20150719 - Art Bell Open Lines Test Show - Live Chat Thread

[CornyCrow]

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I dug the show tonight.  I saw some comments about redacted and it not fitting, but I think that's way too early to call.  She was cut off nearly every skype call that ended, and she was very knowledgable about all the guest suggestions people made on the open lines. 

Whether or not I enjoyed her as a test for co-host, I mean, I don't know.  The portions she was on I liked a lot, but that was what, maybe a total of 10 minutes?

But MAN, it was so great hearing Art again.  I had apple earbuds on and I set Tunein on my phone to use the highest quality stream and it sounded amazing.  They solve those internet issues and they're going to have one slick production

Redacted is a total lightweight.
I think all of her comments but one (the disappearing sofa) were merely rehashes of the statements before hers. 
At one point I really think she thought that George W was running for the presidency - which means she has no knowledge of Jeb.
I don't know what Art was doing with her on the show, maybe he lost a bet.
If he seriously thought she'd be a good fit, he's just as delusional as was John McCain when he chose his running mate.  A thing like that could ruin you.
I don't mind a co-host, but it has to be someone who has an inquiring mind over a variety of subjects and not a high school cheerleader.

[SnapT]

I think all of her comments but one (the disappearing sofa) were merely rehashes of the statements before hers.

Wasn't Madman's sofa disappearance story from a very early C2C appearance of his?  Was Redacted saying that his sofa recently disappeared AGAIN?  If not, that was a rehash too.

At one point I really think she thought that George W was running for the presidency - which means she has no knowledge of Jeb.

Indeed, I thought the same.  Otherwise, why would she be so shocked that Trump was beating Bush?  Jeb doesn't have much more than a famous family name to qualify him for president.  Trump is a famous billionaire who has created tens of thousands of jobs.

[MarkP]

Jesus Christ... I missed the test show, but luckily it's available for download via my Time Travelers account.

BUT!!!!!!

This podcast format is HORSESHIT. The 3-single hour format NEVER works. Every radio show that's done this is the past quickly became not worth listening to, in my opinion.

The issue is some mp3 players don't recognize the sequence, thus the show is played out of order.

They need to edit the segments together into a single 3-hour podcast or just record the whole show in one shot and release the podcast that way. This 3 single individual hoursly podcasts has got to go.

Sorry for complaining, but I needed to vent and hope some people feel the same. I emailed Keith about it. Unsure if it will be resolved.

I had the same conversation with Dave from Darkness Radio and his response was "Sorry. That's just the way the station does it." Which was oh so helpful...... 

While I'll deal with the three, single hour, files - I'd much prefer the whole show (with music edits) as a single block for download.

[wr250]

to all of you wannabe podcasters: what if you, a seldom heard, small time podcaster, were invited to sit in with one of the all time best broadcasters ever?
i know i would suck (but not as much as some other late night hosts), how about yew?
i think (redacted) did just fine, all things considered.

[Bart Ell]

This is Art Bell, not Make-A-Wish.

[onan]

to all of you wannabe podcasters: what if you, a seldom heard, small time podcaster, were invited to sit in with one of the all time best broadcasters ever?
i know i would suck (but not as much as some other late night hosts), how about yew?
i think (redacted) did just fine, all things considered.

Truth to jealousy

[wr250]

Truth to jealousy

im not jealous of (redacted) at all

[SixWeekTenure(tm)]

Keeping the show as three one hour uploads for the podcast is just plain lazy, sorry. I know $5/month isn't much but Time Travelers like me can avoid the bullshit with the current RSS feed and download the complete show as one file immediately after it ends through private channels. Give people a reason to sub by showing us that you care. It's been a month and yet alternatives to Paypal (and the fact that the account system is built around it) for subscribers hasn't been addressed.

[onan]

im not jealous of (redacted) at all

My statement was suggesting that was what you were doing. I agree with your sentiments, completely on this issue, probably many others as well.

[SnapT]

to all of you wannabe podcasters: what if you, a seldom heard, small time podcaster, were invited to sit in with one of the all time best broadcasters ever?
i know i would suck (but not as much as some other late night hosts), how about yew?
i think (redacted) did just fine, all things considered.

Redacted wasn't the problem, the very idea of Art Bell having a co-host was the problem.

Though if Art felt he HAD to bring on a co-host, I would want it to be someone he has decades of experience with, like Linda Moulten Howe for example.

[nooryisawesome]

People bitching about 3 files is silly. I agree a co host is a bad idea. Why not have her on for a special segment every few weeks?

[Skunk Ape]

I had to go to bed after the first hour last night, but it seems like the last hour and a half didn't bode well for some of you? I'll check it out at work today.

I also am no fan of the 3 separate files for the podcast, but I'm sure that will get worked out. I wasn't even sure they'd have even offered last nights show for download so I left my computer recording after I went to bed. The three files are easier to splice together than it is for me to edit all the commercials out myself.

That being said, the RSS feed is what needs to be taken care of quickly. I'd love to not have to sync my iPod with my computer every day.

