A little help here?

As we get closer to actually having something to record, it's becoming more clear that we need to have something to record on and with. My computer went brain-dead last week (which sucks rocks, let me tell you) but it also provides me with a unique opportunity to find a new machine and software that will best suit our recording needs.

Not that the podcast is my #1 priority for buying a computer, mind you. But it does rank up pretty high up there - and recording music is on the top of my priority list, which dovetails pretty nicely into any sort of audio recording. Also on my priority list is graphic design capability, and a need to play stupid computer games while I'm procrastinating on recording or writing.

So... any tech gurus out there that might be able to help a not-as-tech-savvy-as-she-once-was girl out? If you could buy any recording equipment, software, hardware... what would you get? Why do you prefer that set-up over another?

Thanks in advance for any help you're willing to give.

Reader Question Wednesday -- #2!

I've been out of town for the last several days, and Jason has been busy writing a script, so we've been a little lax on the blogging front lately. Our apologies.

However, as promised... this is Reader Question Wednesday. We only had one question for this installment, from my (ahem) best friend whom I have known for nigh-upon 20 years or so. While I am grateful that she is being totally supportive by reading the blog -- she is also corny as the corned beef on my favorite sandwich. (And of course, I adore her and say that with complete and utter love.)

Her question: I'd really like to know how you (and your theoretical podcast) feel about Peter Paul Rubens, the 17th century Flemish painter.

Because I am thorough, I dug up a little information on Rubens. Here are some interesting facts that I learned:

• His birthday is the day before mine.
• He spent time in Antwerp, my favorite Belgian city.
• His painting, Massacre of the Innocents, currently holds the record for bringing the highest price at auction of 49.5 million pounds in 2002.

I visited Belgium last year and fell head-over-heels in love with the country and all things Belgian. So yeah, Rubens is cool by association - even though he did not in fact inspire a tasty sandwich.

Now, since no one else asked a question, I'm going to make a couple up:

What sound recording equipment will you be using for the podcast?

That's a truly excellent question, River. Unfortunately, we don't know yet. We have been doing some limited research, including picking the brains of friends who have experience in audio recording and editing, but at this point - we're still on the clueless side of the spectrum. If anyone out there has any ideas for the best way to record a multi-voice audio drama without losing the "drama" part of that equation, and keeping in mind we can only pay our actors in Chicago-style pizza and beer, please contact us and let us know.


Do you have any theme music?

Not entirely. I've messed around with a couple sample tracks that we could possibly use for opening and closing credits, but we're still far away from a final version. I happen to live with a pretty stellar musician and composer, and he has agreed to help out with the music - for which I am eternally grateful. He will also receive pizza as payment. And if it's really good, I might even do the dishes.


River, I've been dying to ask ... are you single?

Well, aren't you sweet? I am not currently commited to anyone. Thanks for asking.


We'll announce another Reader Question Wednesday sometime in the future. Please feel free to send your questions anytime, and we'll be sure to include them. Otherwise, we're just going to make up questions again, and nobody wants that.