Reviving the show.

[nasher168]

Yeah, but with the audience you guys are likely to attract, maybe that's a good thing. :lol:

Personally, I think it would be quite interesting to speak to creationists sometimes as part of an episode if this gets off the ground.

I'll send a PM to AW, Th1sWasATriumph and anyone else who might have the logon details of the YouTube account (can you lot think of anyone?). Obviously they would only be passed on to certain trusted people.

 

[Gnug215]

Perhaps we should get some actual staff together for it?

Dibs on executive producer!

With regards to content and format, perhaps we should have regular segments so that it's not just a random pile of babbling every time.

Perhaps stuff like:

"Crazy creationst comments" - which is self-explanatory.

"Argument of the week/weak" - where we go through bad creationist arguments

"Current events (in the atheist/skeptic/religion community on YouTube/the world)" - a rundown

"How to debate calmly with creationists, with your host, ImprobableJoe" - ... yeah...


Perhaps not exactly this format, and the above may seem a bit gimmicky, but personally I don't find those long BlogTV sessions where people are just yapping for hours about random topics very interesting.

 

[nasher168]

Perhaps not exactly this format, and the above may seem a bit gimmicky, but personally I don't find those long BlogTV sessions where people are just yapping for hours about random topics very interesting.

I could see some kind of regular things at the end of the show (like community updates and goings-on and the like) working quite well.

But some sort of central topic should be the main focus each time, IMO. Bear in mind that editing would potentially make it a lot more coherent and to-the-point than the long-winded discussions on BlogTV.


I do, though, think any kind of "bulletins" or whatever should maintain neutrality on the "debate" so whilst crazy creationist comments might be brought up by a speaker and mocked, there should not be a sort of "official LoR stance" on anything.
Similarly, creationist members and others who don't adhere to the same views as the majority should be allowed to appear on the show. I'd love to see someone like deluxe defend himself live, for example. Or an epic showdown between Joe and, say, ShaneDK (who is technically a member) over libertarianism.

 

[Gnug215]

Perhaps not exactly this format, and the above may seem a bit gimmicky, but personally I don't find those long BlogTV sessions where people are just yapping for hours about random topics very interesting.

I could see some kind of regular things at the end of the show (like community updates and goings-on and the like) working quite well.

But some sort of central topic should be the main focus each time, IMO. Bear in mind that editing would potentially make it a lot more coherent and to-the-point than the long-winded discussions on BlogTV.

I do, though, think any kind of "bulletins" or whatever should maintain neutrality on the "debate" so whilst crazy creationist comments might be brought up by a speaker and mocked, there should not be a sort of "official LoR stance" on anything.

Well yes, I didn't mean it would be the same 5-6 short segments comprising the show every time. There should be a central topic that was discussed at some length each time, but in my opinion, having a 2 hour cast on just one topic would be a pain.

I'd love to have a (fairly neutral) "Current events" segment, giving a rundown on what's new in the community. Wouldn't have to last that long, even.

I wouldn't personally have a problem with LoR officially being "against creationism", but nor would I mind taking the neutral stance, and then letting the members individually take an open stance.

Similarly, creationist members and others who don't adhere to the same views as the majority should be allowed to appear on the show. I'd love to see someone like deluxe defend himself live, for example. Or an epic showdown between Joe and, say, ShaneDK (who is technically a member) over libertarianism.

Oh god, oh god, please god no. I'm against this on so many levels.

I know we have a politics board on these forums, but personally, I don't think we should. For a number of reasons, but the primary being the result; namely that just about each and every debate on the subject, even between so-called "reasonable" people descends into manure.

 

[Prolescum]

Perhaps we should get some actual staff together for it?

Dibs on executive producer!

With regards to content and format, perhaps we should have regular segments so that it's not just a random pile of babbling every time.

Perhaps stuff like:

"Crazy creationst comments" - which is self-explanatory.

