Can't do these anymore, too busy and need to save voice for this weekend! Thanks to everyone who helped out over the past week, wish I could of done more!
In preparation for the upcoming MLG Dallas SC2 LAN, I'm going to be doing a cast a day. Typically I do this before events and never post them anywhere, but I figured what better way to get constructive feedback than to show it to the people who will probably be watching MLG Dallas live that weekend.
Each day I will be playing five games with a specific race (since I play random) and then casting a match-up which I struggled with or had questions/thoughts about.
I'll be spoilering the videos for each day below. You can also find the playlist link >>HERE<< which I'll update everyday with the new cast.
Please post constructive feedback only please, I'm sure the mods will be worried about this to begin with. I also don't want this to turn into a caster war where someone posts thoughts about someone else's casting.
Also on the YouTube video page for each day, I'll be posting my own comments on the cast after its settled for awhile and I've had a chance for it to leave my brain so I can be objective.
Thanks everyone and please feel free to rip me apart, I has no feelings! 8D
You've always just lacked enthusiam to me, way too monotone. Listening to those casts it sounds like you've improved on that. Your game knowledge is fine.
A criticism I have of casters in general (it's been awhile since I've listen to you co-cast with someone so idk if this specifically applies to you, sorry to get a bit off topic) is that they often don't work off each other and just take turns talking without any meaningful interaction going back and forth (Husky is really bad about that). If you're co-casting with Day9 try to be the Tasteless to his Artosis. Ask him about strategy and try to do more play by play and let Day9 do his thing. Rotterdam did it brilliantly at IEM and djwheat does it really well when he casts with day9 too.
If I had one complaint (and I know this will likely change at live events, but its cool to have on youtube casts as well) is to let yourself be excited about things. Like the 6pool and the snap decision not to turn his SCVs around, but rather to float away. That is pretty big excitement levels to me, and I generally find my excitement levels matching the casters.
And you didn't really commit this issue, but please don't fall prey to the "I don't like this..." or "I don't agree with this..." style of casting.
Ever since MLG I've honestly felt that as far as casting goes outside of the GSL/Tastosis, you have been in the top tier of caster combinations. Day9 + DjWheat or yourself (and I actually quite liked Rotterdam at IEM) are the best combination I could ask for in MLG(pray for in NASL). You and Wheat supplemented your lack of game knowledge at the time with brilliant play off of Sean and covering play by play and being mature enough to know when and when not to put on the hype-voice. You knew how to fill time during problems, talk during breaks... its been fantastic.
I feel that arguments for a caster being "good" at the game don't really matter as much as having personality as a caster. A bit of charisma, a good clear speaking voice, and some professionalism are far more appreciated than a lot of what I hear from most streamed tournaments I tune into that are casted by other "Pro players" who obviously lack enough social skill to control the tone of their voice.
My best example, is the GCPL that has been being casted by Gretorp and Sheth. Listening to them feels very amateurish, almost as if I'm watching a schools morning news. Sure they have a lot of fans, and they're arguable pro-gamers, but they lack a sort of maturity and professionalism in their speech. I tire of hearing Skype alerts, knowing if one of them needs to use the restroom, really odd moments of unwarranted excitement or periods of strange whispery voices.
Love all the content you put out JP! Hope things go well in Dallas
Edit: Some actual feedback
Giving your opinion about plays is good. You're clearly a baller now as far as that goes, but I think the above person had it right the "I agree with this, I don't agree with that" is way too common and doesn't have enough oomph to back it up.
Ideally you'd do it like Artosis. Explain what should be done. I was watching the GSL finals and he was explaining the 4-gate vs. spinecrawlers in the first game. He explained why you needed the second one, and he was right on. Obviously it's not always possible to do it like this, but that's fine. Just add analysis with depth, not just "I agree" explain why you agree, and the more in depth the better. I'm one of those guys that loves picking up tidbits from casters, and I think most of TL is the same way, and if you're 3.4+ masters you definately have some information to share.
The second bit of advice is another rehash of an above post. Excitement is infectious, when we're all nerds fooling around on the internet. Allow yourself to get excited. You don't need to be Day9 or crazy loud or false (false excitement might be worse than no excitement), but the monotone voice casting is really what separates the "pro player casting a game" from the true pro casters. And the best of the best can call up that excitement whenever they need it.
