The Sword and Laser discussion
Podcasts
>
What would you like from the podcast in 2013?
The only thing I'd do differently in the show this year is have a little more book discussion. One of my frustrations of the more recent audio shows is that since you record the video shows early, you keep referring to "oh well, we discussed that in the video show..." It doesn't need to have the kickoff and wrap-up in the audio show, but it would be nice if there was more book discussion than one thread discussion and then deferral to the video show.Interviews embedded in the show are fine with me.
Downloading? Can't speak to that. I always do, I'm rarely in a location I can stream thanks to work stuff.
But really, all of these are nits. As long as the audio show stays so I can get some of my fix, I'll be happy. The video I admit, I don't watch the video show on time (ever). I've got a few episodes in the queue still.
Is the show the right length? Should it be shorter? Longer?I have never been disappointed with the quality of content in the show. If you have more quality content, like more discussion of this month's book, intresting thought pieces, even a guest once in a while (perhaps to discuss a thought piece), that would be great.
Perhaps doing a broken out spoiler session on the book for the month to allow for more discussion would be good. Slate has this for movies that are currently out and it would fit right in to what you all are trying to do.
Do you like the 'Quick Burns' as newsy or as think pieces or the current mix? What should we do with that segment?
Now is good, though sometimes it feels like you are watching the clock for it. Just let the funk flow.
Why aren't more of you downloading it? WHY?!!!.!?! (Ok sorry about this last one, ahem)
I listen streaming via iOS's Postcat app.
I'd like to see a little more diversity in the authors selected. Last year we only did one female author and the only person of color was an alternate pick; the year before it was two women, one of whom was black.
S&L is the only podcast I listen to within 1-2 weeks of release. I download many , many podcasts. Yours is my favorite.I'd like more book discussion. Quick burns are great. Would like more discussion about what's going on in the forum with your responses. Interviews are great, but not if it cuts out time from the usual talk.
Mod
Pair that with me doing more audiobooks in the car and it's simply easier to stream it on my PC while I'm gaming.
I also like more book discussion. It seems like you and Veronica are less present in the discussion on good reads these days than it seemed from looking at older threads. I imagine it's partly because you read ahead now, and partly due to your busy schedules.
The podcasts seem like a good way you can jump in on more of the on-going discussions in one shot.
I agree with Nathan. If your concerned about spoilers, maybe it could be broken into 2 files, sort of like how you guys did for the you tube show, so people can skip the spoiler section and just listen to the rest easily.
I like Quick Burns, so I'm also for keeping that segment in.
My two sense would be that the audio only format should have a more wide ranging discussion of the book with less concern than the video piece for spoilers. You guys just talk about the book based on where you are at. You can let folks know at the beginning that there will be spoilers then dive in. I listen to another podcast that just has that as part of their intro and it works for them. The quick burns is good for news etc. and I never mind author interviews in any of the formats. I download the podcast to my Zune HD to listen to in the car on my daily commute so don't put me on bad list of nondownloaders!! As to length I think the longer shows have been the best but I think those shows you guys had a lot to talk about also so I wouldn't make length to important just talk as long as you have something to say. Over all though I love the show and look forward to it when ever it comes out on what ever format.
welp that's what i get for commenting before i read more of the other stuff... (previous comment deleted)i stream the show because it's way easier for me-- but i can subscribe on itunes if it helps out the show. frankly i never thought about it before. does it help you guys at all when i give the show a thumbs up on stitcher? because i definitely do that every episode.
i would like the audio to have some discussion (spoilers tagged but ok) between the two of you independent from the goodreads comments. i want to know what you guys think, the gr comments can be found here.
i like quickburns, and if anything i wouldn't mind if that segment was fleshed out a little bit. i've really only got time in my life for one book-centric podcast so i like having it be a one-stop news and discussion kinda deal.
Audio podcast's seem fine to me, only thing I'd say is to have more book discussion and perhaps more discussion with people's views of the book that's on the forum.Oh and there's a drop in people downloading? Strange, I use iTunes.
