Jedi Talk: Official Discussion

[Outloud]

I'm a HUGE fan of all audio dramas out there and I think the job fanworks is doing is just plain amazing... so, I was just wondering what the chances are to get jedi talk hosted by fanworks?
it's just that ever since I've heard about it I've been dying to give it a listen but unfortunately I joined the fan community too late...
so is there any chance you guys could get it hosted?

[Nathan Butler]

Rich and I have been talking with Victor "Darion Blade" Maier of Jedi Talk lately. Basically, it works like this:

Jedi Talk ran until about 2002, but then the show ended. For a while, the show had a site at jeditalk.com, where one could download their archived episodes, which were a couple of hours each, two files per episode.

Jedi Talk also ran a pre-recorded parody segment, Stormtrooper Bob, which was later hosted by TFN Fan Films.

Then the Jedi Talk site was discontinued, leaving only Stormtrooper Bob on TFN Fan Films, but as crappy ASF files.

Now, the demand is out there (and possibly the desire) for the Jedi Talk archives to return to the 'net somehow. However, the sheer size of the episode library (150 or so episodes, all with two files each, so 300 files or more) makes it bandwidth prohibitive to be physically hosted by Fanworks. I'm not willing to put that much bandwidth into one project, which would, I'd imagine, be pulling serious numbers. Much as I'd like to see us hosting archives, I don't think it's going to happen. However, that might mean that Victor and his old comrades might again set up their own archive site someday. If they do so, we will certainly help people find it.

As for Stormtrooper Bob, Victor just told TFN Fan Films to remove Stormtrooper Bob, apparently so that they can put up higher quality downloadable files somewhere else. Now, that may be a site of their own, and probably will be. We probably *could* host Stormtrooper Bob for them if desired, but would have to be doing recompressions of those episodes. The last I heard was that the full HQ library of SB is about 580 MB, which is *very* large compared to running time. Given the opportunity to recompress the files into something high quality at efficient specs, we could probably pull it off. However, I would imagine that the JT guys would want to keep the two programs together now that they've told TFN Fan Films to remove SB.

That's all speculation though. The short version is: we might someday help host SB if they're up for it, but unless the Jedi Talk episodes were rotating, rather than all available at once, I cannot imagine JT's library being hosted by Fanworks. Now, if they got a server to put them on and wanted us to host a page linking to those archived files, more power to 'em.

It's just one hell of an unwieldy archive for a site sharing space and bandwidth with the rest of the StarWarz.com family on the Nexcess account. Don't want to push it.

[T-bone]

I can talk to Chris at Nexcess about setting them up with a good deal. The more we sign up the better it is for us becuase they really want to get more SW sites signed up. Just an idea, if you're all listening. Nexcess is really great so far.

[Lunatic]

I know that in the past JT were giving up Episodes of their show on CDs. They could do a Mp3 compilation of some kind, and people interested could pay for shipping and the actual price off the blank CDs to get their copy. Just have to setup up a paypal account somewhere so people can get a hold of them.

CDs would be an alternative less expensive that running/paying an archives website that big (webspace and Bandwidth) in a montly fashion.

As for us (SWD) we don't have any issues with webspace on our server. The only consern for us in hosting the JT archives would be bandwidth.

[Nathan Butler]

T: I emailed Victor about that idea.

[Jans_Walker]

A more copyright friendly approach would be to have whoever wants it to send JT a self-addressed envelope with pre-paid postage and a blank CD. Just like how Adam Bertocci does his Run Leia Run DVD distribution.

Same idea, just a different execution.

Chris

[DarionBlade]

Hahaha,
the archives would not fit on one cd. As for hosting Jedi Talk. No we have no plans to ethier host or restart Jeditalk in anyway. Jedi Talk was a lot of fun, But our new projects are much more exciting.
as for why I aske tfn to pull down the strom Trooper Bobs. two resons
1. The quality was always poor, and I cant stand to have them out there.
2. I can not watch tfn get more hits for something that we genarated. Cuase all BS aside. TF.n rapes little sites for ideas and content. They have become big by riding on everyone else's coat tails. and I no longer want any assocaition with them. I'm sure their staff will have something spiffy to say. but if everyone pulled thier content they would have nothing.
The only redeming quality of that site is that, fanforce. but wait that isn't them ethier.

