Marketing Is Lame, Audio Is Cool

 

If you've got a story or message you're passionate about that you want others to experience who have never heard about it, you have to engage in some form of marketing. But despite my passion for what I do and create, the marketing is my least favorite part of running this little company, second only to all the technical internet stuff I have to keep afloat.

The last few days have been filled with e-mail writing and e-mail sending. Not to folks I've interacted with before, but to folks with blogs and podcasts that I think might be interested in what we're doing or who might be willing to help get the word out. It takes me well outside of my comfort zone and I sometimes agonize over my choice of words in an effort to avoid coming across like a salesman. But at the end of the day, I've got a product that I think others will want. And if I want them to buy, I have to sell. A necessary chore.

Thankfully, mixed in with that has been my work on the Spirit Blade audiobook, which I have now been able to resume work on. I am about two-thirds of the way through recording it and am hoping to take two days next week and just barrel through the rest of it. Mixing the audiobook for "Pilgrim" took much less time than I had originally anticipated, and so I'm realistically hopeful that you guys will be able to start listing to the Spirit Blade audiobook before Christmas! I'm not positive what the release method will be, but I do know that it will be available free of charge!

It's also been really great to hear the positive and energetic responses from those of you who have listened to "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"! Your encouragement means a lot! Thank you!

Have a great, safe Halloween weekend!

-Paeter Frandsen

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan (Movie Review)

Battlestar fans have been waiting for this direct to DVD release in hopes of getting one more fix of the Battlestar they loved so well. Did it come through? Sure! Depending on what you were hoping for.

BSG is known for several storytelling elements: Action sci-fi battles, human emotional drama, philosophical/social commentary and unraveling mystery. The Plan has a fair dose of all of these, but certainly seems to exist for the latter. Not that it sets up the mystery. The series did that. Producers admitted that despite the claim that the Cylons "have a plan" at the beginning of every episode, they did not pay off that idea as well as they should have in the series. So "The Plan" exists mostly to remedy that.

The movie takes you through some major events of the series, weighing heavily on the first season, and inter-cuts old footage with new to give you a "behind the scenes" look at the Cylons during major BSG events. A few questions are answered that may have gnawed at hardcore fans (like who Caprica 6 was talking to after Baltar walked away from her outside waaaay back in the mini-series), but the revelations are by no means important for casual BSG viewers. While adding an additional layer to the series, The Plan falls short of the magnificent "Razor" DVD release.

Special effects were equal but no better than the series. A tiny shame for a DVD movie release, but still wonderful if viewed with a TV show in mind. The opening chapter presents another look at the attack on the Colonies, which is very well executed and gives a much stronger idea of the hopelessness humanity faced against the Cylons. They have never appeared more unstoppably destructive.

I didn't hold out hope that "The Plan" would answer the questions that SHOULD have been answered at the end of the series and weren't, but it would have been nice to have a more interesting philosophical theme than "love outlasts death", which ultimately comes across as an ethereal, insubstantial statement in its execution here.

What fans will enjoy is a MUCH deeper look at John Caval, the first model of human looking Cylons. Dean Stockwell does double duty carrying this movie, as the plot focuses on two model 1's and their different internal journey's regarding the Cylon agenda. Although Stockwell was not given exceptional material to work with, he is fascinating to watch.

In the end, this is a BSG story that has little focus on the cast you watched the show for, but has some enjoyable action/sci-fi/effects sequences and adds new layers for your second or maybe third time through the series on DVD. Although it does deal with some philosophical themes, they are not focused enough to come through and be worth discussion afterward unless you're especially looking for a topic over coffee.

Hardly the best BSG, but definitely something fans enjoy seeing and many will want to buy.

Unrated by MPAA.

Quality: 8.0/10

Relevance: 7.5/10

Evaluating Options

 

Well, now that "Pilgrim" is out, I am finally emerging from my production cave to re-evaluate my online marketing strategies and how I can make the best use of my evaporating time.

I'm looking into Twitter, which I've avoided because the nature of the beast lends itself to sharing only short thoughts with little substance, and I'd much rather share ideas than tell you all that I'm eating cereal or mixing audio (in which case, I'm not really doing either because I've wasted time to stop and say that I am.) But I've learned that I CAN use Twitter to let folks know when a blog post has gone up or a podcast episode has been published, which sounds cool! And I think I've got it worked out so that I don't have to do anything extra to make that happen. I don't know, it's set up now, so this post will act as a sort of "test".