Again going to the GSL finals, Tastosis did a great job putting a ton of excitement and humor to some really mediocre games. Not that they weren't supremely executed, but as far as a spectator's point of view they weren't the best games to watch. But they absolutely got every inch of enterainment value out of them. I think you definately are hurt by the lack of a co-caster in these practice sessions but it's something you can work on solo, too, maybe.
I'm not naturally funny, so I understand how difficult it can be to do that. But playing off your other caster can be great here. If there's a way to inject some of the general awesomeness of the humor of State of the Game while keeping the cast respectful and professional, it would really improve the viewing experience.
I feel like this is stuff you already know, but I hope at least by stating it you might be able to focus on it. It's really the only weakness of your casting at all, you're extremely good!
I believe you will do well, the ones so far have been pretty good. You should just start yelling frequently whenever you see something exciting, maybe even have Incontrol teach you an accent.
I understand its hard when just watching by yourself to be super excited about everything and to yell, but I hope that when you do it live you show quite a bit more enthusiasm, especially if its a 6pool.
Don't say things like "Well there's nothing really to analyze here" - you could talk about what followups a player might do, what they might be going for with their build, etc etc. No need to be 100% analytical, you can goof around some as well, especially if you'll be casting with Day.
Your game knowledge and explanations are spot on, I wouldn't worry about that too much, instead maybe add a little color to the commentating (your voice is a bit monotonic, which doesn't bother me too much but some people might be put off by it.
Overall, solid casting, can't wait to hear it live at MLG dallas!
On March 20 2011 13:02 proxY_ wrote: You've always just lacked enthusiam to me, way too monotone. Listening to those casts it sounds like you've improved on that. Your game knowledge is fine.
A criticism I have of casters in general (it's been awhile since I've listen to you co-cast with someone so idk if this specifically applies to you, sorry to get a bit off topic) is that they often don't work off each other and just take turns talking without any meaningful interaction going back and forth (Husky is really bad about that). If you're co-casting with Day9 try to be the Tasteless to his Artosis. Ask him about strategy and try to do more play by play and let Day9 do his thing. Rotterdam did it brilliantly at IEM and djwheat does it really well when he casts with day9 too.
Heh, at IEM Day9 was doing what you are talking about here and it was so irritating. He kept talking like he was the only caster there while treating other casters as only his moment to catch a breath.
Only question OP is whether this is the best way to practice. Since you've played the games, you know whats going to happen so its easier for you to cast. Perhaps it better if "live" cast someone elses games based off replays they send you - this way you can practice for what to say whens there lulls in actions or how to multitask in game (casting, obs, what to talk about, etc.)
On March 20 2011 13:02 proxY_ wrote: You've always just lacked enthusiam to me, way too monotone. Listening to those casts it sounds like you've improved on that. Your game knowledge is fine.
A criticism I have of casters in general (it's been awhile since I've listen to you co-cast with someone so idk if this specifically applies to you, sorry to get a bit off topic) is that they often don't work off each other and just take turns talking without any meaningful interaction going back and forth (Husky is really bad about that). If you're co-casting with Day9 try to be the Tasteless to his Artosis. Ask him about strategy and try to do more play by play and let Day9 do his thing. Rotterdam did it brilliantly at IEM and djwheat does it really well when he casts with day9 too.
Heh, at IEM Day9 was doing what you are talking about here and it was so irritating. He kept talking like he was the only caster there while treating other casters as only his moment to catch a breath.
Definitely, listening to Day9 and Husky cast the liquid showmatches at pax was pretty painful to hear. Don't get me wrong I love day9 as much as the next guy and hes easily the best solo caster out there but when paired with someone that doesn't work off him well it gets somewhat bad.
On March 20 2011 13:02 proxY_ wrote: You've always just lacked enthusiam to me, way too monotone. Listening to those casts it sounds like you've improved on that. Your game knowledge is fine.
A criticism I have of casters in general (it's been awhile since I've listen to you co-cast with someone so idk if this specifically applies to you, sorry to get a bit off topic) is that they often don't work off each other and just take turns talking without any meaningful interaction going back and forth (Husky is really bad about that). If you're co-casting with Day9 try to be the Tasteless to his Artosis. Ask him about strategy and try to do more play by play and let Day9 do his thing. Rotterdam did it brilliantly at IEM and djwheat does it really well when he casts with day9 too.
Heh, at IEM Day9 was doing what you are talking about here and it was so irritating. He kept talking like he was the only caster there while treating other casters as only his moment to catch a breath.
