TREKS IN SCI-FI FORUM

Library Computer => Podcast Comments (Ready Room) => Topic started by: Rico on October 22, 2008, 03:11:02 PM

Title: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Rico on October 22, 2008, 03:11:02 PM
New Ready Room is up, # 34! :metallica:

http://www.treksinscifi.com/podcasts/TreksInSciFi_Ready_Room_34.mp3 (http://www.treksinscifi.com/podcasts/TreksInSciFi_Ready_Room_34.mp3)
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Geekyfanboy on October 22, 2008, 03:12:43 PM
Just an FYI.. skype was acting up when we recorded.. but I think it turned out okay.
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: X on October 22, 2008, 03:42:39 PM
Listening now
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: wraith1701 on October 22, 2008, 06:40:00 PM
Good episode, guys!  All of the readings were very well done! 

Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: X on October 22, 2008, 06:43:10 PM
Great episode! I might have to write a thesis on Aria to explain her motivations and why she thinks that she's the only sane one in a universe of insanity.


But yeah ... she's kinda crazy and comfortable with that.
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: billybob476 on October 23, 2008, 05:57:36 AM
Very great readings everyone.

Funny Kenny, you just said "Quinn is found" and all I could think of was Amazing Grace. "Quinn was lost but now is found, was blind but now he sees."

Fun discussion as usual. Irish drinking songs rule!

Jen, right before you said "Quinn's Excellent Adventure" I was thinking it should be "Quinn's Bogus Journey"!

In relation to Aria's supposed craziness, I kinda got that myself. She's not really insane, just a an incredible idealist which makes her seem insane. When I get to read Cooperative/Aria posts I kinda try and do that. I kinda try to make descriptions sound very positive and make all their actions (even if they are horrific) seem perfectly reasonable.

That's my take on it.

X, reading your posts is a ton of fun!
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: metron07 on October 23, 2008, 07:27:06 AM
Everyone,

Another great show. Readings where great and your trio talk was fun.

But I'm feeling a little neglected and unacknowledged for the most part as I hear very little about the many minutes of original music I have contributed to the podcast. Though I know our hosts like it, very little is said about it in the podcast or in feedback here though when Rick writes a 3 minute parody song he gets all sorts of positive feed back.

Though I do not type words in the RPG, I am very much invested in it and I had hoped my music was a noticeable enhancement and is part of what is making this the best ReadyRoom season yet. Like the rest of the creative group here I have closely listened to Kenny and Jen's advice and direction and kept the music dark and moody to add to the drama of your readings.

Perhaps I should be complemented as Kenny's mixes of the Readyroom podcast make the music almost an unconscious enhancement but my concern is it may be taken for granted and I'm wondering if my hours of original creative work are really worth the effort.  If you like or dislike it let us know but please don't take it (me) for granted. 

There is a Borg voice at the end of the podcast that let's you know who is doing the music and though it may be hard to hear it though the effect it is me Metron07 (Rob) who does most of the music for the readings in this ReadyRoom season #8 and a simple thank you once and a while would go a long way.
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Rico on October 23, 2008, 07:44:33 AM
Rob - I'm sorry you feel this way.  I don't think anyone takes what you add for granted.  I certainly know everyone working on the Ready Rooms appreciate it and I have both heard thanks and read that too.  It may not happen all the time or maybe as often as it could but I do know your work is appreciated.

Again - I am sorry you feel the way you do.
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: metron07 on October 23, 2008, 08:12:36 AM
Don't mean to sound needy or whiny it was on my mind.

Thank you for allowing me to feel free to communicate it. 
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: X on October 23, 2008, 08:32:13 AM
Hey Rob, I love the music. I don't take it for granted but for me, it works so damn perfectly to what's going on that it blends in seamlessly to the rest of it. I think that the very nature of your music blends so well with the ready room that it's hard to separate it from the show. I also believe that's a testament to your talent and Kenny's mixing.

When listening I've never asked what was the particular piece because for me it all flowed together. When I'm thanking the ready room, I'm thanking everyone involved. Your work makes the scenes more real for me and pulls me into the reading that much more. Thank you for that. It has not gone unnoticed.