I'm also currently wondering about MySpace. I'm very hesitant to add anything to my "posting ritual", which already takes up more time than I'd like. I've been unable to find a tool that will allow me to simultaneously post blogs to Typepad, Blogger, Facebook, my two Ning groups and Myspace, so I currently manually copy and paste my weekly posts for both blogs into all of those places.

I'm looking for ways to subtract time from this ritual and I've got my crosshair on my MySpace web presence.

Is it worth it to keep a presence there? If so, is it worth it to paste my blog posts there? I get comments regularly on Facebook, Blogger and Typepad, but it's been almost a year, maybe more, since I got a comment on MySpace.

Should I just keep the two pages (one personal and one "Spirit Blade") with LINKS to my blogs but not worry about actually copying my blogs to them, or should I keep those blogs going on those MySpace pages, even though it's the same blog material you'll find on Blogger (Paeter's Brain) and Typepad (Spirit
Blade Underground).

Recently, it was suggested that I try "Ping.fm", which I had tried a year ago. This free service allows you to update multiple social networks at once, but a year ago I didn't get any further than signing up because they weren't compatible with all of my social networks. So I tried it again today.

Ping.fm failed me again.

It lured me in with the promise that I could post to all of my social networks, but when I began to create posting groups (so I can post to some social networks and not others) it revealed that if I choose "blogging", my options are severely limited. It looks as though the only places it can send blogs to, among my social networks anyway, are Facebook, Blogger and Typepad. I can only microblog and do status updates at all the others. So again I am faced with what to do about Myspace and Ning. Especially Myspace.

Should I continue to copy my blog posts there, or just put a referral link on the Myspace page and hope they check out my Typepad blog?

Any web geniuses out there that have this problem solved?

In Search Of Truth, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

Continuing the defense of his reputation and ministry, Paul suggests the idea that he is commending himself with his previous words in this letter, or that he needs letters of recommendation. (v.1) He then counters this idea by pointing to the superior, living evidence of his ministry’s integrity: The Corinthians themselves.

 

The lives of those in the Corinthian church acted as a living letter of validation for Paul’s ministry, because of the outward evidence they displayed of God in their hearts. This validation of Paul’s ministry was superior to a letter of recommendation in a couple ways. It was more than a document written in ink by a human. It was brought about by the Holy Spirit. God himself! It was more than a record fixed in stone, waiting to be read. Paul’s “letter of recommendation” was a living community of believers, active and impacting others. (v.2-3)

 

This is the kind of impact we should pray God will allow us to have on others! Imagine investing your time and passion into helping someone know and love God more deeply and then later seeing that person do the same for someone else!

 

Paul also makes a comparison here (which he will expand on later) to the Law given to Israel through Moses. (Tablets of stone vs. human hearts in verse 3) The power of Paul’s ministry to change lives was the Holy Spirit putting God’s will into people’s hearts, not the written law. This is a key function of the Holy Spirit as he lives in believers. This kind of ministry is superior to the Law, and was promised to Israel by God. ( Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:25-27)  

 

As we allow the Holy Spirit more influence in our lives, we will be better led by him as we make decisions, discern truth and prioritize our activity.

 

Paul’s confidence about the superior nature of his ministry doesn’t come from himself. His confidence is all “through Christ” as he recognizes him as the source of his strength and capability. (v.4-5)

 

Sometimes, when we’re experiencing success, we can start to believe that it came about because of our own talent or intelligence. We forget that the opportunities presented to us are orchestrated by God and that he is the one who made our talents and provided people and opportunities to increase our knowledge and refine our skills. No one is the source of their own success.

 

Paul refers to himself as the minister of a “new covenant”, which refers back to Jeremiah 31 and a “spirit-based” covenant promised by God. This covenant would be superior to the covenant of the Law, because “through the law we become conscious of sin.” (Romans 3:20) And the payment we receive for sin is a death sentence. (Romans 6:23)

 

The Law announces a death sentence for us! The standard it sets is too high and impossible to keep, and so it brings about our death. But when the Holy Spirit enters every believer, they are transformed and rescued from death. (v.6)

 

Next Week- New Versus Old

 

Coffee House Question

What areas of your life do you tend to forget to credit God for, either to yourself or to others? 

"Pilgrim's Progress" Available Now!

Hi Everyone!

