Author Topic: Tag Line Suggestions (Read 39461 times)

Rachel Swirsky · **on:** April 23, 2008, 02:18:00 PM

Tom on the blog asked if we had a place for tag line suggestions, and I thought it was a good idea. Can't promise we'll use any of these, but we just might. Have at!

Thaurismunths · **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2008, 04:20:34 PM

How about "..mostly"?
As in "They mostly come out at night... mostly." or "Get ready for a story that's mostly about a giant and his gold... mostly."

Laieanna · **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2008, 05:02:18 PM

How about something like "And now let's be swept away." or something like that. Though fantasy is full of all kinds of styles, I know when the word fantasy is spoken, far off places and fantastical creatures in realms that don't exist typically comes to mind. I think people get excited about being "swept away" to these uncommon places.

Tom · **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2008, 05:45:23 PM

Well I asked because I know that a lot of listeners have really great ideas for stuff like this, and since this whole project was conceived for the listeners they should be able to at least have a shot at getting their idea used. After I heard about this I started thinking and came up with a couple of suggestions. They coincide with the castle theme.

Lower the drawbridge to your imagination.

And

Cross the moat to a new realm.

oh and here is another i just thought up

Enter the courtyard of your dreams.

It's a start...

kylalipp · **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2008, 05:52:00 PM

Hey, just wanted to say I'm loving the new 'Pod. I didn't really feel connected with the first story, but 2 and 3, I really enjoyed.

Anyway, I wanted to comment on the tagline. I totally agree with you Ms. Swirsky. I think it just needs to be natural. Escape Pod has a good formula and setup but PodCastle is not Escape Pod. If a tag line comes great, if not just keep the great stories coming.
The tagline for PseudoPod(I promise it's true) was great the first time, but since then it feels a little forced to me. I think that you guys will do well on you own merits(tagline or no) and Steve will be Steve and keep doing his thing.

Thanks again, great Podcast.

Kyle.

Heradel · **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2008, 05:58:05 PM

Now please pay attention as reality gets a quarter turn to the left.

eytanz · **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2008, 06:27:28 PM

How about: "oh, and while we're on the topic of mongoose herding, here's something that comes to mind:"

It might not be always entirely appropriate, but it will be memorable

deflective · **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2008, 06:37:08 PM

it's another time and all's not well.

ChloeH · **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2008, 07:07:23 PM

I think it should come naturally.

I don't really have any suggestions but there is one on another podcast that always makes my kids laugh.

At the end of the Storynory podcast she always ends with "Bye bye." I know it sounds simple but the way that she says it ALWAYS makes my kids laugh and repeat it. They are 8 and 2.

I guess what I'm saying is the simpler the better and keep it genuine or it will sound forced.

There is my two ruppees, for what they are worth.

Ocicat · **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2008, 10:47:20 PM

EP does have several repetition points that make for good ritual. Not just "It's Story Time!" but also the computerized voice reading the title, and the distinctive way Steve usually says "Hello!".

So it doesn't need to be a tag line, but ritual is good to get listeners into the right headspace.

That said, since Fantasy is often based on oral traditions my suggestion for a tagline would be "...so gather 'round and hear the story of <episode title>." or just "...so gather 'round and I'll tell you a story."

DKT · **Reply #10 on:** April 24, 2008, 12:41:28 AM

Quote from: Ocicat on April 23, 2008, 10:47:20 PM

EP does have several repetition points that make for good ritual. Not just "It's Story Time!" but also the computerized voice reading the title, and the distinctive way Steve usually says "Hello!".

So it doesn't need to be a tag line, but ritual is good to get listeners into the right headspace.

That said, since Fantasy is often based on oral traditions my suggestion for a tagline would be "...so gather 'round and hear the story of <episode title>." or just "...so gather 'round and I'll tell you a story."

I think Podcastle might need to find it's own way, though, and it might be a bit different. Keep in mind there are several hosts (four, I think) of Podcastle, where as Escape Pod is hosted by the one and only Steve Eley. Pseudopod gets away with it also somehow, despite having two hosts, but I think four might be a bit more of a stretch.

I think that's one of the cool potential things about Podcastle. Each host might have their own style and ritual.

stePH · **Reply #11 on:** April 24, 2008, 05:08:22 AM

I'm partial to "Don't let your meat loaf." But that's just me.

birdless · **Reply #12 on:** April 24, 2008, 06:32:02 PM

Be alert... the world needs more lerts.

stePH · **Reply #13 on:** April 24, 2008, 08:45:06 PM

Quote from: birdless on April 24, 2008, 06:32:02 PM

Be alert... the world needs more lerts.