I however am still waiting for you to finish "Aria's Theme". Hell I would love for you to put together a score for the various major plot highlight of the "show".

Another thing I would suggest is for some of those musical cues to be posted aside from the reading as an actual soundtrack that I can take with me on my walks while I think of post ideas. I find it easier to write to a score some times and music gives me many of my ideas.

I haven't commented on your work in the past because I love it and it really pumps me up to work on the setting and come up with ideas. I like the music both you and Rick bring to the RPG without a doubt and so that we are clear, I think that your music brings me deeper into the story and I couldn't have writen some of the things that I wrote without referencing the tone set by your music.

It's part of the reason that I've been trying to capture Aria the way I have. The darkness you've composed is beautiful and it's that beauty in darkness that I try to use to capture Aria's actions.

So continue to compose because I want the soundtrack and I REALLY want themes for my characters that can be used for later posts or really dramatic scenes with them.

I don't think that there was any intent to not notice your music. There are so many things that happen in the background that some times credit gets over looked on the whole. It not that your work isn't noticed, it's that it perfectly achieves the goals made for it.

I think it would be nice if you, Rick, and anyone that works on the themes and other things were credited with your actual names because it makes it seem more real to me. If that makes any sense.

I know I wrote a lot, but GOOD JOB!

I WANT MORE!!
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: billybob476 on October 23, 2008, 08:44:04 AM
X said it better then I can but I'll say this. Same deal. When I say geat job everyone, it means everyone. Jen, Kenny, Rick, you, Rico for posting, the readers, etc.

I can say as a contributor, sometimes I record a post and don't really think it's the best reading I've done (for example, I didn't end up having a ton of time this weekend and thought my reading could have been a lot better).

However.

Once I heard it in the flow, mixed, with your ethereal score, my misgivings went away. The music completes the readings. Without soundtrack it'd just be us reading words.

I listen to soundtracks all day while I work (when I'm not listening to podcasts), if you'd be willing to release what you have as individual tracks I'd love to add them to my library.
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 08:56:00 AM
By all means, Rob, thank you so much for your efforts and apologoes for not mentioning it before. I think you are very justified to feel a bit slighted by all of us failing to mention your contributions. I can say that, as X said above, the music you do is such an integral part of the Ready Room and blends to perfectly with the readings, it makes the entire listening experience so much better and makes the entire show much more professional, I think that's why it's easy to take it for granted. Let them do a show without your wonderful stuff and we would all notice, I can promise you that!
Keep up the great work, it's well appreciated. :)
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Meds on October 23, 2008, 09:52:56 AM
I've bigged you up before Rob, (on audio for the ready room and in writing) and I am more than happy to big you up again. Your music is fantastic, and i'm always lost in the magical world of hearing audio vocals mixed with your music in the background.  Never think you are being taken for granted, far from it you are an important part of this RPG and along with the writers, the moderators and the king himself without these fine little cogs turning along the whole thing will fall apart.

Now as an Englishman it is my duty to inform you to get back to your keyboards and computer and send me an email containing mp3's for my ipod. ;)
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Geekyfanboy on October 23, 2008, 10:22:34 AM
Hey Rob.. I hope you know it wasn't our intention to make you feel neglected. I couldn't imagine The Ready Rooms without your music, especially season eight since all the music you have been producing has been perfect for this moody season. That is the funny thing about underscore, it's not actually suppose to be heard but enhance the scenes, which your music does perfectly. I agree with what others have said you should post your pieces online for folks to download. Your stuff is wonderful and I know both Jen and I and our listeners are appreciative of all your hard work.
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Jen on October 23, 2008, 11:07:30 AM
I can't tell you how lucky we are to have musicians who compose original music for us at whim. It's unheard of really...The music Rob and Rick write for the Ready Room as well as the work Rob has done for the audio drama is quiet simply awesome. Rob goes above and beyond to create what I'm looking for and I truly appreciate it. I've emailed my thanks many times over and I've mentioned his collaborations several times on the Ready Room. His work can be touted much more as he does a lot for this RPG.  Oh, for that person who asked about real names...I use to have a clip that mentioned him by name at the end of the Ready Room, but he prefers his forum name—"Metron 07" is very snappy sounding. ;)

Rob, I would love it if  your work could to be downloaded maybe in a special Ready Room. You need a web site that we can point people people to, to download your music. I know I have seen several Podiodrama musicians who have sites to advertise their talents...you definitely should have your own.

