September 19, 2009
Episode 25: Mark(ing) Time
One of the benefits of producing a netcast like this one is the opportunity it gives us to interview various ASL “celebrities”. So far none of them have shown any self-awareness of that “celebrity” status, though they all most assuredly deserve the title, given the time and effort they dedicate to the hobby and — more importantly — donate to the community.
Our guest today is no exception, though his contributions to The Game are exceptional indeed. Mark Pitcavage (Dr. Mark Pitcavage, if one were to honor his PhD in history) is a name well known in ASL circles, and we were very pleased to “meet” him today for the first time to chat about our favorite topic. We think you’ll find the discussion entertaining and informative. If you’ve never visited Mark’s web site, dedicated to Advanced Squad Leader, then you’re missing out. Check it out as soon as you can at http://www.desperationmorale.com/
Yes, we are very lucky to get to talk to so many NICE gamers, any one of whom you should have no fear taking home and introducing to your mother. Oh wait. That would be a wee bit creepy.
Before we start Mark(ing) Time, though, we still make room to sift through some listener mail (of course!) and indulge in our other usual antics. Stick around. This is a good one.
CPL UHL said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:40 pm
Great interview guys!!!!!
Once again, I get the first comment. Whoo hooo!
David L. said,
September 20, 2009 @ 10:54 pm
Dear Gang:
Interesting interview. I was glad that someone finally provided the average ASL printrun (5,000 copies). I had seen that number kicked around a few times, but I had never seen it confirmed.
I would also be interested in purchasing an ASL strategy guide. Maybe Dr. Pitcavage will be motivated by the interview.
By the way, you can call me Dr. David L. if you want… ; - )
Danny Secary said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
So the ‘I Play ASL’ buttons are they going to be on P500 soon?
David L. said,
September 21, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
ASL also stands for American Sign Language. Don’t ask. Let’s just all agree to do as I say, not as I do.
Danny Secary said,
September 22, 2009 @ 7:12 am
You could use the same graphic from the T-Shirts, that way it will differentiate between us and them…
Stephan Rasmussen said,
September 22, 2009 @ 7:55 am
Congratulations on a great episode guys.
I enjoyed all of it but specific parts really got me thinking..
When Mark mentioned that copies of Panzerblitz sold just as much as NY times best selling book was that a casual remark or based on actual numbers? I had a discussion with some friends about the validity of that comment and it seems that NY times bestsellers apparently sell in the millions where as Panzerblitz have sold maybe an estimated 300,000 copies or so in all.. (which is alot considering the normal print run for a wargame is 5000 as mentioned in the podcast)
Another comment: When you mentioned that the interview with Mark brought the fun back for you guys in making the podcast I just want to mention that I personally did notice in maybe the last two episodes before this one that you were not having as much fun as earlier on. My plea is simple.. Don’t stop! You are great for the hobby and always fun to listen to.
Cheers from Denmark Stephan Rasmussen
Bill said,
September 22, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
Hey Guys, I had not noticed the “Fun” comment before.I hope that this never becomes like a job, but if it does it’s time to stop.I hope that day never comes because I love the show and think that the entertainment value is off the charts.I always get a laugh or two, and am always anxious to invite a new episode into my home. But, if it becomes like work,then that would marginalize the show, and perhaps eventually your passion for ASL. May that never happen.Thanks much guys for your hard work, it is appreciated.
The 2 Half-Squads said,
September 22, 2009 @ 1:56 pm
Thanks for your comments, Stephan (from Denmark) and Bill. Every show is different, of course, but so far we have never done a show that we didn’t thoroughly enjoy. In fact, we often take a few minutes before recording to remind ourselves how much fun ASL is and how we want to convey that feeling as much as possible when “on-the-air”, without sounding fake or coming off like a couple of goof-balls. (That’s right we try to NOT sound like goof-balls!) I guess it doesn’t come through for everyone all the time. Believe me, though, our hearts are in it. And it’s notes and comments from our loyal listeners — such as you — that keep us encouraged and enthused.
We’re still have a great time with T2HS and have many plans for future shows. The only problem is, I’m afraid we’re going to run out of box art waaaaay before we run out of show topics. Oh nooooooo!
Thank YOU all for listening and for writing.
Roll low, and rally well.
Jeff (and Dave)
Andy Beaton said,
September 22, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
>>(That’s right we try NOT to sound like goof-balls!)
Just for the record… the 3 Stooges Beer Opener doesn’t help
CPL UHL said,
September 22, 2009 @ 9:41 pm
>>>The only problem is, I’m afraid we’re going to run out of box art waaaaay before we run out of show topics. Oh nooooooo
How about bck o’ the box art, or counter art, or dice art, or scenario cart art, or art art.
