Qt3 Games Podcast: The Master List

[Tom Chick]

So here's the master list of all the Qt3 Games Podcasts that ever were and ever will be. If you'd like to be on the podcast and your name isn't on this list, post in this thread and I'll make sure to add you. Or PM me. Or email me at [email protected] If you'd like to discuss the podcast, here is the general thread (http://www.quartertothree.com/game-talk/showthread.php?t=60409) and each individual podcast has its own thread.

UPDATE: Rather than force everyone into this impossibly long queue, I'm going to change up the process. Folks doing game diaries for the front page (here's how you can get in on that action (http://www.quartertothree.com/game-talk/showthread.php?t=63895)) will have the option to move up in the queue. But for the most part, I'll be drawing names randomly. So the list below is more of a lottery pool than an actual list. See that last name, at the very bottom? He's just as likely to be next week's guest as the guy at the top of the list. I realize that's not terribly fair to some of you who've been waiting for your name to bubble up, so if you object strongly, let me know and I'll happily jigger the list a bit for you.

THE PODCASTS SO FAR
Desslock and Dragon Age (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2009/11/11/qt3-games-podcast-desslock-and-dragon-age/)
Eric Majkut and Forza 3 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2009/11/18/qt3-games-podcast-eric-majkut-and-forza-3/)
Nawid A and Modern Warfare 2 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2009/11/25/qt3-games-podcast-nawid-a-and-modern-warfare-2/)
Gordon Cameron and the Ultima Series (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2009/12/02/qt3-games-podcast-gordon-cameron-and-the-ultima-series/)
Ephraim and Dark Age of Camelot (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2009/12/09/qt3-podcast-ephraim-and-dark-age-of-camelot/)
Jason Lutes and Solium Infernum (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2009/12/16/qt3-games-podcast-jason-lutes-and-solium-infernum/)
forgeforsaken and Chromehounds (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2009/12/24/qt3-games-podcast-forgeforsaken-and-chromehounds/)
jpinard and The Sims 3 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2009/12/30/qt3-games-podcast-jpinard-and-the-sims-3/)
Andrew Mayer and Farmville (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/01/06/qt3-games-podcast-andrew-mayer-and-farmville/)
Gabe Lewis and Baldur's Gate (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/01/14/qt3-games-podcast-gabe-lewis-and-baldurs-gate/)
triggercut and Fatal Frame (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/01/20/qt3-games-podcast-triggercut-and-fatal-frame/)
Jupiter Jones and RollerCoaster Tycoon (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/01/28/qt3-games-podcast-jupiter-jones-and-rollercoaster-tycoon/)
Cubit and Fallout 3 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/02/05/qt3-games-podcast-cubit-and-fallout-3/)
Rorschach and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/02/11/qt3-games-podcast-rorschach-and-banjo-kazooie-nuts-bolts/)
John E. Motion and Close Combat (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/02/18/qt3-games-podcast-john-e-motion-and-close-combat/)
mmalloy and Oblivion (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/02/25/qt3-games-podcast-mmalloy-and-oblivion/)
merryprankster and Demon's Souls (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/03/05/qt3-games-podcast-merryprankster-and-demons-souls/)
krayzkrok and Dead Space (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/03/13/qt3-games-podcast-krayzkrok-and-dead-space/)
Abilio Carvalho and Supreme Commander 2 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/03/21/qt3-games-podcast-abilio-carvahlo-and-supreme-commander-2/)
Mark Asher and Diablo (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/03/26/qt3-games-podcast-mark-asher-and-diablo/)
Jason McMaster and Heavy Rain (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/04/01/qt3-games-podcast-jason-mcmaster-and-heavy-rain/)
fuzzyslug and Uncharted (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/04/10/qt3-games-podcast-fuzzyslug-and-uncharted/)
Jorune and Emperor of the Fading Suns (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/04/23/qt3-games-podcast-jorune-and-emperor-of-the-fading-suns/)
Athryn and World of Warcraft (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/04/30/qt3-games-podcast-athryn-and-world-of-warcraft/)
pyrhic and Pirates (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/05/07/qt3-games-podcast-pyrhic-and-pirates/)
Jason Cross and No One Lives Forver (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/05/14/qt3-games-podcast-jason-cross-and-nolf/)
Dean and Neverwinter Nights 2 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/05/22/qt3-games-podcast-dean-and-neverwinter-nights-2/)
bahimiron and Quest for Glory (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/05/29/qt3-games-podcast-bahimiron-and-quest-for-glory/)
Enidigm and Empire: Total War (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/06/05/qt3-games-podcast-enidigm-and-empire-total-war/)
Jonathan Crane and System Shock (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/06/11/qt3-games-podcast-jonathan-crane-and-system-shock/)
Matt Bowyer and Final Fantasy XII (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/07/22/qt3-games-podcast-matt-bowyer-and-final-fantasy-xii/)
Demon G Sides and Starcraft II (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/08/06/qt3-games-podcast-demon-g-sides-and-starcraft-ii-2/)
salwon and Take Command: 2nd Manassas (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/08/12/qt3-games-podcast-salwon-and-take-command-2nd-manassas/)
Bill Dungsroman and The Path (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/09/08/qt3-games-podcast-bill-dungsroman-and-the-path/)
Jon Rowe and Dwarf Fortress (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/09/15/qt3-games-podcast-jon-rowe-and-dwarf-fortress/)
nixon66 and Star Control II (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/09/23/qt3-games-podcast-nixon66-and-star-control-ii/)
slantz and Civilization V (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/09/30/qt3-games-podcast-slantz-and-civilization-v/)
DrCrypt and Dead Rising 2 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/10/07/qt3-games-podcast-drcrypt-and-dead-rising-2/)
Mink Staccato and Pinball FX 2 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/11/05/qt3-games-podcast-mink-staccato-and-pinball-fx-2/)
Atomic Playboy and Borderlands (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/11/23/qt3-games-podcast-atomic-playboy-and-borderlands/)
extarbags and Psychonauts (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2010/12/31/qt3-games-podcast-extarbags-and-psychonauts/)
notatiger and Team Fortress 2 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/01/07/qt3-games-podcast-notatiger-and-team-fortress-2/)
JPR and Company of Heroes (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/03/11/qt3-games-podcast-jpr-and-company-of-heroes/)
Frank Austin and Thief (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/03/17/qt3-games-podcast-frank-austin-and-thief/)
Hawkeye Fierce and Steel Panthers (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/03/24/qt3-games-podcast-hawkeye-fierce-and-steel-panthers/)
sinnick and Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/04/08/qt3-games-podcast-sinnick-and-legend-of-zelda-wind-waker/)
Vesper and Wing Commander (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/04/18/qt3-games-podcast-vesper-and-wing-commander/)
Denny Atkin and Just Cause 2 (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/07/12/qt3-podcast-denny-atkin-the-space-shuttle-and-just-cause-2/)
Greg Kasavin and Bastion (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/07/25/qt3-podcast-greg-kasavin-and-bastion/)
Spoofychop and Wizard Wars (http://www.quartertothree.com/fp/2011/08/22/qt3-podcast-spoofychop-and-wizard-wars/)

THE PODCASTS COMING SOON
Shieldwolf
AgtFox
Neal Stevens
SorenJohnson
DustyTheHamster
Arioch
lesslucid
Post-It
sinfony
belgerog
Tankero
ProStyle
Jamie Madigan
ColonelT
DoomMunky
Lee Johnson
Shellfishguy
erezsch
Andy Bates
Brad Grenz
mono
Pogo
Equis
Charles
Mark Crump
Alan Au
Gorden Berg
Ex-S Woo
Supertanker
Xaroc
Rimbo
Vincent 19
Wolff
Djscman
CSL
PeterGinsberg
Omniscia
Strato
Mark Weston
Vesper
Flowers
dwinn
Murph
Nellie
Sapper Gopher
Pogue Mahone
Hawkeye Fierce
Kyosho
Thasero
Telefrog
Mightynute
Jab2565
Kareem
Matt Nahman
Mitya
Rock8man
Crater
Hans Laurning
nlanza
Larsen B
AaronSofaer
kentdog
Doug Erickson
orangist
Wade42
Chris Woods
Jazar
Yo Rudy
victrix
Drastic
Otagan
IainC
Lorini
Eduardo X
cannedwombat
Repo Man
Fozzle
Delta
Hunty
wigglestick
Staff Sergeant
Rasputin
Nikolaj
chequers
Manresa
Toohoo
Sören Höglund
Brian Rubin
McKnight
Slinkytown
bobman37
Benhur

[Omniscia]

Isn't Kid Socrates n.k.a. Matt Bowyer?

[Mightynute]

Isn't Kid Socrates n.k.a. Matt Bowyer?

Only because "JeffGreenNumberOneFan" was too long for the name field.

[Matt Bowyer]

Yeah, I was Kid Socrates back when I signed up. Don't worry, Tom knows who I am. Also, I'm not nervous AT ALL no sir.

[Demon G Sides]

Awesome. I will be up in September/ October. I can't wait to finally talk shop about starcraft with tom.

[nabeel]

Holy crap, that's a nice long list of coming soons. The series has been great so far.

[Bahimiron]

I want to go again. I didn't get to tell Tom my pokemon stories.

[nixon66]

I wondered where I was in the queue of people. Excellent. Not too much longer now.

[Alan Au]

I guess my original PM to Tom must have gotten lost. Anyhow, I'd like to be added to the list.

- Alan

[PeterGinsberg]

So, if it's weekly, I'm looking at summer 2011, I'll start preparing!

Flowers really should be higher in that list by all right, I'm looking forward to that one.

[madkevin]

Tom is saving Flowers for sweeps week.

[Telefrog]

I guess I'll step up and try this out. Tom, add me to the list please.

[Omniscia]

So, if it's weekly, I'm looking at summer 2011, I'll start preparing!

You'd better not scoop my game, you!

With this many weeks between us and the hotseat, we may as well flip a coin as to which one of us gets to talk about Duke Nukem Forever.

[Jab]

I wouldn't mind trying it out you can add me.

[Tom Chick]

List updated!


I guess my original PM to Tom must have gotten lost. Anyhow, I'd like to be added to the list.

- Alan

Alan, I found your PM. My bad. Your name has been stuck into its rightful place in the hierarchy!

-Tom

[MattN]

Ah what the hell, might as well sign up, is it okay if I don't have a game in mind yet? Maybe I'll talk about how much I dislike gta.

[Mitya]

Sure, I'll jump on. With a year plus to sit on it, I'm sure I'll figure out something.

[Rock8man]

I might as well get on the list now too. I have to admit, I didn't envision the list being this long. I thought I'd add myself when you started running low on people, but that won't be happening any time soon, it looks like.

[Tom Chick]

List updated!

-Tom

[Post-It]

Ah, nice. I look to be about 20 weeks out or so if things stay on schedule.

I'm looking forward to talking about the game with Tom.

[Matt Bowyer]

I remember when this started and I signed up, Tom said he'd be getting to me sometime after June 2010. He was right!