Every thing is going to only get better and I'm happy with the show and the mood around here now that Art's back

[UnscreenedCaller]

Why do people have the impression Art now has a co-host? There are two issues here. One is, people registered here and left after Sirius, so they haven't been following the forum discussions with Art. Art never mentioned a permanent co-host. He mentioned trying something new, maybe having Redacted sit in on some open lines nights for lighter open lines. I wish I could find the exact quotes, but you are free to look at Art's posts and find them yourself. The other issue is Redacted is one of our own, she's worked damned hard publicizing Art's show and conducted a very professional interview with him at his ranch. Yes, at his ranch.

Now maybe there's some jealousy present, or maybe people don't like anyone sitting in with Art. I get it, everyone's entitled to their opinions and this might not fly with people. But Redacted is one of our own, and we like her, and she's not one of Art's professional guests who are selling books and are aware they will get negative feedback. Some of the comments last night were downright insulting and unfair to both. Art was fine tuning a lot of potential issues, including problems on his open lines nights when Redacted may or may not sit in, that's all. It's not the Art and Redacted Show. Jesus, get a grip.

And no, not liking a co-host doesn't make a person a Davebot but we've seen Davebots in action here in the past, including Dave himself, and I'm willing to bet there were a few here last night trying to throw the conversation off of the show and into a fight. In other words, the usual crap from the people who are soiling themselves this morning at PremRat.

[CornyCrow]

Redacted wasn't the problem, the very idea of Art Bell having a co-host was the problem.

Though if Art felt he HAD to bring on a co-host, I would want it to be someone he has decades of experience with, like Linda Moulten Howe for example.

I agree.  Linda has a voice that people run from, though. 
I don't know what could have provoked Art to choose Redacted.  He needs someone (well, he really needs no one to co-host) with whom he can have a good conversation.  Someone who can hold up his or her end.  Someone, perhaps, like that guy who called who had retired from NBC - Art and he had a good talk about the deterioration of journalistic productions, the controlling of the news rather than the presentation of facts. 

Art knows more than a little about a lot of topics and he is always learning, which is what makes him a fascinating interviewer.  A co-host must be of that caliber, not just specializing in one area.  He/she also should have an open mind and not steer conversations in a biased manner.  He/she should also not allow the show to be a platform for various political philosophies. 

[Bleefy]

^^ Exactly what Unscreened Caller said.  I thought that (Redacted) was just fine, considering that she's really only supposed to be there for open lines.

Also, I thought the test show was more or less good, despite the glitches at the end. Art had a lot of energy and enthusiasm, which carried over well. The audio sounded great. And, best of all, he opened with The Chase! I almost fell out of bed when I heard that song.

[Razlo]

I agree, the whole "Three File" gripe is just ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous!! That's not a valid reason to pirate the show.

Also, If Art want's a co-host, he can have a co-host. Let him decide. He's not going to put out a bad product on purpose. He just sat through a two year non-compete because he thought the format on SATCOM wasn't working and that the show was weak on SiriusXM. I would think that's enough proof of his commitment to quality.

As for (Redacted)'s performance, I thought she did well. If they had been in the same studio, side by side, the show would have flowed better via visual cues as to when she is suppose to speak without stepping on Art. Without that, any co-host is going to have a hard time knowing when to come in.

With regards to the official launch tonight, it's going to be awesome if all the tech glitches can be ironed out.

[ZomZom]

Listened to hour 1 live and am now listening to hour 2 on my iPhone at work. I am thrilled to say the least. 

And I'm taking leave tomorrow so I can listen to the inaugural show live tonight.

[Fearlessjay]

I like the individual hours as a podcast. Not a fan of one big file. Caravan to Midnight offers both though which seems the best option.

[ZomZom]

Love Art's excitement when he learns the test show is on shortwave.

[Zetaspeak]

I think people are freaking out WAY too much over the Redacted thing, it actually made a lot of sense she was there. First, Art had no idea how the Skype line would work. Will it be a problem? Will he not get any calls. Nobody news how successful or busy it will be. Redacted was a smart safety blanket, if the phone lines go to sh*t he has a back up where he can have a discussion with somebody who he had good chemistry with when he did that interview with her. Secondly this was a test run, it a smart way to test the mechanics of the show and see if he can keep a guest (Redacted) and still take calls on other lines. If there any glitches it's good to have it happen during the test show.

I listened to the last hour an a half, there was so much positive. First and foremost Art sounded great, it was just so classic Art. The quick wit, the ability to talk about diverse topics, I love the chuckling *winking at the audience* on the more absurd calls. Just perfect Art.

Secondly the audience stepped up, there seemed to be callers at the ready every time out. There was no need for stalling. The quality of callers were much better than C2C has been recently. Love the diversity from old to young, male to female, smart, wacky and the creepy lol. Very few duh or boring callers, and very limit number of political talk crap you get now with C2C.

Of course the only negative is the technical issues, hopefully we can get that cleared up. But the substance of the show was on perfect point.