"Argument of the week/weak" - where we go through bad creationist arguments

"Current events (in the atheist/skeptic/religion community on YouTube/the world)" - a rundown

"How to debate calmly with creationists, with your host, ImprobableJoe" - ... yeah...


Perhaps not exactly this format, and the above may seem a bit gimmicky, but personally I don't find those long BlogTV sessions where people are just yapping for hours about random topics very interesting.

I'll be honest guys, there are more than enough podcasts and shows that deal with these things (creationism/scepticism), and they're already boring, having droned on and on for years in some cases.
As I'm sure you know, I don't give a toss about gossip from any atheist/sceptic community, especially not the YouTube one and I don't think I'd make space in my walkman time (very precious time) for something as dull and dry. If people already listen to the sandwich thing, the atheist experience thing, pwnage videos and the rest, you're unlikely to garner much of a following. Here at LoR, we don't just discuss religion and scepticism... why should an LoR podcast be any different?

If the overall aim is to gain new members and contributors, you're going to have to be a little more inventive, distinctive, and cover a wider variety of things.

...and I'm not suggesting you don't cover those topics, but have them as the focus and it'll be stillborn. I implore you to spend some serious time working out a format that doesn't duplicate the well-trodden path.

 

[CosmicJoghurt]

Might I say, I quite enjoyed the one LoR show I had the opportunity to watch. I'd love to see it revived, too. Perhaps with a different approach.

 

[ImprobableJoe]

I'll be honest guys, there are more than enough podcasts and shows that deal with these things (creationism/scepticism), and they're already boring, having droned on and on for years in some cases.
As I'm sure you know, I don't give a toss about gossip from any atheist/sceptic community, especially not the YouTube one and I don't think I'd make space in my walkman time (very precious time) for something as dull and dry. If people already listen to the sandwich thing, the atheist experience thing, pwnage videos and the rest, you're unlikely to garner much of a following. Here at LoR, we don't just discuss religion and scepticism... why should an LoR podcast be any different?

If the overall aim is to gain new members and contributors, you're going to have to be a little more inventive, distinctive, and cover a wider variety of things.

...and I'm not suggesting you don't cover those topics, but have them as the focus and it'll be stillborn. I implore you to spend some serious time working out a format that doesn't duplicate the well-trodden path.

Well, that was sort of the point of my earlier comment that successful podcasts are as much or more about the hosts and/or guests being interesting people saying funny or smart things rather than about the topics themselves. And you have to find a hook or several hooks. Even some of the skeptic/atheist podcasts often have gimmicks and weekly features like trivia games to make them more interesting and engaging.

The topics have to be things that people can riff on for 30 minutes, as opposed to everyone basically preparing an essay to read on the show. Also, fuck neutrality and not taking a position... that's what the pre-show disclaimer is for: "The opinions presented on this show are not the official position of the League of Reason, its members, or owners. This podcast contains foul language, blasphemy, scatological humor, and if you find these things offensive you should suck a fat baby's dick. Listener discretion is obviously advised."

 

[ImprobableJoe]

Oh, and as much fun as it would be to use a podcast to bash people, I think some sort of care needs to be taken to not make it a flame-fest over this or that creationist idiot specifically.

 

[nasher168]

I implore you to spend some serious time working out a format that doesn't duplicate the well-trodden path.

Well, that was sort of the point of my earlier comment that successful podcasts are as much or more about the hosts and/or guests being interesting people saying funny or smart things rather than about the topics themselves.

Agreed and agreed.
To use the YogPod as an example, they talk about all sorts of unimportant things for an hour or whatever, but it's still pretty entertaining even when they're not actually being funny for a while. And at the other end of the scale, I've never listened to a full episode of the Atheist Experience or the Magic Sandwich Show, if I'm honest (though I've seen highlights of each). When the people talking take it seriously it sort of makes it less entertaining.
A show that just talks casually about stuff with occasional bits on creationism, politics, ethics or generally scepticism (as in genuine, unscripted conversation) could be far more entertaining. It perhaps wouldn't be an unacceptable thing for an entire show to go without mentioning such topics as we would normally associate with the current shows of this kind (SkepticTV, MSS, Atheist Experience etc).
After all, it's not as if all discussion on the forum is of that sort. There is news, gaming, general stuff like, uh, weird dreams etc.

