Comments on: On Hiatus

By: Sherry

Sherry — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 19:45:37 +0000

I love Escape Pod, and I love you too Steve Ely. My husband, 21yo son, 19yo daughter and I all miss you and wish you energy.

Thank you so much for taking care of yourself! Let us know if you need anything.

By: Robert Livingston

Robert Livingston — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:46:57 +0000

When I got my first job as a boss, my predecessor gave me one piece of crucial advice: don’t be afraid to compromise sometimes. Steve, you’ve been doing a fantastic job, and Escapepod is an absolute model of its kind. Everyone deserves a holiday now and then!

By: Farkshinsoup

Farkshinsoup — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:59:42 +0000

I’ll just say this – take a cue from the makers of episodic television – they organize their shows around “seasons”. No one puts out one episode after another. Even late night talk shows go on breaks and show reruns every once in a while so that their creators can recharge their batteries. You should build hiati into the show from here on in – it’s the only way that you can sustain it.

Thanks for everything – do what you have to, and stop and smell the roses! Life’s too short.

By: GC

GC — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:59:28 +0000

There are a lot of comments here (a credit to you) so I'll keep this short.

No worries Steve, no hard feelings, just the very best wishes!

For God sake, take a brake!

By: kim

kim — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:22:43 +0000

Steve, thanks for having done all you have so far, not just the stories, but also the personal bits you have put into the podcasts, you have helped me in ways you cannot know, I think I can say you are the most important stranger in my life!.
I hope you are able to do more, but if not,- well you’ve already surpassed most people. The stories and the way they are read are better than any other podcast ( and a lot of audiobooks) I have listened to, I miss them, but if you cannot return I will always remember you

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:02:39 +0000

Failures are people who, never recognizing that they are human and have limitations, attempt to burn through their limitations and burn themselves up in the process. Successful people recognize their limitations and work with them. You have proved not that you are a failure, but that you are a success. It's just that, like many successful people, the guilt you feel about your success is roughly proportional to the lack of guilt most failures feel about failing.

By: Xepher

Xepher — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:06:10 +0000

I believe wise guru once said “Don’t worry, be happy now!”

By: Ed Wood

Ed Wood — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 01:26:35 +0000

I had no idea how long this has been going on. I have to echo most of the previous comments. A month off once a year would still be far less than you deserve. Keep up the good work.

By: Pallidus

Pallidus — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:23:45 +0000

Steve-
I love your podcast. I cant believe you have been doing this so long without a break! I’d like to echo what everyone else said… its OK to take a vacation! Actually its better than ok… its good for you. We expect you to take a break! Also, be more forgiving of yourself and don’t judge yourself harshly- its bad for your mental health. Believe me, I know.
All the best!

By: Caroline

Caroline — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:44:00 +0000

I wish you all the best, Steve. Your hard work has kept me entertained for many years. You deserve a break.

Many blessings to you and yours.

By: Ed

Ed — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:05:10 +0000

Steve, did anyone actually WANT their donation back? I just wich I would have know you were taking a break in advance so we could have set up the “Send Steve and Family to Cozumel” fund! You need a vacation like everyone else does.

By: Sheriff Ben

Sheriff Ben — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 17:20:26 +0000

Having read all of the comments saying everything there is to say i would just like to add my thanks for the best podcast in the space-time continuum. Take care of your self then you can come back strong and rocking all of our worlds.

By: Babycatcher

Babycatcher — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 04:25:21 +0000

Steve,

I am in full support of you and this podcast. I would rather see you take some time than disappear from the podiverse. Be well and keep watching the skies!

Peace, brother,

Mike

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:34:10 +0000

A point of empathy. It sounds like you and I have dealt with some of the same issues. Depression and all that comes with it . . . In my case, I was depressed for nearly my entire life, and only realized it when I reached my 30s.

Getting better took some of the finest medications modern chemistry can offer. The amazing thing? It worked. I don't feel any less me, but the world itself is now tinged with a much lighter shade of gray.

I'm not going bright white light. That's just not who I am. But the person I am is enjoying the gray world a hell of a lot more.

Like so many people here, I'm happy to offer myself as a resource, share my experiences, and give what help I can.

By: slickcat

slickcat — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:32:30 +0000

Steve,

Do what you have to do to take care of yourself. We'll all still be here when you get back.

