View Full Version : TDP: Episode One
After a few technical fits and starts, the new DiabloPodcast.com (http://www.diablopodcast.com/) site is live, and the first episode of TDP is up and ready for your listening pleasure! Grab it here (http://www.diablopodcast.com/the-diablo-podcast-episode-one/).
This episode features part one of my Max Schaefer interview, as well as a fair amount of conversation between me and Elly about the early days of this site, the D2 beta, our visits to Blizzard North, and more. We figured the first TDP should have some cool new D3 news (from Max) and background info on this site from the two people who have been working on it the longest. What more could you want! (Other than a D3 beta key for listening...)
Feedback is welcome, pro and con. In fact, if you're going to say something nice, try to add some constructive criticism as well; it's our first podcast and we'll get better with more practice, but hearing what you guys liked or didn't like about this one will obviously help us focus in.
Personally, I'm expecting a lot of "moar Elly!" and "less Flux!" comments. But if you listen closely, I'm sure you'll note that all of her good lines and observations were set up by my incisive questions. *cough*
You sound less manly than I expected. (don't smite, just started listening)
Heh, what a diplomatic answer about the anniversary thing. I am also amused at his answer about the "gothicness" of Diablo 3 - shame you didn't wriggle this out of him back when people cared 'bout this debate. Woulda made a fun counter-quote against the "D3 = WoW" rage. Other than that, not really much to say about the interview related to Diablo itself, you already spoiled it and it was discussionated in the general forums and comments.
As for commenting on the podcast itself... I do like how you try to ask potentially uncomfortable questions to stir controversy. A tiny little bit trollish, but interesting nevertheless to hear perspective of the creators on stuff we bicker all the time about in our ignorance. On the personal note, I would love it if you guys figured out how to transcript this stuff (the entire podcast could have probably been turned into 5-10 minutes of reading even if it was done word for word), but I can understand if you are not the fans of the effort it takes to type it up.
Nice touch with the various discussions between you and Elly on the variety of subjects (need more non-American accents for variety!!!!), but if I may make a suggestion - accompany it the posting of the blog post with a tiny bit of text informing us at what time point of the podcast you discuss what things.
P.S. - Good Lord you guys sound tired.
We're looking to upgrade our audio software. The less than studio quality sound of skype + the recording software we're using isn't exactly perfect vocal recreation. It's raising the pitch a bit; Elly doesn't like it made her voice sound nasally, and all the male voices (heard in this one and the sample recordings I've been doing with the various volunteers) are a bit squeaky. Even Max Schaefer, who has a huge booming voice, is slightly muted by the software.
I wanted to edit in a bit of me introducing the Max Schaefer part (since our small talk pre-interview was way OT and I edited out several minutes of it to jump right to the first question), and tried to do that using Audacity while I was mixing the segments... and it sounded like someone else talking. I actually had to raise the pitch on my own voice in that brief include to make it more or less match the rest.
Even aside from that, for the past month+ I've been making a conscious effort to improve my speaking voice. Slowing down my usual machine gun pace, enunciating more clearly, trying to put a bit more inflection and tone into my usually deadpan voice, etc. To make for better audio communications, to offset the lower fidelity of internet recordings, and to just general improve my verbal communication skills.
Regularly hearing yourself speaking on a recording is unusual, for those of us who are not radio/TV professionals. I'm trying to make it a learning experience, as well as a sobering one.
Yeah, the raw material is good IMO, you guys just need practice and better delivery. Little touches for ease of consumption by the listeners, some minimal editing to have better pacing, etc.
It's difficult (at least from my perspective) to listen to such a constant pace of a conversation (at the slightly uncomfortable pitch of voice) that jumps all over the place topic wise. But really, again, should simply get better as you go on and get used to this.
Thank you for dat effort.
The biggest draw as a listener is the host and guests. There's plenty of content (and a lot of other Diablo podcasts out there that discuss the exact same things), especially when the game comes out, to talk about. However, you are a good host, and to get that rare perspective of a developer is interesting. It's a heavy order to continue that standard but it will make for a great show the more special guests there are like Max Schaefer that appear in the future.
