Our "beta testing" period continues with a Matrix playlist, of soundracks and similar sounds, will go up on the server late tonight early tomorow. My first attempt didn't go so well, and when i started it early today before the crack of dawn i noticed over a dozen of you listening to the Rock Mix of Classic to Modern hits remix's and personal favorites. I didnt have the heart to stop it and i'll let it play on for the day and we'll get the Matrix Playlist up running in the middle of the night. Plus i could certainly use some rest.
We're 2 weeks in and the results have been gratifying. "Catzi Radio" has been the adopted name only for identifiable reasons but we will have a new name soon. Everyone can debate how long the Matrix will last, but everyone will agree MMOs will outlive all of us. That is what we intend to keep in mind as it grows. The Matrix is the birthplace of this station but we must remain realistic for long term goals and will be adaptable as it grows.
One reason for the station is I was getting fustrated with SI Radio. Ever had someone that you really looked up to and maybe idolized, like a movie star or rock star? Then when you finaly get to meet the person your totally let down? It kinda knocks the wind out of you. Their "only if i got it and if you dont like it don't listen" attitude wore thin on me. The red tape I had to go through to get DJ's to help host events only made things worse. 3 out of the last 4 they didn't show up. My $ donations were no longer being accepted. I get scolded for handing out Smith Brownies or requesting a Cheech and Chong comedy bit and given "Drugs are against SI's policy" and sat through the same overplayed comedy bits like "Whore School, learn to be a proffessional hooker" while kids role-played getting waysted with alcohol at the bar. However its NOT my intent to discuss morality issues about whos in the right or wrong, I don't think anyone is and we'll just leave it at that. Theres not just one or a couple things, the whole vibe of it was a downer. On the plus side, I always have and still think they have some solid DJs who give up their spare time to DJ for free because they're doing what they have a passion for and it shows, and they would be welcome with open arms on this station if they are feeling mistreated. I even have hot co-co warming up on the stove for you.
SI Radio isnt the only gig in town, we've seen many stations come and go and always I thought how great it was to have a variety of stations to choose from. Problem is either they dont see the Matrix as a viable platform or don't have the financial backbone to air on quality streams. I think the Matrix is an EXCELLENT platform with all the clubs and other locations and a more refined and intellligent audience then most other MMOs and i have no intention of ever folding up my arms and just watching. I'll be right along side everyone producing shows partys and events continously coming up with fresh and inovative ideas to keep up with demand 24/7. So far, i believe we'll have the finances to keep it going as well as help from friends in the Hollywood and Vegas area and around the globe. I also see alot of people right here in the matrix who are wiling and able to do DJing, posters, promotions, events, and they now will have a high quallity server to DJ on. No more "sory our listner limit is 25" or "what did he say?". For example... Asagi, who has dj'd in the past sounded like she was talking over the phone in the next room, but at her party last week she used our server and sounded like a FM pro!!! (once we got the settings figured out)
I have been EXTREMELY buzy meeting with some people inside the matrix and outside to give us a great start with programming. And I got tons more yet to talk to. I'll keep posting those ideas for the future in "A look into the crystal ball.. " as we continue lining stuff up and soon I'll be handing that crystal ball to YOU. And everyone can throw in what THEY would like to see on this station, wether its just an idea, or something they're already working on or would like to try.
Please post in THIS thread or PM me if you are interested DJing on this station from any of the 3 servers (Vector Recursion Syntax), we would like to have this avaible to the entire Matrix comunity. We'll be running tests through the week and I would be thrilled if ANY of you would like to "test" it. Wether its a few minutes or for an entire evening. No worries on time, I'm available 24/7 with a 24 hour notice. All you need besides a mic is the latest Winamp player with a shoutcast plugin, i'll provide you with a link. I may be lining up some "professional" DJs but we also want to mix in the everyday people that may be considered "amutuers" or "beginners" who have a more wholesome appeal. You may not have that great "Radio" personalty but just a good personality is just as good!
As far as testing goes this week, besides DJ tryouts we'll be testing new software for compatability and working on streaming live from clubs from cites like Los Angelos, Indianapolis, and Amsterdam for deul DJ interactive sets. If we can get to it, we'll also try to do some testing for live radio theater from a non-profit comunity theater group and some digitally enhanced recordings from other sources.
When were NOT doing tests this week, we'll be playing a continuous playlist of Matrix music, from soundtracks and similar sounding music. Which will actually be MOST of the time. And continue collecting reports of sound quality from our sound testers.
Next week we'll be moving on to testing 5 channel options, so people will have a choice from different streams to choose from. Not into the rave? we'll have a playlist set up for you to go mission with that are picked by the people in the matrix. Fighting lag? no prob! change down to a lower bit rate. More options to use this technology will be tested.
The official launch date is expected sometime during this holiday season, I promise I will do my very best to make it happen as soon as possible!
Yours Sincerely,
Catzi
EVERYONE...
.... THE ONLY LIMITS TO THIS STATION IS YOUR IMAGINATION