As for archives of Jeditalk. We have actually checked into it and we have the legal right to sell them so one day there maybe a ten cd set. but dont hold your breath. We did Jeditalk for fun. We may have done things that no show today can even touch. (if you want to Know Star En Direct is the closest, and the best alt I think Sabastion lreaned a lot at Celabration 2)

But to answer questions., No we dont plan on coming back.
No: I and other hosts wont do interviews. (listen to Star Wars en direct. If there is any interviews they will get it)
NO: The archives are not available.
No: Strom trooper Bob is not available (Well when TFN gets it off thier D*&n Site.)
No: I am not the mild mannered family friendly host I was on the show. (if you ahve ever meet me in person you already knew that.)

For those of you who missed Jedi Talk. Dont worry about it to much, they weren't all that good.
See you
Victor

[bluemilk]

^ boy you said it Chewie!

[T-bone]

Originally posted by DarionBlade@Sep 17 2003, 05:08 PM
I can not watch tfn get more hits for something that we genarated. Cuase all BS aside. TF.n rapes little sites for ideas and content. They have become big by riding on everyone else's coat tails. and I no longer want any assocaition with them. I'm sure their staff will have something spiffy to say. but if everyone pulled thier content they would have nothing.
The only redeming quality of that site is that, fanforce. but wait that isn't them ethier.

I've been saying this for years. Usually everyone at that point goes, "You're jealous!!!!"

yawn.

[bluemilk]

the odds of successfully rescuing a star wars geek from TF.N is approximately 3720 to 1. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif

[DarionBlade]

Tbone?
Jelous of what. I did not know you could be jelous of lack of honor. or envy bad policies. When I was in the jedi talk game, I wanted to get much bigger I won't lie. But I would never step on everyone in my way. Or better yet strait up steal thier ideas to get there.
And Tbone, I know you are the same way as me.
There is nothing they have we could be jelous of.
personally I dont even know how they sleep at night.
V.

[Uilmuteiz]

Now now, let's not turn this in one of the Many *****in' TFN thread. there's enough of them out there already.

I wanted to thank you for the uplift Darion, it's .. huh.. it's... amazing. I couldn't have asked for more.

We'll carry on the torch as best as long as we can and as best as we can.

[DarionBlade]

Well like I say I have nothing to do with force net.
and never will again. (big sigh of relief)
---
Well back to my other projects. hehehehe you guys are going to **** yourselfs style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
V>

[DarionBlade]

WHAT THE HELL
DAMN CENSORSHIP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even on the boards!!!
v>

[T-bone]

Originally posted by Uilmuteiz@Sep 18 2003, 06:42 PM
Now now, let's not turn this in one of the Many *****in' TFN thread. there's enough of them out there already.

I beg to differ!

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

[T-bone]

Originally posted by DarionBlade@Sep 18 2003, 06:51 PM
WHAT THE HELL
DAMN CENSORSHIP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Even on the boards!!!
v>
It's for the youngins...sorry.
We got in a little heat once.

[DarionBlade]

Wow,
I do one post and it becomes news! Hehehe I thought I was talking amoung friends. But I don't know why you would post it as news.
I dont get why poeple are still mulling over Jedi Talk I guess.
Not to say that what I said does not stand.
I think there are to many poltics on Star Wars Fan sites. And There is no real use in debating, this war. As far as I am concerned the war is over.

But let me say one thing, I don't like that what I say is "news" the only news in that statement was that Jedi Talk would never be back on. Which we said in our last show. And as far as I know we have never said anything different.
I have no interest in coming back into the Star Wars fan site universe. But more importantly I have no desire to be known as a hero, villian, or legend in the fan comminty.
This in way kind of sucks cuase, I just want to be a normal fan again. Waiting in a movie line without poeple coming up to me would be so nice. But I guess I made my bed.

