Author Topic: The unaskable question (Read 20716 times)

Kanasta · **on:** January 29, 2011, 03:13:44 PM

This has been mentioned in story comments, but I thought this is the right place for it.... Anyone seen Pseudopod lately? As someone who chooses to make a regular donation, I do feel a bit annoyed when the stories just stop with no explanation. Don't get me wrong - I know that everyone's busy; I could choose not to donate; $5 a month isn't much etc. And I wouldn't really mind if they just made an announcement or gave a quick explanation - I'd still continue to donate if I knew stories would be back in a month or two. Often when people have one grumble or another, a common reply is "Don't complain- you're getting it for free." But that's not necessarily true - yes, I could choose to get it for free, but I choose not to- I think it's worth paying for. But I also think that means it would be nice to just get a quick warning so I don't think my $5 is just going down the drain... What do other people think? Am I being unreasonable?

Bdoomed · **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2011, 09:55:44 PM

HEY! SHUT YOUR MOUTH, DISSENTER!
I am currently inquiring as to the state of Pseudopod. I (or someone) will post here when information is known. I totally understand your grievances, but also know that donations are put into one big pot, so even if you aren't getting your weekly dose of Pseudopod, you are still supporting the other two podcasts, and we all love you for it.

My guess is that Pseudopod has reached out with a tentacle or two and dragged Ben down into the dark depths of the sea. But I can't be positive. After all, Pseudopod is just a legend, isn't it?

Scattercat · **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2011, 10:32:39 PM

Well, I know *someone* is doing *something* with Pseudopod, because they just paid me for my story a couple of days ago...

goatkeeper · **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2011, 12:53:25 AM

Quote from: Scattercat on January 29, 2011, 10:32:39 PM

Well, I know *someone* is doing *something* with Pseudopod, because they just paid me for my story a couple of days ago...

a resounding woot! on all accounts

matweller · **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2011, 02:55:58 AM

Quote from: goatkeeper on January 30, 2011, 12:53:25 AM

Quote from: Scattercat on January 29, 2011, 10:32:39 PM
Well, I know *someone* is doing *something* with Pseudopod, because they just paid me for my story a couple of days ago...

a resounding woot! on all accounts

...and I just read one that was supposed to be released soon, if that helps at all.

I heard whispers about Ben getting some help, but I don't know details. I took it as a positive move in general, so I would expect we'll hear something soon.

Kanasta · **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2011, 08:12:09 PM

Sounds hopeful... I mean, I don't mind supporting the other podcasts too, but Pseudopod will always be my first love

kibitzer · **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:29:27 AM

Quote from: Kanasta on January 30, 2011, 08:12:09 PM

Sounds hopeful... I mean, I don't mind supporting the other podcasts too, but Pseudopod will always be my first love

You're not alone there :-)

stePH · **Reply #7 on:** February 02, 2011, 05:25:29 PM

I had noticed that nothing was turning up in the feed, but I've had that happen with other podcasts just because MediaMonkey had a hiccup or something. At least it's good to know the problem isn't on my end.

Umbrageofsnow · **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2011, 09:02:22 PM

I'm impressed by your cajones. I can see questioning the mysterious movements of the Escape Pod or Podcastle, but Pseudopod is the only podcast I know of that threatens people for donations on a regular basis. Drawing attention to yourself like that...

Wow, you know Pseudopod can track your IP and show up at your house...
My guess is that this is just the yearly cleaning out dead bodies from the horrible gears of the podcaster.

Personally, I'm enjoying the break to spend extra time relistening to podcasts for the yearly polls. Hard enough keeping up with the other 2. If they have to take a break, I think this is the best time of year for it.

But yeah, PP is my favorite of the three as well. And that isn't just the Stockholm Syndrome talking.

Kanasta · **Reply #9 on:** February 05, 2011, 07:02:50 PM

Quote from: Umbrageofsnow on February 04, 2011, 09:02:22 PM

Wow, you know Pseudopod can track your IP and show up at your house...