I adore listening to the podcast, and I can't wait to be a part of it. I'm sorry in advance for how boring I am. I'm not a crocodile wrangler or anything.

[Bahimiron]

Matt, I can give you my Pokemon stories. One involves the Gamestop in Oak Park Mall and the other the former Battlezone that was across the street, so you can totally relate to them. Then you can dazzle the crowd.

With Pokemon stories.

[Hans Lauring]

Why not.
I'm sure something will come out between now and January 2012 that will really excite me... or I'll just talk about Modern Warfare 4: Moon Base Battles

[nlanza]

Yeah, okay. Like Hans, I'm sure I'll hit on a game to talk about between now and 2077.

[Larsen B]

Are the games discussed already chosen or is that decided closer to the time?

Happy to put my name in but fairly sure the only games I know somewhat "extensively" about are the Broken Sword games.

[sinnick]

I'll put my name on the list as well. I'm sure someone will have picked my game by the time it comes to me, but by then I'm sure I'll be able to think of another one.

[Tom Chick]

Are the games discussed already chosen or is that decided closer to the time?

When I started, I asked folks to pick a game in advance. But considering how long the list is, there's really no need to commit to a particular game so far in advance. So it's basically up to whatever folks choose in the final week or so before we record.

-Tom

P.S. List updated!

[Bill Dungsroman]

Woooo

[sluggo]

If I put my name on the list now, is that too late for a Rock Band 3 podcast in November? :)

[Tom Chick]

I can think of no one I'd rather talk Rock Band 3 with! Assuming you're not joking, I've updated the list with your name and I'm happy to slot you in when you're ready to talk Rock Band 3.

-Tom

[slantz]

Sign me up. There are even a few games that I'm as fit as anyone to talk about (including some that will be released by the time my turn comes up.)

[AaronSofaer]

Sign me up! I should have something to talk about when my turn comes around, several months from now. :)

[Orangist]

Looks like at least a year of waiting (assuming Paradox doesn't release Crusader Kings 2 any time soon and you want to talk about that), so I might as well get my name on the list now. =)

[Wade42]

Oh, what the heck... add me to the list. I've really enjoyed the podcasts so far, without exception.

[JPR]

I can think of no one I'd rather talk Rock Band 3 with! Assuming you're not joking, I've updated the list with your name and I'm happy to slot you in when you're ready to talk Rock Band 3.

I was hoping to talk about "musical instrument games" when my turn came up. Perhaps you could do your first multi-person podcast on this subject, since I know there are several people here who are extremely passionate about the genre.

[Chris Woods]

If you're still penning a list, I'd love to talk about Star Chamber.

Chris Woods

[Tom Chick]

Mordrak also suggested a multi-guest podcast, but then he mysteriously deleted his post. What are you hiding, Mord?!?!?? It's worth considering, but three-person dynamics can be a bit trickier when it's people who aren't used to recording with each other. I also like the interviewing aspect of just being 1-on-1. I'll keep it in mind, but one of the good things about music games is that there are plenty of them to serve as a starting point for anyone who wants to talk about them.

Plus, I've come to believe they aren't technically "games".

-Tom

P.S. List updated!

[Jazar]

Add me to the list please.

[Yo Rudy]

Add me as well! Thanks.

[Matt Bowyer]

All you new guys jumping in should know the same thing we tell new posters wanting to join the Secret Santa thread -- you better post a lot between now and then so we know something about you!

[Fatmotti]

I recently caught up this weekend on all the games podcasts, and just wanted to let Tom and everyone else know that I really enjoyed them, and I am looking forward to all the new ones in the pipeline.

[rowe33]

I'm up for a podcast in a year or two whenever my name pops up. By then maybe we can talk about Warriors Orochi XIII!

[Cubit]

Any update on what is going on, Tom? I'm gonna be really bummed if I never get to listen to Bill. :(

[Tom Chick]

Thanks for asking, Cory, but I'm afraid I won't be doing any more of these.

-Tom

[Abilio Carvalho]

jesus, tom, what the hell.

[André Costa]

jesus, tom, what the hell.

You're better than this, just stop it.

[OrfBC]

They're really fantastic, and it's clear that you put a lot of work into preparing for them. It's some of the best games discussion I've heard in a podcast, and I love that it's not about the latest, greatest game, but is instead usually about classics that I may or may not have played. And the chat in the first half of the episode is just really entertaining. I hope you reconsider, and maybe go to a monthly schedule instead of weekly. If not, well, it was a good run. I hope it is the work involved in making these that made you decide to stop, and not some disillusionment with the forums, but whatever is going on with the bannings etc. isn't something I've really followed.

[Rock8man]

Did I miss something? Has this got something to do with the Elemental/Game Journalism kerfuffle?

Anyway, whatever the reason, I echo DanielElliot in that these were really great podcasts, and that I hope you'd consider doing one occasionally even if it's no longer a regular feature.

[Troy S Goodfellow]

Thanks for asking, Cory, but I'm afraid I won't be doing any more of these.

-Tom

Sorry to hear that. I loved the bits with the forum members - always nice to learn a little more about some of the people here.

Troy

[Abilio Carvalho]

You're better than this, just stop it.

Jesus, André, what the hell?


I love the podcasts, loved mine, registered to go again. This makes me sad, and yes, a little angry at Tom. This perception that everyone that disagrees with him is a gigantic douchebag needs to stop, and stop now.

[André Costa]

Jesus, André, what the hell?


I love the podcasts, loved mine, registered to go again. This makes me sad, and yes, a little angry at Tom. This perception that everyone that disagrees with him is a gigantic douchebag needs to stop, and stop now.

UhUh, whatever you say! Keep up the good work.

[nabeel]

Very sorry to hear this, I have been a big fan of these game podcasts. I hope that you change your mind in the future and pick it up again if it's possible.

[Tom Chick]

Sorry, I'm not trying to be all dramatic or anything. The long and short is that while I enjoyed doing these, they were a way of fostering a sense of community. Sort of like when someone joins a conversation or comes into a room, you introduce them to everyone, you tell the group something interesting about that person, you get to know each other.

I'm not saying this isn't how Qt3 should work -- I think it should! -- but you guys are capable of doing that on your own. After a series of episodes going back to that whole kerfluffle about using the word "cunt", going up through stuff with individual posters like Rob and Dan and Alex, and recently how we treated Judge Floro, and how some people feel the need to retreat into private Qt3 social groups, and most recently how Brad Wardell's comments were taken out of context by people who I felt should have known better, I've decided that's not really something I'm interested in trying to do any more. Some of those episodes were instructive, but most of them made me realize that I probably am out of touch with how internet communities work. And that's ultimately what this is. It's a place where people online hang out, special in some ways, but mostly like any other.

As I've said, I'll still be here -- What am I going to do, post on NeoGAF or the Fidgit comments section? -- but short of just sweeping out a whole bunch of posters who I think are antithetical to what I was trying achieve, I just don't see Qt3 as being what I had intended. Which is fine. It reminds me a bit of my brief attempt to teach Sunday school at a Methodist church back in Arkansas. Ask me to tell you that story if we ever meet. It mostly involved cleaning up grape juice.

Anyway, I had a great time meeting some of you on the podcasts and I'm really bummed that I won't get around to the rest of you. But if you guys think they're worth doing, go for it. One thing I definitely learned is that any ol' Joe or Jane can do a podcast!

-Tom

[RepoMan]

I think you're selling yourself short, Tom. The podcasts may not have pervaded all of Qt3 with rainbow-like communitarian peace and harmony rays. But they did succeed at entertaining a large number of dedicated posters here, and they did give many individuals a chance to chat with you personally about games, in depth, the way only Qt3 (in my internet forum experience) can.

You may not have unified the whole site, but you definitely were making the place better and giving a lot of people here a lot of enjoyment, including yourself! That's the part that tells me you shouldn't stop -- the podcasts themselves were enjoyable for you.

I encourage you to shift your goalposts slightly, declare the podcast series to be winning a more winnable game, and continue it :-) Seriously, I laid this on Jason Cross in the "Windows Phone 7" thread and I'll lay it on you:

http://blackbirdalley.com/USERIMAGES/bastards%20copy.jpg

Even with the inevitable shit-flingers, you're closer to achieving your "a cool place for gamers to be decent with each other" goal than anywhere else I know of. And partial success is EPIC WIN in internet terms.

And hell, if you ever get too pissed off, I hope you do sweep out all the people who don't fit your vision -- better that than closing down the whole site!

[McKnight]

Wow.5

[CSL]

Boo. I wanted to talk about Football Manager.

[Otagan]

It was these podcasts that actually drove me from being a mere reader to register on the site and start participating. To hear that they've come to an end is actually rather tragic, in my eyes. Still, I'm not here to hound anyone into doing anything they don't want to do, so I'll leave my comments at that.

[JM]

I wanted to talk about AI War. Or roguelikes. But I couldn't settle on one and never bothered asking.

I'll be honest, I didn't expect Tom to last thing long doing them, because it's a ton of work and he's a busy man avoiding Troy. They've been good to listen to and Tom's reasons make sense I guess.

[krayzkrok]

I fully agree with RepoMan. There's a reason this is the only "games" forum that I visit on the Internet, because I feel there is a sense of community here. And in this day and age, Tom, that's no small achievement. I've been here seven years and feel the community is stronger than ever, and these podcasts have done a hell of a lot of foster that. For me they've turned usernames into people, they've been hugely enjoyable, intelligent conversation, and I would certainly miss you doing them.

There are always "incidents" in any community - hey, you're dealing with real people - but that's the perfect time for the community to band together. I've been embarrassed to read some of the things people have said and done here at times, especially of late, but you can't run a place like this and expect it to function smoothly all of the time. If we argue with our wives/husbands and best friends every now and then, you can't expect a whole bunch of people on an internet forum to get along all the time. But that's exactly when direction is needed, and a reminder that we are all human.

I honestly think the games podcasts have been the best idea you've ever had. They really have made a huge difference to how I perceive QT3 and the people here. We let our guard down here all the time precisely because you've made us feel at home, and welcome. Don't feel that it's not working, because that's not the case. At least not amongst the people who matter the most, who want QT3 to remain the best place on the Internet to hang out with friends.

If you want to take a break from the podcast, or want someone else to take the initiative and run with it then obviously that's a choice we should all respect. It's not true that any Joe or Jane can do a podcast, as you have ably proven - I can't stand listening to most podcasts, the "presenters" have absolutely no idea how to a) communicate with their listeners and b) conduct an intelligent conversation. You're a natural at making people feel welcome, Tom, and you're being more successful than perhaps you think. So here's me saying that I hope you reconsider.

[edit] But if not, then I should add my thanks that you took the time to do so many of them at all.

[belgerog]

I'm no veteran, but I think Qt3 is a very special place and definitely different from most other online communities, and I loved the podcasts. They did succeed in fostering a sense of community. Anyways, I think the good discussions usually outweighed the drama.

Bring it back, Tom!

