Sidepodcast

Tell Us How 2009 Was For You

On this week's F1 Debrief show, we opened up the floodgates for the 2009 Season Review Megamix submissions. We debuted this idea last year, with the first ever show that featured neither Mr C nor myself, and it was a great success. Now we want to repeat the process.

What is it?

We want to get thoughts from all across the globe about the 2009 season. If you have even a simple sentence to sum up how the F1 year was for you, we want to hear it. Equally, if you've got a full season review ready to go, we'll take longer submissions as well. The more voicemails and mp3s we get the better, so we can mix them all up into one great big montage, and really break down the season for each and every one of you.

If you think you have nothing to say, then you're wrong. You must have an opinion about the season just passed, I know you do. Remember way back at the beginning of the year when Hamilton lied to the stewards? Or when Button won his first Monaco GP and celebrated by doing a lap of the track? Remember when Massa had his huge accident? Or when Bourdais spoke to his Toro Rosso pit wall in a way that left us in no doubt he was leaving the team? So much has happened this year, and this is your chance to sum it all up.

What do I do?

Getting involved is simple. You can either leave us a voicemail, or if you have the technology to record yourself, you can email an mp3. If you're on Skype, the username is "sidepodcast", or you can dial the number 0121 28 TRACK, that's +44 121 28 87225. The voicemail has a limit of ten minutes, but if you want to go over, you can call back and announce it as part two.

If you want to have a go at recording yourself, it's relatively easy to do. If you've got a microphone - either handheld or built in - all you need is to download something like Audacity and hit record. There will always be plenty of help in the comments for stuff like this. You can email your files to christine at sidepodcast dot com.

Is there a deadline?

We want to get the montage out by the end of the year, but there's still a good couple of weeks to get your submissions in. I think we'll set a deadline of the 14th December, but in true Bernie fashion, there is always room for negotiation.

If you're still in two minds about getting involved, I will once again point you towards last year's efforts, which were a great round up of the 2008 season. We featured some names you know and love, and some new participants as well. I want this year to be bigger and better, with more of you getting involved. From just a few words to a lot of minutes, everything is acceptable.

Sidepodradio - Back on Track

So, first up, apologies for the postponement, but really, it was for the best. We weren't ready and it would have been absolute chaos. More so than normal. However, we are back, ready to get going, and have a new date in mind.

Please set your alarms for: 20th September 2009.

I know it seems like a long way away, but the days will fly and we need that time to prepare.

I'm So Confused!

I know. Me too. We had several hosts pulling out at the last minute due to illness or lack of time, so what we need to do now is confirm who is still up for the challenge on the renewed date. The first job, therefore, is for all show hosts to update the status column on the wiki to let us know what is happening.

If your show is well underway, then let us know that too. Don't forget to create a subpage for you show, especially if you need feedback or listener interaction. Perhaps I will do a post gathering what we need from the community in a few days time.

If you've got an idea but don't want to do a show, share that as well. We've got a few people who are up for talking for half an hour but are struggling for inspiration. Likewise, if you're not sure you can fill an entire 30 minutes, still let us know if you want to submit something. We're 99.9% sure that we will not be able to stick to the half hour schedule rigidly. Everything will be aired one way or another, even if we have to do Sidepodradio 2.

If you want to share shows with us, there's a new drop in case you'd rather keep it off the main one. Of course, the usual email still applies: christine at sidepodcast dot com.

What You Can Do

If you're not ready to be a show host, don't forget that you can leave us a voicemail. In fact, change that to read please leave us a voicemail. Say hi to your mum, encourage people to donate, or tell a quick joke, we want voicemails and transitions to help us through the day. Find us on Skype under the username sidepodcast, or call us 0121 28 87225.

We have had a super response to donations, with the total now up to £220 - a whole £100 going to charity already. There is information about nominating a charity on the wiki. Please consider donating. It doesn't have to be a massive amount, and every penny helps. Ah, just getting my telethon hat on.

