Destination Star Trek 3 (DST3) Borg Fan Panel Retrospective

 

Hi #Treksters

Leading up to the podcast's first Birthday (3rd October 2014), I just wanted to celebrate by taking a look back at the day the podcast launched.

That day we 'dived in' to the world of podcasting head first by covering Media 10's three day extravaganza...Destination Star Trek 3 up at the London Excel centre.

 



But on top of our convention covering duties, we were also fortunate enough to host a Fan Panel about the Borg on that day. Where we asked the question:

 

 

As it was the centrepiece of that day (and of the whole event) for us. I wanted it to be the main focus of this blog post as well.
To see whether I think looking retrospectively back on it, if it (as John & Ken from the Mission Log podcast say) "still holds up" one year on?!

 

 

Before I start going into the what we said at DST3, I would just like to take a moment to blow your mind!

Something you may not know, is that originally the topic was going to be our third Teaser Episode. But we had to replace it, as we were covering it in our Fan Panel at DST3.

So

As we didn't know (at the time) whether we could obtain a recording of our DST3 Fan Panel. So we pre-recorded a version before we attended the convention!

Meaning that somewhere in our 'Lost Files' is an unaired version of our Borg topic!!! 

 

Because we recorded that, I think we had a reasonably good idea what sort of things we were say up on stage.

 

This meant that when we finally got there, gave the impression that the topic was scripted. Which is partly true, as I had created some sub-topics for the Fan Panel to explore!

I think this only happened as we'd never done anything like it before...and trust me in that situation it's very difficult to plan for something you've only witnessed at previous conventions.

 

That being said, if we were to do the topic again. I would definitely stand by that decision, as I would rather be prepared (and organised). Than being the complete opposite, and ending up standing on stage looking like compete lemons!

 

This leads me nicely into something you won't be able to pick up from the recording, and is kind of related to my last point!

As when we stood up on stage presenting our Fan Panel, I think the nerves got to us...as we stood in the same places throughout.

Giving us the appearance of novices and amateurs, making us look (unfortunately) like complete lemons!

Because of our experience at DST3 I think we're going to be more confident and more...well animated!!!

 

 

One source I wish had existed last year is the video featured above from the (amazing) Trekspertise YouTube channel.

As it discusses (at length) the 'known' canon history of the Borg, which could have come in an awful lot of help when it came to deciding what were going to talk about. 

 

 

Something else I remember listening back to the recording.

Is that after we'd finished we were saying to each other that we thought the Excelsior Stage had a problem with feedback. As we couldn't really hear what an audience member was saying (or asking) us. I'm hoping this will explain why in some cases our replies were a bit vague!

  

Fortunately the problem doesn't come across in the recording, mainly due to the fact that my Dictaphone was linked up to sound desk. Which transmitted the sound directly from the microphones straight into my Dictaphone!

 

 

We didn't do the Fan Panel, solely on our own...as we had our 'Honouree' member of the podcast Neil Green acting as our host.

Because he played such a crucial role at DST3 for us I wanted to hear Neil's thoughts on our Fan Panel also.

 

Here is what Neil thought of our efforts: 

 

It was in August 2014 that I was asked to take The Engage Podcast under my wing.

After all, I was going to be presenting their talk on stage, I had experience of hosting other talks, and I was going to be one of two main comperes for the entire weekend in October 2014.

 

Suzy from Media 10 gave me their contact details, and Sam from the Trekkie Girls gave mine to Simon, Jamie and Phil. It wasn’t long after details had been given out that Simon, in his usual excited to be involved manner, and contacted me via email.

Many emails and phone calls were swapped over the coming weeks and even a few failed skype attempts. We went over and over the talk, who should stand where, should people be able to ask questions, who will say what, every minute detail! This type of stuff doesn’t create itself you know?

The third of October had arrived. We had arranged to meet on one of the outside balconies of the Excel to make our very first contact. However, due to the amount of phone calls and emails we had ping ponged across the cosmos, I knew the guys already. I knew what they were capable of even though we had never met.