[ElGuapo]

It's gonna be sad when QT3 closes next year (predicting). I visit here everyday.

[Tyjenks]

Let me chime in with "Me too". Still think this is and will remain the best forum around. Investing a lot of yourself and your time in something and then feeling like you are swimming upstream all the time has got to wear you down. Trying to do that on the internets is, like, harder and, like, stuff. So I will further add, "I hear ya'".

Oh wait, can we go ahead and take this to the B&N thread so we can corral all of the doomsayers into one location?

[Troy S Goodfellow]

You're a natural at making people feel welcome, Tom, and you're being more successful than perhaps you think. So here's me saying that I hope you reconsider.

Some of Tom's great gifts are helping people relax and his being more interested in them than in himself. You heard it on the podcast and you hear it any time you meet Tom in person.

Hate to see the show close down for something as silly as forum drama - I get your disappointment, of course, but Qt3 is too big now to not have it.

Bring it back and I'll sign up and talk about Tidalis.

Troy

[Dave Perkins]

I've missed every one of the issues Tom mentioned, probably because I only frequent about 10% of the threads here. Maybe just 1%. But this is one of the Qt3 things that I loved, and I am sad.

[Matt Bowyer]

I adore the podcasts. And not just because I was on one! After each podcast, I felt like I knew that poster a little bit more. The QT3 podcast and the regular Secret Santa thing are probably my favorite parts of Quarter to Three. I'd hate to see them go away.

There are going to be assholes everywhere, but there are a lot of us who aren't -- or at least try not to be. I do think the podcasts were doing a lot of good. I know that after hearing everyone on one, I'd hear their posts in their voice in my head, and that helped.

Add me to the chorus asking you to please continue, if possible.

[Dave Perkins]

Matt with the heartstring tug (Secret Santa)! Nice play, sir!

[seventimessix]

I am genuinely sad hearing this news. The games podcasts were fantastic, not because they were about the best games or were perfectly produced or were super funny, but because they were about this community and what we were passionate about. By taking the time to learn about each guest they helped to put a very human face on what can seem to be a very impersonal message board. Hell, I listened to a few that were about games I had no interest in just so I could get to know that forum member a little better. I listened to every podcast (sometimes more than once), posted in every thread (except the puke thread), and loved all of it. Thank you for making these podcasts Tom, they will be missed by many of us.

[Thongsy]

All good things come to an end. Too bad it was this soon. I loved listening to the podcasts and the random question. The podcasts were one of the reasons I actually became active and browsing this forum after registering so many years ago. The community here seems to be much more friendly and helpful overall compared to other gaming forums I have been a part of. Hope it does come back in the future, if not, it was a great run while it lasted.

[Omniscia]

That's a darn shame. It was always fun, not to mention informative, and really helped humanize this motley crew. There are some fascinating people here whose stories I never would have heard if not for the podcast. I'll miss it dearly.

I can't comment on teaching Sunday School, but having been a faithful student, I imagine it couldn't have been easy.

[Mordrak]

Anyway, I had a great time meeting some of you on the podcasts and I'm really bummed that I won't get around to the rest of you. But if you guys think they're worth doing, go for it. One thing I definitely learned is that any ol' Joe or Jane can do a podcast!

-Tom

Any ol' Joe or Jane may be able to put together a podcast, but you also seemed very prepared with good questions and were able to tease out personal and entertaining details with your follow up questions. Your podcasts have a great conversational style where it was really about the subject (interviewee and game) and you more with the occasional guiding comments.

Thanks for doing them and you should consider cleaning house, even if I happen to be one of the people shown the door. It seems like you've put a lot into the community since its inception, you might as well have the privilege of shaping to be a bit more rewarding for you.

[Cubit]

Thanks for doing them and you should consider cleaning house, even if I happen to be one of the people shown the door. It seems like you've put a lot into the community since its inception, you might as well have the privilege of shaping to be a bit more rewarding for you.


"Hit me again, daddy. I insist."

[BobJustBob]

It's gonna be sad when QT3 closes next year (predicting). I visit here everyday.

Give it time. Let Tom stay in his room and blast Linkin Park and have a good cry at how the world is so unfair. He'll calm down and maybe decide that some of us (some of you?) are worth knowing after all.

[Dean]

I'm sorry this has happened, Tom. I enjoyed doing the podcast, and I think your goal (to make a better community) was being served by them. Since I did it, I feel like people actually know me better here, and actually talk to me in various threads, rather than just replying to/with snark. I get in more actual conversations.

I actually enjoy meeting the people more than the game talk, but every bit of the game talk is informed by that first section. It's a great format.

Also, I'd like to say that you're a gracious host on the podcast. You really listen, and even if you don't agree with your guest's views, you'll concede that they have a point. I really thought (based on your posting) that I'd get more pushback from you, but what I got really felt like southern hospitality, so I guess your Arkansas was showing.

If I had a vote, I'd take the games podcasts over the movie podcasts, but then you already know that.

[Wholly Schmidt]

Give it time. Let Tom stay in his room and blast Linkin Park and have a good cry at how the world is so unfair. He'll calm down and maybe decide that some of us (some of you?) are worth knowing after all.

I don't think Tom even knows what a Linkin Park is. I picture him brooding* to some Tom Waits.

*by which I mean playing Starcraft II, obviously.

[glangmead]

I came to the forum and podcast very recently, via TMA. From my point of view, this is a special place, and the podcast reflects it perfectly. I'm willing to bet that there are more than a few forum members who would in fact do an awesome job at the podcast. To my mind the qualifications are: being a good and sympathetic listener, and familiarity with a shitload of games. I enjoy hearing Tom, but I also enjoy hearing from the rest of you. Maybe if you (the hypothetical person who wants to step forward) think of it as a "guest host" slot, it can become an even better podcast with different hosts (you know, after Tom comes back)! My $0.02.

[Equis]

I'm just going to echo the other guys about how Qt3 is the best forum around and the only gaming forum where I've established any sense of community. Thanks, in no small part, to Tom and his efforts with the podcasts, the tone of the place and a large number of serious, interesting, entertaining posters.

I get that Tom's frustrated at some of the issues in running the board, and I can't pretend to fully understand any of it as I've never been an admin before. On the other hand, I do read almost every thread here and can see that there are occasions where the assholery and the douchebagery can be so prominent as to overwhelm the rest of the site. I'm sad when that happens.

I'm sadder when it affects the best posters around and Tom in particular..

I don't mean to be condescending or anything, but this is the internet. The loudest, most prolific, annoying trolls posts the most and drown out all the signal that's possible. We shouldn't let that get us down.

If anything, I'm always hoping that the best posters of qt3 can foster that example. Post intelligently about games, be helpful, be funny, be insightful. Ignore the trolls, the flamers, and the guys who often times just don't get it. Just keep building and shaping what Qt3 is meant to be. The podcasts were a large part of that. They were the best idea for making this place feel more like a gathering of friends than random internet bitchboard.

Qt3 is special in that we value intelligent posts, and often sincere posts. Sure we try to be funny, snarky and all the other "valued" internet traits, but more often than not, we just try to be honest. Not just politely honest, but passionately honest. It's a value that should not be left to the wayside.

Man. The more I think about this, the less coherent I'm going to get. I'm just sad that Tom feels this way and hope he bucks up soon. Hell, I'd fly to LA and join him at a couple of shoot clubs if possible. Invite a whole bunch of qt3ers for a week's gaming retreat. Remember that we're not all jackasses and we like to talk to one another about games, movies, music, and everything else.

[Raife]

The games podcasts are one of the best things to come out of Quarter to Three. I don't think I've ever not listened to one all of the way through once I started it up, and that includes the ones for games I'm not interested in and will probably never play.

Take a break from them, sure, but I hope you reconsider stopping them altogether.

[Orangist]

What if we have a games podcast with a different host from the forum every time and the guest is always Tom Chick but, since Tom Chick is a gracious person, they mostly talk about the host and whatever game the host wants to talk about? That would work, right?

Seriously though, I didn't think I'd be interested in the podcasts about games I'd never played, but it turns out that people are interesting and Tom does a great job of bringing those interesting things to the fore.

[Jon Rowe]

That's it.

I am organizing a new podcast. I need to podcast, and I think that this would be something awesome.

Who wants in. I will host/produce the beast. I am sure we could Skype it, and I'll bet I could get flowers to stop by and record sometime.

Ok, so who is in? I kind of want to do a games podcast, but nothing too serious. We could maybe do a group of people with a rotating guest.

Tom, if you could share any wisdom with me about this, I would greatly appreciate the help. I haven't done any skype recording before.

[Mightynute]

I don't think Tom even knows what a Linkin Park is. I picture him brooding* to some Tom Waits.

*by which I mean playing Starcraft II, obviously.

I always pictured Tom brooding to some Perry Como, maybe the Statler Brothers if he's feeling angsty and edgy.

Or, you know, whatever men of that certain age listen to.

[Matt Bowyer]

That's it.

I am organizing a new podcast. I need to podcast, and I think that this would be something awesome.

Who wants in. I will host/produce the beast. I am sure we could Skype it, and I'll bet I could get flowers to stop by and record sometime.

Ok, so who is in? I kind of want to do a games podcast, but nothing too serious. We could maybe do a group of people with a rotating guest.

Tom, if you could share any wisdom with me about this, I would greatly appreciate the help. I haven't done any skype recording before.

Something I had been toying with would be the idea of an every-other-week podcast about whatever game is new and interesting, and we could get four or five people on to talk about it and generally bullshit around for an hour or so. We've already got QT3 regular games going on like Dominions 3, MAG, and about 900 of you Starcraft guys.

I will gladly participate in any podcast I can fit in and be somehow relevant.

[Equis]

That's it.

I am organizing a new podcast. I need to podcast, and I think that this would be something awesome.

Who wants in. I will host/produce the beast. I am sure we could Skype it, and I'll bet I could get flowers to stop by and record sometime.

Ok, so who is in? I kind of want to do a games podcast, but nothing too serious. We could maybe do a group of people with a rotating guest.

Tom, if you could share any wisdom with me about this, I would greatly appreciate the help. I haven't done any skype recording before.

I have some decent sound recording equipment off my mac, and I know a thing or two about sound production. (I'm a producer, I need to know stuff like that.)

Only thing, I live halfway across the globe. I could be a foreign correspondent or something. Saturday mornings (Friday night for you guys) will be a great time for me usually.

I'm interested, if only to foster the sense that Qt3 is a community, not just another internet message board.

[JDSIDD]

I second all the good stuff people said about community but I also want to throw in that Tom achieved something I've heard a lot of other podcasts try for and mostly fail at doing. That is, he came up with a unique take on the gaming podcast. Something that's not just a handfull of guys talking roundtable style. I'm sorry to see it go.

[Omniscia]

Is this the end for Chicken McMaster, then? 'Cos that had real potential.

[Jon Rowe]

Ok, PM me your real email addy's if you are interested, we can probably organize this with a google group or something.