My husband constantly asks me, "when are you going to get paid for all the work you do for Anomaly, the RPG and the Ready Room"? But he knows that I do this not for the money, but because I'm an artist and as a creative person I have to have an outlet for that crazy energy. This RPG and Anomaly have been that outlet for me for almost two years. I am a creative professional, so I get paid to design web sites, print materials, logos, illustrate, draw, and paint, but that work is created for other people...my posts, and the paintings I've done (though I share them with you all) are really created for me. That might sound bad...I don't mean it to. I get a lot of enjoyment from reading other people's posts, and collaborating with them but...I LOVE to write and paint and put audio dramas together. That's the reason I keep doing this.  Yep, it feels good when people appreciate what I do and we don't always get emails for Anomaly or complements for the posts we write, but at the end of the day I do these things for my own enjoyment. It's better than any chocolate that I've ever tasted....the sweetness satisfies.  ;)

Aside from my faith, my husband and my family, I feel fulfilled by the art I create. I know that these stories that I help you guys write will never be published and they will never be acknowledged by anyone outside this forum. My posts are just the bi-product of my love of writing and Star Trek and I am cool with that.  :)  I've made many good friends by jamming, writing and laughing with you all (writers, readers and musicians) and that's the best acknowledgment I've received from participating here.  :)

Just wanted to say that we should all pat each other on the back more often, as that does help, but we should all keep in mind that this RPG is an awesome creative outlet and a great place to scratch that creative Star Trek itch. :) 
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Rico on October 23, 2008, 11:17:48 AM
Well said Jen, and everyone.  I'll just add a tiny bit more of my own 2 cents.  I love how much participation happens on this forum, the Ready Room, and my podcasts.  This is a group effort and seems more like a family.  I appreciate all of you and everything all of you do to make this place so much fun and run so well.

:cheers
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 11:21:40 AM
We love you too, big daddy Rico!
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 05:13:54 PM
Just finished the most recent Ready Room, great job as always.....and I'm glad I'm not the only one a little confused by the story right now   :confused but I am loving it all the same!  :thumbsup
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Geekyfanboy on October 23, 2008, 05:27:36 PM
Quote from: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 05:13:54 PM
Just finished the most recent Ready Room, great job as always.....and I'm glad I'm not the only one a little confused by the story right now   :confused but I am loving it all the same!  :thumbsup

Hey Bryan.. can you tell me what is confusing about the story.. we've had several people say that and both Jen and I would really like to  know where is the confusing coming from... thanks
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: wraith1701 on October 23, 2008, 06:07:31 PM
Rob- I'm totally digging the music you put together for the podcast; I'm sorry for not mentioning it earlier.  It wouldn't be the same without you!

Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on October 23, 2008, 05:27:36 PM
Quote from: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 05:13:54 PM
Just finished the most recent Ready Room, great job as always.....and I'm glad I'm not the only one a little confused by the story right now   :confused but I am loving it all the same!  :thumbsup

Hey Bryan.. can you tell me what is confusing about the story.. we've had several people say that and both Jen and I would really like to  know where is the confusing coming from... thanks

Ditto.  It seems perfectly clear to me.


A brief Mirror Universe timeline:


-After making first contact with the Vulcans, humans  branch out to eventually rule the Alpha and Beta Quadrants.  A militaristic regime is formed, known as The Terran Empire.  Under the Empire, all non-human races are considered 2nd class citizens, slaves, or worse.

-After years of brutal oppression, the Terran Empire is eventually overthrown and replaced by the Klingon Cardassian Alliance.  In a sort of backlash against humanity, terrans are now considered second class citizens, and serve as slave labor for the Klingons, Cardassians, Bajorans, and other races of the Alliance. 

