Contemplations on a Podcast

First, as a disclaimer, this might not be the best day for this post, as it is totes not a joke.

As many of you know, I was once one of the hosts of The Drone Bay Podcast. I've tried to restart the show a couple of times, but it never took, mostly because my interest in the game waned again. That first burnout hit me hard, and trying to recapture my "glory days" with various corps just never panned out, as I know I've stated before.

Now, though, it's been a month since I've returned to the game (again), and I've started reconsidering my status as a community contributor. I've never been much of a blogger, except when the mood strikes, but I really do enjoy podcasting. The rub is that I just landed a job that gets pretty hectic in the summer time, and I live in Alaska TZ (1 hour west of PDT). That makes it hard to coordinate with peeps, and the busy nature of my summer will make it hard to edit. Still, neither of these is insurmountable.

That said, I am really feeling the itch again. It's been suggested that I talk to existing hosts and see about tagging along on an episode or two, but while I enjoy those shows, the format just isn't...the same if that makes sense. TDB was patterned a good deal after The Instance, and I really liked that style. Still, unless I find that niche again (I can't exactly teach the finer points of doctrines and such that I am still learning/relearning), it'll be tough.

So, I'm going to open it up to all eight of my readers. Is there room for a show like what TDB used to be? If I do make a new show, am I better off trying to resurrect the old name, or go with something new after a couple of false starts hanging over the old show? What about format? I don't know that I could do a solo show (too boring for me and you, frankly), so how many hosts are appropriate? I liked a lot about the three chair format, but it had its drawbacks, for sure. Basically if you have any thoughts concerning a new/rezzed podcast hosted by yours truly, please leave them here. This is an open call for help :P.

Appropriate Blog Title is Appropriate

Now that I am getting my feet firmly planted back in the game (3 accounts active, running anoms and PI like a crazed person, etc.), I have taken some time to consider my place in the universe of EVE. I've done this every time I came back from a hiatus, and every time I come up with different answers, but the most common thought I have is how much I enjoy the success of those that I have helped in some way.

Let me give an example. Back in the dark ages, I help found ETNY and recruited some people who are now in high places in a big group of people. Now, those guys did pretty much all the work on their own, but it still feels nice to know that I helped on at least one step of the ladder.

Even better, though, are the people who I have instructed in some way who perhaps didn't go on to places of enormous internet pixel power, but instead garnered additional enjoyment from the game because of something I taught them either directly, through flying with me, the podcast, etc.

I think being back in PRAX will afford me that kind of opportunity again. I've been in elite PvP corps and alliances, and somehow I always miss telling a noob how to fit his first tackler more than most fleet fights.

I'd like to podcast again, but I don't know that I can summon the time to record and edit one, these days. C'est la vie.

The Drone Bay 25 is up!

For the show notes, head to the show's website.

Also, please help us stay on the front page of the EVE-O forums!

The show also has a Facebook page. Become a fan if...you know...you're a fan. Also, hang out to chat with other listeners and the hosts!

End of March Update

First off, I haven't forgotten about the Daredevil, but PRAX's current axtivities mean I haven't had as much time to fly it of late.

Now, on to what I have been working on. The infrastructure for the return of The Drone Bay is quickly being put into place. I have a domain, and have taken over the pre-existing libsyn account.

Al has put down the healbot and picked up the missile and (mining) laser again. He has joined me in The Praxis Initiative, so lols are guaranteed to ensue. If you are interested in finding ois what PRAX is all about and whether we may be a fit for you, check out the in-game channel 'PRAX'. We are newer player friendly, but also have our share of veterans and one bitter old noob.

Right Click, Return to The Drone Bay

The time approaches. My EVE-related synapses have been warmed once more.

As mentioned, I've talked to CK about bringing TDB back from beyond the grave, and Al has put down his (admittedly l33t) tree-healing buttons long enough to resub to EVE.

My reason in writing this is not to officially announce the show's return, as we're not nearly there, yet. What I am after is feedback from you, the once and (hopefully) future listeners. So, please tell me, via comment, eve mail, email, twitter, or candygram, what you think we should consider changing as we look to the podcast's future. I assume regularity and consistency is number one, but I am speaking more in terms of content.

Oh, and while I am more than happy to take convos, as many of you know, understand that if I don't accept or don't respond, it's likely that boat violence is to blame.

Back...again

So, I have once again returned to mother EVE. Yes, I am still playing WoW, but I've scaled it back to raiding a couple nights a week, mostly. EVE is where I belong for a variety of reasons, and now that my life is in a place where I can play again, I'm glad to be back.

Part of my return definitely centers around the dusting off of The Praxis Initiative [PRAX]. PRAX was my first corp, and I still credit it with keeping me hooked on the game in the early days that claim so many new players. I hope to be able to pass on some of what I have learned and help others the way the corp helped me...oh...and pretty blue explosions. Always with the pretty blue explosions.