[Vesper]

I'm very bummed about the turn of events as of late. I generally steer clear of forum drama, but see bits of it in the B&N thread when I decide to poke my head in. For the most part though, I stick to threads about what I love - games, books, movies, and TV. And in these on-topic threads I get the best discussions I can have online. If I need to post asking for help with my video card, I come here because I know I'll get worthwhile responses that help me out. If I want to share something new that I've discovered, I'm most anxious to discuss it with the random strangers of QT3.

It's that they aren't really random anymore, I've come to know everyone from hanging out here, from reading their messages since Usenet days, and most recently the podcasts. I absolutely love the feeling of community listening to podcasts has created for me. Every week or so, I was able to 'meet' someone new, who I may have talked to in threads for years now. The loss of podcast is a huge loss to me. Seeing that Tom is fed up with everything here is even worse. QT3's community exists largely because of him. There's really nowhere else online like this.

To put simply, I feel like I've been punched in the gut. That's probably over-dramatic, but it is my initial reaction to things in the past few days.

Also: Throw all the trash out. It's not worth keeping bad apples around when it threatens the community like this.

[Jon Rowe]

Thanks to those who replied to me, I will start setting stuff up next week, as I am moving this week.

I can host these on my gaming blog.

Which I cannot name for fear of ridicule here... though if people would like to join me on that as contributors, along with that podcast, we could get that up and running as well.

Think about it.

[Bill Dungsroman]

Well that fucking sucks.

[Sarkus]

Very sad to hear.

[Cubit]

That's it.

I am organizing a new podcast. I need to podcast, and I think that this would be something awesome.

http://www.nastyhobbit.org/forum/animated_gifs/toll-booth-crash.gif

[RepoMan]

Thanks for the support, Cory.

Count me in, Jon. Even if it becomes a flameball it will be entertaining, and I doubt that it will.

[Rimbo]

Sorry, I'm not trying to be all dramatic or anything. The long and short is that while I enjoyed doing these, they were a way of fostering a sense of community. Sort of like when someone joins a conversation or comes into a room, you introduce them to everyone, you tell the group something interesting about that person, you get to know each other.

I'm not saying this isn't how Qt3 should work -- I think it should! -- but you guys are capable of doing that on your own. After a series of episodes going back to that whole kerfluffle about using the word "cunt", going up through stuff with individual posters like Rob and Dan and Alex, and recently how we treated Judge Floro, and how some people feel the need to retreat into private Qt3 social groups, and most recently how Brad Wardell's comments were taken out of context by people who I felt should have known better, I've decided that's not really something I'm interested in trying to do any more. Some of those episodes were instructive, but most of them made me realize that I probably am out of touch with how internet communities work. And that's ultimately what this is. It's a place where people online hang out, special in some ways, but mostly like any other.

As I've said, I'll still be here -- What am I going to do, post on NeoGAF or the Fidgit comments section? -- but short of just sweeping out a whole bunch of posters who I think are antithetical to what I was trying achieve, I just don't see Qt3 as being what I had intended. Which is fine. It reminds me a bit of my brief attempt to teach Sunday school at a Methodist church back in Arkansas. Ask me to tell you that story if we ever meet. It mostly involved cleaning up grape juice.

Anyway, I had a great time meeting some of you on the podcasts and I'm really bummed that I won't get around to the rest of you. But if you guys think they're worth doing, go for it. One thing I definitely learned is that any ol' Joe or Jane can do a podcast!

-Tom

Tom, I'd love to hear that story sometime.

And I don't think any ol' Joe or Jane could do a podcast. The QT3 games podcast was really the first podcast I ever listened to that was worth listening to. I really enjoyed getting to hear more about the individuals who were involved.

[Rimbo]

I think you're selling yourself short, Tom. The podcasts may not have pervaded all of Qt3 with rainbow-like communitarian peace and harmony rays. But they did succeed at entertaining a large number of dedicated posters here, and they did give many individuals a chance to chat with you personally about games, in depth, the way only Qt3 (in my internet forum experience) can.

You may not have unified the whole site, but you definitely were making the place better and giving a lot of people here a lot of enjoyment, including yourself! That's the part that tells me you shouldn't stop -- the podcasts themselves were enjoyable for you.

I encourage you to shift your goalposts slightly, declare the podcast series to be winning a more winnable game, and continue it :-) Seriously, I laid this on Jason Cross in the "Windows Phone 7" thread and I'll lay it on you:

http://blackbirdalley.com/USERIMAGES/bastards%20copy.jpg

Even with the inevitable shit-flingers, you're closer to achieving your "a cool place for gamers to be decent with each other" goal than anywhere else I know of. And partial success is EPIC WIN in internet terms.

And hell, if you ever get too pissed off, I hope you do sweep out all the people who don't fit your vision -- better that than closing down the whole site!

This. God, THIS.

[Hans Lauring]

I'm sad to hear that. I'm no fan of the concept of podcasts (they're too slow and somehow anathema to what the internet is supposed to do), but I listened to a few of those.

And as usually Tom is being too modest. It's simply not true, that anybody can do one of these. Yes, it's true from the technical side modern technology and the internet make everybody a writer, radiopresenter, interviewer etc.... but it still takes the same skill to be good at it.
Saying that we all could do it is like saying we all could have written Shoot Club and you're selling your talent short. I've done my share of interviews both radio and print and I'm nowhere as good. To get people talking like that with no editing and without sounding like everything is prepared is no small skill - of course you still need interesting and willing participants but as Troy said, you have a special way of being genuinely interested and getting people to talk.

I'm not saying Jon Rowe and others can't make a great podcast, but it will be something else.

And yes, like others I also think this forum is something else. I don't really bother with interacting with people anywhere else on the internet (not even the commenters on my own articles and reviews) because the signal to noise ratio or the douche to 'guy worth listening to'-ratio is just too low to bother. QT3 is better than that. Still.

[Hunty]

Monsieur krok and everyone else summed up what I'd want to say far more eloquently than I could manage, but... Qt3's always had a bit of drama, as long as I've been reading and (latterly) posting. That's natural. It's also the best forum on the internet, on basically any topic, by a country fucking mile. It's given me ideas, discussion and laughs that have genuinely made things better. It's taught me how to make a nicer cup of tea, and introduced me to Demon's Souls. It's improved my grasp of economics, given me career advice, made me a better writer, and it's taught me the best way to drill holes in a monitor. This has been the way whatever the joining policy, whatever the drama, however long Albert's chart gets.

So yeah. <3 Qt3, as the saying goes. Hope the podcast is reconsidered at some point. Seems a shame to lose such a brilliant idea. If not, then thanks for making it up to this point.

[rezaf]

I think you're selling yourself short, Tom. The podcasts may not have pervaded all of Qt3 with rainbow-like communitarian peace and harmony rays. But they did succeed at entertaining a large number of dedicated posters here, and they did give many individuals a chance to chat with you personally about games, in depth, the way only Qt3 (in my internet forum experience) can.

You may not have unified the whole site, but you definitely were making the place better and giving a lot of people here a lot of enjoyment, including yourself! That's the part that tells me you shouldn't stop -- the podcasts themselves were enjoyable for you.

I encourage you to shift your goalposts slightly, declare the podcast series to be winning a more winnable game, and continue it :-) Seriously, I laid this on Jason Cross in the "Windows Phone 7" thread and I'll lay it on you:

http://blackbirdalley.com/USERIMAGES/bastards%20copy.jpg

Even with the inevitable shit-flingers, you're closer to achieving your "a cool place for gamers to be decent with each other" goal than anywhere else I know of. And partial success is EPIC WIN in internet terms.

And hell, if you ever get too pissed off, I hope you do sweep out all the people who don't fit your vision -- better that than closing down the whole site!

/signed
_____
rezaf

[Jon Rowe]

We have a bunch of Wisconsonians that could record together, as well as some people that could skype it up.

I do want to have this open to guests though, as the Qt3 podcast was, I really liked that about it.

[madkevin]

Tom, I'd love to hear that story sometime.

In a rare moment of agreement with Rimbo, I too would like to hear the about the Great Methodist Grape Juice Incident. Was it anything like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pj-GIAACClc)?

[CLWheeljack]

Sadface.

Honestly, one of the things that I like the most about the podcasts is that they belied the criticism that the gaming industry (press and consumers alike) are obsessed with the future, and that older games disappear quickly, and generally forever. "Retro" games coverage tends to be obsessed with the 8-bit era, and has a certain nostalgic tone that implies that the games in question are dead objects, that can only be considered in the context of the time, without considering how they affect the present industry.

But this games podcast was allowed to have a free range in terms of subject matter, so new games were treated equally with older games and older titles were discussed not only as dead artifacts, but as living texts. I loved that. Jim Gaffigan has a bit about how you can't talk to anybody about movies you see on HBO, because there's no context.
"I just saw Heat! I want to talk about it NOW!"

The games podcasts created a context. Also, as much as I like the board, I find message board posts a very awkward way to have some conversations (basically, anything with nuance and a lot of back and forth). So I liked hearing some intelligent people talk about games besides those I know personally.

Tom: I think the podcasts were fostering a sense of community, because as people have said, they promoted viewing other posters as people and not just usernames. I understand your decision, but I don't think they failed in that regard.

[Abilio Carvalho]

I want to be mean and post "I served with Tom Chick. I knew Tom Chick. Tom Chick was a friend of mine. Jon, you're no Tom Chick." But I won't ;)

But Tom, one thing I ask is that you don't take the appearance of any possible new podcasts from the people here as a reason to stop doing your stuff. It was unique in the whole game podcasting world, and it will always be. I love listening to you in general, but that was the best thing I've ever seen you do. So I hope you reconsider and come back (and maybe start with me doing Dawn of War. No? Damn) (also, this is totally not an excuse to finally hear the dulcet tones of Bill Dungsroman, who was next)


Think of it like this. The whole kerfuffle in the boards started AFTER you stopped doing the podcasts. Coincidence? YOU DECIDE!

[Strato]

Not much point repeating what has already been said, and I certainly don't pretend to have the capacity to change Tom's mind. All I can say say however is thank you. The podcasts were great to listen to, and eveen influenced a few game puchases which I may not have normally considered. It takes a special kind of person to really know what makes good games work (or bad games fail), or at least, be malleable enough to see other perspectives on them.

[Bahimiron]

Well that fucking sucks.

Tom canceling the QT3 podcast, or Jon Rowe starting a podcast?

Either way, I agree!


I do want to have this open to guests though, as the Qt3 podcast was, I really liked that about it.

Genuine, serious suggestion here. You should ask Tom to be your first guest.

I will now go back to being a jerk.


they're too slow and somehow anathema to what the internet is supposed to do

What a weird complaint.

[nixon66]

I'm going to echo a lot of what was said above. Very sad, and plus it was almost my turn to go! (Star Control 2!!!)