So don't forget your first job is to update your status on the wiki, or let us know in the comments so we can do it for you. We have roped Steven into helping organise as he is so good at "volunteering" people. If you've got any questions, let us know!

Sidepodradio - The Countdown Begins

All of a sudden, Sidepodradio is no longer a shining idea in the distance, but a looming reality that is a ton of work. But never fear, we are getting more and more organised as we go along, and it's starting to come together.

Show Hosts

We still have a few spots remaining for hosts to sign up for a show. There are some ideas on the wiki that need hosts, or you can come up with your own idea. I won't run through the spiel again about the possibilities being endless, but they really are. We're close to filling up the entire 12 hours, so don't back out on me now!

If you are hosting a show, don't forget the pre-record deadline is this Friday. We need time to prepare everything, so of course, the sooner you are done, the better.

If you haven't already, your show could do with a sub-page on the wiki. You may not be looking for audience participation, but a short introduction to what your show is would be helpful. Think of it as radio listings.

Please Call

Don't forget, if you're not signing up for a show, you can still call us and leave a voicemail. The number is 0121 28 87225, or search for Sidepodcast on Skype. We desperately need transitions, little shoutouts, pleas for donations, anything you want to say, just call in and make our lives that little bit easier!

On the donations front, we have exceeded our target for production costs, which means we are already into charity money. There's a page on the wiki for charity suggestions - motorsport related, preferably. We will hold a poll after the event to decide where the money should go. Thanks to everyone who's donated already, and what are you waiting for if you haven't?

Listeners

It's going to be manic in Sidepodcast Towers from here on in, but we are gradually coming up with a plan for how Sunday is going to work. We will post a new thread for every hour of Sidepodradio, and each hour will begin with an F1 Minute news bulletin.

The video replays will be available at some point after the event, the same way the Parade Lap is now. We will most likely come up with a special Sidepodradio video feed as well. At the moment, we're not sure whether, or how much, of Sidepodradio will appear on the audio feed. That much will remain undecided for now.

As ever, any questions, please email christine at sidepodcast dot com, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Sidepodradio - An Update

Since I first talked about Sidepodradio, the idea has grown and expanded, and we now have a few more details to share with you.

Firstly, the times and dates. We're broadcasting live on 2nd August 2009, for 12 hours, starting at mid-day and ending at midnight UK time. We will be live for the entire time, but will play out the pre-recorded shows as we go. If you've signed up for (or are thinking about) a pre-recorded show, then you need to know the deadline for submissions is 31st July 2009. This should give us enough time to check the files and prepare them for broadcast, plus complete any editing necessary.

Next up, the shows. We still have seven half hour slots available, if you haven't already signed up for a show. You can go live, or pre-record. You can choose your subject matter, and you can do it alone, with real life people, or via Skype. The possibilities really are endless. If you have chosen a show, and require some audience participation or preparation, then the best thing to do is create a sub-page on the wiki. There's an example here, and you can dive write into the wiki to make your own. Or if you ask very nicely, we might do it for you.

If you are planning on listening to any or all of the Sidepodradio event, don't forget to check out the wiki for things you can get involved in, or games that might be being played on the day.

The final thing I wanted to mention is voicemails. I don't think we've had any yet, and I really want to encourage everyone to call in with your thoughts. You really can say anything you like, but if you're stuck for something to say, why not pick one of these two options:

Hi, my name's [your name here]. If you're enjoying Sidepodcast Radio, why not donate? We're raising money to cover the costs of production, and the extra will go to charity. Just visit Sidepodcast.com and click the donate button on the right hand side.

Or:

Hi, my name's [your name here]. I like the Sidepodcast Community because... [fill in your reasons, for example] they teach me about space travel and we get to play I Spy.