-After several decisive victories by the Terran Resistance (led by individuals like "Smiley" O'Brien from DS9), a new Terran Empire is formed.  This new Empire is led by Emperor David Locke. 

So now we have two major powers- The Terran Empire and the Alliance.


Cliff Notes:

The new Terran Empire (a resurgence of the Empire seen in the TOS episode and the Enterprise Mirror Universe episodes) and the Klingon/Cardassian Alliance (The bad guys who are in control during the DS9 years) are fighting for control of known space. 

The regular Borg exist in the mirror universe as well, and their goal remains the assimilation of all other civilizations.  Their leader is Locutus, the Borg King.

There is also another type of Borg group in our Mirror Universe-- The Borg COOPERATIVE.  They are led by Aria James.  Unlike the regular Borg, they see other societies as resources to be nurtured and cultivated, as opposed to seeing them as resources to be pillaged and destroyed.

At this point in the story, we are looking at a sort of 4-way stand off between the Terran Empire, The Klingon/Cardassian Alliance, the Borg Collective, and the Borg Cooperative.

I hope that clears things up a little bit...
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: metron07 on October 23, 2008, 06:10:11 PM
Everyone,

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your positive feedback and words of encouragement.

It is true that it would be nice if I could put together a site with my music on it and I continue to look for something affordable and secure. If anyone has any suggestions please pass them on.

Rico has also been very gracious to feature some of my music on the media player on the forums.

But for those of you RPG or Readyroom listeners who would like a download for reasons of enjoyment or inspiration I have a short term solution. At the YouSendIt.com link below you can download a Zip file containing all of the music I have done thus far for the RPG Season 8 which includes a new piece called the "Battle in the Mirror Universe" that may be of some use to those of you writing or about to write posts for the coming battle(s). The link is valid till one week from today for 100 downloads which should cover anyone interested.

https://www.yousendit.com/download/Y2o5OGNTOC85NVUwTVE9PQ (https://www.yousendit.com/download/Y2o5OGNTOC85NVUwTVE9PQ)

Thank you, Metron Rob
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 06:45:42 PM
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on October 23, 2008, 05:27:36 PM
Quote from: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 05:13:54 PM
Just finished the most recent Ready Room, great job as always.....and I'm glad I'm not the only one a little confused by the story right now   :confused but I am loving it all the same!  :thumbsup

My confusion was almost exactly in line with what Rick asked in the podcast.
Quote from: StarTrekFanatic5 on October 23, 2008, 05:27:36 PM
Quote from: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 05:13:54 PM
Just finished the most recent Ready Room, great job as always.....and I'm glad I'm not the only one a little confused by the story right now   :confused but I am loving it all the same!  :thumbsup

Hey Bryan.. can you tell me what is confusing about the story.. we've had several people say that and both Jen and I would really like to  know where is the confusing coming from... thanks

Hey Bryan.. can you tell me what is confusing about the story.. we've had several people say that and both Jen and I would really like to  know where is the confusing coming from... thanks

It's exactly what Rick asked in the podcast. Had I still been active in the RPG this part of the season, I'm sure I wouldn't be a bit lost, as Wraith said above. But if someone is just listening to the podcast to keep up to speed, which is great fun, the story is very complicated. In one season we have taken on a four faction mirror universe as well as the Borg. I'm actually suprised to hear you are suprised that non-participants might be a bit overwhelmed. Regardless, they story is huge fun!

..I'm still laughing at Wraiths post...Either I'm a moron or that's pretty complicated! ;)
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Jen on October 23, 2008, 07:08:39 PM
I'm just curious, consider this a innocent Survey/Public Service Announcement not a criticism.  How long have you guys been confused? Is it just the newest posts that you needed clarification on?  I hope that if people are confused in the future that they will consider emailing us at the Ready Room, and/or use the Out Of Character section or the Comments and Complement section to ask questions. That's why we have those threads. Posting your comments there and asking questions when they first arise, is the best way for us to know what we need to do to correct our posts or add new ones to clear things up. 