I had only just enough time to arrive from my train from Derby to St Pancras and hot foot it across London to the Excel, get changed and make contact with Simon, Jamie and Phil. I only had a limited amount of time, I had to get back to introduce a viewing of Star Trek the Wrath of Khan. Time was against us so I ran from the organiser’s office to the meeting place. The guys were already emblazoned in their very own Engage Podcast uniforms, (their t-shirts!). Hellos were made and we quickly got into discussion on what will happen during their talk. But, there really was no need for any of this! The guys knew what they had to do, they knew what was expected of them, and I knew they could do it. You don’t have constant contact with people and not learn anything about them!

Here’s your cheesy movie bit…

The time had arrived, three boys walked onto the Excelsior Stage, but, walked off as men. Good eh? But, they did! They really did. It takes, for want of a better analogy, huge balls, to be able to get up onto a stage and deliver an hour of information and entertainment and hope to get some audience participation at an event that pulls in 30,000 people over the weekend. And they deserved everything that came from it afterwards. Interviews on other people’s podcasts, the radio, being able to perform at other shows and events. If you don’t have what it takes to take that initial plunge into the murky depths, then you’ll never find out what you’re capable of.

So, what have you learnt from this?

Well, I hope you now have a better appreciation of how much work goes into something that you’ll sit down and look at for an hour. But, you should have also learnt that if it wasn’t for three guys from the south, getting together as friends and saying “you know what we should do…” you wouldn’t have things like this at conventions. It’s a special breed of fan, which I am happy to be part of, to be able to bring you some of the entertainment at these events. Without them, there is no convention.

Neil green is STILL available for all your TV / Sci-Fi related presenting needs.

 

So in answer to my original question of does the Fan Panel "still hold up" one year on?!

I think my answer has to be a definite yes!

As it was our first major convention experience I don't think we did a particularly bad job...but I think there is room for us to make improvements for our future convention appearances (talks and Fan Panels).

 

 

Looking forward to the future, the next convention we're really excited to be attending (and covering) will be the fan run First Contact Day 2016 (FCD 2016) convention up in Telford next April from Friday the 1st to Sunday the 3rd!

 

 

Where we will be one of the (six) Social Media Providers for the event alongside the Trekkie Girls and The Original TiT (Trekkie in Training), Some Kind of Star Trek, Star Trek Risa, Geek Apocalypse, TREKZONE.org and Visionary Trek!!!

If you'd like to make your own decision...why not listen back to our DST3 Part 1 episode, where there is a recording of our Fan Panel! 

 

I'm also pleased to announce that, in the not so distant future Daniel Houston (@TheeeRealBigDan on Twitter) will be 'joining our blogging rankings' as our "Guest Blogger"!

Hoping to 'learn the ropes', once he's confident enough to go it alone he's planning on setting up his own fantastic blog!!!

 

This is Simon from The Engage Podcast signing out!

 

Simon: My podcast listening background!

Hi guys
The reason I have written this blog is so that I can continue giving you a better understanding of who you're listening to, in my last blog I spoke about where my passion for science fiction stemmed from!

Whereas in this blog I would like to give you a better understanding of where my affection for podcasting comes from. I'm hoping to achieve this by, explaining to you which podcasts I have listened to, and why they have inspired different elements of The Engage Podcast!!!

The first podcast I listened to (and subsequently Jamie listened to) was Make It So Podcast, from the Simply Syndicated network.
Due to this podcast is the main reason why your able to listen to The Engage Podcast. Because after Jamie had listening to a quite sizable number of their episodes he said to me one day "Si, why don't we do a Star Trek podcast?!". Which lead after two long years of development and an awful lot of time and effort to The Engage Podcast.
Make It So is my inspiration for the joviality and juvenility elements of TEP as I have listened to episode's of Make It So more times than I would like to count! All due to the fact that each and every show is enjoyable and entertaining, due to the conversations and hilarious tangents the hosts (Richard Smith and co) get onto! Making it a podcast well worth listening to!!!

The second podcast I would like to mention is the Trek Mate Podcast, as they are a podcast I am very fond of. Oddly though they weren't 'on my radar' due to their podcasts, that only happened when we were at DSTL 2012.
Through they're many Fan Panel's (with the lovely Trekkie Girls) and through their DVD box set competition flyers. The flyers lead me onto a quite interesting tangent!