Don't be aloof ... nobody likes a loof.

Mpmagi · **Reply #14 on:** April 25, 2008, 04:01:39 AM

Submitted for approval of the Midnight Society...

somacow · **Reply #15 on:** April 25, 2008, 06:18:03 PM

It's fantasy... Too bad "...As you Wish" is so reactive.

I would definitely give it twenty or so episodes. Something will have jutted out by then, and might just need a polish.

Holden · **Reply #16 on:** April 25, 2008, 07:22:13 PM

"Give heed, for I shall whisper in thy ear and tell thee a story."

Bdoomed · **Reply #17 on:** May 05, 2008, 03:57:31 AM

Quote from: Tom on April 23, 2008, 05:45:23 PM

Lower the drawbridge to your imagination.

awww i was thinkin of Lower the drawbridge to.... (didnt get this far before i read your post)

windrosemystic · **Reply #18 on:** May 05, 2008, 09:30:23 AM

'let the words live in your mind'

Windup · **Reply #19 on:** May 06, 2008, 04:45:54 AM

"Listen! I have a story..."

stePH · **Reply #20 on:** May 06, 2008, 02:55:57 PM

"Stop me if you've heard this one before ..."

Planish · **Reply #21 on:** May 12, 2008, 05:18:58 AM

Well, I suppose "Once upon a time..." is a bit over-used, but it certainly does the job of preparing the listener.

Quote from: Tom on April 23, 2008, 05:45:23 PM

Lower the drawbridge to your imagination.

That calls to mind the opening of "The Friendly Giant" show. Friendly (the only name he had) would always say he'd lower the drawbridge for us to enter...

Quote

I'll go on ahead and lower the drawbridge. Would you like to see my castle? Here's my castle
[cue theme]

...and then we'd see it being lowered.
Actually, that shot is from the closing, when the bridge is about to be raised and the moon is up.

zZzacha · **Reply #22 on:** May 26, 2008, 11:58:42 AM

Quote from: stePH on May 06, 2008, 02:55:57 PM

"Stop me if you've heard this one before ..."

You crack me up, stePH

Your taglines really are the best, IMHO.

Came up with this one in the shower (really, a great place to just think, because there are no distractions, other than loads of water)

Spread your ears and let this story take you far, far away

stePH · **Reply #23 on:** May 26, 2008, 02:18:49 PM

Quote from: zZzacha on May 26, 2008, 11:58:42 AM

Quote from: stePH on May 06, 2008, 02:55:57 PM
"Stop me if you've heard this one before ..."
You crack me up, stePH Your taglines really are the best, IMHO.

Well, obviously I'm not taking the topic seriously, but it's because I don't really think Podcastle needs a tag line.

zZzacha · **Reply #24 on:** May 26, 2008, 03:03:47 PM

Quote from: stePH on May 26, 2008, 02:18:49 PM

Well, obviously I'm not taking the topic seriously, but it's because I don't really think Podcastle needs a tag line.

Me, I never take things very seriously. That would put too much pressure on life and it's way too much fun for that! So, in a very unserious way, I wanna help Podcastle in its quest to find a tag line! As PC-listener, I dig quests.
So put on your shiny armor, flap your wings and join the quest for The Tag. Darnit.

Listener · **Reply #25 on:** May 27, 2008, 12:58:56 PM

Quote from: Holden on April 25, 2008, 07:22:13 PM

"Give heed, for I shall whisper in thy ear and tell thee a story."

I'm a perv, I know, but for an instant I saw "heed" as "head".

Listener · **Reply #26 on:** May 27, 2008, 01:01:06 PM

My suggestion:

blah blah author bio blah blah and then, no transition, just a very brief pause...

"I believe in (oblique reference to story). In a few minutes, so will you."

ie:

Osteomancer's Son: "I believe in the magic we feel in our bones. In a few minutes, so will you."
Come Lady Death: "I believe death comes for us all. In a few minutes, so will you."

(how's that for my intro/outro/editing audition..

)

stePH · **Reply #27 on:** May 27, 2008, 01:35:17 PM

Quote from: Listener on May 27, 2008, 01:01:06 PM

My suggestion:

blah blah author bio blah blah and then, no transition, just a very brief pause...

"I believe in (oblique reference to story). In a few minutes, so will you."

ie:

Osteomancer's Son: "I believe in the magic we feel in our bones. In a few minutes, so will you."
Come Lady Death: "I believe death comes for us all. In a few minutes, so will you."

