Re-View: Robotech Fan Podcast
Comments:
Robotech has three main fan podcasts at the moment – Robotech Fan RDF Underground, and Space Station Liberty.
For the longest time now, I’ve been listening to the ‘infalliable’ Dougbendo, and his podcast entitled “Robotech Fan”. He’s had a pretty good run so far, with quite a few episodes/content under his belt. He seems to have a small, yet devuot following, which he doesn’t seem to mind at all.
So what’s Doug like? I won’t mince words here – he’s crude, he’s sometimes rude and his show is definitely not for everyone. (To tell you the truth, he sometimes reminds me of some of the worst traits I brought to Robotech) And to answer your question, this guy hates Harmony Gold, and yes, he despises Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles – and lo and behold, he sure as hell isn’t afraid to tell anyone about it on his show.
That’s part of this guy’s ‘appeal’ to his audience (the crude part, anyway). He’s one of the handful fans willing to sit up in his free time, microphone on hand each week, and rant about everything that concerns Robotech. We’re definitely not talking about some lame blog no one would read either (ouch!), as most of the Robotech community have grown accustomed to. Perhaps its morbid curiosity that compels people to listen or watch these types of things unfold. (You need only look at the scandal-ridden blogs/magazines/shows to see how much people are attracted to this sort of thing)
Keeping an open mind
Some of you might simply brush Dougbendo off as another irrational ‘hater’ fan, unworthy of mention in the annals of Robotech fandom history.
Remember folks; one shouldn’t be so quick to judge based simply off his point of view. Having listened to both sides of the discussion, I’ve come to the conclusion that those who favor the new Robotech stuff can be just as stubborn, crude, pompous and irrational as someone who despises all the new Robotech merchandise. And if one were to take a look at the actual Robotech online fandom now (97% of which is now relegated to corporate-sponsored forums) things have definitely gotten pretty bland. In some... way, Doug’s podcast’s colors it up a bit.
Fanworks
It’s comforting to know that Dougbendo is using his podcast as a platform for fan projects, similar but not quite to what’s been done in Justy Ueki’s RDF Underground podcast. It’s refreshing to hear the ‘guests’ that come on his show be given an opportunity to talk about their fanworks and whatnot. It’s unprecedented, especially in the normally indifferent Robotech community. (It’s sad to think that fanworks are never really discussed on that level on the official Robotech podcast ‘Space Station Liberty’, which has the highest recorded downloads of all)
When the entire world is looks down at this type of creative venture, one might be tempted to think twice and back down. Not Doug, folks. He’s as stubborn as the rest of em’. Highlight The highlight of Doug’s podcasting career has been an interview with Robotech voice acting regular/director, Richard Epcar. This show is a definite MUST listen, as I found it far more entertaining that the interview conducted by Chris Meadows on Space Station Liberty – you definitely don’t need a degree in science fiction or anime to appreciate this particular interview.
Bottomline
He’s crude, he’s a little rude, and with that I say that Doug’s show isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in fan projects, then I recommend you check this show out. And if you can stomach some of the edgier stuff, and you’ve got a lot of free time on your hands (shows typically run more than an hour), then this is the show for you! A one of a kind laugh trip.
Also see: See the April 7, 2008 episode featuring a cringe-worthy argument involving diehard Harmony Gold supporter Treiz and stubborn-as-nails Dougbendo - now see for yourself just how weird this fandom has evolved)
Robotech has three main fan podcasts at the moment – Robotech Fan RDF Underground, and Space Station Liberty.
For the longest time now, I’ve been listening to the ‘infalliable’ Dougbendo, and his podcast entitled “Robotech Fan”. He’s had a pretty good run so far, with quite a few episodes/content under his belt. He seems to have a small, yet devuot following, which he doesn’t seem to mind at all.
So what’s Doug like? I won’t mince words here – he’s crude, he’s sometimes rude and his show is definitely not for everyone. (To tell you the truth, he sometimes reminds me of some of the worst traits I brought to Robotech) And to answer your question, this guy hates Harmony Gold, and yes, he despises Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles – and lo and behold, he sure as hell isn’t afraid to tell anyone about it on his show.
That’s part of this guy’s ‘appeal’ to his audience (the crude part, anyway). He’s one of the handful fans willing to sit up in his free time, microphone on hand each week, and rant about everything that concerns Robotech. We’re definitely not talking about some lame blog no one would read either (ouch!), as most of the Robotech community have grown accustomed to. Perhaps its morbid curiosity that compels people to listen or watch these types of things unfold. (You need only look at the scandal-ridden blogs/magazines/shows to see how much people are attracted to this sort of thing)
Keeping an open mind
Some of you might simply brush Dougbendo off as another irrational ‘hater’ fan, unworthy of mention in the annals of Robotech fandom history.
Remember folks; one shouldn’t be so quick to judge based simply off his point of view. Having listened to both sides of the discussion, I’ve come to the conclusion that those who favor the new Robotech stuff can be just as stubborn, crude, pompous and irrational as someone who despises all the new Robotech merchandise. And if one were to take a look at the actual Robotech online fandom now (97% of which is now relegated to corporate-sponsored forums) things have definitely gotten pretty bland. In some... way, Doug’s podcast’s colors it up a bit.