At the convention they were giving out flyers promoting their current DVD box set competition. In the competition each flyer had a unique code on it, which you could type into their website giving you the chance to win a DVD box set of a Star Trek series of your choosing.
I got home after the convention and typed it into their website! A month goes by and I get an e-mail explaining that I had won the prize, which you can imagine was an absolutely surprise to me! If you don't believe me just listen to Trek Mate: A Star Trek Podcast – Episode 45: Star Trek London Wrap Up.

Once I listened to that initial episode I was hooked, as (in their old format) they had a section of the show I always enjoyed listening to...I am of course talking about the Quiz. Which they always called Stump The Quizmaster, as they had a very clever and unique way of hosting it! Have a listen to see what I mean!!!
I think Stump The Quizmaster was an inspiration to me due to the complexity of the quiz, and because of the competition between the hosts (Wayne and co). Both elements added an extra and unexpected layer to each show, making it more enjoyable to listen to!
Although they've changed the format to their shows I would still recommend listening to the Trek Mate Podcast!!!

The third podcast I would really like to mention is the Mission Log Podcast. The hosts of the podcast (John Champion and Ken Ray) has reinvigorated a lot of fans passion for the franchise around the world (including mine) by analysing each and every episode and film.
At this point it sounds no different than any other podcast around...but they look for what I like to call "The Three M's". Which stand for the Morals, Messages and Meanings within the episode or film they are examining.
At the time that I write this they are making they're way through Season 1 of The Next Generation, after watching (and analysing) the whole run of Star Trek: The Original Series and The Animated Series. On top of that they have also watched (and analysing) all the Original Series six films right up until Undiscovered Country!
The Missions Log Podcast is an inspiration to me, because it allowed me to see a different side to a franchise I've lived with for most of my life! Giving me a chance to view the film or episode from a more balanced (and informed) point of view. As you can imagine being balanced and knowledgeable are two quite traits to have when your in charge of a Star Trek podcast!
It is my hope to bring this to the podcast via "The Three M's"!!!

The third podcast I would quite like to mention is Starbase 66, which is another podcast brought to you by the Simply Syndicated network! This podcast is a general Science Fiction and speculative fiction podcast. Which combines a lovely mixture of Science Fiction with real science. This is because part of their team used to work for United Space Alliance (one of NASA's primary contractors). So when they do the News at the beginning of each show you know that the real science is super accuracy!
It is for this reason that they are an inspiration to me, because I want to attempt to bring the balance between our Science Fiction and real science news to the podcast!!!

The final podcast I would quite like to mention is First Contact The Next Generation Introcast from The Spoilist. Which is a recent addition to my playlist (first episode debuted on the 12th of April 2013).
This podcast is like a mixture of the Mission Log Podcast and The Make It So Podcast. As Andrew, Alex and James analysis each episode of The Next Generation (currently doing Season 2) with an unequivocal element of wit in each and every show, making it a podcast worth listening to!
This is (by part) due to the fact that James hasn't seen any Star Trek before. It is because he's a new fan of the franchise (and the series) that he is able to watch it 'blind'. Giving him a unique perspective on the show. Combine that with the combined Star Trek Universe knowledge of Andrew and Alex...and you've got some very interesting discussions!
It is for this reason that they are an inspiration to me, because I want to try and bring a balance between our analysis of the franchise and the friendship between the three of us...like they do on the First Contact The Next Generation Introcast!!!

I would just like to point out that I haven't mentioned all of our Podcast Fraternity friends (unfortunately). So I would like to thank all the podcasts for their support since we launched back in October!
We really appreciate it!!!

I hope you found this blog post interesting!
This is Simon from The Engage Podcast signing out!

Simon: My science fiction background!



Hi guys
In the hopes of giving you a better understanding of who you're listening to, I thought I would help giving you an idea where my love for science fiction grew from!
It means that I will have to travel back in time, which has the risk of crossing into my own timeline (let's just hope I don't contaminate it!).
I know I've already used this trick before in the Convention Guide Post...but I thought it works quite well last time!

As you can imagine, I'm going to make a few changes to the formula...so instead of traveling in the Tardis (sorry Doctor Who fans) I'm going to be using the Enterprise-E (my favourite star ship) traversing through time via the Slingshot effect!!!



As some of you may be aware I had a quite turbulent childhood. Because during that period in my life I was being bullied at Primary school and my parents were getting divorced.