(how's that for my intro/outro/editing audition.. )

I like that. It's got what I like about Eley's "... it's story time" bits for Escape Pod.

zZzacha · **Reply #28 on:** May 27, 2008, 01:40:36 PM

Quote from: Listener on May 27, 2008, 01:01:06 PM

My suggestion:

blah blah author bio blah blah and then, no transition, just a very brief pause...

"I believe in (oblique reference to story). In a few minutes, so will you."

ie:

Osteomancer's Son: "I believe in the magic we feel in our bones. In a few minutes, so will you."
Come Lady Death: "I believe death comes for us all. In a few minutes, so will you."

(how's that for my intro/outro/editing audition.. )

Niiiiiice! For what it's worth: you have my vote!
With extra points for the blah blah part

jodymonster · **Reply #29 on:** May 27, 2008, 08:58:27 PM

Quote from: Listener on May 27, 2008, 01:01:06 PM

My suggestion:

blah blah author bio blah blah and then, no transition, just a very brief pause...

"I believe in (oblique reference to story). In a few minutes, so will you."

ie:

Osteomancer's Son: "I believe in the magic we feel in our bones. In a few minutes, so will you."
Come Lady Death: "I believe death comes for us all. In a few minutes, so will you."

(how's that for my intro/outro/editing audition.. )

I really like that... you have my vote too.

Kevin David Anderson · **Reply #30 on:** May 27, 2008, 09:03:48 PM

- journey to a far away place that is closer than you might think.

too wordy

how about:

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far - no wait. Nevermind.

eytanz · **Reply #31 on:** May 27, 2008, 09:06:23 PM

I liked the one Rachel used in today's episode. Though the delivery was rather stilted, but it's the thought that counts.

Rachel Swirsky · **Reply #32 on:** May 27, 2008, 09:31:36 PM

Eyetanz, do you listen to Pseudopod?

DKT · **Reply #33 on:** May 27, 2008, 09:34:28 PM

It was a nice one-off on PP. It made me grin.

eytanz · **Reply #34 on:** May 27, 2008, 10:06:23 PM

Quote from: Rachel Swirsky on May 27, 2008, 09:31:36 PM

Eyetanz, do you listen to Pseudopod?

Yeah, I do. I recognized the line, and the joke made me grin too. But I also liked the line for its own sake - at least, I like it better than anything offered in this thread so far.

(Also, could people please stop inserting random e's into my name? It's not my fault my name does not have an anglicized spelling, and I feel I should be able to use it in forums without it being mangled.)

Heradel · **Reply #35 on:** May 27, 2008, 10:34:20 PM

Quote from: eytanz on May 27, 2008, 10:06:23 PM

Quote from: Rachel Swirsky on May 27, 2008, 09:31:36 PM
Eyetanz, do you listen to Pseudopod?

Yeah, I do. I recognized the line, and the joke made me grin too. But I also liked the line for its own sake - at least, I like it better than anything offered in this thread so far.

(Also, could people please stop inserting random e's into my name? It's not my fault my name does not have an anglicized spelling, and I feel I should be able to use it in forums without it being mangled.)

I believe the anglicized version of Eytan would be Ethan.

eytanz · **Reply #36 on:** May 28, 2008, 06:50:40 AM

By the way, since I was very tired when I wrote that last night - the part about the delivery being stilted was supposed to be an allusion to it being a joke, not an actual criticism. Which, re-reading this morning, makes no sense.

stePH · **Reply #37 on:** May 28, 2008, 01:33:00 PM

Quote from: DKT on May 27, 2008, 09:34:28 PM

It was a nice one-off on PP. It made me grin.

Haven't had chance to listen yet, but have never listened to Pseudopod so the joke will be lost on me

DKT · **Reply #38 on:** May 28, 2008, 03:54:53 PM

You can read this, if you want. That way you'll only sully your eyes, and not your ears

stePH · **Reply #39 on:** May 30, 2008, 02:42:20 PM

Quote from: DKT on May 28, 2008, 03:54:53 PM

You can read this, if you want. That way you'll only sully your eyes, and not your ears

I don't mind "sullying" my ears ... last time I did so was listening to the good doctor's review of Doctor Strangelove on Escape Pod.

cede · **Reply #40 on:** June 07, 2008, 08:04:25 AM

i get the 'joke' i vote for something different
he kisses her again with lips that taste like vanilla beans and curry, yummy!
(listening to magic in a certain slant of light)

Listener · **Reply #41 on:** June 10, 2008, 09:16:28 PM

I liked the tagline this week -- the send-up of the EP tagline.