[Skunk Ape]

I agree, the whole "Three File" gripe is just ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous!! That's not a valid reason to pirate the show.

I agree. But when downloading the files to play from an iPhone or other mobile device, it would be easier to have one file, no?

All pirates of the show should be thrown to the lions, but those of us who record in order to have intact bumper music for the archive should only be thrown to the kittens, as long as we can provide our Time Traveling papers.

[FightTheFuture]

I couldnt get the stream working last night? Is there some kind of trick? What am I missing here?

[ZomZom]

I couldnt get the stream working last night? Is there some kind of trick? What am I missing here?

How were you trying to access the show?  I used the TuneIn player.

[FightTheFuture]

How were you trying to access the show?  I used the TuneIn player.

Through the website.  Just kept buffering and nothing happened. The website was confusing, at BEST.

[cweb]

I think people are freaking out WAY too much over the Redacted thing, it actually made a lot of sense she was there. First, Art had no idea how the Skype line would work. Will it be a problem? Will he not get any calls. Nobody news how successful or busy it will be. Redacted was a smart safety blanket, if the phone lines go to sh*t he has a back up where he can have a discussion with somebody who he had good chemistry with when he did that interview with her. Secondly this was a test run, it a smart way to test the mechanics of the show and see if he can keep a guest (Redacted) and still take calls on other lines. If there any glitches it's good to have it happen during the test show.

Totally agree. I'm not so sure if Art needs to have a "co-host" of sorts, but having Redacted there in this case made a lot of sense.

She did a good job on the air and I like her- but once the technology settles, I prefer a solo Art for most of the show.

The idea of having her come in every so often with a segment or report is really cool! Kind of like how LMH would talk about stuff on Dreamland. I could warm up to having her hang with Art during open lines, though.

[Zetaspeak]

Thanks Cweb, I got a "casual chat"vibe like Art had with LMH as well when he was talking with Redacted.

I was following DMTalk on twitter as well, there was some pretty good action. It's kind funny that this test show had way more twitter action on it than any C2C show I've seen.

[TazarYoot]

Wasn't Madman's sofa disappearance story from a very early C2C appearance of his?  Was Redacted saying that his sofa recently disappeared AGAIN?  If not, that was a rehash too.

Yeah I'm fairly certain the sofa incident was from an earlier interview, it sounds familiar I just can't place my finger on it and I didn't really feel like calling her out. So unless he's made two couches disappear (which maybe wouldn't surprise me)...But regardless, the fact that Art's kept in touch and plans on talking to madman again just makes me happy. With a grain of salt that will make for some entertaining radio I'm sure.

[Fearlessjay]

I am surprised the music is cut so much when so much drama was made about it. Seems strange.

[Sy-Klone]

I'm a long time listener, and I'll chime in to say that it was wonderful to hear Art back on the air, live with open lines and his awesome, classic bumper music. Wonderful, and I stayed up way too late listening to it. I hope the technical glitches get ironed out (and I think they will, that's the whole reason for a test show).

Now, for an unpopular opinion around these parts...

I don't like the co-host idea.

Please understand: It's nothing personal against Redacted. She seemed great, and it seemed like this was a nice way for Art to repay a lot of her effort by letting her be involved in the test show, and that's great, and I'm happy for her, and I'm grateful for her efforts.

I'm talking generally about the suggestion that Art and a co-host (ANY co-host) should be tried out. I don't like it. It could be someone with the bona fides of a George Knapp or John Wells, and I still wouldn't like it. I'd still grumble. Because the magic of Art Bell, at least of the Art Bell show that we all love and remember, is the joy of Art as ringmaster for the absurd, for the unconventional, for the off-the-beaten-path, just-around-the-bend, deep in the woods style of broadcasting. Art as interviewer of guests, Art as ringmaster for open lines crazies, Art as a voice in the night. People know Art. People trust Art. The crazies know and trust Art. There's a measure of security in the format that draws the kooks out, and the kooks are often the best parts of the show. But if you bring other people into the conversation, someone that people don't know - I just think it upsets the balance.

Again, I'm speaking generically, not specifically about Redacted. I just think Art needs to do what he's always done. He can always tweak, and I'm not opposed the occasional involvement of some Bellgab regulars (in fact, I'd champion it), much in the same way that Art had a regular stable of frequently involved listeners back in the '90s (Fritz, Charlie Liberal, etc). I'm just not sold on the suggestion of the Art Bell 'n Co-Host Show.

[nooropathy]

Yeah I'm fairly certain the sofa incident was from an earlier interview, it sounds familiar I just can't place my finger on it and I didn't really feel like calling her out. So unless he's made two couches disappear (which maybe wouldn't surprise me)...But regardless, the fact that Art's kept in touch and plans on talking to madman again just makes me happy. With a grain of salt that will make for some entertaining radio I'm sure.

Gabcast caller mentioned contacting MadMan directly.  Caller said he knew MM's mother.  MM was being hit from two directions if that were all true...Art calling him and this other fellow contacting him directly and calling The Gabcast.