Damnit, why did nobody tell me thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh

wingodzilla · **Reply #10 on:** February 06, 2011, 05:48:10 AM

I am glad someone asked. I would not be here if not for Pseudopod. Not that it saved my life (or maybe it did!) But I was looking through the vastness of podcasts trying to find new stories when I found Pseudopod. My first was "Man you have to see this" and then I knew I found what I was looking for. But seeing that the last story was posted just after Christmas, I was getting worried that I hopped on board too late. Much like my short stint of following the Talking Heads. Well you know how it goes. Pseudopod begets Podcastle. Podcastle begets Escapepod. The point is Pseudopod was the first and therefor for me the best. Thank God it is still running! Oh and when the men come to your house wanting the money you promised, DON"T tell them the check is in the mail. I am still walking with a limp.

evelet · **Reply #11 on:** February 06, 2011, 09:40:22 PM

*pines*

stePH · **Reply #12 on:** February 07, 2011, 06:18:42 PM

*cedars*

Bdoomed · **Reply #13 on:** February 07, 2011, 09:25:59 PM

Zing!
I dunno what to tell you guys, I've sent out some PM's, no reply as of yet.

Alasdair5000 · **Reply #14 on:** February 08, 2011, 09:45:23 AM

Good morning!

So, where's Pseudopod gone? Simple, nowhere, it's just been a slight victim of circumstance. I got the doomflu just before Christmas which, no word of a lie, knocked me flat on my arse for close to six weeks. It's an evil little virus and it knocked me flat so badly I had basically no voice for two weeks, very little for another three, a hacking cough and had to take a nap in the afternoon basically every day. It felt, in short, rather like being in training for getting old. This put me badly behind and I'm only just catching up now. Meanwhile, various other staff members have changed jobs which has meant they've been a bit knocked back but are now starting to catch up, as I understand it.

So, we're coming back:) Taken a little longer than we thought but we're coming back:) In the meantime, I heartily recommend Cast Macabre if you need a weekly horror fix. Barry's been doing amazing work over there and he deserves more recognition.

As for me, I'm doing another couple of endcaps today, along with other projects up to and including TRYING TO STOP MY EARS BEING BLUE. I went to the SFX Weekender convention over the weekend and on Saturday went to the fancy dress ball dressed as Beast. Which meant blue hands, blue head, blue ears and a shiny yellow leather X on the back of my leather jacket:) HUGE fun but I am looking forward to FINALLY getting all this stuff OFF ME:)

iamafish · **Reply #15 on:** February 08, 2011, 09:50:29 AM

even pseudopod, it would seem, is not immune to the most terrifying thing every conceived of... doomflu!

Get well soon, Al. Hope to see the pod back on its tentacles and creeping us all out soon.

Scattercat · **Reply #16 on:** February 08, 2011, 05:23:43 PM

Sounds like when my friend Peter managed to import swine flu all the way from New York to our home. My wife was out of commission at home and barely able to get to work for four weeks after a week or two of bedrest.

Bdoomed · **Reply #17 on:** February 08, 2011, 05:35:21 PM

I thought the doomflu was but a myth!

Fenrix · **Reply #18 on:** February 08, 2011, 05:52:26 PM

Quote from: Bdoomed on February 08, 2011, 05:35:21 PM

I thought the doomflu was but a myth!

Men of broader intellect know that there is no sharp distinction betwixt the real and the unreal...

H.P. Lovecraft

"The Tomb"

Unblinking · **Reply #19 on:** February 08, 2011, 08:23:38 PM

Quote from: Alasdair5000 on February 08, 2011, 09:45:23 AM

Good morning!

So, where's Pseudopod gone? Simple, nowhere, it's just been a slight victim of circumstance. I got the doomflu just before Christmas which, no word of a lie, knocked me flat on my arse for close to six weeks. It's an evil little virus and it knocked me flat so badly I had basically no voice for two weeks, very little for another three, a hacking cough and had to take a nap in the afternoon basically every day. It felt, in short, rather like being in training for getting old. This put me badly behind and I'm only just catching up now. Meanwhile, various other staff members have changed jobs which has meant they've been a bit knocked back but are now starting to catch up, as I understand it.