The YT show works for me, as if I'm not reading the book that month or don't have much interest in it then I won't watch the kick off show and listen to the audio one to keep up with news/quick burns etc. :)
I both watch the show on youtube and listen to the podcast, so I wouldn't mind kick-offs and wrap-ups being video exclusively, but I wouldn't mind the opposite either. But some book diversity is great in my opinion, so I might slightly prefer the first actually.I like the length of the show, but I'm usually always open for longer shows ;)
Quick Burns is great! I like keeping track of news within the realm of sword and laser books. Well, I like it now, as I didn't do it until I started listening to your podcasts and watch the show.... But still! But I guess I'm more the information/news kind of type. I like getting a bit of info, but just enough to make me interested in finding out more on my own.
I love both your shows and always download the podcast to listen while driving. Watching the video shows is part of my Saturday morning ritual now. Love them as we'll. I enjoy both formats for the interviews, the podcast ones are great for being more informal and chatty. You never know what tangent you might go down and that's great. But one element I do prefer about the video who interviews is that I get more insight into authors I don't know. So yes if I had to choose I'd prefer the interviews in the video shows. Perhaps if you separated them you could bring more of those elements across?
Love the quick burns.
I don't mind the launch and finishing of a book being in the video shows, since I watch/listen to both, but I agree with many others here that I'd like more discussion in the podcast. Perhaps you could focus on a certain element or scene to discuss in the podcast.
Honestly though I just love and appreciate what you guys do, so thank you!
Your podcast is the only podcast I listen to, ever. and the only reason I don't download because I was not aware that was possible(which shows what a clueless newbie I am about podcasts) I stream it online just fine, yet If it helps S&L in anyways, I will download every episode from now on. I love everything as it is; yet I wouldn't mind if it was longer; I can listen you guys talk for hours :)
I just subscribed through iTunes a few days ago. I've streamed previously, but I've had occasion to want it on my ipod. I really like the length of the cast, I tend to like such things in the 30-45 minute range. I've stopped listening to pod casts that, while interesting, tended to ramble.Have you thought at all about having guest readers on the pod cast? See if an author is willing to read one of the selections, and give their take on it. You seem to have Patrick Rothfuss hanging around, I'd love to hear what he thinks of Bridge of Birds.
I download the podcast for my commute. I think the content mix is fine. I also watch the videos, so I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I find the Quickburns useful, both for news, which is difficult to keep up with, and the for the more thoughtful items. Keep up the good work.
I just looked at the author question section of the forums and I have to agree with Sean (see message 6 above). Quite a few pale males being interviewed.
Since I discovered you guys I've listened to (and watched) every single episode, plus I caught up on all the "old" episodes.But I agree with some of the opinions here. I wouldn't mind hearing about the book pick twice, once on video and again on the audio show. I love the Quickburns and the calendar.
I'm with Rasnac on the topic of length. I enjoy loooong podcasts. I listen to them at home on my computer while playing little browser games so an hour-long podcast suits me just fine. :)
An idea for a segment would be random recommendations. Maybe both you and Veronica could recommend one SF thing (book, movie, comic book, game, etc.) that you've been excited about lately. It can be the current book pick or another book you're reading on the side, a movie you saw that you want everybody to watch, you get the idea. I'm sure you guys read more than the monthly book pick (and the Vaginal Fantasy for Veronica) and I'd love to hear some recommendations.
In the video show, Aaron is doing a wonderful job of little on-the-side recommendations. I believe pretty much everybody who watches the show picked up Bridge of Birds after that brilliant whiteboard review.
All of that said, if you stay exactly the way you are, I still won't miss a show!
I agree with Sean, I'd like to see more diversity in out book picks. (and this is not the first time I've asked for it http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...).*edited* to say that I do download through Google Listen.
Tom wrote: "Why aren't more of you downloading it? WHY?!!!.!?! (Ok sorry about this last one, ahem)"
You know, I didn't fully realise that the podcast was different from the videos - somehow I think I thought that it was an audio of the video... I am now enlightened! Does downloading through non-iPlayer apps register?
Love both the podcast and the video show. I agree with what others have said here - I would like more book discussion in the podcast. I think putting a spoiler warning on it or on a section of it is a great idea - then you can talk freely about it without worrying. If others are like me, they will probably just that part of the podcast to listen to when they are finished the book. Listening to you talk about the book itself is my favourite part of the podcast, and because it's longer than the video show, I think you have the opportunity to go into greater detail about the books.
