Metafilter Podcast Guests July 4, 2020 9:14 AM Subscribe
Has there been any consideration given to inviting Mefites to join in on the monthly podcasts? It would be fun to hear from many of our community members about anything ranging from their FPPs to their own experiences on Metafilter. I wanted to put this out to the community so that others here have an opportunity to give their input.
Yep, guests would be fun. That does require some advanced planning, but I think it's worth trying to do.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 11:03 AM on July 4, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 11:03 AM on July 4, 2020 [6 favorites]
I like it. Here's what I predict happening: it will be fun for a while, then someone will accuse the mods of having favorites and a MeFi "cool kids club" and having ulterior motives for which people they select and which ones they do not. Unnecessary hard feelings all around. To me, this isn't a reason not to do it, just y'all have to promise not to do that to Cortex and Jessamyn, ok? Deal.
posted by ctmf at 12:00 PM on July 4, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 12:00 PM on July 4, 2020 [9 favorites]
There have been a few guest appearances in the past. I enjoyed them very much.
posted by Devils Rancher at 12:33 PM on July 4, 2020
posted by Devils Rancher at 12:33 PM on July 4, 2020
it will be fun for a while, then someone will accuse the mods of having favorites and a MeFi "cool kids club"
This has already happened, IIRC. There were a bunch of podcasts that had guests, then someone started a MeTa about it, and people expressed that they felt left out, and as I remember it turned into a big thread of hurt feelings. Perhaps I'm not remembering correctly. I'm not going to dig up the thread.
But yes, I would enjoy some more guests on the podcasts. I would be happy to be a guest myself if y'all ever need to talk to an expert on shop vacs and cracked fingernails.
posted by bondcliff at 2:12 PM on July 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
This has already happened, IIRC. There were a bunch of podcasts that had guests, then someone started a MeTa about it, and people expressed that they felt left out, and as I remember it turned into a big thread of hurt feelings. Perhaps I'm not remembering correctly. I'm not going to dig up the thread.
But yes, I would enjoy some more guests on the podcasts. I would be happy to be a guest myself if y'all ever need to talk to an expert on shop vacs and cracked fingernails.
posted by bondcliff at 2:12 PM on July 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
If there could be some transparency in how members could express interest in being a guest & how guests were selected I think that would go some ways to avoiding hurt feelings.
posted by bleep at 2:37 PM on July 4, 2020
posted by bleep at 2:37 PM on July 4, 2020
I am not a candidate, but if elected, I will serve. Or something like that.
I happen to think it would be interesting to hear from ordinary regular users. Not necessarily power users. I happen to think that there is a diversity of thought that does not always come through in the more charged threads.
posted by AugustWest at 3:03 PM on July 4, 2020 [14 favorites]
I happen to think it would be interesting to hear from ordinary regular users. Not necessarily power users. I happen to think that there is a diversity of thought that does not always come through in the more charged threads.
posted by AugustWest at 3:03 PM on July 4, 2020 [14 favorites]
If it would fit with their schedules, I'd love to hear from our new mods!
posted by Kat Allison at 3:10 PM on July 4, 2020 [39 favorites]
posted by Kat Allison at 3:10 PM on July 4, 2020 [39 favorites]
I’m not saying I’d do it, but I’m not not saying it either..
FYI, my contract insists on Enya playing in the background.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:35 PM on July 4, 2020 [14 favorites]
FYI, my contract insists on Enya playing in the background.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:35 PM on July 4, 2020 [14 favorites]
Previously, and various previouslies. Looks like there was a nice run of podcasts with guest Mefites around 2014-2016, after this question was raised the last time.
posted by biogeo at 7:04 PM on July 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by biogeo at 7:04 PM on July 4, 2020 [1 favorite]
Enya will be playing in the background? I love her overlays/overdubs. More please, more!
posted by Afghan Stan at 7:20 PM on July 4, 2020
posted by Afghan Stan at 7:20 PM on July 4, 2020
Even if we don't do regular users, I think having the new mods on for an introduction is a very good idea. I'd welcome other current mods, too.
posted by Chrysostom at 8:05 PM on July 4, 2020 [12 favorites]
posted by Chrysostom at 8:05 PM on July 4, 2020 [12 favorites]
Even if we don't do regular users, I think having the new mods on for an introduction is a very good idea. I'd welcome other current mods, too.
I believe all of the old mods did a guest intro session before as well.
posted by Going To Maine at 9:13 PM on July 4, 2020
I believe all of the old mods did a guest intro session before as well.
posted by Going To Maine at 9:13 PM on July 4, 2020
I could do a "commercial" for it, which would finally give me a chance to use my Tire Tread Dialectics bit.