 

[Prolescum]

I was thinking, perhaps a good idea would be to have "show notes", i.e. a document to accompany each show with links to whatever is being discussed, further info etc. Google docs or similar.

I also think that each episode should have a piece of relevant artwork, all professional-like... I'd be willing to host some stuff if need be, but it'd make it sweet if it's uploaded to itunes, miro and similar.

I'd be willing to write some music (perhaps with some of our other musical members); intros, segues and skits, that sort of thing. I have plenty of instruments. I'm also not averse to writing jokes (if we had a group edited document, we could have members contribute stories and what-have-you, and others bullet the talking points and add gags). Actually, I quite like the idea of writing episode/topic specific songs... I'm not one to toot my own horn, but I think I'd be above average.

I have some more ideas, but I have to go out...

 

[ImprobableJoe]

I was thinking, perhaps a good idea would be to have "show notes", i.e. a document to accompany each show with links to whatever is being discussed, further info etc. Google docs or similar.

I also think that each episode should have a piece of relevant artwork, all professional-like... I'd be willing to host some stuff if need be, but it'd make it sweet if it's uploaded to itunes, miro and similar.

I'd be willing to write some music (perhaps with some of our other musical members); intros, segues and skits, that sort of thing. I have plenty of instruments. I'm also not averse to writing jokes (if we had a group edited document, we could have members contribute stories and what-have-you, and others bullet the talking points and add gags). Actually, I quite like the idea of writing episode/topic specific songs... I'm not one to toot my own horn, but I think I'd be above average.

I have some more ideas, but I have to go out...

Hmmmm... a variety show? Got a white sequinned jumpsuit that you need an occasion for?

 

[Prolescum]

No, not quite. I think lighthearted is the correct general direction, though. I mean, come on, League of Reason?

 

[Welshidiot]

I was thinking, perhaps a good idea would be to have "show notes", i.e. a document to accompany each show with links to whatever is being discussed, further info etc. Google docs or similar.

I also think that each episode should have a piece of relevant artwork, all professional-like... I'd be willing to host some stuff if need be, but it'd make it sweet if it's uploaded to itunes, miro and similar.

I'd be willing to write some music (perhaps with some of our other musical members); intros, segues and skits, that sort of thing. I have plenty of instruments. I'm also not averse to writing jokes (if we had a group edited document, we could have members contribute stories and what-have-you, and others bullet the talking points and add gags). Actually, I quite like the idea of writing episode/topic specific songs... I'm not one to toot my own horn, but I think I'd be above average.

I have some more ideas, but I have to go out...

Hmmmm... a variety show? Got a white sequinned jumpsuit that you need an occasion for?

"Iiiiit's opening niiigghhhttt!! Ahhh the roar of the grease-paint, the smell of the crowd.....Did I ever tell you about the time I actually met Judy, at Steven Sondheim's apaarrrrtment? Dahling, it was simply deeevine!"



Ahem.... :ugeek:

 

[nasher168]

I was thinking, perhaps a good idea would be to have "show notes", i.e. a document to accompany each show with links to whatever is being discussed, further info etc. Google docs or similar.

That's a pretty good idea... might make a nice little background thing. Even for unimportant, "just chatting" type stuff it could conceivably have some use if one of the speakers is talking about a topic that could do with a picture.

I also think that each episode should have a piece of relevant artwork, all professional-like... I'd be willing to host some stuff if need be, but it'd make it sweet if it's uploaded to itunes, miro and similar.

iTunes is definitely a must, as is YouTube. I've never heard of Miro before, will have to look at that...