But it was great to hear the stories of a lot of people on this board, how they came to gaming and why they picked the game they wanted to talk about and just the fact I got to hear people passionate about games I'd never play or know about. It's part of the reason I love this place and it's the only web board I frequent. It's a lot of people, most all of whom game, but have the wide variety of backgrounds and interests and beliefs. I'd never have started homebrewing if it wasn't for Qt3. I look forward to doing Qt3 Secret Santa every year. The Fantasy leagues and pick'em pools for NFL. The monthly book threads that have guided me to read books I'd never have heard about otherwise (Erikson, Lynch, and a ton of non-fiction books). New game discoveries.

You've got a good thing here Tom. Gently touch those that need it. The rest of us enjoy the place and don't mind if the obnoxious drunk guy at the party is shown the door, but don't call the party off because of them!

[Jab]

I wanted to do Star Control 2 as well :) , good thing I had a backup in case.

I agree that the game podcasts were excellent and it would be a shame to stop them over this. Qt3 is the only game board that I post on as it is more civilized compared to other ones.

[Tyjenks]

And yes, like others I also think this forum is something else. I don't really bother with interacting with people anywhere else on the internet (not even the commenters on my own articles and reviews) because the signal to noise ratio or the douche to 'guy worth listening to'-ratio is just too low to bother. QT3 is better than that. Still.
Funny thing about that, I do not post on any other forums other than the occasional game forum during development or right at release. I do not have need or interest as I get more than what I need from here.

In fact, I did not post on any forum before I joined up on Qt3 in 2002. Talking to strangers on the internet was and is weird. It is a type of relationship that was completely foreign to me. That has probably changed. :) I don't have any idea where I would go if I HAD to chose another forum. Probably, you would just find me under an overpass one day, 8 year-old laptop in hand, still searching after being turned out on the street by Qt3.

[JPR]

Funny thing about that, I do not post on any other forums other than the occasional game forum during development or right at release. I do not have need or interest as I get more than what I need from here.

In fact, I did not post on any forum before I joined up on Qt3 in 2002. Talking to strangers on the internet was and is weird. It is a type of relationship that was completely foreign to me.

This is true for me also. In fact, I was so oblivious of the notion that I came to quartertothree.com for literally a year to read Shoot Club before I even clicked on the little "forums" button in the corner.

[Manresa]

Tom:

I hope you reconsider, entirely for selfish reasons. You see, I need your podcast. I have two very high energy, high maintenance dogs, and I'm responsible for walking them an hour a day, every day of the year. Sometimes well before dawn. Podcasts are what keeps me sane, and the QT3 games podcast is one of the best (along with TMA and Gamers With Jobs whenever Julian or Lara are on). At one point I swore I was never going to listen to a gaming podcast, becasue that would be silly, right? But it turns out that gamers are really interesting, and Tom has a way of drawing his guests out & talking about things that are way more interesting than games. Like a few of the other posters in this thread, the podcast encouraged me to post after ages of lurking. The podcast with Jpinard, in particular, was astonishing. Even though the movies podcast is entertaining (who would have though Piranha 3D would be worth seeing?), it's just not the same.



Wholly Schmidt and BobJustBob:
I think Tom's in his room cranking Zepplin.

[Rimbo]

i would legitimately pay a subscription fee if it meant keeping the QT3 Games Podcast going

a relatively steep fee, no less

[Pogue Mahone]

On the upside, now I can stop freaking out over picking out what game we were going to talk about.

But to be serious, much as I hate to, I share the opinion of the others and will miss this podcast. I really didn't think much of it when you started it up but once I started listening I was caught. It was such a great soup of people talking about what was interesting about them, what you found interesting to talk about on that day, and (especially) the game that most sparked their passion. It made me want to participate, not so much because I had something to say but because you made it sound fun and I didn't want to miss out.

Last word Tom, I can't blame you if you're tired and want to step back for a bit. But if it's because you're feeling beaten down by recent events on the board, just remember you've got a lot of friends here and we'll wait until this sounds fun to you again.

[Hans Lauring]

Tom canceling the QT3 podcast, or Jon Rowe starting a podcast?

Either way, I agree!



Genuine, serious suggestion here. You should ask Tom to be your first guest.

I will now go back to being a jerk.



What a weird complaint.

This isn't the time or place, nor is there anything new to say (nor am I alone in this), but it was of course a bit of an unprecise generalization since the internet can be everything people want it to be.

What I meant was that the genius of the World Wide Web had something to do with hypertext, linkage, tonnes of interlinked information at your fingertips... whereas podcast tends to be amateur radio hour only without the editing; slow, longwinded one-way communication without any interactivity or linking. Radio like our grandparents liked it (except they still edited).

Thing is, Tom would be good on radio too - and the podcasts would improve with editing, but of course that takes time and I understand perfectly why somebody offering something for free choose not to edit.

I'd totally listen to the QT3 movie podcast (which I assume still lives on, since it really is a Tom and old friends-podcast) if it was a 45 minute show. 30 tightly edited minutes about the main feature and 15 minutes 3x3.

[Juan Rayo]

Oh come on, Tom, I was looking forward to El Cuarto para las Tres podcasto.

I load up the Qt3 podcasts when I'm traveling around, gonna miss them, bring them back soon!

[Rimbo]

i would be happy to help with the editing if it ever gets going again... i know a thing or two about digital audio :)

[Tman]

Tom - This community is here because of the way you run it and the podcasts were a really nice touch that strenghthened the bond we have here. I can't tell you how nice it is to be able play with fellow QT3'rs simply because of the fact they belonged to QT3.

When I joined, I felt priveleged when you finally gave me access and I've striven to uphold myself to the standard - neigh bar, you have for this fine corner on the internet. Your actions, your words are what keep this place the way it is.

I believe I may speak for a lot of the silent, but many posters here who don't join in the frays because quite frankly we side with you 95% of the time (I can't give you a free pass ;-)

If you'd please reconsider, I'll even toss my hat into the ring to get interviewed. I'd love to do a live interview while we are both walking around the QT3 Minecraft server to illustrate the type of people that QT3 cultivates. And it cultivates them precisely because of the type of guy you are and how you run this site.

[merryprankster]

Others Have summed it up already, but I would chime in that I do feel a sense of community here. I've had a great time gaming with a lot of the people here, and even met a few of them.

Everyone I've spoken with or met has been just fantastic. I think the podcasts were a great way get to know a little about the other forum members, and I will really miss them. I do hope you reconsider Tom, and not let a few bad apples spoil something that I think is actually pretty unique on the internet.

Not to mention that I also found the podcasts really entertaining.

[Nawid A]

This forum is going through some drama? Where have I been?

[Arioch]

Bummer! I was preparing for our Fire Emblem talk since last year. I even started playing that horrible DS one again. All for nought. Luckily, the sadness of no podcasts at all is greater than my personal misery.

Cheers, Tom. You had a great run.

[krise madsen]

Eh, I still don't get it. I mean, fair enough if Tom doesn't want to do these podcasts, awesome as they were. I just don't see the connection between the rising dickishness on the boards and the podcasts.

[Manresa]

Bummer! I was preparing for our Fire Emblem talk since last year. I even started playing that horrible DS one again. All for nought.

What's wrong with the DS version of Fire Emblem? I own it but have never played it (it's in the backlog. I'm sure I'll get to it sometime after I give up on Etrian Odyssey).

[McKnight]

What's wrong with the DS version of Fire Emblem? I own it but have never played it (it's in the backlog. I'm sure I'll get to it sometime after I give up on Etrian Odyssey).

Ugh... Just ugh.

Well actually to be fair, it's a solid remake of the original. Just that Sacred Stones for the GBA is a superior game in every feasible way, which made the game a bit of a let down.

[Manresa]

So what you're saying I should dig my GBA out of storage if I have a need for turn-based tactics? (Not too difficult, it's just on top of a bookshelf).

[Pogue Mahone]

Hell, I dug out my GBA to play Metroids Fusion and Zero Mission after all this Other M talk, why not man?

[BigRedCat]

Eh, I still don't get it. I mean, fair enough if Tom doesn't want to do these podcasts, awesome as they were. I just don't see the connection between the rising dickishness on the boards and the podcasts.

This. I don't personally care about the podcasts since I've never listened to more than a handful of podcasts in my life(I just don't understand the draw, I feel like I need to multitask and end up tuning them out). But they seem to be a good solid positive aspect of the site. I echo others in saying Tom should just get some help modding these boards. It can still be your living room, just with two distant relatives that kick people out for you. Let them draw all the fire and have the thankless role. Then don't comment on any bannings and focus on the games and the mostly great place you created.

[krayzkrok]

Tom wants to create the kind of community he'd be happy to invite into his living room, and that he can trust. The games podcasts are part of his overall vision to bring people a bit closer together, remove the anonymity that can be detrimental to other boards, and make people feel like they can "let their hair down" a bit. It's pretty obvious that recent events on QT3 have shaken his confidence in that, and from that perspective I can see why Tom probably feels uncomfortable asking people to lower their guard and talk about themselves and their innermost gaming desires in "public". At least, that's my reading of the whole thing, apologies if I'm off the mark.

Tom's declaration of intent was then followed by a series of messages from people who are part of the community that Tom's trying to nurture, asking him to reconsider, hoping that he's too close to the situation to see QT3 for what it really is - something special, and something that he should continue to fight for.

[DocLazy]

I'm not saying this isn't how Qt3 should work -- I think it should! -- but you guys are capable of doing that on your own. After a series of episodes going back to that whole kerfluffle about using the word "cunt", going up through stuff with individual posters like Rob and Dan and Alex, and recently how we treated Judge Floro, and how some people feel the need to retreat into private Qt3 social groups, and most recently how Brad Wardell's comments were taken out of context by people who I felt should have known better, I've decided that's not really something I'm interested in trying to do any more. Some of those episodes were instructive, but most of them made me realize that I probably am out of touch with how internet communities work. And that's ultimately what this is. It's a place where people online hang out, special in some ways, but mostly like any other.
-Tom

I disagree. QT3 is probably one of the last places on the internet, where you can have intelligent discussion about games and under a very thin layer of crap there is a really great community. Sure, sometimes things get heated and there is occasionally some drama, but that happens in any community. I've certainly witnessed my fair share of drama and shouting matches over the smallest things in real life. I think the occasional outburst and touch of drama adds character to a community.

However, some of the recent behaviour has been embarrassing, so much so that I think I have a permanent imprint of my palm in my face. Unfortunately, it's a case of one person making a lot of noise, drowning out all the good that happens in this community.

I think you've done an excellent job at fostering a decent community.

[stusser]

Just noticing this now, what a bummer.

Anyway, my assumption is he got burned out on moderating what has grown into a fair-sized community. Approving new members, responding to people reporting posts, etc, can get old really fast. Also, he had a vision of the boards that was never particularly realistic once you grow past a couple dozen or so active members. Still, a bummer.

[Sebmojo]

I disagree. QT3 is probably one of the last places on the internet, where you can have intelligent discussion about games and under a very thin layer of crap there is a really great community. Sure, sometimes things get heated and there is occasionally some drama, but that happens in any community. I've certainly witnessed my fair share of drama and shouting matches over the smallest things in real life. I think the occasional outburst and touch of drama adds character to a community.

