Great story and wonderfully read by the way. Eyeball Floor was really good, Tina. So cool to have you reading here as well. You brought this story to life in a really unique way.
I think it's funny that a lot of people were worried about the story turning into a "90210" after the first 10 minutes or so, then half the people loved it, the other half not so much, but it still never turned into a 90210 at all. I thought it was a cool, cutting-edge contemporary story. As Norm pointed out, the line is getting close between social networks, technology, behavior and business. Singularity very well might lead to crazy competitive monthly plans for your handheld device... (or even pseudo-prostitution for that matter!)
I've got a friend who always shows off her Iphone Apps,...wouldn't be surprised if the "Glory Hole" App suddenly became a reality and she half-interestedly showed me all the other, better, new transmogrifying alternatives to download. But I, like Norm, have a Blackberry, so I'll have to stick to the real deal in the occasional roadstop rest area.
Between this, Mr. Penubra's 24 hr book store, and Sinner/Baker, it seems like EP is pushing in a direction that is most relevant to the scifi genrei, and I think that's great.
Cracked up at intro and outro. I miss Steve but love havin Norm. Hope Norm doesn't water down his style just for a few nattering people on the forums. I've heard a lot of "Norm will grow into things" but I think the reality is that we're the ones that will actually be growing into things. Things are changin for the best, and it's good to be open minded in times like these.
Also, just wanna say that it's gotta be hard for Steve to step out a little. It's really a testament to his awesomeness that things are actually getting better than worse through his delegation skills and the support he's built up around here.
I'm excited for EP, because despite the admin changes and inconstancy, things are now looking great!
The stories have been consistently better than ever for the past 2 months, IMO.
Norm was the perfect pick for co-host (regular host--
NO!...the world (and Norm I bet) can only handle one Drabblecast, but co-host with Steve and Alasdair...really, how is that not
the best power trio ever) I can't even imagine a better 3 headed beast; the "Stevalasdanorm" kicks Gidrah's ass so hard it's not even funny. Steve is the main head, the one that can breathe fire.
Alasdair is the left head that has a crappy mic but always has really insightful things to say, great insights and memorable quotes.
Norm is the right head that embodies Steve's call to "Have Fun." He's the cool guy that doesn't take himself too seriously but also somehow comes across as super serious. Most people that have heard his music think that he stomps Coulton into the ground, though most people who have heard him host Escapepod think that he sounds like he's hosting Drabblecast.
I think if EA rotates between the 3, delegating stories to each, they will satisfy the most people. Steve, Al and Norm have all had a history of love and hate. Combine em and synergize, you can't lose with the 3 headed space-dragon.
Oh, and keep in mind also that these folks (hosts, not authors) are probably volunteering their time, am I right? I think stories should be criticized, not pro bono hosts.