I'd be willing to write some music (perhaps with some of our other musical members); intros, segues and skits, that sort of thing. I have plenty of instruments. I'm also not averse to writing jokes (if we had a group edited document, we could have members contribute stories and what-have-you, and others bullet the talking points and add gags). Actually, I quite like the idea of writing episode/topic specific songs... I'm not one to toot my own horn, but I think I'd be above average.

We have that on record, we'll have to take you up with that


But yes, a light-hearted, slightly tongue-in-cheek, not-to-be-taken-too-seriously type show seems, as Prole says, the right way to go IMO.
Perhaps on occasion more serious discussion should be included, but not take up a whole show.

Is this a consensus or do others think differently?

 

[ImprobableJoe]

We have that on record, we'll have to take you up with that


But yes, a light-hearted, slightly tongue-in-cheek, not-to-be-taken-too-seriously type show seems, as Prole says, the right way to go IMO.
Perhaps on occasion more serious discussion should be included, but not take up a whole show.

Is this a consensus or do others think differently?

Sounds about right. I don't mind a show that has a theme and specific topics, but only as a skeleton or framework for conversation. The conversation itself should be fairly light and be allowed to go where it goes.

 

[ImprobableJoe]

No, not quite. I think lighthearted is the correct general direction, though. I mean, come on, League of Reason?

Recorded live from the Hall of Logic!

 

[australopithecus]

Soundtrack by The Pantheon of Skepticism.

 

[)O( Hytegia )O(]

I think that we'd make a better "Special" than an actual show.
>.>

I mean, we have some swing in the e-intellectual community but as far as show-worthy I don't think she's ready to handle that.

Now, I could see us doing a monthly special with some good writing and plotting, with at one point during the year we all get together and throw some kind of epic bash but I can't see this being a weekly thing.
I mean, what are we going to talk about? Religion? Evolution?
It's a dead-beaten horse about the positions. We should just discuss science, human rights, and all that shit. And we need good underwriting so that it's not just another point-and-click call-in show where we make up shit as we go. >.>
I'm tired of the same shows. Some round-about minus the Thunderf00t anti-religion spam nonsense and mockery.

I can provide a bit of financial backing if you guys need it - but I'm not sure she's ready for a weekly thing.
If you need a religious person on panel, though, I'm always up to help.

Idea for a show:
Asshole day.
Joe, Prole, Me, and Welsh take panel for 20 minutes and basically kicker on about stupidity and politics.

 

[nasher168]

...hence pretty much all the discussion on this thread.

I think it's already been determined that it wouldn't be a live show but a podcast. Let alone a call-in show. As I think gnug said, that was a bit of a gimic rather than anything else.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned whether it would be weekly or whatever. Personally, I'm inclined to think fortnightly or even monthly would be best. Apart from anything else, peoples' IRL schedules will always be more important to them than recording a podcast every damn week.

 

[Gnug215]

I'll be honest guys, there are more than enough podcasts and shows that deal with these things (creationism/scepticism), and they're already boring, having droned on and on for years in some cases.
As I'm sure you know, I don't give a toss about gossip from any atheist/sceptic community, especially not the YouTube one and I don't think I'd make space in my walkman time (very precious time) for something as dull and dry. If people already listen to the sandwich thing, the atheist experience thing, pwnage videos and the rest, you're unlikely to garner much of a following. Here at LoR, we don't just discuss religion and scepticism... why should an LoR podcast be any different?

If the overall aim is to gain new members and contributors, you're going to have to be a little more inventive, distinctive, and cover a wider variety of things.

...and I'm not suggesting you don't cover those topics, but have them as the focus and it'll be stillborn. I implore you to spend some serious time working out a format that doesn't duplicate the well-trodden path.

We're just throwing ideas around.

Clearly, people here have very different ideas and preferences about it.

I know this kind of stuff has been done before, but what hasn't? What would you specifically suggest the show did?