TheForce.Net

Today our new "microcast" feature goes live! Our microcast shows will run between two and five minutes in length, and they'll normally focus on listener feedback. These shows will be posted in additional to our regular shows. After today, we will not post news items to the main TheForce.Net homepage when new microcasts appear. We will, however, post articles in the "Podcasts" section of TFN, which you can get to either by using the drop-down list in the upper-left corner of the homepage or by browsing to http://www.theforce.net/podcast.

In our second show for the week, we wrap up our interview with Michael Stackpole. Having finished up the Star Wars topics in the previous segment, we move on to talk about his non-Star Wars books, the art of writing, podcasting, and the Sci-Fi Podcast Network he created.

Today we've got the second part of our interview with Michael Stackpole, best selling author of the X-Wing novels and comics. Want to know who was originally going to be the main character in I, Jedi? Want to know the reason behind Mike's first visit to TFN? Or his thoughts on some important events in the New Jedi Order series? Or whether he's got any future Star Wars books lined up?We normally release one podcast per week, but this week we're giving you two! Check back on Friday for the third and final part of our interview with Mike. Then check back next week for a new feature we'll be implementing, called "microcasts." What's a microcast? I'll explain in today's episode.Here's how to get our show:If you're using iTunes: Click here to add the show to your iTunes account.If you're using an RSS/Podcast feed reader, use this link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfnTo download the file directly right now, click here: TFN_050727.mp3 (running time: 23:06)Thanks to those of you who voted for us on PodcastAlley.com! Out of about 5,000 podcasts, we've made it to the top 20, and we're still climbing! If you haven't voted yet this month, show your support by clicking here!We've been nominated for the podcast People's Choice Awards in the "Movies/Film" category! We've got some pretty tough competition, since ours is a "niche" podcast whereas the others are more general, and also because the other podcasts nominated there are actually quite good. So let's show people how dedicated the Star Wars fan community is, and that there really is life after Episode III! Head on over to Podcast Awards and make your vote count!

We've been nominated for the podcast People's Choice Awards in the "Movies/Film" category! We've got some pretty tough competition, since ours is a "niche" podcast whereas the others are more general, and also because the other podcasts nominated there are actually quite good. So let's show people how dedicated the Star Wars fan community is, and that there really is life after Episode III! Head on over to Podcast Awards and make your vote count!Today's episode is the first in what will be a three part interview with Michael Stackpole, best known for his work with the Rogue Squadron series (both the novels and the comics), as well as his novels in the Battletech franchise. He's also written some very good, very successful fantasy books as well, and he's started his own podcast called The Secrets, which focuses on the craft of writing. You can find it listed directly above us at The Sci-Fi Podcast Network.More information has become available since our update on future book releases, so Jay's back again with a more current update for us.Thanks to those of you who voted for us on PodcastAlley.com! Out of about 5,000 podcasts, we've made it to the top 20, and we're still climbing! If you haven't voted yet this month, show your support by clicking here!Here's how to get our show:If you're using iTunes: Click here to add the show to your iTunes account.If you're using an RSS/Podcast feed reader, use this link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfnTo download the file directly right now, click here: TFN_050718.mp3 (running time: 26:22)

I've been overwhelmed with emails from people who have never explored the Expanded Universe before, and are looking for information on where to begin. The feedback for the overview I did for the post-Return of the Jedi novels was very positive, so we're going to continue our coverage of the Expanded Universe.In today's show, Jay from Rebelscum.com is back, giving us an overview of novels from the prequel era. We've also gotten a lot of requests for similar coverage of the various comic series, so look forward to that in an upcoming episode.As I mentioned above, the content for today's show was a direct result of listener feedback, and based on ideas we've gotten from our listeners, we've got several show ideas lined up, but we're always looking for more feedback! If there's a topic you'd like too see us cover, whether to give you information or to discuss opinions, please write in and let us know!Thanks to those of you who voted for us on PodcastAlley.com. Out of over 4,000 podcasts, we finally broke into the Top 25! If you like the show, all we ask is that you tell your friends about us, and that you show your support in by clicking here and voting to help give us visibility to those people who aren't aware of the show yet.You can get our show in one of three ways:1. If you're using iTunes v4.9, simply search for "TheForce.Net" in the podcast section of the Music Store, then click "Subscribe."2. If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn3. You can download the file right now by clicking this link: TFN_050709.mp3 (running time: 25:30)UPDATED: With the launch of iTunes version 4.9, several new RSS tags were added for podcasting. After posting this episode and getting emails from some of you (thank you!), I was running around, banging on my equipment, shouting "It's not my fault!" in my best Harrison Ford impression. However, Philip and I managed to get it straighted out (turns out part of it was my fault... go figure), and the show now appears in iTunes and in all other podcast-catching programs. Thanks for your patience!