So, we're coming back:) Taken a little longer than we thought but we're coming back:) In the meantime, I heartily recommend Cast Macabre if you need a weekly horror fix. Barry's been doing amazing work over there and he deserves more recognition.

As for me, I'm doing another couple of endcaps today, along with other projects up to and including TRYING TO STOP MY EARS BEING BLUE. I went to the SFX Weekender convention over the weekend and on Saturday went to the fancy dress ball dressed as Beast. Which meant blue hands, blue head, blue ears and a shiny yellow leather X on the back of my leather jacket:) HUGE fun but I am looking forward to FINALLY getting all this stuff OFF ME:)

Thanks for the update, Al. Get well soon. I'm looking forward to Psuedopod's triumphant return.

Kanasta · **Reply #20 on:** February 08, 2011, 09:48:59 PM

Thanks for letting us know and sorry you've been so ill. Hope to be hearing your maleficent mellifluity again soon

Balu · **Reply #21 on:** February 08, 2011, 11:29:41 PM

Quote from: Alasdair5000 on February 08, 2011, 09:45:23 AM

In the meantime, I heartily recommend Cast Macabre if you need a weekly horror fix. Barry's been doing amazing work over there and he deserves more recognition.

I'd like to second that. Cast Macabre is pretty awesome.

I've just finished listening to Ashputtle which was one of the most mesmerising pieces of horror I've heard in a long time.

http://www.castmacabre.org/

Scattercat · **Reply #22 on:** February 09, 2011, 12:15:02 AM

I like Cast Macabre too, though I'm a little biased because they bought the first thing I ever sent to them. (And did a really great reading of it, too.)

kibitzer · **Reply #23 on:** February 09, 2011, 01:42:58 AM

I'd say CM rocks too, but, y'know, conflict of interest... although I guess there's nothing wrong in saying "Hey, check it out!"

By the way: Cast Macabre rawks!

Al, really sorry to hear you were so sick and glad you're on the mend. Having seen your Twitter pic, you did look rather fetching... err, I mean appropriate... in blue. And not in an Avatar way.

My <3 of Pseudopod remains undiminished!

(also... I appear to be turning into a 12-yr old girl what with the <3 and all)

Balu · **Reply #24 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:07:37 AM

Quote from: Scattercat on February 09, 2011, 12:15:02 AM

I like Cast Macabre too, though I'm a little biased because they bought the first thing I ever sent to them. (And did a really great reading of it, too.)

Hey, cool!

Which one was yours?

Scattercat · **Reply #25 on:** February 09, 2011, 04:53:21 AM

I did Metastasis. Hopefully you'll enjoy when you get back that far. It's relatively recent; Episode 27.

*resumes waiting for Pseudopod with bated breath*

*suffocates after three minutes*

*comes back as a zombie, ends the world*

Balu · **Reply #26 on:** February 09, 2011, 01:51:58 PM

Nice! I listened to that one when it came out. Loved the way that the cancer seemed to have hold of the city too.

The production was spot on too. It's so difficult to get the backing music right for things like this, but those guys got it just right.

FamilyGuy · **Reply #27 on:** February 10, 2011, 03:28:40 AM

Coming soon to the Syfy channel: SS Doomflu.

Glad you are feeling better Alasdair and I am eagerly awaiting your return!

stePH · **Reply #28 on:** February 11, 2011, 04:34:47 AM

Quote from: Fenrix on February 08, 2011, 05:52:26 PM

Quote from: Bdoomed on February 08, 2011, 05:35:21 PM
I thought the doomflu was but a myth!

Men of broader intellect know that there is no sharp distinction betwixt the real and the unreal...