Definitely, listening to Day9 and Husky cast the liquid showmatches at pax was pretty painful to hear. Don't get me wrong I love day9 as much as the next guy and hes easily the best solo caster out there but when paired with someone that doesn't work off him well it gets somewhat bad.
day9 + husky works very well imo. don't know what the problem is.
On March 20 2011 13:02 proxY_ wrote: You've always just lacked enthusiam to me, way too monotone. Listening to those casts it sounds like you've improved on that. Your game knowledge is fine.
A criticism I have of casters in general (it's been awhile since I've listen to you co-cast with someone so idk if this specifically applies to you, sorry to get a bit off topic) is that they often don't work off each other and just take turns talking without any meaningful interaction going back and forth (Husky is really bad about that). If you're co-casting with Day9 try to be the Tasteless to his Artosis. Ask him about strategy and try to do more play by play and let Day9 do his thing. Rotterdam did it brilliantly at IEM and djwheat does it really well when he casts with day9 too.
Heh, at IEM Day9 was doing what you are talking about here and it was so irritating. He kept talking like he was the only caster there while treating other casters as only his moment to catch a breath.
I think you make a good analyzer, and less of a play-by-play caster. However at major events where Day9 casts too, you're basically competing with day9 on that turf. Which is like competing with 2 hydra's versus 1 3/3/3 collosus.
I feel a lack of excitement, but I bet you make a good combination with a caster such as djWheat or husky, the more exciting casters.
Your voice is amazing JP, could use abit more hype during the battles but other then that I really have a hard time pointing out flaws in your casting.
JP heres a tip that I think applies more to casting in general, but it can help you.
In My opinion you should try to be a little more analytical, instead of just saying whats happening in the beginning of a game, describe how each players build and strategy will play out in the situation/specific map and possible strengths and weaknesses of it.
Its kinda dry when casters just say, "Well the zerg is throwing down a hatchery, and the terrans factory is half way done." instead of explaining for example, "Now the terran has chosen a banshee opening, and his goal is to deal alot of damage to the zerg player, but we'll have to see if the zerg reacts and scouts properly, because if its defended, it will put the terran very far behind."
On March 24 2011 12:24 stalefish wrote: JP heres a tip that I think applies more to casting in general, but it can help you.
In My opinion you should try to be a little more analytical, instead of just saying whats happening in the beginning of a game, describe how each players build and strategy will play out in the situation/specific map and possible strengths and weaknesses of it.
Its kinda dry when casters just say, "Well the zerg is throwing down a hatchery, and the terrans factory is half way done." instead of explaining for example, "Now the terran has chosen a banshee opening, and his goal is to deal alot of damage to the zerg player, but we'll have to see if the zerg reacts and scouts properly, because if its defended, it will put the terran very far behind."
Agreed, this is what sets Artosis/Tasteless apart from other commentators, even Day9 gets caught in this a bit, although he is better than most. I don't care that a production building is getting made or how far into making it is, I care what he is going to do with it and how that might affect the outcome of the game for each player. It is actually better for the casual viewer, who might not understand that cutting probes for a 4gate is all-in against a strategy which doesn't (most of the time, as an example), rather than just saying 4 gateways on the way!
Sounds like a good regiment just from one caster to another don't get too in to Rocky mode hate to see you do all this warm up and then lose your voice. O the Irony of it all.
I'm glad to see you're taking the initiative to improve your casting.
I'm basing this off of Day 7, only because I'm going to assume that you've progressed after each posted cast:
Cons:
You need to be more energetic! It was very monotonous and lack luster, it greatly underwhelmed Goody's decision to do a Marine + Helion drop into Banshee play and Nerchio's tactics to catch Goody out of position. If you're worried about losing your voice, drink some hot tea with lemon after each cast and make sure to have water on hand. You shouldn't have to worry about this, especially if its only for one video a day.
If you're going to be a play-by-play caster such as TotalBiscuit, Khaldor, Husky, and djWheat, you need to actually catch the action! You missed the feigning of pressure on Nerchio's expansion, you didn't emphasize the four factories on one base, you didn't notice Nerchio's positioning of his army to destroy Goody's force at the end, and you missed the two banshees losing to the queens at the end.
