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The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2011 : Issue 58
A Part of the [removed]!
[removed]
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Learning about OTR [ "Chris Holm" <cbholm@[removed]; ]
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Date: Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:49:11 -0400
From: "Chris Holm" <cbholm@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Learning about OTR
I recently received a message on Facebook asking me about how to learn about
OTR. I replied as best I could, but I thought that I might publish the
conversation here as well. I'm hoping that it might spur some discussion
here on the digest and also point out what I missed. I'll pass along any
other good suggestions.
Chris Holm
** MESSAGE TO ME **
Hey Chris
Where does everyone get all the back ground history on all the shows they do
on [removed] I study history but never thought of doing so for OTR I guess its
the same kinda
** MY RESPONSE **
Yes, I think it would be similar to studying the history of many other
subjects. I can describe what my process has been, and it may answer your
question.
First, let me state up front that I am not an expert in OTR, though I play
one on the radio. I'm a fan and a hobbyist, but not a historian in any
rigorous sense of the word. That being said, what knowledge I do have I've
gained by being involved in the hobby for many years. In that time, I've
benefited greatly from five sources:
1) The shows themselves: Listen for more than just the story. Pay special
attention during the credits for the names of the directors, authors, and
others in the cast. Note the sponsor, the music, promos for other shows on
the Network. Over time, you'll build a sort of mental database of all the
names, and how they were involved in radio. When collecting shows, look for
logs to help you track what's available and what you have in your
collection. A Google search can find logs, but through personal experience I
found that can be a mixed bag. Others have published logs, like Terry
Salomoson, who has published excellent logs for the Lone Ranger, Dragnet,
etc.
2) Books (Authors): There are many excellent books about OTR, some about
specific shows or people, others more generally about genres or eras. Most
people have "On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio" by John
Dunning. It's published by Oxford University Press (the cover price is $75,
but the OUP occasionally has incredible sales. I think mine cost $19 from
them. Sign up for emails and watch).
There are many authors that have written great books, including Martin
Grams, Jim Harmon, Jim Cox, Elizabeth McLeod, Howard Blue, Jack [removed]
and that's just who came to mind immediately. Occasionally, an author needs
research help. I like to jump at the chance to do this, as it gives me an
opportunity to dig through source material long before it becomes a book.
3) Books (Publishers): In the publishing world, there are a couple of
publishers whose work you should definitely check out. Bear Manor Media is
an excellent small publisher who specializes in books about media nostalgia.
Their books are trade paperback, and reasonably priced. You'll find books
about particular shows, biographies and auto-biographies of stars, and books
covering many facets of radio, movies, and TV.
McFarland has also published some excellent OTR books, but their volumes
tend to be more academically focused and more expensive. Many of them are
available through inter-library loan. I'm currently using their great
Gunsmoke book to put together some shows for Radio Once More, and the copy
I'm using my local public library borrowed for me from the Central Michigan
University library.
4) The Internet: There's a lot of information out there. I've found the Old
Time Radio Internet Digest to be very helpful. It's a regular email digest
focused on OTR, and is currently being run by Charlie Summers. It's great
for asking questions. You can subscribe here:
[removed]
Additionally, OTR internet radio is great. You're already listening to Radio
Once More, so keep checking out the live show. They cover a lot of subjects,
and you can learn a lot, especially when they bring on guests to discuss a
particular topic.
There are many other online resources. This is usually the point where
somebody will give you "Don't trust what you read online" lecture, but I'm
not going to. I've found that to be equally good advice for books as well.
Frankly, Wikipedia is often very helpful, and if you do find something wrong
on it, you can fix it. I've been baffled more than once by someone who spent
much more time complaining about something incorrect that they found there
than they would have spent just fixing it.
5) Conventions: OTR conventions are an excellent place to learn. You'll get
to listen to presentations, talk to authors and experts, meet actual OTR
actors, find shows and books, and hang out talking to other OTR nerds. Don't
underestimate collective knowledge and storytelling. You can learn a lot
just by having conversations at a convention. My favorites are Cincinnati in
the Spring, and the Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Convention in late-Summer, but
there are others.
I hope you find this helpful. It's pretty much how I've learned about the
subject. It's been a long, and at times inefficient process, but also a
pleasurable one. I recommend starting with a particular subject you're
interested in. Starting digging there, and as you do so, you'll find
yourself following threads to other topics.
I hope I've answered your question, at least partially.
Chris
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End of [removed] Digest V2011 Issue #58
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