Fanworks
It’s comforting to know that Dougbendo is using his podcast as a platform for fan projects, similar but not quite to what’s been done in Justy Ueki’s RDF Underground podcast. It’s refreshing to hear the ‘guests’ that come on his show be given an opportunity to talk about their fanworks and whatnot. It’s unprecedented, especially in the normally indifferent Robotech community. (It’s sad to think that fanworks are never really discussed on that level on the official Robotech podcast ‘Space Station Liberty’, which has the highest recorded downloads of all)
It’s interesting how one may look down on fan projects, and yet hope, complain or plead to Harmony Gold deliver better/more products, update their main website, etc. - and the company rarely delivers
When the entire world is looks down at this type of creative venture, one might be tempted to think twice and back down. Not Doug, folks. He’s as stubborn as the rest of em’. Highlight The highlight of Doug’s podcasting career has been an interview with Robotech voice acting regular/director, Richard Epcar. This show is a definite MUST listen, as I found it far more entertaining that the interview conducted by Chris Meadows on Space Station Liberty – you definitely don’t need a degree in science fiction or anime to appreciate this particular interview.
Bottomline
He’s crude, he’s a little rude, and with that I say that Doug’s show isn’t for everyone. If you’re interested in fan projects, then I recommend you check this show out. And if you can stomach some of the edgier stuff, and you’ve got a lot of free time on your hands (shows typically run more than an hour), then this is the show for you! A one of a kind laugh trip.
Also see: See the April 7, 2008 episode featuring a cringe-worthy argument involving diehard Harmony Gold supporter Treiz and stubborn-as-nails Dougbendo - now see for yourself just how weird this fandom has evolved)
For me TSC was a huge let down, story-wise. I felt that their biggest mistake was having two characters that they just introduced, killed off. I really liked Alex Romero, and was not expecting him to die so soon. The movie is just something to add to my never-ending robotech collection, which is why I bought the Art book too.
I hope Shadow Rising is better, if not I'm just not going to waste my time watching their movies, I'll just wait for the live action flick to see if it turns out good. (Comment this)
Would it be so hard for the Robotech franchise and for Tommy Yune the Creative Director, to bring in new blood? To bring new talent as Mr. Lucas had so many years ago? On paper, Tommy seems to have done much for the franchise - but the reality is that his comics are forgettable/mediocre, the games were lackluster, the marketing machine is laughable, and the film itself is really pastiche of three mediocre, sci-fi stand-alone episodes. By this point, Tommy's already proven himself the quintessential jack of all trades.
For those skeptical of this notion and possess this firm belief that the Robotech franchise's on an upswing now - That Shadow Rising will now be planned accordingly as a proper movie, that more merchandise is being planned on the horizon, that the fandom is growing by the hundreds and thousands on and offline, that the Robotech website and its infopedia will be updated, what can I say?
I believe that after eight years of shoddy merchandise and broken promises, people have simply just grown accustomed to this way of thinking. Like the Starwars prequels before it, Robotech fans have developed a "wait and see" mentality, hoping - praying to Harmony Gold for something better. If the said product isn't good, they'll wait longer, hoping and praying some more for salvation. And seriously, when will that be? (Comment this)
But one thing for sure is I wish, there was more respect towards fan projects. It seems the fandom is more anxious to see Shadow Rising, than pay attention to anything fan-related.
This doesn't bother me in the slightest, because I do what I do for my own enjoyment, and if others like it too well then that's great. But I know Shadow Rising, can't be any better, and I have a feeling its going to be another flop. I don't even know where they are going with the series anymore. (Comment this)
There is speculation brewing in some small Robotech circles the possible impact/reception of Shadow Rising. Hang around Robotech.com, and that is the idea you will have - that Shadow Rising is the end all and be all, like an 'oasis' to thirsting fans, all the while fan projects are left biting the dust.
Stay in the 'right' circles however, and you'll realize that Shadow Rising may just as well be another wet fart in the ever aging Robotech franchise. Fan projects have a place, and an important one at that.
Sure Shadow Rising might be entertaining if and when it comes out, but in the end, its not going to make the impact we wish it would. Not in a million years, if the first film is an indication - critically and commercially. Just another film riddled with holes for us to poke. Keep working on your stuff, and its really your choice if you want to stop or not.
I might put up an article on this topic...
P.S.
If gppr is reading this, no prob! (Comment this)
It's as insane as the guy who pied Tommy Yune. (Comment this)
The idea of a disclaimer for his show isn't a bad idea. People know my show is about incoherent ramblings, so people go here, expecting that, and come out satisfied. They either agree or disagree with what I say. But for Doug... I don't know, on one hand, I should feel really disgusted and creeped out at some his opinions, but on other hand, I can't wait to hear the next crazy thing he'll say!
You kind of go to these things to serve with a 'moral blank check'. You come out of it, feeling alive and better about your life. It all depends...
Anyway, I ramble. Sorry about that. Thanks for dropping by! (Comment this)