 

It is my pleasure to announce the release of Spirit Blade Productions’ latest audio drama, “Pilgrim’s Progress: Similitude Of A Dream”!

 

Based on the classic allegory by John Bunyan, this re-imagining retains the rich layers of philosophy and theology contained in the original, while repackaging it in the form of a mythical fantasy adventure. Monsters, magic, danger and discovery all await your ears and imagination. The epic story of one man’s journey may just be your story as well!

 

To listen to the trailer, get more information or download it now, visit www.spiritblade.net!

 

Thanks,

 

Paeter Frandsen

Blood: The Last Vampire (Movie Review)

Although I've seen the Japanese animated flick, "Blood: The Last Vampire", and I remember enjoying it, that's about all I remember. So it obviously didn't make a lasting impression. But when I saw a trailer for the live action re-make of the original movie, I knew I wanted to see it. And I'm glad I did, despite the fact that the live action version will probably be almost equally forgettable to me.

The story centers on a Japanese half-demon(vampire) girl who has been alive for hundreds of years, hunting the vampire that killed her father. In this story, she goes undercover, in service to a secret vampire hunting organization, as a high school student on a US military base in Japan. It seems this was done to bring more Americans into the script, which does help make the film more accessible. Most of the film was written and filmed in English, with subtitles appearing for Japanese language sequences.

Despite this, the movie suffers from the same kind of weak acting normally associated with dubs of anime. Nothing is outrageously bad, but the script and characters (especially the scenes in the school) are 2-dimensional and performed artificially.

The fight scenes are spectacular, however. Lots of wire work and cool slow motion that Matrix and 300 fans will seriously dig. It's been awhile since I watched a movie with martial arts fighting as enjoyable to watch as this was.

On the downside, the action can get a little far-fetched at times, especially in one fight scene near the end, where a character's strength and determination to fight and live results in emotional detachment for the audience, as he appears to lose 3 gallons of blood before showing any signs of fatigue. I was reminded of some of the old classic kung-fu movies where people get stabbed all over and it seems to have little effect on their amazing motor skills. Maybe that's normal for Asian audiences, but it was too odd for me and kept me from genuinely fearing for his life.

There is also some embarrassingly bad CGI in this movie, and it unfortunately occurs most often when representing the biggest, nastiest vampire of the bunch. They switch between a bad rubber costume and what looks like graphics from a video game. The CGI blood in combat sequences wasn't as bothersome to me, but it still looked very fake.

Some CGI near the end looked very good, however. In a final battle, our hero faces off against a being with flowing 15-foot lines of cloth constantly floating around them, which looks really cool.

In a classroom scene near the beginning, Mary Shelly's Frankenstein is being analyzed, and the subject of God enters the conversation. The teacher asks a student at one point if they thought God is like an irresponsible parent, abandoning his children. The student changes the subject and we never get to see where that might have gone, but it's clear the writers are playing with some significant themes. Or at least they planned to before cutting the development of those ideas short. There is also a subtle subtext relating to the nature of evil within us, but it isn't given much time in the story.

In the end, this is a cool action flick, briefly marred now and then by some bad CGI, with a few short philosophical moments that are clearly present but undeveloped. If you're looking for some cool fighting eye-candy, check it out. Anything beyond that and I'd recommend passing on this one or paying no more than a buck, as I did.

Rated R for strong bloody stylized violence

Quality: 7.5/10

Relevance: 7.0/10

Finishing "Pilgrim" On Website

I can almost taste it! The final comments from my test listeners have come in and they all say this project is ready to go! I did my final test listens yesterday and after putting together a brief "Read Me" file for the project download, I will deliver the folder to my tech guy today. Keep checking back here! I may be announcing the availability of "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream" any day now!

And while you're waiting, you can listen to the trailer on our home page (www.spiritblade.net) and read a little bit about the development of the project(click on "Projects" in main navigation)! FYI, I will be updating the website as well today and tomorrow. So if you come across something that looks unfinished or a link that doesn't work, that's just me slaving away behind the scenes!

Stay tuned!

-Paeter Frandsen

Pilgrim, Website...

Working on... website...for Pilgrim... can't stop... must...keep...

In Search Of Truth, 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

 

Paul traveled up the coast from Ephesus to preach the message about Jesus in Troas. And although God provided some great opportunity for that in Troas, Paul was still not at peace because he hadn’t met up with Titus, a missionary partner, whom he had hoped would give him a report on how the Corinthians had responded to his “severe letter”.