Oh, and I don't download because I'm impatient :P I usually listen to it streaming while doing other things on the computer.
Since upgrading my phone, my Podcaster app has been a bitch. So I tend to stream on the site at the same time as watching the vid episodes... I imagine a lot of us do this now since video isn't as easy to bring with us. You shouldn't interpret that as fewer people listening; I think you are more popular than ever.I think I'd keep interviews to video, only because it is fun to see you interacting with these people. And with Skype, why not do all interviews in video even if they can't be there in person?
I think for a while there was more book discussion, and I always prefer more in depth coverage of what i've been investing my time into reading. Personally I get news elsewhere and I'm not looking for that from you, but I might be in the minority.
I actually dont listen to the podcast as much since the Youtube show started. You two are still fun to listen to, but it's mostly news and other things that I can get more efficiently in other ways (for example, I have an io9 section in Flipboard on the iPad). Much of the discussion of whatever we're reading seems to have a kind of "oh the book stuff's in the video show, do we want to talk about it here too?" feel to it and I don't watch the video show. Why not? Well... I don't really see the point of video for S&L, I don't watch Youtube at the desktop and I just don't think of it when I'm at the TV. What would get me to listen again? Talk about the book. By all means, keep the quick burns, etc but spend at least some time on the book we're reading. After all, S&L is a podcast centered around a book club selection, no?
I like the podcast fine. But I wouldn't mind some more book discussion. I think after the kickoff episode you shouldn't be afraid to dig deeper into the book. If people don't want to be spoiled, they can always listen later. Louise wrote: "I would download if I could, because I prefer to listen on the move. But I don't use iTunes for podcasts, so that makes it very difficult."
What device are you listening to your podcasts on? If it's Android, I recommend the Podkicker app. I'm able to find and sub almost every podcast I used to listen to on iTunes, with the option of stream or download. I've been using it for months with no complaints.
I agree with the other commenters about not minding spoilers if it adds some more discussion. I would prefer author interviews within the main audio podcast and not as a separate file. I also agree with someone who wished for more diversity with the authors interviewed. I love the show though! I stream instead of downloading mainly because I assumed it uses iTunes, which on a PC is kind of slow and painful. It would be much more convenient to download it somewhere else, and much less work to get it on my non-Apple mp3 player. Lazy, perhaps, but that's what happens.
I like the book discussions within the audio, as I don't have time to sit and watch a web-video. My opinion is that you don't need to kick-off/wrap-up in the audio, but I do enjoy the discussions.I think your shows are averaging a good length now.
Do you like when we do audio interviews n a show or should those always be broken out as separate
downloads?
I like some of the interviews, but personally think they'd be better as separate episodes.
I like the mix you have now in the Quick Burns.
I always listen to the audio podcast. I'm too ADD to watch the vidcast but I do enjoy the author interviews and have watched a few of the You Tube programs. I'd also like more book discussions. Thanks for hosting the book club and 'casts!
I do download the audio podcasts! I would like to have more of them, how about 1 per week. I like the book discussions in the podcast, but I wish the author interviews were in a separate feed, because I don't like to hear spoilers if I haven't finished the book. I don't get around to watching the videos very often, then I'll try to several at once to catch up, but I do like to listen to the audio version regularly during my commute. I like the quick burns, too!
Wow, Tom, did you read my mind?because I was just thinking on the podcast last week (as I listened to #118)...
My thought was that years ago I started listening to the podcast because of the dulcet tones of ths hosts as they discussed books (books Id read, books I planned to read, and even books I may never read) and they interviewed authors...both of which really seem to be lacking lately. It seems that the book discussion has boiled down to "Its early in month so we arent going to discuss the book" and "we are going to wrap up the book on the youtube show". It is almost like the podcast is the proverbial redheaded stepkid.