I had a couple of other segments to include in today's show, but I found the listener feedback segment was running a bit long, so I've decided to save the other segments for a show later this weekend, and dedicate this show entirely to listener feedback!Why do I only use original trilogy music in the podcast? Will Episode III break $400 million? Why do Obi-Wan and Yoda split up instead of working together against Palpatine? What's wrong with these people who can't understand that Padme really did die from a broken heart? Where are the emails from the female listeners? And just what are those silly little mouse droids for, anyway? Fear not, all will be revealed!Some of you had some really good opinions on the television series, so half the podcast is dedicated to that topic. What about an anthology show? How will it affect interest in fan films? What if it focused on Captain Antilles?We really do listen to and appreciate the feedback you guys send in, and as further evidence, I'm pleased to present our longest "listener feedback" show ever!Thanks to those of you who voted for us on PodcastAlley.com. Out of over 3.800 podcasts, we're ranked in the top 50! The votes reset on Friday, July 1, so show your support in July by clicking here!If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050629.mp3 (running time: 26:44)

Today's show features Jay from Rebelscum.com. He's less a "guest" and more of a "field correspondent" for anything novel, comic, or chronology related. Today, he fills us in on the upcoming book releases, including both fiction and non-fiction. Looking forward to that new Timothy Zahn novel coming out this November? Well, don't put it on your Christmas list, because it won't show up in time. You didn't hear it was delayed? Me either. That's okay, Jay's here to keep us on top of things.Also featured on today's show is an interview I did with Jeremy Bulloch from the Celebration III convention. If you've never had a chance to meet him, he's a great guy. Very soft-spoken, but also very friendly and easy to talk to. And, as you'll see from the interview, he cares a lot about the fans.Finally, I mentioned in the podcast that I'd put a link in the show notes here. A couple of listeners have requested "Kessel" make an appearance on the show. She didn't really fit in anywhere, so I wasn't able to put her in the show anywhere, but here's a clip I'm saving for any "blooper reel" I may construct in the future. I was interrupted during the recording of today's podcast show by my "production manager," who decided I had more important things to do. Here's the clip.Thanks to those of you who voted for us on PodcastAlley.com. Out of over 3.800 podcasts, we're ranked in the top 50! There's still time for June's votes, so head on over and make your voice heard!If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050622.mp3 (running time: 27:44)

Today's show focuses upon the upcoming, live-action television series.The rumor that Lucas may release more Star Wars films in the future will probably never die. Still, IESB.net interviewed Lucas at the recent AFI Tribute, and Lucas said, "This is the end of it." For those who missed the scoop earlier, today's show's got a quick update.Brian, a good friend of mine from RandomChatter.com, joins us today to talk about the television series. Star Wars has dominated the box office, but how will it fare on television? What works in film doesn't necessarily work in television, and vice-versa. Brian and I discuss various aspects of the show, including what's worked for other sci-fi TV series and what the Star Wars series will have to do to succeed.Want to help us out? The Peoples Choice Podcast Awards are open for voting from now until the end of the month, and we could really use your vote! Head over to PodcastAwards.com and nominate us for the Peoples Choice category! The podcast title is "TheForce.Net", the XML URL is "http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn", and the website URL is obviously "http://www.theforce.net". In the comments section, tell them what you like about the podcast!Also, head over to PodcastAlley and vote for us there too. The more we can get the word out, the more we can help build the online audio Star Wars community! Search for "TheForce.Net" and vote for us. Comments are optional, and though they require an email address, I can say from experience that they don't spam.If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050615.mp3 (running time: 24:26)

Today's theme is BOOKS!I've been getting a lot of emails from people who are looking for information or advice about Star Wars novels, so for those of you thinking about picking up some of the Star Wars books you've overlooked, I give a quick guide to the novels set after Return of the Jedi (we'll cover the other eras in the future).I recently learned that Michael Stackpole, author of the Rogue Squadron novels, the Dark Tide books from the New Jedi Order, and various short stories, has started a podcast on the art of writing. If you're one of those Star Wars fans who likes to try your hand at fan fiction, or if you have any interest in professional writing, you won't want to miss this segment.Then finally, I've got an interview with Jeremy Beckett, Dave Myatt, and Shane Turgeon (all three are from Rebelscum.com), who wrote the Official Price Guide to Star Wars Memorabilia. If you're a collector, whether a veteran or a beginner, you will want this book! Calling it a "price guide" is an understatement; it's far more than merely a list of items and prices. This book covers terminology, strategy, preservation, and much more. And if you're at all familiar with Rebelscum.com, you know that these guys are experts! Even the casual collector can benefit from this book, and it's my pleasure to bring you an interview with some of its authors.If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050604.mp3 (running time: 35:10)