Troas served as a common port where travelers would sail to Macedonia, which Paul explains that he did next. We’ll eventually see that Paul was comforted by Titus when he reached Macedonia, but before Paul tells the Corinthians about that, he moves into a digression that lasts until Chapter 7. Digressions in ancient letter writing were common and Paul’s digression here is a natural one.

Paul was experiencing emotional turmoil because he cared deeply about his relationship with the Corinthians and their willingness to respond to the truth. Despite this, however, Paul knew that God’s undeserved favor toward him (grace) would be enough for anything he experienced in life. Paul’s perspective on life, in the middle of relational stress and difficulty, can serve as an encouraging reminder for us when we are working through long-term conflict with people we are close to.

Paul thanks God for the position that God had given him. He describes it using the metaphor of a “triumphal procession”. During this time period Roman conquerors would lead their captives in a public procession, and burning incense was often part of this event. In light of Ephesians 4:1-8, which uses a similar metaphor, Paul probably views himself as a prisoner in this procession, but a grateful one. Being a servant, or even a “slave” of Jesus is so much more fulfilling than being a slave to the life he takes us from when we put our trust in him.

God can also use us, as he did Paul, to spread “the fragrance of the knowledge of him”, much like bystanders to the triumphal procession would smell the incense being burned. This “fragrance” will smell different depending on who smells it. The first, staggering thought is that believers trusting and following God are “a fragrance of Christ to God”! The beauty and holiness of Jesus is seen in believers by God, no matter what faults they have or what sins are in their past. (1 Cor. 1:30, 2 Cor. 5:21)

Believers can also be a “fragrance of Christ” to people. For those being saved and transformed by God, other Christians can be a source of life and refreshment. For those who are ultimately perishing, rejecting God, Christians can leave a bad “aroma”, because they are a reminder of the idea of God’s existence, something that, at the very least, they don’t want to think about.

After expressing this truth, Paul understandably comments, “Who is equal to such a task?” (He will answer this question in the next chapter. But you can look ahead at verse 5 if you want.)

Paul knows that he is not up to the task of being an “aroma of Christ”. He humbly reminds the Corinthians that He doesn’t treat his message about Christ like a product that he’s selling. Instead, as though standing before God himself (which in reality he WAS doing, through his Apostleship and the presence of the Holy Spirit in him), he speaks with complete sincerity as a representative (Apostle) of God.

Next Week- The transformed and transforming life of the Christian

Coffee House Question

What do you think the difference is between being an unpleasing “fragrance of Christ” around non-Christians and being… well, jerks?

"Pilgrim" Image And A Trailer In The Works

This week I've been working with my tech guys to get the website ready for the release of "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream". We finally have an image to go along with the project! I've included a small version of it with this post. The full size version will be on the main website soon!

I also hope to finish the trailer today, which is coming along well! My test listeners have been instructed to give me their feedback by this weekend so that I can make a final pass through the project before Monday.

Then I just need to get the files to my tech guys and write up the copy for the website. Once this is done, we'll be all set to go!

-Paeter Frandsen

In Search Of Truth, 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11

Paul did not delay his visit to the Corinthian church lightly. Paul had a “painful visit” with the Corinthians once before, after which he wrote them a “severe letter”, which he refers to here in Chapter 2. Paul had dealt strongly with the Corinthians in his last two interactions with them, and although it had been needed, he wanted to spare them more pain. (1:23)

Paul clarified his relationship to the Corinthian church. He was not their ruler, dominating their faith. He was a co-worker with them. Their faith was their own and Paul commended the strength of their faith, recognizing how it had kept them standing firmly in the truth. (1:24)

Paul greatly valued his relationships in the Corinthian church community. They weren’t just another group of people he was giving instruction to. He knew that if he disciplined them again in his upcoming visit, they would be in pain from the confrontation and the time spent with Paul would not be enjoyable. (2:1-2)

So Paul wrote a “severe letter” in hopes that the issue he was correcting would be mostly resolved before he arrived to spend time with them. He had confidence that the Corinthians would understand and share his intent for their correction, his pain over having to write what he did and his love for them, as expressed in the severe letter. (2:3-4)

Paul also puts his words in perspective as he focuses on a specific person in the Corinthian church who had recently required correction and discipline of some kind.