Sure I could get both book discussion and the interviews if I paid attention to the youtube show, and I did for a few episodes (by burning them into mp3s), but then my mp3 player died and I converted over to having my phone handle my podcast listening, and the hassle involved in getting the video show went from "an extra step or two" to "my god this is a damn hassle, and I already have 20 hours of podcast backlog this week." Heck if my phone didnt handle everything these days, I might not have even listened to the last couple of podcasts.
So, in a nutshell, it would cool for more book discussion and more interviews could be directed to the podcasts.
I would also like to see the podcast used for more in depth discussion both relying on the conversation between Tom and Veronica combined with the readers' discussion on goodreads. If that were the case, I could see Quick Burns transferred to the video show. It doesn't seem like the wrap up video show is sufficiently discussing the books. The podcasts are much more organic and prior to the video show there was more depth to the discussion.
I love the video show, but it seems that it would be a better place to serve the wider genre fiction community in a more general sense and the podcast would gear toward the book club and goodreads discussion.
Regarding how I listen to the podcast, I utilize Stitcher on my Android phone. I'm not sure how that figures into the "metrics" of measuring the reach of the podcast.
I like the Quick Burns as they are. Mentions and then discussion. I would like more book discussion. I feel like it's only really discussed in the wrap-up but I do understand you guys have to read ahead for filming purposes.
I usually download the podcasts the first day they are available. Have to admit that I have skipped quite a few of the video shows as I have to take time to actually sit down and watch them instead of listening during my commute. Love the Quick Burns and the idea of making the author video interviews separate. That splits the video into two smaller chunks. Easier for me to get to rather than one long episode.
I think the model you have going is solid. I do wish you would rename Quick Burns. I think having a news element is essential, but the segment should have a slightly more serious title.Really the only thing I hope for is that you get R. Scott Bakker on your podcast, or even better, on the youtubez. An important voice in fantasy that hasn't been heard enough.
Another recommendation, not really podcast related, would be to expand sword and laser beyond just goodreads. Chat would be a blast. I know Geek and Sundry has an IRC Channel, but Sword and Laser really deserves it's own. A place where discussion and debate can occur in real time.
Mod
The files are available in the RSS feed, as well as available as downloads in the blogs posts.
The only thing I can think of is having 3rd guest hosts for discussions. Otherwise I think it's fine.
Mod
This is confusing to me. Quick Burns as a name bothers you because it's not serious enough?
I usually stream the podcast if I have time ;other than that(if I don't time) I download it either on the RSS feed or the website. I usually watch the video on You tube.
Veronica wrote: "This is confusing to me. Quick Burns as a name bothers you because it's not serious enough?"Bother isn't the right word. Honestly Quick Burns doesn't sound professional. Best word I can use to describe it. I think you and Tom do a fantastic job and the Quick Burns are an excellent source of information. Just something about the name doesn't work for me.
I enjoy how the podcast is becoming more off the wall and informal. I too wish there was more talk about the current book in it vs getting pointed to the video show. If you have anything that is spoilery in the talk, you can indicate that. Oooh and if you do that, having the times added for each segment in whatever it's called for the text that comes with the podcast will help to skip over those spoilers. Other than that, I wouldn't change much. The video show seems a little more formal as well so I enjoy listening to the podcast especially as it starts with the What are we drinking segment. Has nothing to do w/ S&L, but just a fun welcome.
Oh & one more thing, I know you probably can't do it due to the video show, but it would be fun if you could do a Google Hangout and rip the podcast from that.
Mod
Bother isn't the right word. Honestly Quick Burns doesn't sound professional. Best w..."
We're just not all that serious. You've noticed that we have a drinking segment too, right? The name isn't going to change, sorry.
Veronica wrote: "We're just not all that serious. You've noticed that we have a drinking segment too, right? The name isn't going to change, sorry. "I, for one, am happy about that. I get enough seriousness in the real world, thank you very much. The show is a lot of fun and I hope you keep up the great work.
Youtube should really provide an audio only service. They would only get more hits. If not, people are just going to rip it anyway.
I dont care as long as you keep making them. I love to listen when Im making dinner. Maybe an out of the dust segment where you revisit old school Sword and Laser that still hold up and maybe compare to similar ideas in new books...just a thought...since I'm old :)Wouldnt mind some suggestions on any other great "geek" podcasts I could listen to to fill up the week as well.
