Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Podcasting/Archive 5

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Podcasting template

I'm going to start working on the podcasting template and put it here so other can contribute if they'd like. I'm realizing as I work on it that part of the problem is simply the lack of development of higher importance podcast articles such as genres and technologies.

TipsyElephant (talk) 14:03, 29 January 2021 (UTC)

Category descriptions

There has been quite a bit of confusion around the categories and I think a lot of the confusion stems from a lack of descriptions on the category pages. For instance, Scripted podcasts was deleted because there was confusion as to what counted and Category:Comic book podcasts was recently moved to Category:Fiction podcasts even though only one of the seven articles even contains the word "fiction" and the category could very well include critiques and reviews of comic books, events like comic convention, comic sales, live action role-playing, comic design and creation, and a host of other non-fiction topics. I'm starting a discussion here so we can discuss changes to category descriptions and hopefully clear up confusion for future editors. I could see Wolverine (podcast) being placed under a new fiction category called Superhero_fiction, but it would most definitely be a WP:SMALLCAT as it's the only article I'm aware of that would count. TipsyElephant (talk) 15:01, 28 January 2021 (UTC)

Perhaps I should move each discussion to their talk pages and simply link to the discussions here. Let me know if anyone thinks I should do this. TipsyElephant (talk) 19:16, 28 January 2021 (UTC)

I think it's fine to start work here, but definitely put an alert on the relevant talk pages (both the categories' and, perhaps, the podcasts'). Carter (talk) 20:23, 29 January 2021 (UTC)

Comic book podcasts

I'll start with Category:Comic book podcasts. The current description for a Category:Comic book podcasts is:

• "This category refers to any podcast program with comic books as the primary subject of discussion."

I'm proposing that the description include more explicit examples. Obviously we can change this before making a change on the actual category page and I'm making the discussion here specifically so that I can get feedback on the best wording before changing anything. Here is my initial proposal:

• "This category includes any podcast with comic books or comic book related culture as the primary subject of discussion. This can include but is not limited to journalism, news, reviews, and analysis of comic books, interviews with comic book artists, writers, editors, and other key figures of comic book creation and the comic book industry, discussions on comic-related events such as comic convention, comic sales, and live action role-playing, comic-related discussions about toys, movies, videogames, cartoons, websites, literature, and other media, debates or trivia related to comics, or audio dramas based on comics." TipsyElephant (talk) 15:01, 28 January 2021 (UTC)

Fantasy podcasts

There currently is no description for Category:Fantasy podcasts so I'll be going off of the Fantasy page and these sources I found that discuss "Fantasy podcasts".

• This article has a heavy emphasis on magic and witches, fictional creatures and monsters, and medieval settings. Romano, Aja (October 31, 2019). "Witches and monsters and ghosts, oh, my! Seven audio dramas with a touch of magic: These fantasy podcast recs let you indulge your witchy side". Vox. Retrieved January 28, 2021. magical podcasts to bring your ears the sounds of the occult, including urban and high fantasies, a touch of the Weird, and more ... lots of magical theory ... land full of magic ... magical realism ... the adventures of a troll ... roleplaying podcast ... high fantasy tropes: court intrigues, dragons ... nods to roleplaying adventure games ... Supernatural ... werewolf ... monsters are real
• This article has a heavy emphasis on medieval themes such as princes, castles, realms, and kingdoms as well as a focus on magic and fictional creatures and monsters. Riley, David (February 12, 2020). "Gimlet's LGBTQ Podcast 'The Two Princes' Nearing Film Adaptation Deal From Spotify and HBO Max". TV Movie Fix. Retrieved January 28, 2021. fantasy podcast with revolving LGBTQ themes ... When Prince Rupert sets out to break the mysterious curse that's destroying his kingdom, he's ready to face whatever dastardly villain or vile monster stands in his way ... a powerful sorceress named Malkia invades their kingdom ... Driven from their castle, the princes set off on a quest to collect an assortment of magical items
• This article demonstrates that there is a large overlap between Scifi and Fantasy. Liptak, Andrew (February 18, 2018). "Imaginary Worlds is the slick, deep-dive podcast sci-fi and fantasy fans need to hear". The Verge. Retrieved January 28, 2021. science fiction and fantasy culture ... deep dive into the world of science fiction and fantasy ... fictional universes ... genre tropes (Saving the Girl and Sexy Robots)
• This article claims that Critical Role is a fantasy podcast, which suggests that similar roleplaying podcasts are fantasy as well. McMillan, Graeme (June 15, 2020). "Dark Horse to Release 'Critical Role' Hardcover Omnibus". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 28, 2021. Critical Role ... the popular fantasy podcast
• This article claims that The Adventure Zone is a fantasy podcast, which suggests that similar roleplaying podcasts are fantasy as well. The article also emphasizes magic and fictional creatures and monsters. Sava, Oliver (May 7, 2018). "This The Adventure Zone exclusive brings the zany fantasy podcast to comics". AVclub. Retrieved January 28, 2021. The Adventure Zone podcast has been delighting listeners for years with its blend of exciting fantasy storytelling ... Taako the elf wizard, Merle the dwarf cleric, and Magnus the human warrior are searching for a man abducted by gerblins
• This article claims that The Adventure Zone is a fantasy podcast, and is also very explicit about differentiating fantasy from romance fiction, historical fiction, mystery fiction, and horror fiction. Ahlin, Charlotte (May 2, 2018). "The One Podcast You're Guaranteed To Love, Based On Your Favorite Kind Of Book: If You Like Fantasy, Try 'The Adventure Zone'". Bustle. Retrieved January 28, 2021. audio storytelling, but The Adventure Zone manages to strike the perfect balance between silliness, epic adventure, world-building, butt jokes, arcane magic, and family goofs.