Any little jingly type voicemails would be appreciated because we can use them to fill in gaps, or transition between shows. Don't be afraid to call us. The number is 0121 28 87225 (or search for the username Sidepodcast). If you mess it up, just call again. We won't tell anyone.

So, to sum up:

1. Visit the wiki to keep up to date.
2. Make sure you're all done by Friday 31st.
3. Call us!! 0121 28 87225.

Ever Dream of Being a Radio DJ?

A few weeks ago, RG came up with the idea of Sidepodradio in the comments. It was mentioned in jest, and some of the Sidepodcommunity came up with shows they'd like to do, tailored to their interests. Fast forward to now, and Sidepodradio is real, it's happening and we want you to be a part of it.

Not Another Sidepod... Show

Yes, sorry about that. Not content with providing more content than it is feasible to listen to, we are now going to go for an entire 12 hours on Sunday 2nd August. From 12pm UK time to midnight, we will be broadcasting various shows in half hour slots, and there will be plenty to listen to. The exact mechanics of the process are yet to be decided, but as a listener, all you have to do is show up to the Live Comments on Sunday and get listening.

Put That Hairbrush Away

Now, for the more adventurous out there, we need you. No longer do you have to stand in front of the mirror with a hairbrush, there are 24 half hour slots to fill and we want you to host them. The wiki is already filling up with great content, but there is still plenty of space for more. Have an idea for a radio show that you've always wanted to broadcast? Now is your chance. It doesn't even have to be specifically about F1. We're going for a Parade Lap feel, where F1 is always there, but doesn't have to be on the tip of our tongue.

The options are limitless as well. You can broadcast live with us on the day, or you can submit a pre-recorded show. You can take callers, play music, discuss whatever topics are on your mind. You can be on air with Mr C and myself, or you can fly solo. If you want technical help or advice, ask away.

A Whole Half Hour

Say you don't want to commit to an entire show (and I'll be disappointed if you don't), there's space for you as well. Why not leave us a voicemail with a smooth transition that we can play between shows? Ever wanted to be like the callers on radio that say: "Every time I'm on the interwebs, I listen to Sidepodradio." Now you can. Call us on 0121 28 87225, and leave a quick thought for us to play.

Sidepodcast - Hobby Turned Radio Station

Calling it radio is perhaps a little misleading because we  aren't suddenly going to be hitting the FM airwaves or anything like that. Radio is expensive, the internet is less so. However, broadcasting for 12 hours will cost us a little more, something in the region of £120. We are therefore asking for donations, however big or small, to put towards the cause. There's a paypal donate button on the right hand side of the homepage. If we go over our total, the rest of the money will go to an as yet undecided charity.

So, there you have it. That's what we know so far, and in our usual chaotic and spontaneous fashion, it will all come together at the last minute. However, if you have any questions or thoughts, leave them in the comments or email me: christine at sidepodcast dot com.

F1 Debrief - I Think There Was Something Subtle in There

• Length: 41:30 
• Size: 38.1 MB 
• File: debrief110.mp3 
• Transcript: Coming soon 
• Torrent: debrief110.torrent 

This week we talk about what we learned in the Shell V-Power lab at Silverstone, we run through some half-term reports for our Fantasy Racers teams, and catch up with loads of feedback.

Intro

We've gone a bit Ferrari mad, but you'll only know if you're watching the live feed.

Good Week / Bad Week

A good week for Mark Webber at Wimbledon and Backstreet Boys fans in Singapore, but a bad week for Hockenheim and Brawn GP (thanks to Kathi for helping with pronunciation.)

Sidepodtour

Shell have given us some fascinating facts and figures which we share with you, we run through a weekend in the trackside lab and play some of our tortured audio clips. Plus, the Sidepodscience challenge begins.

Fantasy Racers

With Mr C down in 305th, and myself up in 88th, we run through those above, below and in between, with comments from team owners, and some of the closest battles to watch out for.