However, some of the recent behaviour has been embarrassing, so much so that I think I have a permanent imprint of my palm in my face. Unfortunately, it's a case of one person making a lot of noise, drowning out all the good that happens in this community.

I think you've done an excellent job at fostering a decent community.

Feels more like Tom is having a passive-aggressive hissy fit to me.

If the podcasts are worth doing and enjoyable, do them. If not, don't. But the 'you don't ... DESERVE my efforts' pearl-clutching is just silly.

[Arioch]

What's wrong with the DS version of Fire Emblem?

It has interesting maps, the ability to reclass characters has potential and there is stuff in there I haven't seen in the GBA/GC/Wii titles. On the other hand, there is hardly any story, you get way to many new party members, and they mostly lack character - to me, Fire Emblem loses a lot if the characters are just stats, you know? I call it the Jagged Alliance effect - I want the characters to survive not because of their stats, but of their personality. There is none of that in Shadow Dragon.
Also I hate the new graphics, there is no support system, no pushing, no rescuing, riders can't move after attacking - it's all much simpler.

I wouldn't say it's a bad game, but it doesn't give me what I want from a Fire Emblem game.

[Wade42]

http://blackbirdalley.com/USERIMAGES/bastards%20copy.jpg



That's about all I have to say at this point.

[merryprankster]

QT3 for what it really is - something special, and something that he should continue to fight for.

I couldn't agree more, and my time in Seattle is proof of that. The day before PAX Chaplin and I took time out of our schedules to grab some coffee and shoot the breeze a bit. Derek French and I had a nice conversation on the show floor, not to mention a nice dinner with a smattering of the Seattle QT3 crew on friday night.

In all of those experiences there was a sense that I already knew these people in some way, even though we had never met. Strangers....but not. If that's not a great online community I guess I'm not sure what is.

[Ephraim]

Sad news, and I'll continue to hope that Tom changes his mind at some point and brings these back. I loved doing one, and it impressed the hell out of my wife. Well, no, it didn't, but she thought it was interesting.

As for the Qt3 community-at-large, I see the current pissy mood as a small hiccup, and things are still pretty Qt3-ish for the most part. By which I mean mature, informative, interesting, and usually entertaining. In corporations, the CEO's attitudes trickle down from the top. Here on the forum, it's about Tom's attitudes, and you can tell they're admirable ones from the community that's arisen around him. The signal still far outweighs the noise, and I'm not going anywhere.

[Jon Rowe]

I am still alive. Posting from my phone. Should have internet up at the new apt. wednesday. Things can start moving in to gear then.

[willk0]

I'm a little late chiming in about Tom's announcement of discontinuing the games podcasts, but here's my belated two cents: I'm sorry to hear that one of the finest efforts at building a community is coming to an end.

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to hear about the lives and interests of the QT3 members, even beyond the games being discussed. But Tom is more than a bit mistaken in thinking that just anybody could coax an interesting and thoughtful interview podcast.

Regardless of the recent spate of forum drama, I would appreciate it if Tom could come back to these podcasts again some day because they were appreciably achieving their intended purpose for this listener and poster.

[Abilio Carvalho]

YES!!

[mrmolecule88]

sadness.

[Djscman]

I hope Tom decides to bring back the podcasts one day, for all the reasons you guys already said. If he doesn't, well, I can't get too sad about it. Each podcast was time and effort put in on a volunteer basis. He started it for no other reason than he wanted to. He shouldn't feel shackled to it if it's just not [the dreaded F word] anymore.

Sure, I might be more upset if he was canceling the podcasts--both of them--and he was upping Quarter To Three's subscription fee, but nope, that's holding steady too.

[merryprankster]

Well, if Tom decides to stop due to a lack of time or interest that's certainly his poragative. I don't think anyone would argue that.

It seems more like he is stopping due to the actions of a few individuals. Like any group QT3 has it's jerks, but for the most part I feel like people are pretty decent around here and I for one was glad to learn a bit more about them. I think people just don't want to see a few bad apples spoil it for everyone, that's all.

[MSUSteve]

I'm sad to hear there will be no more Qt3 Games Podcasts. They definitely had their intended affect on me. I felt closer to each and every person that was featured on the cast and grew to recognize names that I'd not noticed as much before. I think Qt3 is a great community and I absolutely love this place and the folks that post here. It's too bad that some disagreements led to Tom essentially giving up. I thought disagreeing, even vehemently, was okay because in the end we can agree that we all love this place.

[ElGuapo]

Tom, I was gonna cancel mine anyway, does that change your decision to do the podcasts? That way you don't have to do one with me. :)

[Tyjenks]

Tom, I was gonna cancel mine anyway, does that change your decision to do the podcasts? That way you don't have to do one with me. :)So are you self banning yourself again only this time from podcast participation?

[Jargoneer]

I can hardly grasp the politics/global economics/hydrodynamics of the how and why of the podcast ending, but I too am now sad.

Every-time my computer starts and I click iTunes, I'd refresh this podcast first, with great hope for a new episode.

Like some others, I've browsed the forums here for years, and for some reason the podcast is what got me to finally sign up.

Even though every forum name was foreign to me, I loved listening while Tom would "delve" a bit into their lives and talk about their connection to gaming. A format with a single host and a new individual guest each week is pretty unique, at least in the realm of (gaming) podcasts.

It doesn't seem easy to call up a relative stranger and talk with them amicably for over an hour and hope to get a show out of it.

I also feel that the podcast was doing a good job of chronicling games now past. I'll likely listen in the future, to anyone here who gets a new one off the ground.

[Rimbo]

The thing that made it great was that I can really only recall a couple of podcasts that bored me, the average one had be fascinated and the best were ... well, I don't really know how to describe them, because I'd never heard anything like 'em.

[Quaro]

Just checked this thread because I thought my iTunes feed was broken. Sad face.

Can somebody paraphrase what exactly happened? Was there some kind of drama related to the podcast? Or is it just having to deal with unrelated issues killed the motivation for the podcast?

[Orangist]

Just checked this thread because I thought my iTunes feed was broken. Sad face.

Can somebody paraphrase what exactly happened? Was there some kind of drama related to the podcast? Or is it just having to deal with unrelated issues killed the motivation for the podcast?

Here you go.


After a series of episodes going back to that whole kerfluffle about using the word "cunt", going up through stuff with individual posters like Rob and Dan and Alex, and recently how we treated Judge Floro, and how some people feel the need to retreat into private Qt3 social groups, and most recently how Brad Wardell's comments were taken out of context by people who I felt should have known better, I've decided that's not really something I'm interested in trying to do any more.

[JPR]

"Fostering a sense of community" via podcast is what he's talking about in that quote.

[Jason Cross]

Just discovering this now.

Tom, it's too bad you're deciding to stop the podcast. You're dead wrong about anyone being able to do it. That's true of the technical aspect - the recording and encoding and uploading - but not of the part that makes it worth listening to. You have a knack for leading a conversation so that it keeps moving and it pulls out the interesting bits, and that's part of what made the podcast so worth listening to.

I see what you mean about recent events making it challenging (or at least disheartening) to try to foster the kind of environment you want. And that makes it hard to get up in the morning and do a community podcast, if you will. But y'know what? I think you're taking the exact wrong approach. The "we have a huge deficit so let's cut taxes" sort of mis-thinking of this whole thing. Fostering the kind of environment you want here takes work, and that work grows exponentially as the Qt3 population grows.

Doing "get to know the community" type things like the games podcast is part of the "work" of making this board a civilized place and a respectable community. If you don't do that kind of thing, if you throw your hands up at the way people are turning into ass-faces, you're just going to get MORE ass-faces.

TLDR - the proper response to the attitudes and behavior that has caused you to lose interest in doing the podcast is to do MORE podcast, not none at all. None at all gets you more of that attitude and behavior, more podcast gets you less of it.

[victrix]

I didn't even know you did a podcast, but after reading this thread of pining, I went and checked one out - it was quite good.

Ceasing these because you're tired of doing them is totally cool, but you sounded like you were enjoying yourself quite a bit in the one I was listening to, so if you're stopping because a handful of cocks on your forum have you down, ban them all and move on.

Iron fisted moderation is an unfortunate necessity once your forum grows past a certain size. Large internet forums do not self moderate, however much you try to cultivate a community.

[TimElhajj]

Yeah, dig it. You should do a community movie podcast where every week those of us who want to get to poke you and dingus and Kelly in the eye for having the wrong opinions! :)

[Tom Chick]

You guys are pretty awesome. My sincere thanks for the encouragement from so many of you.

It's easy for me to lose sight of the cool stuff on this forum when I'm not regularly posting to it or reading it. And then I get dragged into some BS forum drama, which I can certainly be party to, and that's the picture I get of Qt3. At that point, the whole thing just seems like it's more trouble than it's worth. But what I don't realize is that, yeah, it seems to be working just fine most of the time and even exceptionally some of the time. I really appreciate those of you in this thread, in PMs, and in emails who took the time to remind me. You're absolutely right, guys, and you all rock planets.

-Tom

[Rimbo]

we meant every word... well, i did, at least

[Abilio Carvalho]

YES!!

;)

345

[SorenJohnson]

I'd be really bummed if the Qt3 games podcasts stop - they are utterly unique and infinitely more interesting than your typical gaming podcast.

[victrix]

You're in luck! He just posted a new one ;)

[Wade42]

People suck sometimes. All of them*. Let us move on to the non-sucking.

*Except for me. My farts smell like roses.

[Bill Dungsroman]

I'd be really bummed if the Qt3 games podcasts stop - they are utterly unique and infinitely more interesting than your typical gaming podcast.

It is not stopping, they are continuing.

[Cormac]

It is not stopping, they are continuing.

Awesome news!

Glad to hear you changed your mind Tom. It was rather depressing to hear you were starting to give up on us... Qt3 is definitely more than just the drama you are faced with as the host. For every bad thread, there are hundreds of good threads where everyone is having an amiable discussion on subjects that matter to them. Its just that those threads never draw much attention to themselves....

[krayzkrok]

Onya Tom!

[Hunty]

Splendid and tremendous.

/partridge

[Larsen B]

I'm filled with a mix of delight and horror.

Delight that the podcast is continuing!

Horror that, even though my time is still probably a year away, I really need to accomplish something in my life in order to make the podcast interesting.

[Sebmojo]

You guys are pretty awesome. My sincere thanks for the encouragement from so many of you.

It's easy for me to lose sight of the cool stuff on this forum when I'm not regularly posting to it or reading it. And then I get dragged into some BS forum drama, which I can certainly be party to, and that's the picture I get of Qt3. At that point, the whole thing just seems like it's more trouble than it's worth. But what I don't realize is that, yeah, it seems to be working just fine most of the time and even exceptionally some of the time. I really appreciate those of you in this thread, in PMs, and in emails who took the time to remind me. You're absolutely right, guys, and you all rock planets.