I guess I am just rambling away. And I most likely wont be posting a whole lot. Becuase I don't want other poeple useing me as cannon flooder.
We will see you around.
no hard fellings, and I hope you can understand my point.

V>

[T-bone]

You'll have to talk to Nathan about that one, sorry.
I don't actually run that site at all, I just host it and helped found it. Nate handles all the day to day stuff... I'm just in the background, like a do-nothing figurehead really style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Sorry to have upset you - just talk to him and he'll work something out with you I'm sure.

[DarionBlade]

t-bone I know you better than that.
and I don't care but, I bet you can understand why I dont really think it should have been posted.
but like I said I made my bed.
I dont get to be a fan anymore.
V>

[T-bone]

I'm not sure what you mean dude, but I really didn't have anything to do wtih it. I'm not that into the whole scene at fanworks - i just gave Nate the go ahead and he made me a founder. I have nothing too much to do with the site outside of technical stuff, honestly.

But seriously - just talk to him. He's cool as you know.

[Nathan Butler]

The news was posted because:

a.) It was posted on a public-viewing forum.
b.) The issue has been one of the most asked-about situations in fan audio since Jedi Talk went off the air, and the removal of Stormtrooper Bob further has caused discussion and people asking.
c.) B makes it news, while A makes it publicly-made statements.

I've altered the news byte to summarize the answers to the questions people have been asking (whether there's a return, where SB went, if the archives will be available, and if you'll do interviews). The direct quotation has been entirely removed.

In the future, understand that normal procedure is that without some form of statement like "oh, by the way, this is to be kept between only those who view this thread" or something akin, there was no reason to assume it was not meant for public consumption, nor that it wasn't meant as an answer to the questions that have been being asked about JT and SB futures. However, now that such a position has been stated, rather than being assumed without any notification, you'll needn't worry about it either way.

[DarionBlade]

Ahhh,
your making it sund like I am angery. That is not how I meant it to come across. So I apoligize for that. I am not mad at t'bpne or anyone else. Just thought it was a little starnge that you would consider that news.
No bigs though.
so sorry if I gave the wrong impression.
See you later.
V>

[Nathan Butler]

Well, it sorta depends as far as newsworthiness.

Given the fact that the questions were in the air about JT and SB, it makes sense for news right now. Had it been a few months ago, when no one was really expecting the possibility of JT coming back, or when SB was still languishing at TFN, it wouldn't have been, probably.

[Yun-Harla]

Wow this is the first time i've ever heard of the starwars fanworks site ...but it's soo great to finally be able to hear works instead of having to read them

[Outloud]

I was thinking... maybe... some one can host the episodes via a p2p network if cost is in fact the matter.
I know that bit torrent was made for that kind of stuff..
hell even emule.. I essentially just want to hear them

[Nathan Butler]

Ladies and gents . . .

The Jedi Talk archive re-release has begun!

Check out the Star Wars Fanworks Audio Feed for the first three episodes of the classic series!

[Guiguioh]

Listen to the first show was kinda fun. The anticipation for TPM was really big in early 1999. It's certainly interesting to listen to the prequels days now. I miss that time. :(

I hope the new CW movie, the TV shows and new games like TFU will bring back some of the hype in the fandom.

I really appreciate to be able to listen to the first steps of the fan audio genre. Thanks for putting these shows up on the feed Nathan. :)

[Nathan Butler]

FYI:

Except for episodes 84 and 100 (which are still being hunted down), I now have the entire rest of the 165-episode run of Jedi Talk.

I'm going to be taking the original ASF files (multiple files per episode), converting them to WAVs, merging them into single MP3s for each episode, then compressing and tagging those MP3s for upload. That takes a while.