H.P. Lovecraft

"The Tomb"

Goddamn, but that was one boring-ass story.

pitmonkey · **Reply #29 on:** February 11, 2011, 02:23:46 PM

Thanks for the update as I too was beginning to wonder. I understand the doomflu. Our last six weeks has been an Iliad of Illness as well.

Looking forward to new stories, I'm just now getting caught up so I wasn't too put out by the disruption of service.

iamafish · **Reply #30 on:** February 11, 2011, 10:18:44 PM

based on the foolish pride of an arrogant young warrior who acts selfishly until an old man pleads with him to remember the code he claims to follow and treat the dead with dignity?

best. illness. ever.

flyonwall · **Reply #31 on:** February 18, 2011, 11:38:25 PM

glad to hear the great and evil Doomflu has been bested.

Kaa · **Reply #32 on:** February 23, 2011, 03:50:29 PM

I'm so glad to hear that nothing worse than doomflu has happened to Pseudopod. I've been with it literally since the beginning when it ~~split off~~ clawed its way, fully formed, from the bloody body cavity of Escape Pod.

I shall patiently await your triumphant return.

Bdoomed · **Reply #33 on:** February 23, 2011, 10:01:16 PM

I wonder if it would be possible to do a quick announcement to podcast subscribers that PP will be back on-air shortly? I imagine there are many listeners who do not read these forums who still have no idea what's going on.

Unblinking · **Reply #34 on:** February 28, 2011, 02:34:20 PM

Quote from: Bdoomed on February 23, 2011, 10:01:16 PM

I wonder if it would be possible to do a quick announcement to podcast subscribers that PP will be back on-air shortly? I imagine there are many listeners who do not read these forums who still have no idea what's going on.

That seems like a good idea, especially since PP is also closed to submissions right now, some fans might be worrying.

smFish · **Reply #35 on:** March 01, 2011, 12:38:02 AM

Dear Pseudopod...

I cn haz podast plz?

OK sorry. It's just that this seems (albeit unintentionally) the second lengthy hiatus in the last year for Pseudopod.

Wanted to echo the above posters - do please let us know what's happening. Is there work in progress we can expect to see soon? Anything we can do to facilitate this?

Bdoomed · **Reply #36 on:** March 01, 2011, 03:00:46 AM

Pseudopod grants no parlay! It's the plank for ye!

Scattercat · **Reply #37 on:** March 01, 2011, 04:05:29 AM

PotC has ruined that phrase forever.

Bdoomed · **Reply #38 on:** March 01, 2011, 05:57:12 AM

Sgarre1 · **Reply #39 on:** March 01, 2011, 06:22:31 AM

It looks like an announcement will be coming very soon. Please keep chairs in a locked, upright position.

Bdoomed · **Reply #40 on:** March 01, 2011, 06:24:30 AM

Can I keep my tray down? I'm enjoying these peanuts but the crumbs get everywhere.

Alasdair5000 · **Reply #41 on:** March 01, 2011, 07:37:22 PM

Quote from: smFish on March 01, 2011, 12:38:02 AM

Dear Pseudopod...

I cn haz podast plz?

OK sorry. It's just that this seems (albeit unintentionally) the second lengthy hiatus in the last year for Pseudopod.

Wanted to echo the above posters - do please let us know what's happening. Is there work in progress we can expect to see soon? Anything we can do to facilitate this?

Like I said upthread, I was supremely ill for six weeks and this was followed by family members being supremely ill. Situations now, slowly, resolving and I'm back on track:)

iamafish · **Reply #42 on:** March 02, 2011, 02:53:03 AM

do you have any idea of a timeline for when the 'pod will be back online? Or is it all still up in the air? Hope your life gets back on track soon, anyway.

kibitzer · **Reply #43 on:** March 02, 2011, 07:00:05 AM

Quote from: iamafish on March 02, 2011, 02:53:03 AM

do you have any idea of a timeline for when the 'pod will be back online? Or is it all still up in the air? Hope your life gets back on track soon, anyway.

Young one, I counsel patience. Things happen when they happen.

iamafish · **Reply #44 on:** March 02, 2011, 07:12:17 AM

thanks, I'd just love to know when

My burning desire for Alistair soft, soothing monologues is killing me!