Sorry Vaginal fantasies is not for me though :).
Paul wrote: "Wouldnt mind some suggestions on any other great "geek" podcasts I could listen to to fill up the week as well."Nerdist.com - Hardwick and Company
Smodcast.com - Kevin Smith
^ good shit
Veronica wrote: "We're just not all that serious. You've noticed that we have a drinking segment too, right? The name isn't going to change, sorry. "Thank goodness! I love the name. Quick Burns is spot on, and I like finding out about all kinds of things I probably wouldn't have noticed.
Yeah, like others, I enjoy the podcasts best which have a bit more discussion of the book. I don't know how they were before the YouTube show, but I liked the way you talked a lot in the podcast about leviathan wakes, for example; even though I had to save it for later due to spoilers I still enjoyed it in the end). But as I said in the other thread, finding the balance to please everyone is never easy, so it isn't a massive problem. We're just greedy and want more, I think.
I think interviews can be inserted whenever they show up without any trouble, since I enjoy the looser feel the podcast has over the more structured youtube shows - I think this is the best way for both formats to work, since the podcasts really lend themselves to that relaxed 'we're in your living room having a chat and, oh, look at this shiny thing we found' feel. I don't think it needs to be too structured.
Agree with most of the other comments, more book discussions, keep the Quick Burns. More diversity in the authors would be nice too. One note, not sure if it was just my impression but for a couple of shows it seemed like you replaced the normal podcast with a recorded interview. I like the interviews most of the time, but missed out on an actual podcast. I don't always have time to watch the video shows but always have time for the podcasts (listen on my commute) so I feel like I get short changed in the book discussions. Even more so when one of the podcasts is cut out and replaced by an interview.
Thanks for the great work! You guys rock!
I forgot what I want most for the podcast. For Tom to fix his mic!EDIT: Tom fixed the mic! Episode #119 was crystal clear. My wish is granted.
Love both shows, especially the quick burns. I like the ideas for more book discussion. I also stream the show and listen at work.
Yes, yes, yes! to the idea of supplemental book discussion. Allow a little overlap where necessary, but focus on ideas that didn't occur to you in the video show, or other GR discussions that you want to weigh in on.I've just started listening to the podcast, and am enjoying it as much as the videos, though I do miss the whiteboard video segments; maybe a guest audio review along the same vein would be a good addition to the format?
I'm in the same boat with a few other people who have commented - I would love to download the podcast, but don't (and won't) use itunes. And I use a 5 year old mp3 player, so apps are a bit beyond me. I would really love some way to download the podcasts as mp3 files. I love all the content, and currently just stream from your website when I'm at home. But I would love to be able to take you guys with me to work. That is the change I would most like to see (and if anyone has a way to do that already, even better!)
The same content should be in the audio and video versions of the podcast. It seems that the audio podcast has gotten "short shrift" with the advent of the video version.I'm happy that you folks have a new set and are doing video, but I can't watch it as I'm driving to/from work as I can with the audio version.
Zoe wrote: "I would really love some way to download the podcasts as mp3 files."It's not easy to spot, since I only found out myself when someone on this forum told me, but there is actually a link to download the podcast without itunes. If you click on the podcast you want and scroll right down to just above the comments you should see a symbol that looks like a sheet of paper with a fold in the top right corner, next to which is the name of the episode. This is the download link.
Perhaps this could be made more obvious? Perhaps linked at the top instead, with some text saying something like 'listen here or click this link to download' would be easier for everyone to see?
The Sword and Laser
Books mentioned in this topic
On Basilisk Station (other topics)Among Others (other topics)
Any and all thoughts are welcome but here's a few specific questions we ourselves are wondering.
Should book kickoffs and wrap ups happen in audio?
Is the show the right length? Should it be shorter? Longer?
Do you like when we do audio interviews n a show or should those always be broken out as separate downloads?
Do you like the 'Quick Burns' as newsy or as think pieces or the current mix? What should we do with that segment?
Why aren't more of you downloading it? WHY?!!!.!?! (Ok sorry about this last one, ahem)
Thanks for listening, and helping to spread the love of the genre.