Feedback

A couple of voicemails from Silverstone, plus some new voices to hear from. We also read through a plethora of emails covering topics from the BBC coverage to a money-making scheme for the FIA.

Housekeeping

Next week, many people are headed to Goodwood and the Renault World Series, so if you are, we want to hear from you. Meanwhile, we'll be at home creating a mini series.

Linkage

• Making Up the Numbers
• Shell V Power
• Blog F1 Fantasy Racers
• Pressdog.com
• Too Much Racing
• Rob's Good Deed
• Richard's Melbourne Video
• Wiki - Meetup
• Wiki - Other Motorsport Events
• Sidepodcast's Drop
• Fantasy Racers

Live: Supporting the F1 Loonies

A bumper show today covering all things Silverstone, as not only did we live comment the race, but we also managed to turn up there on Friday. Listen in for more details.

We've got a whole host of goodies today, including many voicemails, some shoutouts, some Rob and Ted News (Rob needs his own jingle, I say), plus the usual good stuff.

We're starting early, any time now, in order to try and avoid Top Gear. With such a bumper show in store it may or may not happen, but you can't say we didn't try.

Live: Indoors on a Day Like Today?

Actually, we already did the outdoor thing, and it was hot and sunny and all things beautiful. Now it's time to hole up in the Sidepodbunker and prepare ourselves for another live streaming of the Debrief. What could possibly go wrong?

With just a small amount of news to catchup on, including those troublesome 2010 entries, we're hosting a bumper feedback show this week, with emails and voicemails galore. Please keep them coming, as I love every single one.

We're hoping to be ready for 7pm BST, but I think the sun may have fried our brains a little, and we might be running behind schedule. Fingers crossed though. See you soon!

Daily: 31st May 2009

And so we come to the last day in May. At least I think it is. Yesterday, I managed to head up my daily post with the wrong date and confuse everyone in the process. Fingers crossed I am more factually correct today. Here are some of the things we're talking about today:

• It's Debrief day today, and we'll be live streaming a show later in the evening. We're looking for all kinds of feedback for this show, be it voicemails, emails, or just something you want to share with us. The number is 0121 28 87225, or 0121 28 TRACK. Search on Skype for Sidepodcast, or send your emails to christine@sidepodcast.com. You know you want to, and it would make my day.
• Lukeh did some amazing work designing a car for Sidepodcast on Forza 2 on the X-Box. He's got some pictures of the initial design and then some of the car in action. Check them out and praise him because you're looking at hours worth of effort.
• We tuned in to the F2 race yesterday and it wasn't all that bad. We're pretty impressed with the site, though, as the live stream was available right next to the live timing. I had great fun trying to pronounce all the names of the drivers, and decided that Brundle was going to get my support.

We're looking forward to the debrief stream later, but there's plenty of sunshine hours to be enjoyed before that. If we're not out, soaking up some rays, then I'll see you in the comments.

2009 Australia Predictions Montage

A couple of weeks ago we asked for your predictions for the top three finishers at the Australian Grand Prix. We received a whole host of calls and submissions, and the only thing to be done was to make it into a montage.

Thanks to everyone who took part, in no particular order: Jason, Journeyer, Jackie, Aitch, Mr C (yes, him), Pat W, RG, Ollie, Dan Brunell, Monis, Jordan, Lou, Dom, Chris, Steven Roy, Christine (yes, me), Selidor, Paul H, Al, and Lukeh.

The most popular winner, by far, is Raikkonen who gets seven votes, but close behind him is the unexpected sight of Button with five. Hamilton, meanwhile, has only one vote for the win and one for third place. Who would have thought that of the defending champion? Massa is also popular, whilst Webber, Vettel, Rosberg and Trulli get honorary mentions.

It makes for a great six minutes, and will live forever as a record of who we thought was going to do well when really, we didn't have a clue. And don't forget, we'll take a look back at these in the coming months to see who had it spot on. Then we'll ask you for the lottery numbers.