Hey, if I didn't say so--sorry. A good show! Little lower key than some, but that's okay. I once took a course on the History of the A-Bomb. It was fun to hear some of that stuff again and compare it with the stuff I read back then. (No contradictions; everything dovetailed nicely.) I also enjoyed Neddermeyer's father's issues on psi--well ahead of his time, I think. And the pirate video was great, too. Thanks. I enjoyed his comments on the movie and special effects industry. I especially enjoyed your comments on the Enterprise crash. It was great when I saw it at the movies, but nice to hear a little of the behind-the-scenes stuff.
Overall I think the Paracast is great. In fact, it has become a must-have for me. I look forward to every issue. That's why I donated. It's about the same as a subscription to New Scientist, which is a weekly, so fair is fair. Why not help defray the cost? If our hosts scream at me some more, I'll just consider it payment for back issues. No big deal!
Ultimately I think you are known by your posts or, if you happen to have a microphone, what you say. If your posts are reasoned and coherent, if your arguments are backed by facts others can check, then you will wind up with a better reputation than if you simply post ill-considered opinion. Someone who is REALLY dreadful, off-topic, and antagonistic won't last, I trust, because they show they don't really want to be part of the 'community.' Contrast Richard Dolan and that Meier representative guy (avoiding his name on purpose).
I don't know all the goals of Gene and David, but there is a thread on here relating to going big time and getting syndicated. We as readers have been solicited to help make that happen. I hope that it does. It would reward our hosts and make this thing more than just a hobby for them. I think it is far better than 'that other show' and my guess is most of us hope they make it.
Therein lies the rub. You all have experienced 'the attitude.' You've heard it and you've read it, whether or not it has been directed at you. Any criticism of the show results in a barrage of abuse, including yelling, screaming, and swearing accompanied with a proclamation of their right to do so because it is their show. So if you don't do things the way 'Johnny' wants you to then he'll take HIS BALL and go home feeling oh, so unappreciated. It has become a weekly ritual to abuse the listeners, make fun of them, or otherwise justify their own personality traits. We've got it memorized now, truly. Would you please yell this more loudly next episode? i don't think I quite heard you.
In my opinion, this is juvenile behavior. It's self-indulgent and shows a lack of maturity. You can't have 'reasoned discourse' on any subject when people are doing that. All that results in is one definition of diplomacy: Saying "Nice doggy! Nice doggy!" while looking for a stick. I mean, get this guy into a cage before he goes bloody ballistic on you. I carry mace for doggies like that.
Compare this behavior to a professional journalist, even one known for those 'difficult' questions. Charlie Rose, for example. Pick your own favorites; I don't have one. The point is that if you want the Paracast to grow and get a wider audience, you're going to have to stop this behavior. I'm not 'telling' you to do it. Do what you want. After all, it's YOUR show. I'm simply saying, that's what is going to have to happen to take this to the next level. Please have a little heart to heart conversation with yourselves and see if you can do it. The topic is: Raising the level of professionalism.
If you can't, this is what will happen. You'll go on a few more months, become increasingly frustrated with the low donation level and lack of progress, and ultimately quit because you have better things to do and this takes so much time. You alluded to that last show. All I know for certain is, you'll have plenty of people on your list to blame.