No, I didn't drop off the face of the planet. Honest! Part of the delay since the last episode was me being out of town, and part of it was that I've been sick over the last few days (as you'll probably be able to tell when listening to this podcast episode). Don't worry, gaps this long between episodes will be rare.The focus of today's podcast is the listener feedback from my Episode III review. I was pleased to see that most everyone who wrote in really liked Revenge of the Sith. When it came down to some of the specific, individual aspects of the film, opinions were split down the middle on some key issues, and there were a lot of really good points made. As always, people's opinions will differ, and even when some listeners took the exact opposite stance on an issue from what I did, it was interesting to see their point of view and how they approached it.However, there were three of you who pointed out a rather serious problem with my review. In my "commentary piece," I fess up to a major oversight from my review, learning the hard lesson that things don't always come across as I might think they do.Oh, one more thing... You've heard about this new Star Wars movie that Lucas is making, right? Don't believe the hype! Sure, there's some good info in some of the related news stories, but it seems many people are jumping to conclusions. If you haven't heard what's going on, I'll fill you in.If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050530.mp3 (running time: 32:54)

The circle is now complete! Revenge of the Sith is finally here! In its first two and a half hours, it was already breaking records, bringing in almost $17 million just from the midnight showings alone! I know a lot of people are going to be watching the box office results every week now, so I start today's podcast out with a run-down of the various records, which movies hold them, and how Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones did in each category.I am, without question, a die-hard Star Wars fan. But I don't blindly praise everything Lucas has done, even with the original trilogy. It'd be unfair and dishonest of me to portray Revenge of the Sith as a perfect film. Therefore, I do comment quite extensively about the problems I see in the movie.However, it really is a great addition to the Star Wars saga, and despite several imperfections, I loved the film. It's a vast improvement over the other prequels, and it's the first time since 1983 that we've seen something that really seems to catch the feeling of the originals. In this podcast, I rant a bit about the annoyances I found, but then wrap things up on a good note, pointing out what's great about the film.THIS PODCAST EPISODE CONTAINS SPOILERS!If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050520.mp3 (running time: 24:46)

In just under 48 hours, many of us will start pouring into theaters to see the final Star Wars movie. What questions are we looking to have answered? Today's podcast episode takes a look back at many of the saga's outsanding issues yet to be resolved.Shortly after leaving the theaters, Star Wars fans everywhere will be presented with a new question - what now?This may be the end of an era in the Star Wars saga, but it's not the end of the saga itself. There's a lot more content to come, and I'm going to explain why you shouldn't worry about such things. Instead, you should go enjoy the movie, celebrate the close of this era, and be confident that we're not burying Star Wars on May 19th. There's more to come!If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050517.mp3 (running time: 19:56)

For many of you who are avoiding spoilers, you're afraid to click on any links to Episode III reviews for fear of having something spoiled. Fear not! In this episode, I recap several very good reviews, most of which had spoilers, and give you a finished product that's spoiler-free!Included is a spoiler-free interpretation of Scott's "parental guide" posted here on TFN, after which I recap reviews written by Scott and Josh (both of TFN), Robert from IESB.net, Blake from ComingSoon.net, Harry from Ain't It Cool, Garth from Dark Horizons, Edgar Wright (Sean of the Dead director) and Kevin Smith (writer/director of Clerks).If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050512.mp3 (running time: 32:56)UPDATE:Sorry everyone! I was apparently having an FTP problem I wasn't aware of. It seems the file that was uploaded was only about five minutes long. I just finished uploading the full file again, and I've confirmed it's all there. Thanks to everyone who's written in and let me know!

For those who couldn't make the Celebration III convention, here's a recap of the most newsworthy items, primarily information given at the question & answer sessions from George Lucas and Rick McCallum. In addition, there's been quite a bit of news since the convention, so we've added that into the show too.I've split it up into three sections. The first covers news of immediate importance, related to the release of Episode III. The second covers information given by Lucas and McCallum at C3. The third covers some of the more controversial news items that have come up in the last week. And then, at the end, there's a comprehensive update on the television series.If you're using podcast software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050506.mp3 (running time: 22:40)

Today's show doesn't require much explanation. We've got an interview with Ray Park, the man who brought Darth Maul (and the best scenes in Episode I) to life. Then we've got a great interview with author Timothy Zahn, in which he talks about what it was like breathing new life into the Star Wars universe back in 1991 and about his upcoming Outbound Flight hardcover, due in October.If you use podcasting software, you can have the TFN Podcast downloaded automatically by pointing your software to http://feeds.feedburner.com/tfn -- otherwise, you can download the file directly from this link:TFN_050501.mp3 (running time: 32:26)