JasonB said,
September 23, 2009 @ 7:12 am
My favorite part was when Mark P. said he was writing a strategy guide for ASL. Now that he’s let that cat out of the bag, though, I hope there’s no Canadian ASLer that will start writing one and put it out at the same time as Mark.
Bob H. said,
September 23, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Great interview with Mark guys.
I’m waiting on that C4 counter cutter for being a guest of the show.
Bob Miller said,
September 23, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
Listening to the Pitman episode. I kinda forgot about your podcasts but I’m making up for lost time and listening to past episodes. Great job guys. One, I need to stay in better contact w/ the NW suburb guys and make sure I line up an occasional game w/ those folks (you boys included). Secondly, you guys should have an semi-occasional Holst update. For good or for ill he is the most intreging Chicago area ASL presence. His latest activities are two scenarios being contributed to Fortenbery on the next MMP AP using those new style 20 hex wide boards. Also he is starting to work on a mini CG based on the 1941 battles on/around Yelna. Hope you two are doing well and hopefully I will check in you guys for a game shortly.
Hi Bob, Thanks for your comments. We glad you’ve re-found the show and are enjoying it. The Holst idea is a good one. We’ll drop him a line, and perhaps entice him with the promise of a celebrity goodie-bag (C4 Corner Cutter and a copy of the home version of “Box Art Review”). Hope to see you soon for a game or a visit to the broadcast foxhole. Jeff (and Dave)
Jay R. said,
September 24, 2009 @ 10:48 am
JasonB says: “My favorite part was when Mark P. said he was writing a strategy guide for ASL. Now that he’s let that cat out of the bag, though, I hope there’s no Canadian ASLer that will start writing one and put it out at the same time as Mark.”
Personally, I hope you’re not suggesting that he should be the final word on what gets printed regarding ASL. If you listen to the 2podcasts review of both scenario design books (I take it you are referring to them with your comments about the Canadian ASLer), you’ll find that both books were well liked by the 2halfsquads, and the “Canadian” book is currently doing better on the publisher’s sales charts. I bet there is room for more than one author in ASL no matter what the topic; probably why people keep coming forward with new publications, podcasts, journals, websites etc. all the time. Let the market decide.
Casta said,
September 24, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
Another fun episode; LOL a couple times listening.
“Goof Ball” is a positive attribute of the program.
I hope it stays fun for you.
Peace,
Casta
Daniel Brown said,
September 25, 2009 @ 10:44 am
I really enjoyed that interview. Mark Pitcavage is being modest. On ConsimWorld Forum he is very active and answers a lot of questions. I think he is more significant in the ASL community than he thinks.
I do hope you continue to have fun with the podcast. I enjoy this podcast more than any of the other 14 podcasts that I listen to. All I am trying to say is I appreciate the work you put into this. Having said that, if you ever don’t find it fun than quit and go play some more ASL. Don’t worry about me, I have 14 other podcasts.
theSandmanCymru said,
October 5, 2009 @ 4:45 am
Another great podcast and another brilliant interview.
I’m one of the players Mark talked about - I own all the core modules (apart from Bushido), the starter kits, the Journals and other official products - but have only played 4 starter kit scenarios! (solo) - and despite the limited playing - if 3 products were released each year I’d be first in the queue
Mark - please get the bug to finish your book - count me in for a copy!!!
Cheers guys - keep up the good work - roll low and may your beer glass never be empty!!!!
Cheers
Phil
Scott said,
October 14, 2009 @ 10:04 am
I recently caught the ASL bug again, having been away from the game for several years. I dug out the rule book and started reading it again. Then I decided to search the internet for any evidence that this hobby was still alive. That’s when I discovered your podcasts and have started listening from Episode 1; just finished listening to Episode 4. You guys are great to listen to and I’m enjoying the content of the podcasts.
I moved from Schaumburg, down to Nashville, ten years ago and my ASL game time has been very sporadic since. I’ve been able to find a few people willing to learn Classic SL, but when they see the ASL rule book thickness and contemplate the time commitment in learning ASL, none have taken the challenge. It was awesome to learn you guys are from the Palatine area and hearing you mention the Games Plus store. That’s the store I originally bought SL, ASL, and numerous other AHGC products from. Had I still lived in the area I would try to hook up with your group.
It’s been very difficult finding FtF opponents, but your podcasts have renewed a passion for ASL in me. I’m going to start searching for some local ASL opponents again.