-Tom

Good :)

[Abilio Carvalho]

I'm filled with a mix of delight and horror.

Delight that the podcast is continuing!

Horror that, even though my time is still probably a year away, I really need to accomplish something in my life in order to make the podcast interesting.

nah, I just geeked out about warhammer for 2 hours, it was still fine. Tom has this thing for making whatever crap you're spouting seem better. It's really quite uncanny.

[Larsen B]

But you own a store, Abilio.

A store!

[Diddums]

I've never been so excited to see the QT3 front page. An unexpected ray of sunshine in the middle of a long week.

[JM]

There's a front page?!

Great to see the podcasts back.

[Mind Elemental]

I had been busy composing a post in my head... and I'm happy to say, I had to junk it after the good news came out. I'm really glad to see the podcasts are back. They were enjoyable to listen to, and they did help foster a sense of community.

More generally, QT3 is special for me, as the one web forum I keep coming back to. I usually check fora obsessively for a week or two, then never drop by again. Not this one. *sniff*

[Bahimiron]

You're absolutely right, guys, and you all rock planets.

Any chance you're willing to change your mind about the flood of new accounts being given unvetted access?

[Sebmojo]

Any chance you're willing to change your mind about the flood of new accounts being given unvetted access?

UNVETTED ACCESS TO OUR MOST SENSITIVE REGIONS.

FFS, it's fine. Make fun of them if they're stupid, enjoy their contributions if they're not.

[DeForrestation]

Hello everyone, I've been lurking here for several years, never really feeling the need to post, just enjoying the unique blend of commentary from designers, fans, and just regular ol' smart people. I'm sure this isn't the spot to make an introduction, but when the podcasts went on hiatus, it made me realize how much daily enjoyment and fulfillment this forum brought me. You never know how much something means to you until its gone (if only temporarily).

So with that mushiness out of the way, I'm looking forward to being a more active, if not always vocal, member. Can't wait to hear more of the podcasts so I can continue to get to know the regulars who make this little corner of the internet such an interesting place to be.

-Forrest

[MSUSteve]

Welcome Forrest!

I'm very glad to hear that not only is the Qt3 Games Podcast is back, but also that our Care Bear Stare of love has reheartened Tom and made him realize that this community is still good and that Qt3 is still worth caring about.

[Matt Bowyer]

That's all we needed to do! Hug it out!

[Tyjenks]

[hug Matt]I think I have something in my eye.[/hug Matt]

Tom, I wish there was some way for you to just give up moderating so you don't have the crap coloring your impressions of Qt3. However, it is your style of moderation that helps mold the community into what you want. So, um, good luck in the future. ;)


Hello everyone, I've been lurking here for several years, never really feeling the need to post, just enjoying the unique blend of commentary from designers, fans, and just regular ol' smart people. I'm sure this isn't the spot to make an introduction, but when the podcasts went on hiatus, it made me realize how much daily enjoyment and fulfillment this forum brought me. You never know how much something means to you until its gone (if only temporarily).

So with that mushiness out of the way, I'm looking forward to being a more active, if not always vocal, member. Can't wait to hear more of the podcasts so I can continue to get to know the regulars who make this little corner of the internet such an interesting place to be.

-Forrest
I am counting this as confirmation of the importance of podcasts. A well spoken lurker has burst on the scene AFTER they have been reinstated. AFAIAC, bringing them back has already improved Qt3: +1.

Thanks for coming out of your shell. You will never be the same. Please post more. :)

[Jazar]

Since it's back on (yay) I call dibs on talking about the latter Ultimas (6-9) if that's ok.

[Dave Perkins]

My dual pudenda just gleefully birthed a little brother.

[Omniscia]

nah, I just geeked out about warhammer for 2 hours...

I thought yours was all about EVE? Or was that someone elses?

[Kebooo]

It's nice to start a new day to good news.

[Charles]

I've been away -- happy the podcasts will continue.

[Abilio Carvalho]

naw, mine was Supreme Commander 2, but we talked warhammer before that.

I don't think there actually is an EVE podcast, is there?

[Dean]

I thought yours was all about EVE? Or was that someone elses?

It's going to be a bumpy podcast.

[Omniscia]

naw, mine was Supreme Commander 2, but we talked warhammer before that.

Yeah, I know what yours was supposed to be about, but for some reason I remember a lot of EVE Online talk mixed in. Unless the podcasts are starting to blend together... Uh-oh.

[Orangist]

And we're back! Delightful! :)

[merryprankster]

Sweet! thanks for reconsidering Tom.

[madkevin]

It's going to be a bumpy podcast.

Outstanding.

[John Many Jars]

Curses...My plan to destroy Qt3 from within was working perfectly. There cannot have been a flaw in my plan...I must have been BETRAYED!

[BleedTheFreak]

Aw, man, I'm glad Tom made that post. This really is a great community.

[Delta]

Hooray! Huzzah! Huttah! Hooray!

[DeForrestation]

Thank you all for the warm welcome! I have to admit, my asbestos pajamas were zipped up real tight in case of flaming :)

[Rock8man]

Welcome Forrest. It's nice to have someone new who is articulate instead of the seemingly half-illiterate batch of people that were let in recently. (Like Bill and Belinda Gates).

[krise madsen]

I've never been so excited to see the QT3 front page. An unexpected ray of sunshine in the middle of a long week.

This.


Just discovering this now.
You have a knack for leading a conversation so that it keeps moving and it pulls out the interesting bits, and that's part of what made the podcast so worth listening to.


Also, this. A thousand times this.

[Doug Erickson]

It MUST survive until the Flowers episode. MUST. This is required. DrCrypt will be a good marker, but I absolutely require a Flowers Experience, as it were.

[Lorini]

It MUST survive until the Flowers episode. MUST. This is required. DrCrypt will be a good marker, but I absolutely require a Flowers Experience, as it were.

NO. It must survive until my fantabulous episode. It will both fantastic and fabulous, that's a promise!!!!!

:):)

[Rimbo]

It MUST survive until the Flowers episode. MUST. This is required. DrCrypt will be a good marker, but I absolutely require a Flowers Experience, as it were.

Seconded!

[dwinn]

Huzzah!

[Creole Ned]

Glad to see the podcasts continue. :)

[Wade42]

Aw, hell yeah!

[mono]

What a great turn of events. I'm constantly caught off guard by how this forum is able to uh, well yeah... enrich my life. Thanks for keeping up with the podcasts, and not throwing in the towel, Tom. I wouldn't have blamed you if for stepping away, but it's great you're forging ahead.

[Jon Rowe]

My dibs continues.

[Manresa]

Yippee! To add to the warm fuzzies, here are pics (http://www.flickr.com/photos/simmon/sets/72057594110730607/) of the dogs that wake me up way too early in the morning and require lots of outside time.

[Wholly Schmidt]

This all makes me wish there was a game I felt confident signing up to do a podcast about!

[Rock8man]

This all makes me wish there was a game I felt confident signing up to do a podcast about!

Well, as BillD just illustrated in this week's podcast, apparently it can be a game you don't like. That should really open up the possibilities for everyone. (Though I would still like it better if people mostly stuck to games they were passionate about).

[Post-It]

Yay! Huzzah for the podcasts!

[Corelli]

Yay! Huzzah for the podcasts!

A little late to this party but yeah, I love these things.

[Otagan]

I might as well sign up while the list is only eight feet long.

[IainC]

Sign me up! I can talk for hours about games.

[Lorini]

Sign me up too please.

[Eduardo X]

I may be late to this, but I'd love to be included on this list.

[cannedwombat]

I'll put my foot in the fire. Looks like I might have Alzheimer's by the time it reaches me.

Why is my foot on fire?

[RepoMan]

Jesus! There are only 81 people on the list! I'd better sign up RIGHT AWAY so I don't miss my chance!

Plus I need to ensure continued incentive to remind Tom how much this place rocks, so he doesn't get cold feet again :-D

[Mink Staccato]

Sign me up too! I've been loving the podcasts.

Also, if you every want to discuss pinball, I happen to be (as far as I know) the world's only pinball instructor (http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=36989&category=34029), having now given well over a hundred lessons. Also, I wrote a good deal of the original wikipedia entry on pinball skills, although that has (and rightfully so) been revised many times since.

~mink~

[DennyA]

I'm game if you wanna put me on the list. I can tell Jeff Green stories, and talk about games with airplanes in them. Or Uniwar.

[Omniscia]

Sign me up too! I've been loving the podcasts.

Also, if you every want to discuss pinball, I happen to be (as far as I know) the world's only pinball instructor (http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=36989&category=34029), having now given well over a hundred lessons. Also, I wrote a good deal of the original wikipedia entry on pinball skills, although that has (and rightfully so) been revised many times since.

~mink~

This. I want to hear this story.

May I presume that the author of the article doesn't know what he's talking about, though, mistakenly referring to Space Invaders as Space Commanders?

[Hans Lauring]

Sign me up too! I've been loving the podcasts.

Also, if you every want to discuss pinball, I happen to be (as far as I know) the world's only pinball instructor (http://www.portlandmercury.com/portland/Content?oid=36989&category=34029), having now given well over a hundred lessons. Also, I wrote a good deal of the original wikipedia entry on pinball skills, although that has (and rightfully so) been revised many times since.

~mink~

Cool. You have Eight Commandments of Pinball - I'll willingly swap my spot for yours, that is much more interesting than whatever Amiga game I decide to wax nostalgic about.

[Dean]

I might as well sign up while the list is only eight feet long.

The time flies. When I signed up I said to myself, "Self, I know I'm just starting NWN2, but it's only October and he said he wouldn't get to me until June. Not only will I finish, but I will have played at least one of the expansions by then."

And I ended up talking about a game I hadn't even finished, thus making me look like a doofus.

[Rock8man]

And I ended up talking about a game I hadn't even finished, thus making me look like a doofus.

Nah, you covered the most important parts of the game. Especially the trial, which was the best part of the game for me, and bore a striking resemblance to a scene in Dragon Age, but done much better in NWN2, I thought.

[Fozzle]

I'll slide into the bottom here... I have a game to talk about.

[BigWeather]

Just read this thread -- what a rollercoaster! Aww, man, the podcasts are gone... Yay, they're back!

A few things:

1) Tom, you mentioned that Qt3 wasn't what you had intended it to be and that it was fine. What is it that you intended it to be and is there anyway to steer it back to that? Also it isn't fine -- ultimately it is an effort to run this site and if it deviates significantly from what you want and becomes a burden that's no good. Can it be fixed?

2) What is this B&N thread is see referenced?

3) Has anyone dibbed Seven Cities of Gold (Gordon got my top choice, Ultima, waaay early on -- and did an AWESOME job, too!)?

Edit: Ahhhh, "B&N" = "Bananas and Nuts" -- I didn't even know the thing existed.

[Delta]

I wouldn't mind being put onto the list.

