Hi,
An update my end... as I've been having a rethink...
I get what you're all saying about Alternate World War II scenarios being done to death on here, but we also want to introduce new people to the delights of AH (hence the cross promotion on the radio)-and the basic World War II what ifs would provide a good intro. I do think we're on the same page when it comes to mentioning AH work regarding World War II (as well as OTL historical studies and the like)-in fact, I sort of envisaged that happening organically, so apols if I didn't make that clear. I'd say that shouldn't just be the case for the 'obvious' topics only-if there's a TL (or an AH) about the UK staying off the Gold Standard in 1925 and we're discussing that topic, contextualising it by using the TL available would be vital, provided it's a well-executed AH. Same goes for actual historical content related to this (and other less obvious) topics. Even if there isn't anything that specific, there would be a few bits of AH work on 1920's Britain, which would have potentially dealt with the Gold Standard issue-even if it's only in passing.
I take SS's point about half an hour perhaps being too short, so I've revised the plans slightly. How about, a 60 or 90 minute podcast, on the first week of the month (I really do want to do this with regularity, even if the guests alternate from month to month), though in between times,
along with the blog, I'll upload a few audio teasers (perhaps a 60 second summary or 2) that won't be available anywhere but online. We'll also do the podcast in 2 or 3 parts , to make it easier for people who perhaps are driving, to be able to listen to just one half hour part at a time. Also, with a lengthier podcast, we'll need to enable the radio stations taking it to easily opt out so they can insert their own content, like commercials, trailers and news etc, or to broadcast it in instalments.
Re the showname, how about simply 'The Alternate History Show' (as a handful of radio stations have signed up to it now). However, during the show (and when promoting generally), we'll give preference to the online platforms as the 'main' way of accessing the podcast, plus the blog and audio teasers will obviously only be available online. We could also do a sort of 'feedback' feature on the main podcast this way, where we tell people what's online that month and perhaps read out comments from listeners via the blog or social media.
I like the idea of live streaming in theory (especially since we could then take live interactions with listeners), the only problem being sorting a few technical bits out my end, so we can drop in the 60 Second Summary and the like into the mix mid-way through a discussion, as live if that makes sense. Also if it's edited, it'll naturally sound more polished and any technological blips that may arise can easily be removed. So it might be a good idea to have live streaming as a medium term goal.
Re the time/day of the recording, would Saturday be preferable for you guys? I'm afraid I can't really do Sunday. If we're recording for longer, Sat would be better for me, though this would mean the podcast won't be released until Mondays at the earliest.
Let me know what you all think.