BelialsWrath
14-04-2011, 06:52
Good stuff.
The biggest draw as a listener is the host and guests. There's plenty of content (and a lot of other Diablo podcasts out there that discuss the exact same things), especially when the game comes out, to talk about.
That's exactly why we're trying not to just talk about the recent news in every show. What's the point in that? You guys have all read the news page, and most of you read or post comments there or in forums. So we're going to re-read the news to you? Or restate things you've already thought or debated? Who would listen to that?
That said, we'll obviously focus on the news when something big happens, or when I and whoever the guest(s) are that show have different perspectives and deeper analysis to offer. Or if we just think it'll be fun/entertaining to discuss.
The hope is that listeners get to know the people talking on the show and are interested in their opinions and observations on various issues, so that even when we don't have something as good as Max Schaefer breaking news on D3, there will still be podcast material worth the listen.
You guys have all read the news page, and most of you read or post comments there or in forums. So we're going to re-read the news to you? Or restate things you've already thought or debated? Who would listen to that?
You keep telling yourself that, Flux, ;).
so that even when we don't have something as good as Max Schaefer breaking news on D3, there will still be podcast material worth the listen.
Yeah, having Schaefer was pretty cool and all... But... He hasn't worked at Blizzard since 2003, that's 8 years. Could you really call anything he had to say "breaking news"? I mean, it wasn't all that spectacular. Why is my opinion on the game any different than his? The version of the game that we're going to play is something he's never seen nor worked on. Essentially, after all said and done, that "old" D3 will just fade into nothingness, and nobody will care what BN did. That puts my opinion and Max's opinions in the same pool. Neither of us have anything to do with D3. Don't get me wrong, hearing what Max had to say was "cool," but it's not something you can call "news," or even remotely close to being "breaking."
Tyraels Twin
15-04-2011, 12:19
That puts my opinion and Max's opinions in the same pool.
delusional troll is... delusional?
You keep telling yourself that, Flux, ;).
Yeh, I agree. I think people would be interested in what they have to say about the news.
delusional troll is... delusional?
Explain to me how my opinion differs from Max's. Neither of us work for Blizzard. Neither of us were or are on the Diablo III Team. Neither of us have the "inside scoop" on the game. Neither of us can make changes to the game. Neither of matter as far as the games development cycle goes. Explain to me how that is false.
Let me put it for you in different terms.... It's like asking a former President what they think of Obama. Sure, it's cool to hear their thoughts, but essentially, their opinion of the President is no different than mine. Neither of us are in a position to make any changes. It's just an opinion. Everyone has one.
Yeh, I agree. I think people would be interested in what they have to say about the news.
Oh, I know for a fact people are interested; it's what Force and I talk about on our PodCast (http://www.diablofans.com/topic/24458-diablocast-episode-archives/).
svidikus
15-04-2011, 15:47
Ha, shameless plug. I saw that coming with your first post lol.
Max's input is interesting because he was a creator of the predecessors. I know I'm interested in what he says, even if he can't make changes to the current game.
Ha, shameless plug. I saw that coming with your first post lol.
Max's input is interesting because he was a creator of the predecessors. I know I'm interested in what he says, even if he can't make changes to the current game.
Again, like I said earlier, Max's input was definitely "cool," but... His opinion is no different than yours or mine, ;P.
Ha, shameless plug. I saw that coming with your first post lol.
Max's input is interesting because he was a creator of the predecessors. I know I'm interested in what he says, even if he can't make changes to the current game.
I didn't see that coming I didn't know he had a podcast. Oops I fed the troll. Sorry. :oops:
Will the podcast come out the same day every week?