When Paul corrected the Corinthians, it was not primarily because they had wronged him, but because they had wronged themselves and their community in some way. (2:5) When we are corrected by God and/or our spiritual leaders and mentors, it’s because we are doing damage to ourselves and others, not just because we have offended God or our leaders.

Paul tells the Corinthians that the discipline carried out by the church community has served its purpose and that they should now comfort and accept the one they had been disciplining. It’s important that we remember to restore and comfort those who have genuinely seen their fault, recognized it as wrong and accepted the consequences for their actions. Correction between Christians is never aimed at ultimate separation, but ultimate reconciliation. (2:6-8)

One reason Paul wrote his last letter was to see if the Corinthians would “stand the test and be obedient in everything”. It would have been one thing for the Corinthians to respond to his correction if Paul were present with them. But it was a real test of their obedience to ask them to correct their behavior while he was unable to personally oversee them. (2:9)

This is similar to the challenge we face every day as Christians who aim to live according to the Bible. Without the constant physical presence of Jesus, it can be very challenging to take his commands seriously and prioritize our lives around the desires of God. But imagine for a moment the kind of impact we could have on the lives around us if we were constantly aware of the reality of God’s presence!

Paul delegated the authority to forgive erring members of the community to the community itself. This isn’t forgiveness in the sense of justification in the sight of God, but rather relational forgiveness between people in the Christian community. Paul united his forgiveness with that of the Corinthian church so that there would not be opportunity for division that Satan could take advantage of. (2:10-11)

Next Week- What Do Christians Smell Like?

Coffee House Question

What aspect of correction or conflict resolution most often makes you hesitate before having a “difficult conversation” with someone?

Back On Wednesday

Although it goes against my instinct, I'm taking a little break today and tomorrow to go camping with my family. So our "search for truth" together will have to wait until Wednesday.

When you work for no one but yourself it can be really hard (at least for me) to take time off. Especially right in the middle of crunch time before a product release! But the time off will be good for me and will actually have very little impact on the "Pilgrim" release.

Thanks for your patience, everyone! Be back soon!

-Paeter Frandsen

Almost Done!

Well, I've been holed up in my cave all week working hard and fast to finish "Pilgrim", and the time and effort is paying off!

I had estimated the audiobook portion of the project to take around 1 or 2 weeks, but I ended up recording and mixing the entire thing in just over 48 hours! I think it will be a great compliment to the audio drama version and scratch the itch for some you "purists" out there.

Tomorrow I have an actor coming to record the opening and closing credits, along with some lines for the "Pilgrim" trailer, which I will put together next week. Meanwhile, I'm handing out copies of the project to test listeners today and should be getting the "cover image" from my graphic designer this weekend or early next week.

I am surprisingly optimisitic about an October release! But we'll see!

-Paeter Frandsen

Dark Ritual Commentary Part 6!

Part 6 of the "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual" Interactive Commentary is here!

How did we create those messed up torture scenes? What Inspired the song "Necromancy"? And what extremely unusual, unintended parallels can be found between the Spirit Blade story and Paeter's real life? 

Find out at www.spiritblade.net/freestuff

Enjoy!

Paeter

In Search Of Truth, 2nd Corinthians 1:12-22

Paul’s delay in coming to visit Corinth provided ammunition for those who were calling into question his authority as an Apostle. So Paul uses verses 12-14 to affirm his proud confidence in the Corinthians and their good reason to have confidence in him.

 

Paul was convinced that in his interactions with people in general, and especially with the Corinthian church, he had acted in a way consistent with holiness (meaning Paul was set apart from other purposes to specifically carry out the purposes of God) and godly sincerity. He was not motivated by “fleshly wisdom” (wisdom that come out of the natural instinct and tendency of human thinking) but acted in unison with the grace (undeserved favor) of God. His motives were not to look good or benefit himself. He handled his relationships with the kind of honesty and integrity modeled by God in the life of Jesus. (v.12)

 

Paul wrote to the Corinthians using words they could understand. He wasn’t trying to cleverly manipulate the truth to make himself look good or to persuade the Corinthians to favor him in some way. He hopes that, as their understanding in what Paul has said and written grows, they will understand that they can be proud and confident in Paul when Jesus eventually comes to judge the world, just as Paul will be proud and confident in them. (v.13-14)

 

As Paul talks about “confidence” and “boasting”, it’s important to understand that his ultimate purpose is not to boast or be boasted about to gain favor with people. His desire is to do what will honor God, which is why he mentions “the day of our Lord Jesus”, when Jesus will evaluate the deeds of every person.

