While we’re on a week’s hiatus (it was Jonathan’s anniversary this past Sunday), here are some podcasts that may interest you:

• Marc over at the Perplexorum (a fan-run Perplex City forum) was kind enough to send us a note about a series of podcasts they have set up in the past few weeks. The CubeCast series features thoughts and opinions about the recently-cancelled ARG, as well as an interview with Michael Smith, CEO of Mind Candy, the company behind PXC.
• A Halo fan site, myhalonews.com, has dedicated episode 117 of their podtacular podcast for the new Halo 3 ARG, currently known as Iris. The description for the podcast promises an explanation of ARG, a story-so-far feature, and instructions on how to get involved.

We’re hoping to get a netcast together for the coming week, so keep your ears open and your eyes peeled.

 ARG Netcast, Episode 28.2: Elanapalooza, Part 2 [39:32m]: Play in Popup | Download

This is part 2 of the 28th episode of the ARG Netcast series. Elan Lee, founder and Vice President of Experience Design at 42 Entertainment, continues to weave a magical tale of intriguing stories interspersed with exclusive content available for you lucky listeners. Jelly bean! (Also, for those playing along at home, observe how each panelist pronounces Elan’s name differently, and feel free to make up your own pronunciations.)

• Elan talks about ARGs and leaps of faith. Plus, the ONE-LINE DEFINITION OF ARGS. No, seriously.
• Then, he turns the tables on us and starts asking us questions. And we let him get away with it. So, what does “this is not a game” mean to you?
• Would 42 ever work as a subcontractor on someone else’s ARG? No, because they’re all control freaks. Then he takes the question and runs with it, telling us about how 42 creates networks for people with great IP and IP for people with great networks. End result, “no and yes.”
• How does it feel to continually pioneer new methods of story delivery? It feels pretty darn cool, apparently.
• How long does it take 42 to go from planning to implementation? It varies. (Second exclusive statement, here.)
• ARGs for social good! Elan gives us another exclusive hint about what we might see from 42 in the future.
• Elan describes a dream he had about Melissa from ilovebees. It seemed like a good idea at the time. 42′s one foolproof strategy: hot Asian women in distress.
• If Elan could make an ARG for any existing IP/company/whatever, what would it be? Starbucks. No, honestly.
• The Power Of Reputation. Grassroots games deserve more attention. Also, another exclusive: 42 is not behind Halo 3.
• Elan talks about the player pyramid. He induces the entire panel to make funny hand gestures. We see what a mainstream ARG looks like. It looks like our hands.
• Is the lady in the end-of-the-netcast singing “jellybean”? Sing along and see for yourself.

You could always call or email us. We would like that.
Subscribe to the ARG Netcast feed through this link or via iTunes. Contact us at our special netcast email address, netcast@argnetcast.info with your tips, suggestions, concerns and submissions. Call us on the ARGNet voicemail at 630-274-5425.

 ARG Netcast, Episode 28.2: Elanapalooza, Part 2 [39:32m]: Play in Popup | Download

This is part 2 of the 28th episode of the ARG Netcast series. Elan Lee, founder and Vice President of Experience Design at 42 Entertainment, continues to weave a magical tale of intriguing stories interspersed with exclusive content available for you lucky listeners. Jelly bean! (Also, for those playing along at home, observe how each [...]

Continue reading " ARG Netcast, Episode 28.2: Elanapalooza, Part 2 "

 ARG Netcast, Episode 28.1: Elanapalooza [36:20m]: Play in Popup | Download

This week, host Jon Waite, “Jamesi’s Angels” (Celina Beach, Jessica Price and Michelle Senderhauf), and regular panelist Geoff May are joined by a very special guest: Elan Lee, founder and Vice President of Experience Design at 42 Entertainment, gummi bear addict, and all-around interesting guy. Never prone to wasting an opportunity, the panelists get his thoughts on everything from what ARGs need to do to be viable mainstream entertainment to the effects of massive sugar intake vs. caffeine on sleep-deprived puppetmasters. They also manage to coax from him not one, but two exclusive statements. Take that, WIRED!

This Week In ARGland…

…there was an incredible amount of news.

(more…)

 ARG Netcast, Episode 28.1: Elanapalooza [36:20m]: Play in Popup | Download

This week, host Jon Waite, “Jamesi’s Angels” (Celina Beach, Jessica Price and Michelle Senderhauf), and regular panelist Geoff May are joined by a very special guest: Elan Lee, founder and Vice President of Experience Design at 42 Entertainment, gummi bear addict, and all-around interesting guy. Never prone to wasting an opportunity, the panelists get his [...]

Continue reading " ARG Netcast, Episode 28.1: Elanapalooza, Part 1 "

 ARG Netcast, Episode 27: World Without Oil [53:12m]: Play in Popup | Download

Join us for episode 27 as Mark Bracewell, Ken Eklund, Marie Lamb, Jane McGonigal, Michelle Senderhauf and Krystyn Wells of World Without Oil join host Jonathan Waite for an inside look at the game, which wrapped up June 1. Stay tuned through the show for an exclusive easter egg for fans of the game. Subscribe to the ARG Netcast feed through this link or via iTunes. Contact us at our special netcast email address, netcast@argnetcast.info with your tips, suggestions, concerns and submissions. Call us on the ARGNet voicemail at 630-274-5425.

Show notes to follow later today.

 ARG Netcast, Episode 27: World Without Oil [53:12m]: Play in Popup | Download

Join us for episode 27 as Mark Bracewell, Ken Eklund, Marie Lamb, Jane McGonigal, Michelle Senderhauf and Krystyn Wells of World Without Oil join host Jonathan Waite for an inside look at the game, which wrapped up June 1. Stay tuned through the show for an exclusive easter egg for fans of the game. Subscribe [...]

Continue reading " ARG Netcast, Episode 27: World Without Oil "