Part of my immediately previous post spoke to the community aspect of British History 101 – getting to hear from listeners and having some sort of communication between myself and everyone else. This is an enjoyable method of interaction, but I also appreciate the chance to have a more broad-ranging set of connections between people. In terms of the Internet, I’m referring to fora or message boards. I participate in a few different ones myself, although none of them have to do with British history. This is a situation I would like to change, but I’m having trouble finding a forum dedicated to history (one that isn’t blatantly extremist for some insane perspective, at any rate). Does anyone out there engage in this sort of online exchange, or are we more or less out of luck when it comes to getting together with like-minded historians and history buffs?
Archive for the ‘Miscellaneous’ Category
Interaction: online communities
Posted in Culture, Miscellaneous, tagged community, history fora, interaction, shared knowledge on 23 June 2011| 2 Comments »
Answering criticism
Posted in Miscellaneous, tagged British History 101 on 11 March 2010| 10 Comments »
Constructive criticism is, of course, crucial to any creative endeavor – to refuse to accept criticism is to assert one’s own superiority in an arrogant manner. I welcome criticism to the show, and sincerely take to heart the things people say about British History 101. However, it should be noted that there is a vast difference between constructive criticism and pointless whinging on the part of some listeners. I specifically want to address a few points from iTunes reviews, from both the helpful and non-helpful categories. I doubt that anyone who takes the time to read the blog would ever say some of the more ridiculous things that come across the reviews, but just in case:
Helpful:
“Good podcast, but I haven’t seen one for over 3 months. I agree with other reviews that the podcast is drifting. That is a shame since I really enjoyed the earlier podcasts.”
This is good, and I can completely understand why the reviewer says this. Unfortunately, life tends to intervene, and I can’t put the show up as often as I’d like. However, it is extremely encouraging to know that people enjoy what episodes do exist, and this is a strong motivator.
Not helpful:
“I hate it when Americans do history of other countries.”
It’s hard to know where to begin with this. This comment conveys either absurd American ultranationalism or absurd non-American xenophobia, not to mention academic close-mindedness. I am open to suggestions, but I fail to see how it could possibly be argued that Americans should only interpret American history. And on that note, how exactly does one “do” history? One does yardwork. One does the dishes. One does homework. One does not “do” history.
Helpful:
“This is a good history podcast. However, I would have liked dates in the titles so I could have listened to the history chronologically. I did enjoy every topic except the personal sidenotes sometimes thrown in.”
It makes sense that a person would like to enjoy history chronologically; while this show’s stylistic approach doesn’t cover history in that manner, I can understand why someone would say the above. I can’t say that I’m particularly moved to change that, but I know why the listener would think that way. I have taken the comment about personal sidenotes into consideration; if not outright removed, they can certainly be moved to the very end of the show so that listeners can stop listening as soon as the history ends. A completely valid (and useful) criticism.
Not helpful (towards the end):
“i will say that mr. anthony puts forth some effort into the podcast, but i get a feeling that the author really knows little about british history, or history in general. also, the mis-pronunciations are difficult to stomach. wouldn’t bother downloading this one. would love to see a good british podcast come around though.” [sic]
I will admit that I am not sure which part of my podcast conveys my ignorance of British history. This criticism would make sense if I made a whole slew of factual errors (and I do know I make the occasional mistake), but I don’t believe the show is full of false information. However, I will make sure to inform the history department of the university that I will immediately withdraw from the program due to my ignorance. Now, regarding the mispronunciations: living in southern Indiana, I am not exposed to too terribly many British-accented English speakers, and the podcasts from the BBC to which I listen don’t tend to speak the words that I have trouble with. Unfortunately, the language barrier that divides British from American English speakers is substantial, and so words that come naturally to British English speakers are difficult for me to pronounce. I apologize for these mistakes, but surely anyone listening to the show when I say a word incorrectly at least knows what I’m talking about, and those with a few seconds of free time are more than welcome to email me and let me know how it should be pronounced.
Helpful (blunt, direct, concrete):
“Hi –
look, I appreciate the work you put into this, very much, and I find what you come up with worthwhile — otherwise, I wouldn’t be listening. I am also pretty sure that the majority of your other listeners feel this way.
