Podcast Review: Why I do it
Last week, Scott Roche (whose Archangel story was reviewed just this week in Podcast Review #15) asked something along the lines of “Are people not criticizing each others writing in this group on Twitter because we genuinely care for each other and don’t want to hurt each others feelings?
What transpired was a really interesting conversation with fans, authors and me all chiming in (it’s my blog, I get to be my own group). There was a consensus from many that they wouldn’t be hurt if someone said they didn’t care for the authors work, as long as they could be constructive with it. A few didn’t care whether it was stated constructively or not. I thought it interesting (but a very good thing) that not a single author said “I’d rather not hear anything negative from a fan about my work”.
If any author’s out there read this, I would like to say, I’d be happy to critique your work anytime you’re interested. I have no problems telling anyone what I like or dislike, and I think I am generally a pretty positive person, so you can count on not just getting trashed. Two items though: 1) I won’t do it on the general feed on Twitter. 2) I won’t do it here.
Why, you might ask? (Seriously, if you’re not curious you might as well skip the next two paragraphs.) Well, I won’t answer on Twitter, because what I might find great and/or annoying might be the opposite of someone else. That is fair, but if I’m offering you my perspective on your work, I don’t want to stir up controversy on Twitter. That isn’t why I’m on Twitter, and I know myself well enough to know I wouldn’t back down because I’m in a minority. In fact, that question was asked during the discussion. “If 99 people liked a story, would you be able to say you didn’t?” (paraphrased, i don’t remember the EXACT wording) Yes, yes I would.
I also won’t write about it here, because I have set up these reviews for a specific reason. Those reasons do not include becoming my rant/rave platform on random things that I love/hate. If that is what you want, there are lots of other blogs out there that can help. Good blogs. Blogs that I read weekly.
My reason for doing these reviews is with the hope of trying to help YOU my readers (however few you might be, LOL) find a story you can hopefully love. As I stated on Twitter, I’m not doing these for the author’s (although most seem to appreciate and a few seem to ignore) and I’m really not even doing it for me. I am trying to give a guide that will help people find content they want to give a shot. Now, when I review a podcast I love, I will tell you that, and will tell you why. When I review a podcast that didn’t do it for me, I will tell you that. And I will tell you why. BUT, it will STILL be in the vein of trying to help someone find that story that might like it. *SPOILER ALERT One of those is coming next week (oh no, something Odin didn’t like? Whatever could it be? hmmm… I wonder where you could find out?) And guess what? Yeah, I’m definitely one of the 1 out of 100 that didn’t care for it.
Does any of this make me an authority on anything? Yup. I am an authority on what I like, AND on what I’m trying to do here. I really only have three rules for stories that will be reviewed here. One, they have to be podio fiction. I don’t do magazines or compilations. Two, they have to be complete. Three, I won’t accept any kind of incentive or compensation.
Do I have to like them? Nope. Is that going to keep me from suggesting them? Nope, because I sincerely hope someone does. But I will be truthful in the reviews, as I always have.
For those of you that have commented in the past that you found something you liked? Well, let me thank you. You keep me looking for new podcasts to listen to, and yes, finish, whether I like them or not. LOL.
Thank you.
Podcast Review #15: Archangel: Through the Valley of Shadow
Title: Archangel
Author: Scott Roche
Genre: Fantasy
Released: 31 July 2008 – 23 August 2008
Located: Author’s Site (previously found on iTunes)
Formats Available: Podcast only at this time
I’ve been following Scott Roche on Twitter (@spiritualtramp) for some time. Quite a while back, I asked what podcasts people were listening to, and Scott, like any good author, pimped his podcast Archangel. Having followed Scott, who never is shy about sharing his religious beliefs and never backs down from a good debate, I was curious about his story. So I decided to give it a shot.
So, on to the review.
Synopsis: A podcast novel about a man who’s personal demons have plastic explosives. (Stolen from now defunct iTunes listing)
Production: If memory serves me right (not a guarantee by any stretch of the imagination) I believe the production was split between Mr. Roche and Shawn Murphy (@sidfaiwu on Twitter). Regardless, the production was wholly adequate and the story always stood front and center. The production really is a minimalist approach which works very well for this type of story.
Cast: In this, the first of the Archangel stories, Mr. Roche performs a straight read of his story, compared to the second book (which is also being podcast and will EVENTUALLY come to a close (I assume)) in which Mr. Roche utilizes an entire cast. Although this is no reflection of the cast for the second book, I much prefer the straight read provided here. Casting a podcast is one of those things that I can’t quantify why I have a preference. I just do. Some I prefer a cast, some I prefer a straight read. Here, I am glad Mr. Roche went with the straight read.
Story: Do you remember the 1995 flick, The Prophecy? You know the one… where Aragorn is Satan and Christopher Walken is Gabriel? Yeah, I loved that movie (yes, I know, many holes, but so what?). Chances are, if you enjoyed The Prophecy, you should at least give Archangel a try. In no way am I trying to imply that Archangel is a ripoff or even remotely related to the movie. It isn’t. However, it does take Christian theology and twists the precepts in a way that most would think strange (and a few at least would probably think blasphemous). Mr. Roche makes no apologies for having strong beliefs, but his works of fiction (to this point) have never become sermons in disguise. This is fiction. Pure and simple. It is being presented with the hopes to entertain.
Verdict: I enjoyed Archangel. I also have devout beliefs, but have always been able to read (or watch) fiction without feeling that my beliefs are threatened. If you find yourself avoiding stories like the Da Vinci Code because of the religious controversy (rather than they just sucked) then I would suggest you avoid Archangel as well. However, if you liked The Prophecy and enjoy mythology based on belief systems, you might want to give Archangel a shot. It is unique among the podcasts I have listened to in the issues that it addresses.
Disclaimer: I currently follow Mr. Roche on Twitter. He will always answer questions and is quite ready to debate any and everything including the color blue if you’re so inclined. I wasn’t offered anything to write this review, however, I was encouraged to do so by the fact that recently Mr. Roche has asked for incentive to complete his second podcast which is beginning to have a seasonal release schedule (as in, ONCE a season).
Next Week: 7th Son:Decent by J.C. Hutchins