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:08 PM on July 4, 2020
posted by Greg_Ace at 11:08 PM on July 4, 2020
put qounsar and I in a Cadillac, have cortex through in a sack of hungry ferret's....
wait, that was time out.
I'd like to hear from our new mods and propose half a segment on current events, changes etc. into a forum.
posted by clavdivs at 12:10 AM on July 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
wait, that was time out.
I'd like to hear from our new mods and propose half a segment on current events, changes etc. into a forum.
posted by clavdivs at 12:10 AM on July 5, 2020 [2 favorites]
Seconding AugustWest's approach. Open to anyone or put your name down, candidates drawn by random ballot. Like that bear-watching place in Alaska.
IDK about 'power users'; folk who answer my questions I've usually never heard of but everyone has a different view, a different take on your question, and often really makes you reframe your question. AFAICT everyone's a power user - we all specialise in something, or many things.
posted by unearthed at 1:07 AM on July 5, 2020 [4 favorites]
IDK about 'power users'; folk who answer my questions I've usually never heard of but everyone has a different view, a different take on your question, and often really makes you reframe your question. AFAICT everyone's a power user - we all specialise in something, or many things.
posted by unearthed at 1:07 AM on July 5, 2020 [4 favorites]
Since I assume everyone here like all normal people are interested in the differences between postmodernism, post-structuralism, and relativism, yes I can be in your pod-cast.
posted by Pyrogenesis at 1:09 AM on July 5, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Pyrogenesis at 1:09 AM on July 5, 2020 [6 favorites]
For an iterative approach to this, could we maybe consider something like:
1. For the next podcast, open up the phone line again for MeFites to record messages, short stories (maybe MetaTalkTails responses?) or readouts of one of their comments, include a few sprinkled through the podcast like music tracks.
2. For the podcast after next, try out recording a guest or two for September.
3. For the longer term, think about a roster/signup/improvements/issues when and if demand requires.
(All of these go on the feature roadmap under the same improvement stream.)
posted by iamkimiam at 3:32 AM on July 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
1. For the next podcast, open up the phone line again for MeFites to record messages, short stories (maybe MetaTalkTails responses?) or readouts of one of their comments, include a few sprinkled through the podcast like music tracks.
2. For the podcast after next, try out recording a guest or two for September.
3. For the longer term, think about a roster/signup/improvements/issues when and if demand requires.
(All of these go on the feature roadmap under the same improvement stream.)
posted by iamkimiam at 3:32 AM on July 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
Pay any BIPoC guests.
posted by taff at 5:15 AM on July 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by taff at 5:15 AM on July 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
Have a form where someone can express they are interested in participating. And then randomly choose from those who have filled out the form. Contact that person and find out when they are available and if something doesn’t work then randomly choose another person. Rinse and repeat.
posted by terrapin at 8:06 AM on July 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by terrapin at 8:06 AM on July 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
Oh hey, just checked my voice mail and didn't see any messages from y'all, so I guess things are busy over there? Just let me know when you want to appear and I'll send over my contract rider, thanks!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:19 AM on July 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:19 AM on July 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
I would like to appear, but in the role of Brandon Blatcher.
posted by Meatbomb at 9:10 AM on July 5, 2020 [10 favorites]
posted by Meatbomb at 9:10 AM on July 5, 2020 [10 favorites]
I would like to appear, but in the role of Brandon Blatcher.
FYI, have changed contract rider so that Meatbomb appears at me. Look forward to talking to you soon!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:02 AM on July 5, 2020 [6 favorites]
FYI, have changed contract rider so that Meatbomb appears at me. Look forward to talking to you soon!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:02 AM on July 5, 2020 [6 favorites]
I would like to play Brockles. Only I can't, so instead I'd be the bizarro Brockles, sharing my vast automotive experience in the best and quickest ways to fuck your car all up.
posted by ctmf at 11:58 AM on July 5, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by ctmf at 11:58 AM on July 5, 2020 [4 favorites]
'The best and quickest ways'
EP1. "How to properly JB Weld a spark plug"
posted by clavdivs at 12:34 PM on July 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
EP1. "How to properly JB Weld a spark plug"
posted by clavdivs at 12:34 PM on July 5, 2020 [5 favorites]
“Huh. A lot of Enya covers on MeFi Music this month.”
posted by Huffy Puffy at 12:47 PM on July 5, 2020
posted by Huffy Puffy at 12:47 PM on July 5, 2020
I enjoyed previous guests and I expect I would enjoy future guests. I promise not to feel left out. Do it!
posted by blurker at 1:17 PM on July 5, 2020
posted by blurker at 1:17 PM on July 5, 2020
So when I went to post this Meta, one idea that I had in mind was along the lines of what iamkimiam above said- to either do the "call in and leave a message" thing like some podcast episodes of the past; or to have a short (meaning just a couple minutes) "call-in" segment where 3 or 4 folks could call-in per episode to share a story, ask a question, or just joke around. It could be a lotto system or just random, to ensure that it doesn't become a situation where less active or more lurky members don't feel left out or unable to participate. Since the moderators can't reasonably be expected to accommodate everyone because of time/etc, it of course would be at their discretion how long the calls are and how many calls they'd take.