Honestly, I never really liked the EP tagline... it's creative, but the "it's storytime" part always sounded kind of juvenile to me, especially considering the normally-high quality of work on EP.

(No offense, Steve.)

wossName · **Reply #42 on:** July 16, 2008, 09:33:33 PM

"And now for something completely different:" ... it's a classic!

Also, I love the EP tagline. For PC, I'm kind of in the "let it come naturally" boat. With "after the story, the feedback", some sort of ritual already seems to manifest.

Swamp · **Reply #43 on:** July 16, 2008, 10:24:49 PM

"Let your senses wonder, as we present..."

Rachel Swirsky · **Reply #44 on:** July 16, 2008, 11:44:02 PM

Quote

And now for something completely different:"

LOL!

I actually had that in my notes as a joke to use sometime.

Heradel · **Reply #45 on:** July 17, 2008, 12:19:25 AM

Quote from: Rachel Swirsky on July 16, 2008, 11:44:02 PM

Quote
And now for something completely different:"

LOL!

I actually had that in my notes as a joke to use sometime.

I always though "And now for life completely different" would be a good Escape Pod tag line.

Roney · **Reply #46 on:** July 21, 2008, 09:49:06 PM

Quote from: stePH on May 06, 2008, 02:55:57 PM

"Stop me if you've heard this one before ..."

I actually really like this as an intro. I like the implicit challenge to the editors to keep coming up with something we haven't heard before (not that I think that they need to be kept on their toes). I love the tease of suggesting to the reader that they might have heard something before, then blindsiding them with a cunning twist or a truly fantastic tale: I think it plays nicely to readers' expectations of traditional fantasy and PodCastle's obvious facility for coming up with something more interesting.

Quote from: Listener on May 27, 2008, 01:01:06 PM

"I believe in (oblique reference to story). In a few minutes, so will you."

Please no. Don't tell me what reaction I "will" have to a story: even if I grit my teeth and keep my thumb away from the Stop button when I hear the phrase, I will instinctively look for reasons to have the opposite reaction. I would rather listen to the stories with an open mind, and something like this would prejudice me terribly.

Here's a simple one, based on fantasy's territory in non-future imaginary worlds:

"It could have happened like this..."

Although I'm not happy with the extra hurdle this puts before suspension of disbelief (that it didn't happen like this), it seems preferable to PseudoPod's grating insistence on the truth of its fictions. Ambiguous versions seem to get the worst of both worlds:

"Maybe it happened like this..."
"I heard that this is what happened..."

But maybe it could be adapted each week to the story and the tone of the intro.

stePH · **Reply #47 on:** August 03, 2008, 09:03:57 PM

How about

O HAI I HAS STORY

or

I'M IN UR PODCAST TELLIN UR STORYZ

wossName · **Reply #48 on:** August 04, 2008, 07:21:11 AM

Quote from: stePH on August 03, 2008, 09:03:57 PM

I'M IN UR PODCAST TELLIN UR STORYZ

With KTHXBYE as the outro? Let's not do that.

stePH · **Reply #49 on:** August 04, 2008, 01:19:37 PM

Quote from: wossName on August 04, 2008, 07:21:11 AM

Quote from: stePH on August 03, 2008, 09:03:57 PM
I'M IN UR PODCAST TELLIN UR STORYZ
With KTHXBYE as the outro? Let's not do that.

OOOH, let's!

SRSLY!

csrster · **Reply #50 on:** August 26, 2008, 06:36:52 AM

"So if you're still listening after all that, here's this week's story ..."

stePH · **Reply #51 on:** August 26, 2008, 01:20:43 PM

Quote from: csrster on August 26, 2008, 06:36:52 AM

"So if you're still listening after all that, here's this week's story ..."

BWAHAHAHAHA!

MacArthurBug · **Reply #52 on:** August 26, 2008, 06:49:42 PM

Quote from: Listener on May 27, 2008, 01:01:06 PM

My suggestion:

blah blah author bio blah blah and then, no transition, just a very brief pause...

"I believe in (oblique reference to story). In a few minutes, so will you."

ie:

Osteomancer's Son: "I believe in the magic we feel in our bones. In a few minutes, so will you."
Come Lady Death: "I believe death comes for us all. In a few minutes, so will you."

(how's that for my intro/outro/editing audition.. )

I like this, And I also like the simplicity of something alon the lines of a 'Once upon a time'. After all.. all classic Fairytales started this way and fantasys roots are firmly planted in the Fae.

Heradel · **Reply #53 on:** August 26, 2008, 08:08:37 PM

Quoth the raven, " ...Well, quite a lot actually.