Also, in related news, I've talked to both Al and CK. Maybe, just maybe, The Drone Bay will come screaming back from the ether to assault your mp3 listening device with terrible jokes.

In other other news, since some have asked, I didn't apply to the commentary cast of AT8. I wanted to, but I am just not going to have the vacation time for it, this year.

Go go Gadget ego boost!

So, the experts for the Sixth Alliance Tournament have been announced, and I'm one of them! Naturally, this makes me deliriously happy and smugly superior to all of you. That is all.






I keed! We're hoping to do some special stuff in preparation and during the tourney for the pleasure of all EVE fans out there.

Also, new Drone Bay Soon(tm). Current plan has us recording before Christmas...2009.

Warpath Episode 3 and Drone Bay Episode 16 Recorded

This weekend, I got together with my co-collaborators, and we managed to hammer out an episode of The Warpath as well as the long-awaited continuation of The Drone Bay. Both are currently in the editing process, and should be ready for the listeners by week's end. Sorry for the massive delay on TDB, and the slight delay on Warpath.

The Warpath and The Drone Bay

Tonight, the plan is to record an episode of The Drone Bay. It's been a long time since the last show, and I would be lying if I said I am not at a bit of a loss for discussion fodder. It has been awhile since I logged into EVE to do more than change skills, thanks in part to a busy work schedule.

I want to take this opportunity to announce a new podcast project, as well. Stephen (Alsedrech) and I have embarked into the world of Warhammer Online, and will soon be bringing you The Warpath, a WAR themed podcast. This one, like The Drone Bay, will be hosted at Virgin Worlds, courtesy of our lord and master, Brent. The first episode is edited and ready to go out the door, we just need to get the site setup for it.

The Noob's Lamentations on AoC

So, after the accolades that got poured on it at launch, Age of Conan is being hit from all directions by a lot of criticism. Gaming news sites are taking notice, and for good reason.

I canceled my AoC account this week. The reasons why read like a list of the major criticisms of the game. The first warning sign for me was the lack of quest voice-overs after Tortage. It was a minor thing, but I couldn't help but feel that it was a sign of things to come. The technical graphical issues I was experiencing also didn't help, but were eventually resolved.

Basically, there is nothing compelling for me in the game, even in the 30s, let alone the grind to 80 and the bemoaned lack of end-game content. I was hoping that the lauded PvP system would give me more of the feel I have come to love from EVE in a fantasy setting, but it looks like I'll be waiting for WAR, since AoC's siege system is plagued with technical issues, and has been stepped back a number of times, already.

Speaking of EVE, I've gotten more involved in Faction Warfare, including running around with some more organized groups than you tend to get in the militia channel. It's been a great deal of fun and has really rejuvenated my desire to play the game, despite some of the issues that FW has.

The Drone Bay 13 has been edited and uploaded and will be out as soon as the notes are done and Brent has time to publish it.

More updates on the noob's plight

Following the woes described in my last post, I have made a couple of new purchases. They've just arrived, yesterday, and I've just about got my machine back up and running. As of now, the only issue is getting the new setup to read my SATA devices properly, including the HDD with my EVE installation directory.

Jet lag caused me to sleep through the scheduled Drone Bay recording, but we are planning to get back on course, Soon (tm). Also, stay tuned for some guest appearances by your favorite Drone Bay stars in the near future.

With the lack of an EVE-capable computer, I've gotten hooked on the browser-based game, Goal Line Blitz. It's a free-to-play game with microtransactions based on American football. If you are a fan of football, give it a look. It has a lot of EVE-like elements, in that everything is player owned and controlled, including the teams. If you decide to sign up (via my shameless referral link above, or through other means), drop me a PM. My user name should be easy enough to guess. If there's enough interest, we might be able to get a Drone Bay team. I'm already on a team from the Scrapheap Challenge forums that won its league last year.

Docking Request Accepted: The Noob Comes Home

I once again find myself in the land of apple pie and the Dallas Cowboys. It's good to be back, but the jet lag has been a bit rough. The USPS once again succeeded in destroying some of the more delicate bits of my PC, despite careful packing on my part, so EVE is still on hold.

I do plan to return to The Drone Bay this week, however, as well as to Massively.com.

Thanks to everyone who got in touch to wish me safe travels!

EVE Shenanigans and Project Alice

So, as most of you will already know, MC disbanded. I even had my own personal troll take the time to come to BoN and razz me about it. So cute...

Anyway, ETNY is still going strong, and has moved on to found Project Alice. We've been active up North (well, those of us with working PCs have...), and have merged with Vidar Fierd, another former MC corp with whom we have always felt a strong sense of camaraderie (thanks, spellchecker!).

With faction warfare coming, there's no telling where we'll end up. I'd really like to get waist-deep into the faction stuff, but may end up doing it on an alt.

Also, Episode 11 of The Drone Bay is recorded and edited. It'll go up as soon as the notes are done. Thanks to all our listeners!