TO THE ARCHIVE

deflective · **Reply #45 on:** March 02, 2011, 08:28:04 AM

♫ killing you softly with his words ♬

smFish · **Reply #46 on:** March 02, 2011, 06:22:54 PM

Like I said upthread, I was supremely ill for six weeks and this was followed by family members being supremely ill. Situations now, slowly, resolving and I'm back on track:)
[/quote]

Good enough. It was that pesky pattern recognition thingy leading me down the wrong path. Hope you're recovering well!

Tsulaa · **Reply #47 on:** March 03, 2011, 02:51:13 PM

:)Yay! Learning of the return of the 'pod & Alistair has made my day! Since Thanksgiving, my little family has been hit by one illness after another. After a too short break in late January, we were all smacked down once again by another nasty bug. It has been another two+ weeks of medicines, tissues, salt water gargles, steam showers, & hot toddies, but I think we're finally coming out of it. These last few months sure have taken the stuffing out of us...I can sympathize!

Besides the hot toddies, the only good thing to come out of this rough patch has been all the time spent listening to these incredible podcasts. I'm so glad to hear my favorite can be anticipated rather than grieved! My fingers will be happily skipping their way across the keyboard to send my support. Take care!

Unblinking · **Reply #48 on:** March 04, 2011, 02:49:49 PM

Quote from: Tsulaa on March 03, 2011, 02:51:13 PM

:)Yay! Learning of the return of the 'pod & Alistair has made my day! Since Thanksgiving, my little family has been hit by one illness after another. After a too short break in late January, we were all smacked down once again by another nasty bug. It has been another two+ weeks of medicines, tissues, salt water gargles, steam showers, & hot toddies, but I think we're finally coming out of it. These last few months sure have taken the stuffing out of us...I can sympathize!

Besides the hot toddies, the only good thing to come out of this rough patch has been all the time spent listening to these incredible podcasts. I'm so glad to hear my favorite can be anticipated rather than grieved! My fingers will be happily skipping their way across the keyboard to send my support. Take care!

A head's up: I received some communication yesterday from Pseudopod staff about my upcoming story, so there's definitely some staff activity behind the curtain.

Bdoomed · **Reply #49 on:** March 04, 2011, 02:54:31 PM

O frabjous day! (oops wrong podcast)

Fenrix · **Reply #50 on:** March 04, 2011, 04:35:24 PM

Quote from: Bdoomed on March 04, 2011, 02:54:31 PM

O frabjous day! (oops wrong podcast)

Or is it?

Robert Mammone · **Reply #51 on:** March 05, 2011, 10:59:05 PM

Quote from: Unblinking on March 04, 2011, 02:49:49 PM

Quote from: Tsulaa on March 03, 2011, 02:51:13 PM
:)Yay! Learning of the return of the 'pod & Alistair has made my day! Since Thanksgiving, my little family has been hit by one illness after another. After a too short break in late January, we were all smacked down once again by another nasty bug. It has been another two+ weeks of medicines, tissues, salt water gargles, steam showers, & hot toddies, but I think we're finally coming out of it. These last few months sure have taken the stuffing out of us...I can sympathize!

Besides the hot toddies, the only good thing to come out of this rough patch has been all the time spent listening to these incredible podcasts. I'm so glad to hear my favorite can be anticipated rather than grieved! My fingers will be happily skipping their way across the keyboard to send my support. Take care!

A head's up: I received some communication yesterday from Pseudopod staff about my upcoming story, so there's definitely some staff activity behind the curtain.

People should relax, I think. I've a story coming up later in the year and I've been paid for it. As good a sign to me that things are on track.

For those curious, I spent my payment on food and not a kindle...

