A couple of things:
1. I make no apologies as a listener and lover of audio drama. You can be certain that I will tell people what I think is the unvarnished truth of their productions. You don't have to read them if you don't wish, but I made a promise to myself that if I was going to do this, I would be honest about what I heard, and not sugar coat real problems. Similarly, I am not afraid to tell people when I think something is awesome.
If you're looking for someone to be supportive and not critical, you've come to the wrong place. There are many other great places out there though. Please feel free to check them out.
2. Paeter from Spirit Blade was kind enough to offer his professional work to me to review. After a sleepless night, I have declined.
This blog was designed to offer an honest criticism to those who do not sell their work in the hopes that they may improve and some day offer their audio dramas for purchase. I have bought, and continue to buy professionally produced audio drama and would like to see more of it on the shelves.
Does this mean I think everyone should sell their product? Or that giving away their product for free is wrong?
That's not my job to judge. My job in this blog is to identify those who COULD sell their product, and those who need to work more on their shows to be capable of selling.
When everyone on the Internet is professional quality, I'll either close down this blog, or I'll redefine it to review everyone.
Until then, please go buy Spirit Blade and find out for yourself!
Warmly,
~J. Snowe
I would like to point out this link of a review of your reviews. I believe it has some constructive criticism that can help make your blog even better.
ReplyDeleteIt was a review written with obvious care to offer constructive criticism.
I agree with him that a blog such as yours is long over due, but I also agree that so far (and as you have stated you are just getting started) reviews seem to be more than a bit polar. Remember reviews can be honest and constructive as opposed to supporting and ego stroking without going perez hiltonish.
I would have to say you tipped that way with the lightening bolt theater of the mind...not that there wasn't valuable feedback that the young woman can use...but that there were aspects of it that weren't constructive criticism nor were useful to the reader in deciding whether to give it a try.
Just as with Tanja, I would hope that she can take the constructive advice you offered and leave what was left, and continue to do what she loves without being discouraged, I hope you will consider the link, and comment feedback and do the same.
http://robynpaterson.com/?p=895
PS I am personally eager to see you review a few shows that I am in. I have this strange compulsion to be flayed by your tongue in all its honest glory. ;)
~Ara Pelodi
Thank you very much for your comment Ara. I have indeed heard you in many shows, and somewhere... down the line. When I am finished looking at the different Audio Drama "Companies", I want to review specific episodes of shows that are released. But looking at the list, that will be a while. Also, I think its important to list some important elements that I see are major flaws in production and acting.
ReplyDeleteI understand a lot of people are upset with the way I approached Lightning Bolt Theater. I have to say, I take no pleasure in the pain of listening to a show that is simply bad in all possible ways. I drew out the nuggets of the things I think are important.
However, after reading Mr. Paterson's blog post, I would take issue with his suggestion that so far my reviews have been polarized with hated and liked. By my count I have two 5+ out of 5, two 3 1/2, two 4, one 2, one 0.5. By my count that's a pretty good spread. I try to pick some good and some bad to mix them up.
Warmly,
~J. Snowe