This idea could be expanded upon and fleshed out as far as how to best implement it, but wondering what others think.
Also, agree with others that it would be fabulous to hear from the new mods on the podcast, but only if that's something that they want; I don't want the new mods to feel obligated or burdened to respond to that request. I know talking on a podcast isn't something everyone necessarily wants to do or may want to do while still new to the job or for a variety of reasons all of which are valid.
But yes, it should be discussed that any guests who identify as racialized or BIPOC should be paid for their time as a guest (if the site can't somehow find it in their budget, then I think it's worth starting a fund - independently audited to ensure the funds are managed properly and actually go to racialized and BIPOC folks for their labor - that Mefites can donate to and make this happen. Best practices for the independent auditing could be discussed. I know that there are several racialized and BIPOC identifying members here who have Patreons, Venmos, etc for receiving compensation for their work. They should be able to signal boost those if and when they want.
Setting that aside, let's also remember going forward that racialized and BIPOC folks should not be made to feel obligated, by the rest of us, to respond yes or no to being a guest on the podcast. I don't think anyone here was suggesting that but I want to put it out there anyway. If any of the racialized/BIPOC identifying Mefites want to be a guest on the podcast, it's important that they know they are welcome, but also important that those of us who are white aren't putting an expectation on them to come in here and say Yes/No I want to be on the podcast.
To be clear, I absolutely enjoy Josh and Jessamyn on the podcast, and I posted this Meta not because I don't like them on the podcast but because I think it would be a lot of fun to also look forward to hearing from random Mefites. Again, call-in messages are a fun idea (we could set up a dedicated number just for this) as are guest segments.
posted by nightrecordings at 1:19 PM on July 5, 2020 [7 favorites]
This idea could be expanded upon and fleshed out as far as how to best implement it, but wondering what others think.
Also, agree with others that it would be fabulous to hear from the new mods on the podcast, but only if that's something that they want; I don't want the new mods to feel obligated or burdened to respond to that request. I know talking on a podcast isn't something everyone necessarily wants to do or may want to do while still new to the job or for a variety of reasons all of which are valid.
But yes, it should be discussed that any guests who identify as racialized or BIPOC should be paid for their time as a guest (if the site can't somehow find it in their budget, then I think it's worth starting a fund - independently audited to ensure the funds are managed properly and actually go to racialized and BIPOC folks for their labor - that Mefites can donate to and make this happen. Best practices for the independent auditing could be discussed. I know that there are several racialized and BIPOC identifying members here who have Patreons, Venmos, etc for receiving compensation for their work. They should be able to signal boost those if and when they want.
Setting that aside, let's also remember going forward that racialized and BIPOC folks should not be made to feel obligated, by the rest of us, to respond yes or no to being a guest on the podcast. I don't think anyone here was suggesting that but I want to put it out there anyway. If any of the racialized/BIPOC identifying Mefites want to be a guest on the podcast, it's important that they know they are welcome, but also important that those of us who are white aren't putting an expectation on them to come in here and say Yes/No I want to be on the podcast.
To be clear, I absolutely enjoy Josh and Jessamyn on the podcast, and I posted this Meta not because I don't like them on the podcast but because I think it would be a lot of fun to also look forward to hearing from random Mefites. Again, call-in messages are a fun idea (we could set up a dedicated number just for this) as are guest segments.
posted by nightrecordings at 1:19 PM on July 5, 2020 [7 favorites]
But yes, it should be discussed that any guests who identify as racialized or BIPOC should be paid for their time as a guest...
Honest question, why the guests you describe should be paid? Should other, non-BIPOD guests be paid also?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:56 PM on July 5, 2020 [7 favorites]
Honest question, why the guests you describe should be paid? Should other, non-BIPOD guests be paid also?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:56 PM on July 5, 2020 [7 favorites]
If you want a slightly less coherent version of Grandpa Simpson, give me a ring and I'll start rambling and tangenting.
posted by maxwelton at 11:01 PM on July 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by maxwelton at 11:01 PM on July 5, 2020 [3 favorites]
I think several people should be on as Brandon Blatcher, And then we could have a contest to see who is the real one. The winner would get their profile retitled “Actual Brandon Blatcher,” and all the others would have be retitled “Failed Brandon Blatcher A, B, C, etc” It’s the only way to know.
