Subject: [removed] Digest V2011 #58
From: [removed]@[removed]
Date: 4/11/2011 4:18 PM

To: [removed]@[removed]
Reply-to: [removed]@[removed]

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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]; ]

    ------------------------------

    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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