Therefore, as a piece of honest and well-intended advice: you absolutely need to stop apologizing and/or discussing your tech problems at length, over and over again, all through your podcast. There are few things more annoying than having an interesting bit of history interrupted countless times by you talking about yourself, often questioning your own expertise. Seriously: nobody cares, or they would not be listening. If you do feel the need to add caveats of whatever kind to what you are recording, please do so once at the beginning, if you must, or the very end, but please, please do stick to the history in the in between. That’s what we’re interested in. I don’t mean to sound inconsiderate, but you are not doing yourself or your podcast any favours by obsessing about its (real or imagined) deficiencies all through the program – you’re just putting off your listeners.
Thanks, and keep them coming.
A.” [sic]
This is extremely useful to me. Why? Because the commenter is A) polite B) blunt and C) concrete. They offer real solutions – “Add caveats…once at the beginning, if you must, or at the very end,” and this is only after they have clearly said that they are offering “honest and well-intended advice.” They don’t pull any punches, but they’re polite about it. That is information I can (and will) use to improve the show.
*****
I don’t mind criticism – I really don’t. It is a delight to get an email from a listener who says “Listen, old boy, good effort, but this is just not working correctly, and here’s why…” Comments and emails which say something to the effect of “Americans are too bloody stupid to say our words right” or “Quit talking about anything not related to history” are not helpful, and quickly find the inside of Gmail’s trash system. In all frankness, I would remind some listeners that the show is offered free of charge (any money collected from listeners is done so on a purely at-will basis), and those not wishing to listen are more than welcome to go elsewhere. iTunes is chock full of high-quality podcasts (see especially Dan Carlin’s work), all of which would welcome a new listener. To those of you who are always faithful listners – thank you! To those of you who have offered your assistance and gentle guidance and suggestions – thank you! To those of you who simply can’t stand the word “Magdalen” pronounced as “Mag-duh-len” – I think you know where the “skip” button on your iPods is.
Tours Unbound: a notice for UK-based (or bound) listeners
Posted in Miscellaneous, tagged historic tours, Surrey on 8 February 2010| 1 Comment »
I received an email from a brand new tour company in Surrey a few weeks ago; Tours Unbound offers various expeditions through Surrey, exploring several thousands of years of history from the Stone Age through Henry VIII’s actions against monastic houses. The owner of the company asked if I would be willing to spread the word about this startup – since they’re dedicated to letting clients experience history firsthand, I’m more than happy to do my part to publicize for them. If you’re in the UK or have plans to travel there, I’d recommend you give the company a look and maybe take one of their tours through the area. Check out the website at the above link and tell them you’re coming via British History 101 :)
Mark your calendars!
Posted in Miscellaneous on 30 October 2009| Leave a Comment »
Just in from the Beeb:
TOLKIEN FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR TOWN
“The influence the Welsh language had on books by JRR Tolkien is to form part of a major new festival in Powys to honour the author.
The Festival in the Shire will celebrate themes inspired by Tolkien, whose novels included Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Fans of the writer, leading academics and illustrators are expected to attend the planned event in Machynlleth.”
Read the rest of the article on the BBC Wales site (for some reason, the blog won’t allow me to link it). You can also check out the official site at http://www.festivalintheshire.com where you will find that the festival is planned for 13-15 AUGUST 2010. Mark your calendars – I expect to see ALL of you there!
History on the move
Posted in Miscellaneous, Monarchs, War, tagged Battle of Bosworth Field on 28 October 2009| Leave a Comment »
NEW BATTLE OVER BOSWORTH’S SITE
“Today the spot where he [Richard III] is supposed to have met his end – a victim of treachery rather than military genius – is marked by a roughly-cut stone memorial in a quiet grove.
The plaque upon it reads simply: ‘Richard, the last Plantagenet King of England, was slain here 22nd August, 1485.’
Except that he was not.
According to a team of battlefield experts and historians the location of the battlefield was two miles to the south and west. At the moment they are being no more precise because they fear the activities of illegal treasure seekers.”
Source: BBC
Rather interesting news. I believe several historical reenactments have taken place up near Sutton Cheney, so this is obviously a major change. Personally, I think this is a matter more important for archaeologists than historians, but still fascinating.
New directions? Maybe
Posted in Miscellaneous, tagged education, historical research, London, podcast supporters on 12 October 2009| 2 Comments »
Graduate studies are well underway for the fall term, and it’s been a whirlwind so far (especially last week). Every once in a while, a nice, quite day will sneak up on you, but not often – usually, there’s plenty of reading and discussing to be done. I must say, though, that even with the heavy load, I’m still incredibly lucky – after all, I get to “do” history all day, every day, in a small, intimate atmosphere with some very interesting people. Sometimes (rarely), an undergrad will even show up for assistance, so a small element of teaching (my ultimate goal) is thrown in there, too.
