Today is the first anniversary of the Podcast.
Whizz. Pop.
The first episode had a painful birth, but I eventually managed to squeeze out the Runequest file on 7th August last year.
INSPIRED
My internet presence began as a lauded Anonymous Work Blogger who lost out on a prestigious Guardian Award (judged by Bruce Sterling, no less) to a prostitute in 2003. Since then I have had various projects that come and go, some more successful than others. When began to seriously to get back in to the hobby in 2010, I held the desire to translate it into something…
Originally we had conceived an e-book of our memoirs of playing games back in the day. I don’t really have a voice for radio, I’m a hesitant, low talkin’ slow talker, but I love listening to podcasts and have been listening to them for a long time, so I really wanted to make one of my own.
My podcast inspiration came from RPG Gamer Dad who was a fellow gamer from back in the day who was trying to rediscover the hobby that he left behind. His podcast is currently on an extended hiatus, but the candle that burns twice as bright, burns half of long, and I urge you to go back and listen to his back catalogue. He has a sense of wonderment and excitement about the hobby that I can never hope to reach. Thanks to RPG Gamer Dad, I was introduced to the rigorous approach of Mr Jim Moon’s Hypnogoria, a podcaster who takes care to research his subjects and present them from the position of subjective authority. Finally, the most important influence on theGROGNARDfiles is the late, lamented Word Podcast, hosted by Mark Ellen and Dave Hepworth who are veterans of the UK Rock magazine scene, who adopted the tone of two old duffers in conversation, sharing anecdotes and opinions on how the world of music was changing.
Of all the crazy projects that I’ve initiated, the podcast has been the most rewarding as it has put me in touch with so many great people, a whole network of gamers that I never really knew existed. The greatest element is getting feedback and the stories of people going up into the attic to recover the games they used to play back in the day.
CURATING THE MIASMA
Our Patreon campaign has reached another goal which unlocks something for backers only: a fortnightly digest of media consumed by The Armchair Adventurers. This was an idea directly stolen from Ken and Robin Talk Quickly About Stuff as it is a feature that they offer, however it’s going to be more like the “Something for the Weekend” e-zine that Word magazine circulated weekly, pointing out interesting corners to explore in a world where you are constantly bombarded with ‘push notices’ and links.
The Armchair Museum is a newsletter that handpicks 5 – 6 interesting, entertaining and unusual things that catch our attention, with pithy comment from us. Pith, we have a lot of pith.
Books, films, music, magazines, TV series, adverts, apps, stationery, and anything else in an eclectic mix tape made just for you.
The first one will be released in September and in a ‘try before you buy’ it will appear here. The rest will be for Patreon backers only.
BEYOND THE FIRST YEAR
I’ve been asked a number of times “What’s your plan to keep going in the long term?” The number of old games is finite, so the format we’ve adopted has the potential run out of steam. Don’t worry, we have enough fuel in the tank to keep us going at least for the next 12 months. We’ve got interviews, campaign specials, DVD commentaries and lots more games to come. The podcast will keep coming while it’s still fun and not a chore.
Thanks for backing, commenting, reviewing and plain old listening over the past 12 months… here’s looking forward to another 12! Dirk
It’s been great listening to you all, long may you continue!
We’d have some weird connections – me having Grown up gaming in Horwich, at Rivington & Blackrod high, at blackrod Wargaming club (society?).. But I think you are Bolton lads who have moved sideways to Horwich?.
Also the time window, though I do sense you are all just a few years older than me now – the games you’ve covered are ones dear to my heart… I’d like to see you cover ringworld, the morrow project and a few others I dallied with – I’d also like to hear you guys tell us about newer games like numenera – I sometimes step back from buying these as a) I don’t know whether I’d like em. And b) I don’t know if they’d suit my (younger) gaming group…
Anyway – more power to you guys, see you at grogmeet!
Thanks for that Andy. You were another world away living up Chorley Old Road. That would have required bus travel and that would require logistical feats that were impossible.
We’ll be covering Numenera and Nights Black Agents in a round up of the year … which will include highlights of Grogmeet – see you then.
P.S. Thanks for reminding me about The Medusa Frequency, I’ve dug it out this afternoon!
Well done guys. As you say, here’s to twelve more, at least!
Thanks Tim!
Hi Dirk,
As an old Grognard, my memory ain’t what it used to be. I signed up for Grogmeet right at the beginning, but have forgotten if and/or what game I signed up for. I think it was Achtung Cthulhu or Runequest via the blog. I can’t seem to find anything to that effect though on the WordPress site. Another member of my group is also coming now (Brian Lavelle) and obviously we’re hoping to play in the same group. Have spaces all been allocated or de we just sign up on the day?
Cheers!
Gav.
(Gavin Peebles)
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Hi Gav,
You and Brian have tickets for the event. The sign up to game sessions will be circulated mid-September.
Look forward to meeting you both then!
Dirk