You used "oh well" and "no big deal". I understand it was a solo cast with the intent to cast through it like a live game (so no rewinding), but if you miss something, it's best not to down play it and should be supplemented with more verbal information (even if you have no idea what actually happened, you have the privilege to be imaginative within reason...you're job is to entertain).
Pros:
I like that you discussed the map in the beginning while there was downtime. I don't want this to be something you do at every game you cast at MLG, but initially and later on it would be great to hear a break down of these maps and to hear how players throughout the tournament have abused the architecture.
I like that there wasn't much downtime, you did an awesome job at commenting throughout the entirety of the game.
I liked your game knowledge, while you didn't exactly provide any analysis, you provided enough information to acquaint the casual to average player with what might be happening and whats going on.
Wants:
If you don't plan on introducing the maps as I mentioned before, I'd really like to hear a little more about the players. I know Goody's style so I wasn't surprised at all to see the helion drop -> banshee -> heavy mech, but I'm sure given that you were harping on the lack of gas that a player who isn't aware of Goody's style wouldn't of expected this at all.
I wish there was more humor, but it was a short game so no big deal.
How dare you!!! you have no fealing what Tlers think of you...blasphemy
To the Op Jp's alway a bit monotonic think it would take a litre of vaseline and some nipple clamps to get a rise out of him. Really sounds worse that it usually is because of the solo cast but day 9 and jp complement each other perfectly, day would be going crazy at the 6 pool so Jp wouldn't have to say anything apart from agree with days play by play/ follow up.
I hope you approach this seasons MLG like last season with you asking the question/reasons for the players going down this route and making Day say "Well Mr Mcdaniels blah blah blah" loved that last season
I did cast the oGsMC VS MYMCloud BO3 series, in wich the game you worked on as your "Day 8 practice cast" is included. I dont think i have anything to add to your casting skills, specially because i miss quite a lot on my own, so i rather provide my viewer prespective over it in hope it might help improving the MLG viewing experience as whole.
To make it brief:
a) im assuming you'll be backed up by a second caster for MLG. If not, then your casting pace for a 4 or 5 hour long session is much too slow for my personal taste and missing a bit of intensity. Let me mention that i dislike people shouting everytime a probe dies so thats not what i expect aswell. It works fine for a 10 mins match, but that exact same tone and rythm for 4 hours would probably numb me.
b) lackluster on the players presentation as a whole continues to plague most casters. I enjoy being presented with a bit of background and usually those first couple of minutes when the game starts can be used for that rather then for more "and a barracks and a spawning pool". If i can do it from my home on a "jurassic" dual core, im sure MLG can provide some research so we can all learn a bit more about the players background.
c) on this particular matchup you've missed a couple of events, none of them extremely relevant but suitable to be shown for the viewers pleasure (ex: DT + Zealot warped in to attemp entering Clouds base and getting killed at the ramp while first medivac drop was occuring). Casters keep missing all the action and refusing to use PiP windows for some reason (probably because of the extra work involved). I would recomend MLG to take the first step and be the 1st organization to work on their PiP windows. I have no technical knowledge of how to make it run on a live event but i can easly picture a solution such as the observer or the co-caster having a fixed camera for what hes watching and everytime he spots something relevant not being shown on the main screen he could push a button to activate a fade in / fade ou PiP window so it could provide extra details into the game for us all viewers to stop going about "omg you missed so many battles" and so on...
Feel free to compare and see if you find any of it usefull:
Having said that and being fully aware of both of us being human beings and being constantly reminded of my own flaws and imperfections when casting by viewers, i hope you might consider any of the shared opinions valuable and hopefully MLG will benefit from them.
I have not watched day 1-7 only day 8 and here's what I thought.
Day 8 - Cockiest play in the world (even tho its true, you might want to rephrase things like that :D) - A bit more enthusiasm when battles occur/about to happen, it directly translates to excitement for the viewers. You can see some Khaldors German casts for reference. For example + Show Spoiler +
Even tho you don't understand (or can you? :D) what he is saying, as a viewer you can easily get dragged into the game just by hearing the excitement coming from the caster. Ok, the game itself was good but you get the point :D. - I'd also suggest to do some casts with a random caster to get a feeling for synergy during games (often overlooked).
All in all potential is there, it's nice to see your doing your best to improve. Good luck man.
Can't do these anymore, too busy and need to save voice for this weekend! Thanks to everyone who helped out over the past week, wish I could of done more!
EPT![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/5oZmh.jpg)
