Artist Alley

Information may not be reliable

I want to let you guys know how awesome it is that I’m still getting emails from listeners despite the lack of new episodes. I’m glad we’ve produced something helpful! Some of our endeavors were a little slack, and maybe we tried to get too complicated. We want to try to re-start production of the basic podcast.
Since I moved away a few years ago, it’s been really hard for Michelle and I to find the time to work on the podcast. It’s not that we’re averse to doing it; it’s more that it takes quite a bit of spare time that we don’t have now that I’m in school again and she’s got a little one to look after. Plus, we live 8 or 9 hours away from each other, making it hard to get together in person for motivational ass-kicking.
The whole idea of the podcast was to give some basic-level information and share ideas. To that end, we love having guest contributions. One of the episodes that listeners continually mention as their favorite is the Aft Theft episode where we read guest stories. (Our professional qualifications are pretty slim, so no worries there. If you can produce good content, we don’t care about your title.) To get the podcast back off the ground and releasing on a regular basis, we could probably use some more permanent help, too.
There are two things that seem to back us up the most.
1) Recording new episodes:
We actually have a few episodes already recorded that are yet to be released, but now finding the time to sit down together and talk for an hour is even harder than
before. Plus we have the added difficulty of recording over Skype instead of in person. Providing content would be a big help.
2) Editing and post-production:
This is the most time-consuming part. It’s difficult to outsource because we don’t really use a script, so we can’t give one to people to use as a guideline. I guess we could just start not cutting things out and get used to doing a live show, but there are inevitably places where we completely screw up our trains of thought. The key to editing our files is to be able to find the balance between what is entertaining and what is disruptive and remove the disruptive bits.
Putting the music and transitions into the file is also part of this. It doesn’t generally take that long, but it’s just one more obstacle. I think we actually have a show ready to go except for the sound effects. Michelle edited it and sent it to me like… a year ago. And I suck.
So there are two things that would help get some new content into the feed: producing audio content that is ready to go (with or without sound effects, which I can always add later) and processing of the audio files we already have. Oh, also, listeners pestering us to get new content up. Three things.
If you want to record an episode and sent it to us, that would be awesome. If you want to get even more involved, that would be awesome too. Shoot us an email (you should know the address by now) if you think you have something to offer.

Attack_Laurel is a member of the SCA that uses a combination of snark, the clue-by-four, and excellent writing skills to deliver poignant commentary on both SCA and every day life. Although I do not know her in person, I highly recommend this journal for regular reading.
The full text of the essay, “Do We Really Need A Reason,” can be found at attack_laurel’s livejournal blog.
Essay used by permission of the author.

Standard Podcast [10:59m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
April 19th, 2009 by Nuri

Regular molding wax in chunks or pellets
Wax additives such as: dye, scent, strengtheners or softeners, etc. (more)
A double boiler and a thermometer and stirrer or:
baking pans for the oven
Gloves and potholders to help prevent burning (maybe burn gel too!)
A safe place to pour hot wax

If your directions for your wax contradict us, follow the directions on the package!
Do not mix waxes that have different instructions
Diligently watch your heating wax; wax can burst into flame!!! Wax bursts into flames at its “flash point” which is usually around 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Put cooling wax up where kids and animals cannot get it!
You might experiment with natural waxes
Bubbles may appear if wax is contaminated or not heated to the right temperature (too cool)
You can also paint your candles, but may need to use additives that remove impurities and bubbles in wax. Do not use paints that will explode. Do not paint on wax until it is completely cooled.

Standard Podcast [15:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
April 4th, 2009 by Mica

I am a slacker. This is a well-known fact of the universe. I have had this wonderful interview with #1 Fan Ally for over a year. Now you all get to hear it! The introduction is disturbingly appropriate since the podcast has been on hiatus. Also, like all Otakon interviews there is background noise because the con is full of people. I also didn’t cut the first question into the beginning, so it’s at the end. I think it’s funnier that way.
Rest assured that Michelle now has a microphone, and we will be doing regular episodes over Skype. Really. We’ve got them all planned out and everything.
Ally’s DeviantART page

I SWEAR we are not drunk. It’s just really late at night. Close enough, I guess.

Standard Podcast [37:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
October 4th, 2008 by Nuri

Posted in Art, Specials, Podcasts | No Comments »