 

Because of his confidence in their growth and receptivity to his teaching, Paul planned to visit the Corinthians twice. First while on his way to Macedonia, and again on his way back. Paul counters the idea that he made his plans lightly or behaved with a fickle attitude. He affirms his point strongly by saying that “as God is faithful our word to you is not yes and no”. Paul meant what he said and wanted them to understand that. (v.15-17)

 

Since he placed his own integrity on the faithfulness and integrity of God, Paul takes a minute to emphasize God’s integrity and the integrity of Paul’s message about Christ. Jesus does not go back on his words. If he affirms something, we can count on it. The word “Amen” is an affirmation that can also be translated, “truly”. So Paul is saying in verse 20 that when he affirms something, it is through Christ (whom he represents as an Apostle) and for God’s glory. (v.18-20)

 

Paul identifies God as the common bond between him and the Corinthians (and all believers for that matter). Being “anointed” was a symbol in the Old Testament that signified a person being set aside for a special ministry or God-purposed role. Believers are also given God’s “seal of ownership”, meaning that we are his prized and protected possessions. The Holy Spirit is placed in all believers and represents a sort of down payment for the incredible life to come. (v.21-22)

 

Next Week- So why DID Paul change his travel plans and avoid visiting the Corinthian church?

 

Coffee House Question

 

If you’re a Christian, have you ever thought of yourself as “anointed”(as defined above)? How do you think an “anointed” person might look at their everyday lives differently than someone else?

 

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (DVD Review)

Although the DC animated movies were hit or miss at the start, it seems they’ve finally hit their stride. Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and now “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies”.

With Kevin Conroy as Batman, Tim Daly as Superman and Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor, the voices that made these characters jump out from animated tv have brought the goods again in this flick. And the animation has jumped forward to keep pace.

If you read and enjoyed the original comic book story by Loeb and McGuiness, you’ll see some of your favorite moments repeated here. But you’re also in for some surprises as the story has been trimmed of its continuity heavy elements and streamlined into a self-contained but broad story.

Lex Luthor has become the President of the United States and a kryptonite meteor the size of Australia is headed for earth. But Luthor wants to get all the credit for saving the earth and uses his position to place a billion dollar bounty on Superman. Super-villains and a few heroes come out of the woodwork to bring Superman in, while Batman faithfully stands at his side.

The action and animation is great, it sounds sweet in 5.1, and these actors are unquestionably the best for their roles.

It’s a little odd that Levar Burton was brought on to voice Back Lightning and only say one line. (I’m not kidding. I don’t remember a second.) And the run-time is a little too short. (69 minutes) But if you spend just a few more dollars to get the two disc DVD set, the second disc makes up for it with some great special features. One is a feature on the differences between Batman and Superman, psychologically. Another is a GREAT dinner conversation between the movie producers and Kevin Conroy, in which they discuss highlights of his entire career voicing Batman. Some great insight and anecdotes. SO worth the extra few bucks. Also included is a first look at the next DC animated movie, “Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths”, which looks awesome, but will hopefully be longer than this movie.

Regarding Relevance, there's not much to talk about aside from an imperfect metaphor about Superman being a savior. It almost works, but not quite. Still a stand out moment that may lead to conversation after, though.

DC comics fans should not miss this and DC animated tv show fans should not hesitate to buy it, as long as you go with the 2-disc or blue-ray version.

Rated PG-13 for action violence throughout and a crude comment

Quality: 9.0/10

Relevance: 7.0/10

"Pilgrim" Primary Mix Finished!

As of today, my primary mix for "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream" is finished! I am now writing the script for the opening and closing credits which will be recorded sometime next week. Meanwhile, I will begin recording the parallel audiobook material to be included with this release.

The audiobook portion of the project will be MUCH easier to mix and I only anticipate it taking a week or two. (Though you all know what my estimates are worth.) I will only be sending out the primary mix to my test listeners, trusting my own ears to polish and master the credits and audiobook. I received very few notes on the mix for "Dark Ritual" at this stage, and so I'm confident I can handle those portions without testers. This will also cut at least two weeks off of the production schedule.

Ryan Emenecker, the designer for both Spirit Blade CD sets and our main website, will be adding text to an image for "Pilgrim's Progress" on the website. We're going for an understated look, but one that I think will represent the project well.

That's all I've got for now!

-Paeter Frandsen