Webcasting since 2009, Off the Charts features music from the 1940s-1980s (and sometimes beyond). Most weeks there is a musical theme, shown at the top left of the video window. The theme largely determines what music gets played during each cast.
To participate in the cast by making a request please read this...
* To make a request, simply ask for it in the regular chat box.
* On-theme requests are preferred but not required.
* Good requests consistent with the cast are definitely preferred.
* Be considerate of the caster and other viewers. Questionable or too-frequent requests may be ignored.
* All music content is at the discretion of the caster as the cast unfolds. Your great request may not get played simply because the cast went in a different direction.
From the top, you may notice...
"Most weeks there is a musical theme...". Unlike before, there won't necessarily be a theme every week. That should give the cast more spontaneity.
"On-theme requests are preferred but not required." To me, themes are interesting, they give the cast focus, and they encourage variety in the music we hear. The downside is that themes seem to be difficult for some people, especially those new to the cast. Some folks have a reluctance to use the resources I make available on this website. Sometimes we get requests that are made just to fit the theme without regard to the quality of the song. I am trying to fix that. I don't like being the song police. I don't want it to be a chore for people to participate. On-theme requests are still preferred, but I am no longer going to deny someone just because the request may be off-theme.
"Good requests...". Songs you know are good or think might be, based on the artist. Random songs you got from a Google search often don't make for good requests.
"...consistent with the cast...", meaning primarily from the decades we favor and from the many genres we like.
"Be considerate of the caster and other viewers." and "All music content is at the discretion of the caster...". Last year, sometimes I was getting overwhelmed with the quantity of requests so a one-at-a-time request policy was put into place. That solved the problem, but now I think that was too restrictive. If your creative juices are flowing and you have a few good ideas all at once, now you don't have to wait to dole them out. Just please be considerate to not "hog the queue" and to not overwork your humble caster. If I am processing requests then I am not paying attention to chat, and I do want to stay involved with the chat.
Also, on the same point, I want to emphasize that I am treating requests as suggestions. That was always the case, but that may not have been apparent. As I queue up the songs, some requests might not fit in well with where the cast is at that time or the direction I want to take it. This might mean that the cast is less request-driven than before, but we will see.
Viewer participation is a key part of the cast, and I value participation through requests. We always have great requests and the cast is better for them. However, sometimes I get too focused on handling each and every request and miss other opportunities that present themselves during the cast. I am going to try to do a better job conducting the cast going forward, but that might mean that some requested songs won't get played. I hope everyone will understand.
Thanks everyone for your continued support.