Which drew me towards science fiction and the positive morals, messages and meanings (thank you Mission Log Podcast) it has!

I think the first place I would take the ship back to is around 1993-1995 where...

my first encounter with science fiction starts! Although it's with a set shows originally produced in the 1960's...I am of course talking about Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Stingray!



These three shows were repeated in the early nineties paving the way for my love of the genre!

Trivia: My favourite Thunderbirds craft is Thunderbird 2!

With they're bright colours and they're wonderfully simple filming techniques interested me straight away! I think the fantastic craft they use (in particular Thunderbird 2) formed the foundation for my love of starships and their design!

Moving forward a few years to 1997, where I got to see...Star Wars! As in his ultimate wisdom (which is debatable!) George Lucas decided to remaster and re-release Episodes IV through VI in a Special Edition box set (which we owned). My love for starships and their design grew once again...when my Mum bought me multiple Galoob Action Fleet starships, which I imagined 'flying' them home in my hand! Along with those I also managed to get The Death Star Playset. To my knowledge they are all still in our loft!!!

 Trivia: My favourite Star Wars character is R2-D2!

Moving towards the noughties to around 1998. This is when the science fiction genre started to make an impact on an young impressionable Simon Cordell, as this is when I saw my first Star Trek: The Next Generation. I watched it every Wednesday night on BBC2 at 6pm, this lead me to buying Star Trek video's (which are still in our loft).
Around this time I also caught glimpses of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine on Thursday nights and Voyager on the Sunday nights.

Three years go by and we are introduced to  a new form of Star Trek, in the form of Enterprise! Not on the friendly Aunty Beeb (BBC) this time...but to Channel 4 where it ran modestly until the season four finale in 2006.

Trivia: Don't bring up "These are the voyages..." with Jamie, as it doesn't exist to him!

Trivia: Phil's favourite character is Marvin the robot!

Then another few years pass...until 2005 when The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy was released in the cinema's. To me and Phil, this was something we had to see!
As both of our Dad's had heard the radio plays when they were younger, and encouraged us to see it. So I think we went and saw it in the cinema  (I can't remember...Phil?) and loved it!

We loved it so much, that we bought The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Trilogy of Four: A Trilogy in Four Parts, and then travelled up to London in order to visit the Science Museum's exhibition on the film.

2005 was also the year that  I was formally introduced to another British science fiction classic Doctor Who.


Trivia: The Tenth Doctor is my favourite!

It's not until 2006 when my love for Star Trek is rekindled, after painstakingly introducing Jamie to the Star Trek franchise! This took quite a while as Jamie had his own preconceptions about science fiction. Once that happened Though his subsequent discovery and enjoyment of the series meant that I could relive the thrill of exploring the franchise for the first time!
As I was initiating a new Trekkie I thought it was about time I reviewed some of my old preconceptions about Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Voyager. So we (me and Mum) started to buy the DVD box set's to both, which I watched from start to finish. This is where my 1998 conceptions evaporated.

Three years later (2009) a new form of Star Trek is revealed with Star Trek '09 (or if you prefer Star Trek XI). The first of the Abramsverse films, when I saw the film (3 times in total) I was always struck by the drastic changes made in the film. To point that I was just speechless, due to all the thoughts running around my head surrounding all the implications from the film!

The other amazing thing to come from this film is the fact that I managed to finally introduce Phil to the Star Trek franchise through by this film and playing Star Trek Online! Once again I felt the thrill of discovery coming from Phil!

A year (2010) goes by and another science fiction series arrives, this time it's the remake of V! A very overlooked series, which is well worth a watch...although I have got to admit that I've only seen the first season. Apart from that, I'm really glad I can add another 'string to my science fiction bow'!

2011 is when I finally got to see a series I was longing to get many hands on...I am of course talking about the remake of Battlestar Galactica.
Which (unlike the V remake) is a series that is not overlooked. if you haven't seen this series then definitely check it out, as you won't regret it at all!!!