BTW, Kenny and I try to address these things in our commentaries when we started Season Eight and we've addressed some of these topics again during Act II...but it is a lot to process and we're not professional writers so it's very possible we're not executing well. Written comments that we can address in the Ready Room would help us greatly.

And finally, you've said you're confused, but you haven't said whether you understand now. Did anything we've talked about on the Ready Room clear things up for you Bryan? :)

I'd like to hear from our other listeners/readers who do not participate in the RPG but enjoy the story. What are your thoughts? Does the story confuse you? If it does, has anything we've talked about in all our commentaries helped to clear things up?

And finally, keep in mind that this story is continuing to unfold and there are explanations that have yet to be written... especially with regards to the Alliance and Cooperative. They are just now becoming a bigger part of the story.
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 07:22:12 PM
Yes, I understand it much better now. Keep in mind, you had a bunch of story lines going at once. I forgot about the whole battle going on while the Sevryll/David/Interrogator storyline was going on. And then, I was unclear who was fighting who and who was bad and who was good, and how did the Borg still fit in.
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Jen on October 23, 2008, 07:33:43 PM
Are there any other comments from other readers/listeners regarding the story and whether it's confusing?
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: X on October 23, 2008, 07:47:44 PM
Quote from: Bryancd on October 23, 2008, 07:22:12 PM
And then, I was unclear who was fighting who and who was bad and who was good, and how did the Borg still fit in.

That's an easy one. Depending on who you ask, everyone else is the bad guy and they are the good guys.

Except for the Collective. Good and Evil is irrelevant.

Oh and the Cooperative. They think that the universe is a mistake that they need to fix. They fluctuate between the saviors of the galaxy and the ultimate evil depending on if you are an ally or an enemy.

But the bunnies are all evil. In any universe, the bunnies are always evil. 
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: moyer777 on October 23, 2008, 08:19:45 PM
with big sharp nasty teeth....  Look at the bones!!!!
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Meds on October 23, 2008, 11:09:41 PM
I can safely say my character is a bad character, well maybe just a bit misunderstood, ;) 
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: billybob476 on October 24, 2008, 09:10:51 AM
Listening to "Battle In The Mirror Universe" right now. All I can say is wow. Metron this is VERY well done!

As Vader would say: "Most impressive."
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Feathers on October 25, 2008, 01:08:09 PM
Hey, just listened to this weeks show. Thanks for all the personal mockery and anti-British racial abuse!
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: moyer777 on October 25, 2008, 01:29:20 PM
I hope you're not serious.  :)

I love you and all my buds from across the pond!

If I have offended, please forgive me.

Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Jen on October 25, 2008, 01:48:04 PM
Me too Feathers... We love our British friends. Didn't mean anything by it, really.

Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Feathers on October 25, 2008, 01:58:57 PM
No, no, no! Humour, only humour! A 'response in kind', or so I'd intended.

Sorry Rick, I really enjoyed it (though your British accent does warrant some sort of  apology ;) )!

I can see it may have to be an audio comment next time though :)

Sorry, I'lt use more wnking smilies in future.
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: moyer777 on October 26, 2008, 12:41:51 AM
Phew!  I thought I bloody blew it! :)
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Meds on October 26, 2008, 03:32:55 AM
Naughty Feathers, leading everyone up the proverbial garden path, take your umbrella and hit yourself over your bowler hat. I shall have to put you on Saville Row and refit you with un naughty behaviour ;)

Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Feathers on October 26, 2008, 07:59:41 AM
Meds, no! Anything but that!

I didn't intend it to be naughty, but I admit it was somewat ambiguous. It's one of those occasions where you write something with a specific tone of voice in mind...which doesn't get conveyed into the text. *Sigh*

Lesson duely learned.

(Hey Meds, apparently they don't say Howdy in Texas. Amazing eh!)
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Jen on October 27, 2008, 11:35:38 AM
Howdy ya'll. ;)
Title: Re: Ready Room # 34
Post by: Meds on October 27, 2008, 02:05:35 PM
Top hole, what, what and tally ho.