Do I wish I had time to work on the podcast every single day? Yes, very much so. I don’t think a day passes when I don’t think about how much fun it was when I was able to put out a show every two weeks or so and hear from listeners in the following weeks. I am thinking especially of those people who have supported me through the long term and given me encouragement all along the way – TB from TX, WN from UK, and more. Contrary to what you may think, though, I do still spend no small amount of time pondering the show and what I can do with it now.
I’m currently working on a project that’s not strict historical research on my own part, per se, but I think it will still be interesting when it’s completed (and when I’m legally allowed to post it here) and am pondering putting out an audio version of it. I was also offered an incredible opportunity this morning for an event in London on Tuesday 20 October, but, being a lowly graduate student, the finances simply aren’t there to be able to get to London and stay there for a few days. Still, though, receiving invitations remind me of how rewarding British History 101 has been to me, and I sincerely appreciate all the kind words that have been sent my way. I’m still thinking of all of you, and we will have to gather ’round the microphone sometime soon – if for no other reason than to avoid TB coming after me with a large stick to “motivate” me!
A bit of extra listening
Posted in Miscellaneous on 30 March 2009| 2 Comments »
I’m pleased to announce that a conversation about the study and nature of history I had with Mr. Nigel Killick of the great project Peopletalk is now available on the Peopletalk site. Mr. Killick interviewed me several weeks ago and the result is now posted on his site. Check it out here and spend some time looking around the rest of the site – it’s a fascinating project of which I’m honored to have taken part! Thanks, Nigel!
The Dawning of a New Era
Posted in Miscellaneous on 3 February 2009| 5 Comments »
In the hopes that someone out there is still reading this, I thought I’d post a quick update on the show.
I realize it’s been an eternity since I last posted a show, but I’m looking to change that very soon. I assure you there is something in the works, and I want YOUR help with it! Without giving away our next topic, please do contact me if you have any photos, videos, or anything of the like that you may have obtained on your travels to historic locations around Britannia that you would like to share with the show. I promise you won’t regret it!
If you do want to contribute to our next episode, please contact me through any of the following channels:
Email: BritishHistory101[at]gmail.com
Skype: britishhistory101
Twitter: maskaggs
Facebook: Michael Anthony Skaggs
Thank you!
Happy Birthday to HRH The Prince of Wales
Posted in Miscellaneous, Royalty, tagged Order of Merit, Order of the Bath, Order of the Garter, Order of the Thistle, orders of chivalry, Prince Charles on 14 November 2008| 1 Comment »
British History 101, as an interested party in all things both British and historical, would like to extend its warmest wishes to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
This event is doubly interesting to us because of the official portrait selected by HRH for the occasion. Unfortunately, I can’t get a direct file of the photo, but if you click here you’ll see it for yourself.
I’m so interested because of what he’s wearing, and more specifically the medals. The photo I linked up has a description of those medals, which reads “Charles’ medals (from left): Queen’s Service Order (New Zealand) which he received in 1983, Coronation Medal (1953), Silver Jubilee Medal (1977), Gold Jubilee Medal (2002), Canadian Forces Decoration (1991), a 15-year bar received in 2006, New Zealand Commemorative Medal (1990),” and the BBC story covering the portrait gives us this bit about the rest of his shiny accoutrements – all important to listeners of past episodes of the show, for reasons you will read!:
“s well as the medals (for details, see picture caption) the prince is pictured wearing three breast stars.
At the top is the Most Noble Order of the Garter (Knight) which he received in 1968.
Below it on the left is the Most Ancient and the Most Noble Order of The Thistle (Knight) which Charles was awarded in 1977.
On the right is the Most Honourable Order of the Bath Great Master (Military) which the Prince received in 1975.
Charles is also wearing two neck orders, the Order of Merit received in 2002 and the Most Honourable Order of the Bath Great Master (Military) which he received in 1975.
The blue sash across the Prince’s chest is The Most Noble Order of the Garter which has his Army Flying Wings at the shoulder.
The aiguillette – the gold braid at the Prince’s right shoulder – recognises his appointment as the Queen’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC).”
Wonderful! And again, happy birthday!
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