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:00 AM on July 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:00 AM on July 7, 2020 [9 favorites]
I think I'd be a more successful Brandon Blatcher than Brandon would be.
posted by Chrysostom at 11:24 AM on July 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Chrysostom at 11:24 AM on July 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
The real Brandon Blatcher is, of course, the friends we made along the way.
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:32 AM on July 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:32 AM on July 7, 2020 [7 favorites]
This idea needs to happen, basically it is To tell the Truth: Brandon Blatcher Edition.
posted by Meatbomb at 1:54 PM on July 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by Meatbomb at 1:54 PM on July 7, 2020 [3 favorites]
Have your people call my people.
posted by Literaryhero at 3:11 PM on July 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by Literaryhero at 3:11 PM on July 7, 2020 [2 favorites]
This is awkward, but in a good way.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:30 PM on July 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:30 PM on July 7, 2020 [6 favorites]
I use ketchup and brown sugar for my beans.
This idea needs to happen, basically it is To tell the Truth: l
LOL, meatbomb.
posted by clavdivs at 8:22 AM on July 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
This idea needs to happen, basically it is To tell the Truth: l
LOL, meatbomb.
posted by clavdivs at 8:22 AM on July 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
I'm waist deep in other site stuff and so haven't been able to put time into responding, but I want to check in real quick to say (a) yes, I think getting guests on again would be really nice, and our current software setup should be easier to do that with, for me and for guests alike, than what we were doing four years ago, (b) Blatchfest 2020 is probably not where we'll go with that, and (c) the rest of the details would need more attention than I have right now. I'll try and give this a little more thought in the near future, and see if we can line up someone for next month's episode all else aside.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:31 PM on July 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:31 PM on July 8, 2020 [1 favorite]
"Blatchfest 2020"
This reminds me of friend named Aaron, big gaming and comics nerd. For his birthday one year his wife planned, arranged and setup "AarronCon whatever year it was". It was complete with various small booths and what not by other friends, that were all celebrating Aaron.
Yeah, this has nothing to do with guests on the Mefi podcast, but that was pretty sweet gesture on her part, so it deserves to be shared.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:59 PM on July 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
This reminds me of friend named Aaron, big gaming and comics nerd. For his birthday one year his wife planned, arranged and setup "AarronCon whatever year it was". It was complete with various small booths and what not by other friends, that were all celebrating Aaron.
Yeah, this has nothing to do with guests on the Mefi podcast, but that was pretty sweet gesture on her part, so it deserves to be shared.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:59 PM on July 8, 2020 [9 favorites]
Blatchfest 2020 is probably not where we'll go with that,
cortex, I hope you appreciate that I am sitting here with a perfect crystalline tear on my cheek. I don't know whether to shake my fist because you crushed my dreams like a dixie cup at the dentist's office or thank you because this is the closest I will ever be to feeling like a Pierre et Gilles sailor.
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:50 AM on July 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
cortex, I hope you appreciate that I am sitting here with a perfect crystalline tear on my cheek. I don't know whether to shake my fist because you crushed my dreams like a dixie cup at the dentist's office or thank you because this is the closest I will ever be to feeling like a Pierre et Gilles sailor.
posted by GenjiandProust at 11:50 AM on July 9, 2020 [3 favorites]
b) Blatchfest 2020 is probably not where we'll go with that
Ok cool, y'all are gonna test things first and then we'll dive into planning Blatchfest 2021! Great idea, looking forward to sending the contract rider!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:17 PM on July 9, 2020 [6 favorites]
Ok cool, y'all are gonna test things first and then we'll dive into planning Blatchfest 2021! Great idea, looking forward to sending the contract rider!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:17 PM on July 9, 2020 [6 favorites]
I'll work the lazers!
posted by clavdivs at 8:42 AM on July 10, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by clavdivs at 8:42 AM on July 10, 2020 [3 favorites]
What is the definition of a MF power user? Because I’ve seen that phrase several times now and I wonder if it’s anyone who has ever commented on the gray, or someone who has a low member number, or someone who knows we have a wiki. I think I joined in 2012 so some of the in jokes I finally get through sheer repetition. But who are these power users of which you speak? Also, apologies for the derail. I think it would be swell if the podcast added a few other folks from time to time, good idea nightrecordings!
posted by Bella Donna at 1:58 PM on July 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Bella Donna at 1:58 PM on July 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
Members of the cabal are power users.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 2:18 PM on July 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 2:18 PM on July 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
Hey now....
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 3:10 PM on July 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 3:10 PM on July 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
Thus there are no power users...
to speak of.
posted by Devils Rancher at 6:47 PM on July 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
to speak of.
posted by Devils Rancher at 6:47 PM on July 11, 2020 [2 favorites]
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posted by Tehhund at 9:24 AM on July 4, 2020 [49 favorites]