is easy for your listeners to subsequently forward to your untapped audience.
Contests are hard, but you've given me an idea for one just now...
Lee Gauge wrote:
*How about a community outreach program. I prefer veteran’s causes, and think that the Center for the Intrepid would be a good place for SWM start sets and boosters.
Hadn't thought about this idea yet. My time is stretched so thin as it is, but it's always great to give back when you can.
Lee Gauge wrote:
*This one is a bit out there, but maybe something you could do as a bonus episode. How about an actual play session where the moves are indicated by a grid coordinate (i.e., chess notation) and you openly talk about the decisions you are making. I would gladly set up a map and move the pieces while I listen.
I like this idea, but I would be afraid it would turn into listening to a Roleplaying Game Session. Booooring. We might try it, but if it sucks we'll scrap it.
Lee Gauge wrote:
*Any comments / insight on mass battles. Also, is there a SWM drinking game? I would like to hear about it.
Now, y'see Lee, there are people that would be just as upset with a Star Wars Miniatures Drinking Game as there would be with the discussion of poopy diapers.
You can't win 'em all! Mass Battles are on the table for a discussion for next year already.
Lee Gauge wrote:
*I really enjoy the strategy / rules / FAQ content -- keep up the good work.
Thank you! It's our favorite part of the show.
Lee Gauge wrote:
Oh, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention, in view of "your alls" entry into fatherhood, that dirty diaper stories are only so funny. They are akin to gamer stories. They are lost on the younglings, and us old farts have already lived through it and gotten over it. Besides, some of us are getting old enough that the idea of crapping your pants is not as funny as it once was.
Now c'mon, Lee - poop is the great equalizer!
And is still funny.
Young. Old. Middle Ground. Y'know, this show is about it's content as well as it's hosts. We're sharing our lives with you guys and you're giving us your time. My hope is, as we're doing this and creating the "Gamer Nation" here on d20radio that we will let each other into one another's lives. Look at the activity on the forums, it's incredible the amount of shared ideas, well wishes and good natured feelings we all have for each other. Sure we swap jabs every now and again (Dono and I have done that alot), but it's still a family we're making. We want to share our lives with our listeners. It makes it more...real.
Lee Gauge wrote:
That is it for now. I probably have more, but this is getting more preachy than constructive. At the end of the day, it is your podcast so do what makes you happy. The show is enjoyable as is. Take care and best of luck in the New Year!
Lee, I appreciate your comments and suggestions. I hope you'll enjoy the changes to the show. And keep on listening!