So, you'll see more Jedi Talk and some Stormtrooper Bob going up into the feed as we go along, right alongside the other series that we're wrapping up in the feed (Rayzur's Edge audio dramas, Tatooine TV, Digital Llama Productions shows, ChronoRadio, etc.).

[jerrodd]

Atta boy, my man. It may not seem like it now, but you are giving fans a glimpse back to a time in pre-podcasting days that was pivotal in fandom. Star Wars, or otherwise. And that's just Jedi Talk. You've also taken shows that now are listed on Itunes, and many other aggregators that will open up SWFW.com and the show's producers to a whole new fan base. Thanks for all this, man.

[Nathan Butler]

And . . . we've run into a snag.

Episodes 131 onward of JT (except, for some reason, #165) seem to almost all (or all) be in a codec that I don't have, nor can I find one that works for it. So . . . while that may be a long way away, until we find a codec that works so I can work with the files, we may be out of luck for the last 30 or so episodes of Jedi Talk.

Media Player keeps thinking it's the Voxware 75 or codec (or whatever), but I've gotten it (unstable as it may be) and it still doesn't do anything.

[Guiguioh]

Have you tried VLC player? It plays almost everything and it doesn't require any codec installed.

If it works, VLC has a option to recode content (in mp3 for exemple) so this software maybe the solution your looking for (or maybe not...)

[IndianaJim]

I think there are too many politics on Star Wars Fan sites. And There is no real use in debating, this war. As far as I am concerned the war is over.

I can see the political angle concerning The Force.Net. One of my podcaster friends, Jack Mangan (http://www.jackmangan.com) was talking about something he called "Podtaint." I featured the first half of his comments on my own podcast. He related a story about being in a LaserTag group, where one team and one team captain in particular built himself up as this sort "star" of this LaserTag thing.

He said he went to BaltiCon and DragonCon 2007 and saw this sort of behavior firsthand. Some Podcasters who were supposedly "experts" or "authorities" in the community were petty, power-hungry jerkweeds who "acted" like authorities, in this thing that is basically a HOBBY! I have to think a lot of Force.Net'ers think they're something special. From the Texas A&M days they did a great job covering the news out there. I've called into the ForceCast a few times, and those guys are nice I guess, but I get the impression they believe in their own status.

I have no interest in coming back into the Star Wars fan site universe. But more importantly I have no desire to be known as a hero, villian, or legend in the fan comminty.
This in way kind of sucks cuase, I just want to be a normal fan again. Waiting in a movie line without poeple coming up to me would be so nice. But I guess I made my bed.

You know, I don't look at Nathan or T'Bone as anything more than fans. I was a fan of them, and when I interviewed them on my podcast I was really geeking out over them. But I realized we're all just fans. We're all human.

However, I can't identify with the first statement. I mean, it seems like your experience and your knowledge would be an enormous asset to this community, at least here on Galactic Senate. That's the thing about podcasting nowadays, if you divorce it from the "tainted," it's about community. Those who aren't about community can be successfully ignored.

I know that since Nathan and I have become friends, he's allowed my to have a lot of input into the way Star Wars Fanworks continues on from here, along with Joe Harrison, Jeff Roney, Andrew Gilbertson, etc. In fact, if it wasn't for me Nathan wouldn't even have a Libsyn feed right now. I don't say that to puff myself up, but merely to state we all have something to offer, advice to share, and the like. Joe Harrison is the best sound effects engineer I've ever heard the work of, except maybe Ben Burtt.

You know, Darion, you came in on the ground floor of the "fan audio" genre in the precursor to podcasting. You gave a lot of folks on here the impetus to do what they do, including our man Butler. I hope you will hear me when I say that you are a valued member of this community, and hopefully we can make a new friend! We sure could use your help keeping us from getting to big for our britches! :)

Okay everyone, GROUP HUG! :grouphug:

[jerrodd]

Well said, Mr. Jim. :Non-Creepy Hug:

[Nathan Butler]

Update: Tried VLC player. It won't play the files at all. The timecode reads as if it is, but no sound emerges.