First some quick updates:

Welcome to the first blog post of ONE More Thing! The reason why I started to blog again (Old Blog www.warandmore.blogspot.com ) is mostly a result of having no free time….?

I finally started my new job at the gravel pit and work 12hr days and 6 days a week. I will be working there until October when I can resume my schooling. Unfortunately, there were some complications with my degree that have prevented me from finishing this term. Needless to say, work has been a great opportunity for me to save up money and continue to finish my program later in the year. So between finding a job and dealing with school frustrations, I haven’t had much motivation to podcast or do much of anything. However, now that the dust has settled and I have a moment to think here’s what you can expect from myself and the site for the next while:

• The rate of content will slow down, but episodes will continue to be produced.
•  I will start to blog to fill in the waiting time, I have lots on my mind and its not always easier to podcast all my opinions
• I am going to focus on improving the fundamentals of all the War and More Radio Shows, there is still lots I could do to improve the site.
• Continue to have fun!!

IMPORTANT!!!

I would like to dedicate today’s post to both Christina from Deepstrike Radio and Cameron (Iron Joe Galka) Akers. It saddens my heart to hear of their passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to their friends and families during this tragic time. Make sure to show your support by going to www.dust-warfare.net and www.deepstrikeradio.com. Kind words may not make things better, but its a start…

PAYING FOR A PODCAST? R U MAD BRO?

Throughout, my time as a blogger/podcaster I have noticed this interesting trend within our hobby and media in general.  There is an aggressive drive for people to make money using their podcast/videos/blogs. In contrast, there are also people who go out of their way to hack down on any individual or group that tries to have their “hobby” pay for itself. I find both of these viewpoints fairly extreme and baffling to be honest. You have people who create a product or blog/videos and after a while they put a lot of time (years) and effort into their work. However, as their free time disappears and money becomes scarce (humm sounds oddly familiar) these people eventually have to make a choice to either support it full time (as a proper job) or to keep it a hobby with no return on investment.

As a result you get these two unique camps that people tend to fall into. Those who seek to make a profit doing what they want and those who love to do it for the art and fun of the hobby. Is one viewpoint better then the other? No, I am certain its both a matter of perspective and managing viewer/listener expectations. Should these people make money? Should people be expected to create quality content for extended hours everyday without an monetary exchange? To be honest there is no right answer, but here’s my opinion on this highly controversial topic…

   IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO TRAVEL TO MARS, AND IT WAS A ONE WAY TRIP…WOULD YOU TAKE IT?

For the longest time I have contemplated this concept of: “Taking the plunge” or “Full Investment into Your Hobby”. Would it still be fun? Would I care about what I am talking about enough to actually do it day in and day out? I have looked back to my past for any clear indicators, a clue or anything that was like “Yup thats what I was born to do” yadayada. The truth is: while there are certain interests and skills I might have, it means nothing if I don’t take the steps to refine my craft or take that initial risk. 

Anyways, should people take the plunge and start asking people to pay for their content. Sure! Absolutely, but with that said people should be aware of the risks and affects it will have on your reputation in the short/long run. Creating an “extra” show every week for 10 dollars, might seem like a great business strategy…and it might be economically, but its so counter intuitive to how consumers actually think. Exclusive content seems pretty decent at first, like for example a special members section or back stage content. Economically it has proven to be a decent strategy which has been shown by leading industry examples like: Beast of War and Mini-wargaming. For some reason though, I feel that these exclusives are too artificial and ultimately can be found on any free blog/youtube channel on the internet. Now I am not some marketing genius obviously, but here are some potential theories that could help provide alternatives, or at the very least generate some food for thought:

• Customize the viewer/listener’s experience, don’t reduce or alienate content.
•  Provide a variety of options for supporters to participate in the show.
• Create events or live streams to drive interest.
• Bring in special guests or specialist in your hobby.
• Make it as non-intrusive as possible….donate buttons are useful, but give the wrong impression.

In the video game industry, there has been a huge surge in free to play games. League of Legends, Smite and Warframe are rapidly becoming some of the most wildly played games across the world. Podcasts/Blogs should be approached with this mindset in order to be successful in the near future. Just my two cents, but the first group to figure this out will benefit.

To close out this blog post, I would like to say that at this moment in time War and More Radio is not going to become a premium product. Although I love the show and put a lot of my personal time into it. I do not think we have grown enough to even contemplate it to be honest. In a niche market like wargaming or a bloated market like video games, you better make sure you have quality equipment/scheduling skills/Industry experience. I am more then happy to have us grow at a steady pace and stay as hobby/game first podcast. I do have dreams and ambitions for this show in the future, but at this moment in time. I just want to enjoy every moment of it and drive my creativity. Oddly enough, people think that podcasts compete against one another. To an extent this is true, but in reality we are actually working together as collective blob of sheer wargaming awesomeness.

Until next time, see you on MARS!!

ADAM. Follow on Twitter @ATT64