Another twelve month's passes by, landing us in 2012. This the year that I finally saw the Remastered Star Trek: The Original Series Season three and Star Trek: The Animated Series.
Just like everyone else I assumed that season three was a lost cause...but watching it, and then hearing what morals, messages and meanings John Champion and Ken Ray got out of them. I don't think it deserves the reputation it has been given over the years!
The same is said about The Animated Series, as everyone think's it isn't part of cannon...but why not? It's got as much right to be a part of cannon as any other show! Well worth a watch, even if you only see it once!
This was also the year that the three of us attended Destination Star Trek London, which was absolutely amazing! It is hopes that at some point in time you'll be able to hear our 'practise' episode covering the event!!!

Going back to last year (2013) the big event that occurred in the Abramsverse was Star Trek Into Darkness, which...again I saw 3 times in total! This was the first Star Trek film I'd seen in the cinema with Phil and Jamie making it quite a big event for us. We were able to see it the second day of release, making us very excitable!
Just like Destination Star Trek London 2012, we recorded an episode giving our thoughts on the film. Which we hope you'll be able to hear sometime in the near future!

What can I say about 2014...well it's been quite a year!
In February I went alone to Destination Star Trek Germany in Frankfurt, which was absolutely awesome and amazing! If you were unfortunate not to go, then you missed out big time!!!

Met up with the lovely Trekkie Girls (hi girls!) while I was there, and ended up 'briefly' on stage at the Trek Radio's Transmitting Trek: Taking Entertainment to the Final Frontier talk on the Sunday. Once I got home we recorded an episode giving my opinions on the convention. Which we hope you'll be able sometime soon!

Last month we also attended Destination Star Trek 3, where we hosted our Borg Fan Panel (see The Engage Podcast at DST3 part 1) with the aid of our first 'Honouree' member of the podcast Neil Green (hi Neil!).

On the same day we also launched podcast, by covering all three days of the event...again will an episode giving our thoughts and feelings on the convention (see The Engage Podcast at DST3 part 2).

I hope you found this blog post interesting!
This is Simon from The Engage Podcast signing out!



The Engage Podcast's guide to conventions!

Hi guys
With DST3 days away, I thought it was a good idea to write down some useful tips for attending a convention!
Before I start, you maybe wondering "why is Simon in a position to give me advice on attending cons?"

In order to answer your question, I need to make use of The Doctor's TARDIS. Because I'm going to need to use a bit of time travel to explain it!

I think a good place to take the TARDIS back to first...would be between 2003-2005 (ish!).
As around that time, I attended quite a few small conventions with my Mum and Godfather, but they really aren't worth mentioning!

The second place the TARDIS would land, is 2010 where I attended London Film and Comic Con at Earls Court 2. This time I went with Jamie and his Dad...although we only went for a day so I didn't gleam much advice from that event either!

It's not until 2012 where me, Jamie and Phil attended our first Destination Star Trek event. Where my wealth of convention knowledge is formed. As we spend two enjoyable days up there covering the event!

Pop back into the TARDIS for one final trip. To February of this year, where I ventured over to Frankfurt for DSTG on my one man Away Team. This time I was able to envelop myself into the convention whole heartedly, making it possible to attend the convention for the full three days!

OK enough about me! Time for some convention tips!!!

Tip #1-Book early to avoid disappointment!

 

Depending on whether it is a convention abroad or in your home country, make sure you book your convention ticket (and additions) at your earliest opportunity. As this is quite an important part of your convention I would spend a lot of time researching what ticket you want.

Here are something's to think about for your convention ticket: 

• Price-fit your ticket around your budget...you will need money left over to enjoy the convention!
• Perks- does it have extra's you really want like Reserved Priority talk seating and exclusive content!
• 'Happiness'- I know this one sounds bonkers...but buy a ticket that will make you feel happy and comfortable while your at the convention. As if you pick the wrong ticket, you won't enjoy the experience as much!

 

 

This also goes for hotel rooms, as you don't want to be stuck in the expensive position of traveling to and from the convention everyday! 

Just like the convention ticket, I would recommend doing extensive research.

Here are something's to consider while choosing your convention hotel: 

• Distance from convention centre- make sure it's staggering distance away from the convention!
• Price- fit the hotel around your budget...and don't just book the first hotel you see!
• Parking- check the hotel has free parking...as you might be able to leave the car there, without spending money on expensive convention centre parking charges!
• Food- make sure your hotel has a restaurant or café...just encase you get a bit hungry after a busy day wandering around the convention! 