Bdoomed · **Reply #52 on:** March 06, 2011, 12:57:51 AM

Shoulda gone with the Kindle, your stomach can wait

Unblinking · **Reply #53 on:** March 07, 2011, 02:36:00 PM

Quote from: Robert Mammone on March 05, 2011, 10:59:05 PM

Quote from: Unblinking on March 04, 2011, 02:49:49 PM
Quote from: Tsulaa on March 03, 2011, 02:51:13 PM
:)Yay! Learning of the return of the 'pod & Alistair has made my day! Since Thanksgiving, my little family has been hit by one illness after another. After a too short break in late January, we were all smacked down once again by another nasty bug. It has been another two+ weeks of medicines, tissues, salt water gargles, steam showers, & hot toddies, but I think we're finally coming out of it. These last few months sure have taken the stuffing out of us...I can sympathize!

Besides the hot toddies, the only good thing to come out of this rough patch has been all the time spent listening to these incredible podcasts. I'm so glad to hear my favorite can be anticipated rather than grieved! My fingers will be happily skipping their way across the keyboard to send my support. Take care!

A head's up: I received some communication yesterday from Pseudopod staff about my upcoming story, so there's definitely some staff activity behind the curtain.

People should relax, I think. I've a story coming up later in the year and I've been paid for it. As good a sign to me that things are on track.

For those curious, I spent my payment on food and not a kindle...

I just received payment over the weekend myself, so the wheels are definitely moving forward!

Wilson Fowlie · **Reply #54 on:** March 07, 2011, 08:28:40 PM

Quote from: Bdoomed on March 06, 2011, 12:57:51 AM

Shoulda gone with the Kindle, your stomach can wait

Not according to Stallman.

kibitzer · **Reply #55 on:** March 08, 2011, 01:58:19 AM

Quote from: Wilson Fowlie on March 07, 2011, 08:28:40 PM

Quote from: Bdoomed on March 06, 2011, 12:57:51 AM
Shoulda gone with the Kindle, your stomach can wait

Not according to Stallman.

To be picky, that's about Amazon DRM'd books, i.e. the book format, not the device. Whilst I fully agree that the Amazon DRM is draconian, the device itself is a pleasure to use. Mine has mostly PDFs with a few mobi.

Bdoomed · **Reply #56 on:** March 08, 2011, 02:42:47 AM

Quote from: Wilson Fowlie on March 07, 2011, 08:28:40 PM

Quote from: Bdoomed on March 06, 2011, 12:57:51 AM
Shoulda gone with the Kindle, your stomach can wait

Not according to Stallman.

shrug. you can connect multiple kindles to the same account, you can connect an amazon account to the kindle app for iphone, computer, what-have-you. You can download any purchased book any where any time as long as it's connected to your amazon account. I don't see that as such a big deal. My friend wants to read Game of Thrones at some point, I'll just install the kindle app on his mac and he can read it whenever.

yes DRM sucks, but... well whatever. the kindle will also read many other ebook formats that aren't DRM'd. You just have to find those places that sell those type of ebooks. Then all you do is drag and drop the file in there and ta-da.

Plus, not many of my friends read (sad, I know) so I rarely find myself needing to lend a book. Shrug.

Unblinking · **Reply #57 on:** March 11, 2011, 02:31:40 PM

The tentacles of Pseudopod are creeping up from the depths once again! Keep your eye on your purses and small animals!

stePH · **Reply #58 on:** March 12, 2011, 04:58:06 PM

Quote from: kibitzer on March 08, 2011, 01:58:19 AM

Quote from: Wilson Fowlie on March 07, 2011, 08:28:40 PM
Quote from: Bdoomed on March 06, 2011, 12:57:51 AM
Shoulda gone with the Kindle, your stomach can wait

Not according to Stallman.

To be picky, that's about Amazon DRM'd books, i.e. the book format, not the device. Whilst I fully agree that the Amazon DRM is draconian, the device itself is a pleasure to use. Mine has mostly PDFs with a few mobi.

I've got my eye on the NookColor. I could read comic books on it too, and it's not an iPad.

Author Topic: The unaskable question (Read 20716 times)

goatkeeper

Balu

Balu

Balu