[Tom Chick]

1) Tom, you mentioned that Qt3 wasn't what you had intended it to be and that it was fine. What is it that you intended it to be and is there anyway to steer it back to that? Also it isn't fine -- ultimately it is an effort to run this site and if it deviates significantly from what you want and becomes a burden that's no good. Can it be fixed?

Well, that's a pretty big question, but it basically comes down to what someone (Omnisica) called something like Internet Forum Entropy. After a while, a site just grows beyond the bounds of being a small gathering of friends who can be comfortable with each other, and for the most part respect one another, idiosyncrasies and all. If you have open doors, which we've had for all intents and purposes for a while now, some of that is going to be lost.

There was also an element of Qt3 being a place where it was safe for developers to speak freely, and we lost a lot of that over the years, but to my mind it pretty much vanished recently when some members of the community took a developer's comments out of context to spin them into blog posts. I used to feel pretty protective of the industry aspect of this site, and that's just not a realistic approach anymore.

So basically we're now an open site with no special regard for developers. Which is fine. It's still a pretty decent site, if I do say so myself, and I don't consider it a burden. It mostly pays for itself and except for the occasional forum drama, I really like being here. I'm also really glad to get to do these podcasts to introduce you guys to each other.

As for dibbing Seven Cities of Gold, no one has talked about it yet, but the way the podcasts work is that folks don't have to pick a game until their turns come up. Let me know if you want me to put your name up there.

-Tom

[Tony M]

Yeah. To set a tone (any tone beyond randomness), you might have needed to artificially slow the growth of the forum over a year ago (back before you started mass approving people in waves). Maybe force people to lurk for a long time before posting. But that has implications as well, its obviously not as democratic.

For what its worth, the reason I moved to this forum is because the "average" tone was older and more mature than most forums. I still think thats true, although there does seem to be alot more flaming going on these days.

Tony

[Omniscia]

Well, that's a pretty big question, but it basically comes down to what someone (Omnisica) called something like Internet Forum Entropy. After a while, a site just grows beyond the bounds of being a small gathering of friends who can be comfortable with each other, and for the most part respect one another, idiosyncrasies and all. If you have open doors, which we've had for all intents and purposes for a while now, some of that is going to be lost.

I don't remember saying that, but I don't entirely disagree. Unless you're being highly selective in who you let in, you've relinquished a good deal of control over what kind of place this turns out to be. But who wants to belong to the Augusta National of gaming forums, anyway?

-Erik

[Farscry]

Yeah. To set a tone (any tone beyond randomness), you might have needed to artificially slow the growth of the forum over a year ago (back before you started mass approving people in waves). Maybe force people to lurk for a long time before posting. But that has implications as well, its obviously not as democratic.

For what its worth, the reason I moved to this forum is because the "average" tone was older and more mature than most forums. I still think thats true, although there does seem to be alot more flaming going on these days.

Tony

I was actually a lurker for quite a while before I applied to join the site. That should tell you how long ago I tried to join. When Tom opened the floodgates because there was such a backlog of apps to be approved or something, my app was still waiting in the wings, so that's when I got posting privileges. :D

A lot of my time on Qt3 is still spent reading rather than posting; I love how intelligent many of the discussions on the site are across all the forums here, and I don't want to join a discussion unless I feel comfortable and at least somewhat knowledgeable on the subject (or if I have a question that I couldn't find an answer for on the topic elsewhere via some research of my own).

As for the podcast, no idea if or when I'd be up given the list of people waiting to join in, but I'd certainly have a kick 'casting with Tom!

[wigglestick]

I'd like to throw my hat into the ring, Tom.

[Rasputin]

You know, chatting about DC Online would be pretty fun. I'd be down for that.

[Tom Chick]

These should start again next week, as I think I've found a way around the problem I was having with Pamela Call Recorder, which stopped worked as of the Skype 5.0 update. The folks who make Pamela have been colossally unhelpful, and they eventually said Skype was going to have to fix it. Whatever. Jerks.

Anyway, the games podcast should be resuming next week. Also, I'm way behind on sending out prizes, but those are still in effect. If you've been told you won something, you will definitely get something, and if you've posted in one of the s00per sekrit threads that hasn't been resolved, you are definitely still eligible.

-Tom

[Nawid A]

I used record crappy podcasts with friends when podcasting just really started and we just all would start Audacity, clap at the same time to synchronize our audio streams, and then just send whoever wanted to podcast the podcast our individual audio files of our mics. Then that person would just add all together. Super simple.

[Mind Elemental]

Tom, which program did you use in the end?

[Jamie Madigan]

So, any more of these forthcoming?

[chequers]

Please sign me up!

[krayzkrok]

Tom, are you still using Pamela? I've deliberately not updated either Pamela or Skype since you mentioned your problems, as my current configuration has been working fine.

[Tom Chick]

I am still using Pamela Call Recording (a.k.a Pamela Fucking Call Recorder), and it's still a huge headache. The Pamela folks were no help whatsoever, eventually throwing up their hands and telling me it was Skype's fault and the folks at Skype would have to fix it. As best as I can tell, it still hasn't been fixed. If I record from the same computer I'm talking on, my voice will cut in and out. So I record from another computer on my LAN that calls in as an extra Skype contact. A huge hassle. Oddly enough, I've tried rolling back Skype and Pamela versions, but the problem didn't go away. Some sort of weird codec issue, maybe? Heck, I don't even know what a codec is.

Furthermore, there's an incredibly annoying lag between pushing the button to play music and the music actually playing.

If I was more technically inclined, I'd be finding some other way to record the podcast. Mumble, for instance. But I can't tell if there's any way to play music over Mumble and change the volume. Right now, it's tenuously hanging together, so my inclination is not to mess with it. But I hate the technical limitations.

But I podcast often enough that I'd love to know if there's some relatively inexpensive podcasting software that might work with a lower bandwidth solution like Mumble.

-Tom

[krayzkrok]

Ugh, that's not very reassuring. When I said "working fine" I should have said "working tolerably". I recently discovered that Pamela doesn't record the local sound source directly, but seems to record it through Skype as though it's a remote source. So whatever I say can become broken up and garbled on the recording if the bandwidth wavers. That's a problem, as I've no way of catching this during recording unless the guy on the other end points it out. The latest podcast had to be pieced together with sticky tape and glue.

Pamela also crashes itself and Skype if I try and play any sounds / music within it, so I have to edit those in afterwards. I can live with it, but yeah if something better comes along please let us know.

[Manresa]

Tom: Please add me to the list, although I'm not sure any games will be left by 2013.

[Yo Rudy]

It seem as though I was overlooked (http://www.quartertothree.com/game-talk/showpost.php?p=2309524&postcount=39) :( I should be after Jazar on the list, I think.

[chequers]

The latest version of Mumble added an inbuilt recording feature. It can now do out-of-the-box everything you want, except for easily taking music input from a media player. I can't think of a technically simple way to do that apart from playing the music through your speakers and letting your mic pick it up. But if you're interested in swapping Tom, I can look into it for you?

[Tom Chick]

Yeah, the recording feature in Mumble is what grabbed my attention. But we need some provision to play music into the conversation. We can't very well do our movie podcast without Brittney Spears, and I'm not about to record a games podcast without a custom selected intro song for the guest. :)

So, yeah, if you can find out anything about whether that's possible, I would gladly make you the subject of appreciative shout-outs!

-Tom

[chequers]

To be clear, playing music through your computer's speakers and having your mic pick it up that way is not an acceptable workaround? Because you can do that easily enough already.

[Tom Chick]

To be clear, playing music through your computer's speakers and having your mic pick it up that way is not an acceptable workaround?

Dude, that is so 80s. That's how I used to make mix tapes for girlfriends. Considering that I'm no longer dating any of those chicks, the shoddiness of such a lo-tech solution speaks for itself.

-Tom

[Strato]

Well if that's the case, skip the music and do some of that fancy beatbox thing into the microphone for the start. Why play music when you can make your own?

[Tom Chick]

Yeah, I tried that with girlfriends as well. You don't even want to know how that turned out.

Oh, wait, were you talking about the podcast?

-Tom

[ColonelT]

We've used Call Graph (available for free here (http://scribie.com/free-skype-recorder)) for about 40 shows, and it integrates with Skype beautifully. But it doesn't record anything other than what's on the Skype call so it may not be viable for the live music requirements of Qt3 shows. (I edit in all my music after the fact.) But if you want Skype recording software that requires virtually no configuration, I can't imagine there's anything better than Call Graph.

[Vesper]

It looks like Virtual Audio Cable (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Audio_Cable) does what you need, Tom. It lets you route audio between programs that normally don't allow it. Costs $30, though.

[krayzkrok]

I should try Call Graph out, although I'm leery of installing it in case it breaks Pamela and turns out to be not what I need. Question: can you direct the different voice sources to independent channels? In other words can I tell it to record me on the left channel and the person I'm speaking with to the right channel? This is a life saver in Pamela because you can edit out unsightly noises made on the other channel while the someone is speaking (coughing, sniffling, whacking noises when you inadvertently scratch your nose and hit the mic, etc).

[chequers]

Yep, Mumble with VAC should do it, assuming your sound card supports stereo mix, which I assume it does.

[ColonelT]

I should try Call Graph out, although I'm leery of installing it in case it breaks Pamela and turns out to be not what I need. Question: can you direct the different voice sources to independent channels? In other words can I tell it to record me on the left channel and the person I'm speaking with to the right channel? This is a life saver in Pamela because you can edit out unsightly noises made on the other channel while the someone is speaking (coughing, sniffling, whacking noises when you inadvertently scratch your nose and hit the mic, etc).Yes, there's a setting (and it may be the default setting) to put the host on the left channel and everyone else on the right channel. Perfect for editing out whacking noises.

[krayzkrok]

Thanks ColonelT, that sounds ideal. I'll try it out for the next session.

[Gendal]

Thanks ColonelT, that sounds ideal. I'll try it out for the next session.
What next session? You have a podcast? TELL US.

Unless you are just a frequent guest on the QT3 movie podcast or something - I have to avoid those for reasons involving spoilers and my snail's pace.

[Tom Chick]

You have a podcast?

You bet he does (http://crocodilian.blogspot.com/). It's like that time he was on the Qt3 Games Podcast, but minus all that guff about Dead Space. :)

-Tom

[krayzkrok]

Yeah, I was going to post about it in the blog / podcast thread but they were busy roasting Jon. Listen to Ep 4 first, it's better that way. The first episode was a little shaky but we're slowly finding our feet.

[Toohoo]

Aww, I'd love to be a part of this, just worried of having a sufficient amount to say.

[Brian Rubin]

Might I do a podcast on Freespace 2 please?

If someone's claimed it, then either Starflight or Tie Fighter, please? It sounds like it's a fun time. :)

[Pogue Mahone]

Brian, I knew if anyone was going to fight me for Starflight it would be you. But if you get the short straw first, have at it.

[Otagan]

I will gladly fight anyone to the death to get the TIE Fighter podcast. Anyone. That game has single-handedly defined my gaming life more than any other.