 Tip #2- Plan...but don't plan so you avoid disappointment...again!

 

This is another tip that sounds absolutely bonkers...organise your days at the event 'loosely'. As when your at a convention, you get in the mind-set that you have to see and do everything the convention offers. But in reality, you can't do it!!!

SO don't plan your convention days down to the minute...as trust me it will fall apart within ten minutes of you entering the convention!

My recommendation is to sort the events you want to see into different groups like:

The booked group- which are events you've already paid to see or do.

The quite like to see or do group- events your interesting in seeing or doing...if I get there in time!

 

I would also recommend buying all your (known) autograph/photo-shoot covers and autograph pictures on the day before the convention or if that's not possible the first day. As Then you can just put the picture into the cover straight away without having to worry about it getting damaged!

 

 Tip #3-Budget

Before the convention your going to give yourself a budget to live on in those hectic few days. From experience I would imagine that would be a pretty big sum. Although though my experiences, I've always found that you always spend a lot less than you anticipate.

So I would recommend that you budget high, spend low! This way you will feel a sense of achievement, when you discover you didn't spend the entirety of your budget!!!







 

Tip #4- Be sensible

At the convention your going to do an awful lot of walking, so it is in your best interest to wear sensible footwear! As by the end of day one (whenever that it) your going to feel very tired, and your feet are going hurt...a lot!!!

Like I say they are going to be extremely long days, so make sure you rest every now and then during the convention. As your body won't be able to keep up with everything your 'trying' to do.

Your body will also need plenty of sleep before each day of the convention. Listen to your body when this happens!!! 

Try to make time to do simple obvious things like having something to eat or going to the toilet...as the adrenaline makes you forget all about these important things. If you miss them then you could end up getting dehydrated making you faint. This unfortunately could make it possible for you to miss all the exciting things you want to do!

 

I think that's everything, enjoy the event and I hope you find this advice helpful for your convention expedition!

This is Simon from The Engage Podcast signing out!

Details about The Engage Podcast pre-launch episodes! Updated

Hi everyone!
Firstly I have to admit my last blog post might appear quite alarmist of me as...obviously your reading my new blog post!
Which is a surprise to all of us I assure you, as when I wrote the last blog post it appeared as though all my preparations were going to take the rest of the month. But it occurred to me while I was looking over the Fan Panel PowerPoint and Prompt Sheet that I was being a bit of a pessimist (which is very unlike me!). As it appears we're ahead of schedule for the Fan Panel!

Because of that I have a bit more time available to me, so I can write a blog post explaining what we are going to release in the next few weeks. Before our official launch on the 3rd of October at Destination Star Trek!!!

The first thing we'll be releasing is our Promo, which you can already listen to over on our Downloads Page! Our Promo is a quick promotional introduction to the podcast. Which you'll be able to download it along with everything else via iTunes and Podomatic.
Podomatic is still being developed, so there might be a few teething problems, until we get the page looking and working how we like! The site will be linked up with the aforementioned Downloads Page in order for you to download our podcasts!!!

Then we go onto what we like to call Teaser Episodes, which as the name suggests teases at what you can expect from us once the full length episodes are recorded and released! All three Teaser Episode's have their own topic, which we discuss at length.
As they are special episodes, we thought it was appropriate that they have a unique format. So at the beginning of each episode one of us introduces ourselves and explains how they got into Star Trek. Once they're happy that they've achieved it, we then discuss the topic at hand!

The first topic we discuss is, was it right for the Federation to sign the Treaty of Algeron? Should the Federation have cloaking technology?
In the first episode we discuss the moral and ethical dilemma's surrounding the Federation's decision to sign the Treaty of Algeron in 2311. A peace accord making it illegal for them to use cloaking technology. I have the honour of introducing myself first!

The second topic we deliberate over is, the Memory Alpha Random Page Game
In this episode we have a little bit of fun! As we play one of the most fun and unpredictable games related to Star Trek on the internet. The Memory Alpha Random Page Game is a pastime that makes use of the website's Random Page function. The game can be played as a single player or multiplayer.

You play by pressing the button and seeing who has the most interesting page. The person who gets the most interesting pages overall is the winner! Phil had the opportunity of introducing himself in this Teaser Episode!