Based on the sources and the Fantasy page I propose a description along the lines of:

• "This category includes any podcast with a fantasy world or story as the primary subject of discussion. This can include but is not limited to stories that are set in a fictional world inspired by the medieval era or myth, folklore, and legend. D&D or roleplaying podcasts typically fall under this category. The focus is typically on magic, sourcery, witches, wizards, warlocks, and fictional or magical creatures, monsters, and beasts such as dwarves, elves, ors, and goblins. Alternatively, science fiction would focus on fictional advances in science and horror fiction would focus on the macabre." TipsyElephant (talk) 19:13, 28 January 2021 (UTC)

I'd cut the "inspired by the medieval era or myth, folklore, and legend" line or at least add a qualifier like "inspired by, but not limited to," or "often inspired by." There's going to be areas where there's overlap between Fantasy, SciFi, and/or Horror and I don't think there's value in going too deep into subgenres (urban fantasy, science fantasy, etc.) unless the higher level category is overflowing with articles. There's more value in distinguishing between scripted vs. live play vs. commentary/reviews. Carter (talk) 20:23, 29 January 2021 (UTC)

Okay, so I decided to just go ahead and create a Fantasy podcast article. What do you think of the introduction:

• "A Fantasy podcast is a podcast belonging to the fantasy genre, which usually focuses on the magical, supernatural, mythical, or folkloric. Fantasy podcasts are set in fictional universes or fantasy worlds that are often reminiscent of the Middle Ages. Despite having a fictional setting, fantasy podcasts can contain or reference locations, events, or people from the real world. Characters in these stories often encounter magical creatures and monsters such as dwarves, elves, goblins, ogres, trolls, giants, unicorns, dragons, and fairies. The creators and intended audience of a fantasy podcast can vary from young children to adults. Fantasy podcasts developed out of radio dramas and role-playing games. Fantasy podcasts are a subgenre of fiction podcasts and are distinguished from science fiction podcasts and horror podcasts by the absence of scientific or macabre themes, respectively, though these subgenres regularly overlap. Fantasy podcasts have often been adapted into television programs, graphic novels, and comics." TipsyElephant (talk) 12:35, 1 February 2021 (UTC)

I think that's too specific. Avatar: The Last Airbender, for example, is clearly fantasy, even though it is not based on the European Middle Ages or have monsters such as dwarves, elves, etc. The Far Meridian is magical realism, which is a subset of fantasy.starsandwhales (talk) 17:52, 1 February 2021 (UTC)

I'd agree. It's trying to hammer a limiting description to a much broader genre. It also fences out non-fiction podcasts that provide commentary on and reviews of fantasy films, books, RPGs, etc. (which is similar to the problem created when Category:comic book podcasts was moved to a subcategory of fiction) I made some edits to the page, but didn't address starsandwhales's concern. Carter (talk) 18:04, 1 February 2021 (UTC)

Yeah, I'm starting to warm up to the idea that nonfiction podcasts that discuss fiction subjects count because I've started coming across sources that say they are. For instance, Imaginary Worlds appears to fall into this type of podcast and it's called a fantasy/sci-fi podcast by the source. I know that some fantasy podcasts aren't focused on the middle ages, but the available sources indicate it's a common theme, but obviously it's not a requirement. I'll try including a sentence that mentions it can be a podcast that dicusses or critiques fantasy topics. I think Avatar would fit the description because it does focus on "magical, supernatural, mythical, or folkloric ... [set in a] fictional universe or fantasy world," perhaps we should change "magical creatures" to simply "fictional creatures"? I'm wondering if it would be worth renaming "comic book podcasts" to "superhero podcasts" or "comic book and superhero podcasts". I'll probably make a genre article for that as well at some point and sifting through all the sources will probably help determine the best name and whether it should truly be included under fiction or not. TipsyElephant (talk) 19:26, 1 February 2021 (UTC)

I think, in general, there's more to be gained by being concise than by being comprehensive. Compare the lede for fantasy literature, it gets the same distinctions and points across without being as wordy or limiting. (The fantasy film article has a similarly more concise lede, although the last sentence listing typical elements seems overmuch to me.) As for "comic book" vs. "superhero", superheroes are a type of comic, not the full medium. Both Marvel's Wolverine and The Bright Sessions both have superpowered main characters, but the later doesn't involve superheroes, per se. It would make sense, in my mind, for both to be listed under Category:Comic book podcasts, but not under Category:Superhero podcasts. At the same time, even though comic book commentary podcast outnumber scripted podcasts featuring comic book characters and tropes, to not include Wolverine in Category:Comic books makes no sense even if it's fictional and other podcasts in the category aren't.Carter (talk) 20:44, 1 February 2021 (UTC)

Collaboration of the month for February: Dirty Diana!

Put discussions about the collaboration here or on its talk page!starsandwhales (talk) 18:11, 3 February 2021 (UTC)