Varquynne
17-04-2011, 09:14
It was a good listen - nice podcast. The Max Schaefer interview was definitely very, very cool. It's great to hear from one of the creative forces that brought the Diablo series into existence. That definitely makes his input into how the series is going quite fascinating to listen to (and differentiates it from some random person's opinion). And, what a voice Max has! He sounds a bit like Philip Seymour Hoffman. Looking forward to future guests/interviews.
You already preempted this, Flux, but it would have been nice to hear Elly elaborate a bit more with her opinion/take on things. It seemed like Elly would begin a line of thought, but you were just so eager and excited that you'd both just move on to the next thing. It gave the parlay a bit of a staccato feel to it. The smoother, the better in my opinion. The flow is something I'm sure will improve with time.
Your voices also record well, and that's a big plus. You definitely have a faster speaking pace than Elly, though. I don't know, maybe try for a tad bit slower?
Regarding content and style, I like the back and forth conversational format. Bringing something different from current D3 news topics is certainly refreshing. I know I personally keep up-to-date with the latest news through the main page posts and/or the blue tracker. Hearing others' opinions regarding the latest news is great, but that's primarily what the forum topics/comments sections are for, yes?
Valhauros
17-04-2011, 22:43
First, I have to quote this from the other thread:
There's even a transcript!
Where? I couldn't find it anywhere. Regarding the broadcast, I think the pitch was alright, at least it didn't make me enjoy it any less, but you spoke really fast... I didn't have trouble understanding (seems my English level is better than I thought), but I guess that for others whom English is not their first language, it may be a little frustrating, specially if compared Elly's calm voice. When speaking with Max Schaefer and then with her at the end, you seemed to be a lot more relaxed, though.
In addition, an entire hour was a bit too long, both as a single file, as well as a constant conversation, mostly because if I wanted to rewind, it's kind of difficult when the bar in the player spans so much time. I think I'd be better to divide the interview in segments (10~20 minutes); it would be much more comfortable for the listeners and easier to extract particular information or make a transcript.
That puts my opinion and Max's opinions in the same pool.
I don't know you besides what I've read from Dfans' articles, but comparing yourself to Max Schaefer, who helped create the games thanks to which you are able to collect a paycheck from Curse, it's incredibly egotistical. Also, sharing links to your website just for the sake of pompous advertising it's quite lowly. Shame, I would expect a more mature behavior from a site administrator.
Varquynne
17-04-2011, 23:04
Where? I couldn't find it anywhere.
It's in Flux's inbox. :) I'm not sure if he's had the chance to post it up, yet.
I don't know you besides what I've read from Dfans' articles, but comparing yourself to Max Schaefer, who helped create the games thanks to which you are able to collect a paycheck from Curse, it's incredibly egotistical. Also, sharing links to your website just for the sake of pompous advertising it's quite lowly. Shame, I would expect a more mature behavior from a site administrator.
Perhaps you aren't understanding what I am saying. Simply put: Neither of us made D3. Our opinions are equal.
Perhaps you aren't understanding what I am saying. Simply put: Neither of us made D3. Our opinions are equal.
They're equal in that they are valid but they are not the same value when it comes to insight into game development.
Max Schaefer's is from the perspective of an experienced game developer. Yours is from the perspective of a game player. As much as you think of yourself you must be able to see the distinction?
Our opinions are equal.
The podcast is created for an audience. If, within that audience, more people are interested in what Max has to say about Diablo 3 than you, within the confines of that audience his opinion is more important than yous.
That simple enough for you? You know, since you seem to be behaving as if you were an expert on opinions, you should at least understand what an opinion actually is. If you don't feel what Max has to say about Diablo 3 is important based on a certain set of values you hold, doesn't mean everyone shares that perspective.
Unless you can gather us some statistic which objectively demonstrates that an interview with Max is largely uninteresting to the intended audience of this podcast... you are largely posting contrary tripe to be cool, edgy, and contrary. Before you take offense, no, posting your opinion that an interview with Max is irrelevant is not trolling. Continuing to post that for sake of arguing with others is. We get it, you don't care about Max. You can stop posting about how much you don't care about him.
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