The last topic we debated was, Which series is it best to be a Federation Citizen?
In the final episode we debate, which era is the optimum time to be living on Earth in the Federation. To work this out we used a criteria. The points of comparison were the technological advances, the chances of survival and the feelings of security. Jamie had pleasure of starting this Teaser Episode!

We are really looking forward to meeting you all at DST3!!!
Simon, Jamie and Phil

Lack of blog posts to be uploaded from me in the next few weeks- Simon

Hi guys
I just want to make you all aware that over the next few weeks the number of blogs written by me are likely to fall, as I am still quite busy preparing, writing (and finalising) the different elements that will go into our DST3 Fan Panel!

As you can imagine there is an awful lot I need to complete before the month is out!
One of the main elements that we will rely on at the convention is our Prompt Sheet. Which (once finished) will detail the format of our discussion, and the notes needed to fully explain how we come to the conclusions we've come to!!!
The other vital element to any Fan Panel is a bright and colourful PowerPoint, which as you can imagine will be a visual representation for the discussion. We hope it will spur the audiences imagination, so that they ask themselves fascinating and interesting questions about the famous (if not infamous) cyborg race!!!

On top of all those preparations, I've also got the herculean task of getting the podcast ready to go live on the same day we host our Fan Panel on stage!
This has got it's elements which have still got to combine to make a whole. As you many have seen over the past month some of the preparations have already gone live!
See this post for more details: TEP Podcast Media Live!

Although we've got an awful lot more to do, before we're capable of releasing podcasts on a regular basis. Me, Jamie and Phil have got our own jobs to complete before the deadline runs out!

I think this is best time to admit to you all that once we start broadcasting. Some of the episodes you will hear will be one's we've recorded in the past.
I know that doesn't sound great but it isn't as bad as it's sounds. Because we feel that these episodes have got interesting ideas and concepts in them. Which we would like you to hear! All the podcasts will all be labelled so that you'll be able to identify them with ease!!!

Make sure you check out and vote in our Borg poll over on the right of your screen. The results of the poll will be revealed and used in our Fan Panel, so every vote counts!
We'd love to know what you think!!!

The poll finishes at 5:00pm on Friday 3rd of October 2014!!!
Simon

Poll: Are the Borg villains or victims? Updated and extended, now with results!

Hi everyone
With Destination Star Trek and our Fan Panel quickly approaching we would love to hear your thoughts on whether the Borg are villains or victims?

So we have set up a poll on the blog to gather your thoughts on the topic. It is our hopes the results of the poll can be used in our Fan Panel. Feel free to leave your views below in the comments or you can send us an e-mail, as we'll be really interested to hear what you voted and why!

Do you think the Borg are villains for assimilating millions of people by controlling their every move?
Or are actually unfortunate victims of the Borg's search for perfection?

Could they even be a mixture of the two, starting off as a victim and ending up as a villain?

There's no right way or wrong way to answer the question! The results of the poll (so far) will be revealed and used in our Fan Panel, so every vote counts!
We'd love to know what you think!!!

The poll finishes at 11:59pm on Friday 31st of October 2014!!!

The results of the poll are as following:

Villains	1 vote  (14%)
Victims	2 votes (28%)
Both	4 votes (57%) winner

So in conclusion people think that the Borg are a combination of villain's and victims!

Podcast Media Live!

Hi guys
Some of you may have noticed that over the weekend the podcast became even more accessible through more social media sites!
We are pleased to announce that we are now available via our website and our Twitter account!

Make sure you check out our Twitter account as Phil will be tweeting things everyday...and with Phil you never know what your going to get!

I would also say check out the website for a couple of reasons. Talking about Phil tweeting it is now possible to view what's he's saying on Twitter via our home page! As there's a widget set up, encase you don't feel like going onto Twitter!!!
On top of that, if go to our Downloads page you will see a recently uploaded Promo for The Engage Podcast!

TEP website home page

TEP website Downloads Page

The Engage Podcast Twitter account

These new media outlets will be alongside our already active social media sites including this blog and our Facebook page!

 

TEP Facebook page

We are also reachable through our e-mail address at:

theengagepodcast@yahoo.com!

So now you don't have to look far for your TEP fix!!!