By: kfc

kfc — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 17:19:35 +0000

hey, I’ve got such a backlog of stories to catch up with, it’s no problem. Enjoy your break. And thanks for such a treasure trove

By: Sherry

Sherry — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:28:17 +0000

Steve,

You are so important. One of my favorite people in this extremely important Grand Faloon.

Take care of yourself so we can have you back when you are ready.

If you need a get-away, I live 20 miles from Aspen and I have a nice big guest bedroom and guest bath...

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 07:29:51 +0000

My sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your grandmother.
I have been listening since about episode 7 or so, not the VERY beginning, but pretty close and there have been times when I have been too busy to even listen to every single episode every week, so, I really admire you for keeping on top of it all – life, family, work, etc for this long. You deserve the rest and I pray for you, your health, your family while you are in the period of your life and trying to get things sorted out. I admire you Steve Eley for putting together three podcasts since 2005.
Have Fun!

By: Udon

Udon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 23:00:07 +0000

Mr. Eley,
I have never contributed to the site before, but have been reading it and listening to the podcasts for a long time. I also have a podcast. I have put out 12 episodes in one year and have struggled to do so, I cannot imagine doing a weekly podcast. Escape pod is amazing. Please take as much time as you need. What I am trying to say has been much more eloquently said by others above. Have fun.

By: Nomad

Nomad — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:29:49 +0000

Steve - Take as long as you need, We will be waiting ...

Take Care.

By: Joanne

Joanne — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:42:01 +0000

My condolences on the loss of your Grandmother.

Take your time to do what you need. Time off for a good re-think is not failing, its managing. The best podcasts I listen to go on regularly scheduled breaks.

And remember, whne you can, have fun!

By: theologybird

theologybird — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 05:32:10 +0000

Breathe.
Learn to have fun with this again.
Because you make it possible for people like me to have fun listening to it.

By: Pat

Pat — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 04:23:43 +0000

Steve – Take a break. Family & Health first! I came to Escape Pod around show #7, and it’s been a real pleasure to listen to over the years. You’ve done a fantastic job. But now you need a break. Have a great holiday.

By: Ken Ryan

Ken Ryan — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:10:54 +0000

Just a quick addition of my 2 cents – I too greatly enjoy Escape Pod (and PP and PC) and will be patiently awaiting its return. Thank you!

By: Solomon

Solomon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:46:42 +0000

Wow. Look at the love.

Will@35, I also moved to a non-English-speaking country with no bookstores in the village, not even Spanish-langauge stories (unless the Watchtower counts...). Lacking the intimacy of being read to is sometimes overwhelming. It is a reconection with humanity, in a deeply human manner; coupled with Steve's thoughts, it's like being sent fresh muffins from home, and opening the box to find that they are still hot from the oven.

Earthspot @ 76 - on gratitude: I've found that gratitude is not really an appropriate return for offering the kind of generosity and assistace that is needed during mental illness; survival is. Give without expecting; understand that it's not perversity that causes people to attach resentment to those who helped them, but shame at our own helplessness. Expectations of gratitude, from others or from ourselves, perpetuate that shame. Forgive, and enjoy the survival.

Benjamin @ 89 - I can't say enough good things about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It saved my kid's life, and the mindfulness it's based on saved mine.

Steve, you are loved. Not only in some intellectual, arm's length, awkward geek kind of way; though, probably that, too. You have gathered about you a community. Your spirit cannot help but show through your work. You are bravely honest, care about quality, respect your listeners, and you value freedom... of course, so does the audience you've attracted. Courage is not about never being weak or scared; it is about being frightened, and doing it anyway.

So go on then, survive--more than that, thrive. Whatever it takes to rediscover your joy, do that.

By: Solomon

Solomon — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:44:54 +0000

So much has already been said that is worth saying! I'll agree with pretty much everything, and comment on these comments:

Benjamin @ 89 - I can't say enough good things about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It saved my kid's life, and the mindfulness it's based on saved mine.

So go on then, survive--more than that, thrive. Whatever it takes to rediscover your joy, do that.

By: ORD

ORD — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:51:23 +0000

Some people strive their whole life and still don't leave much of a mark on the world. You are not one of those people. Never under estimate how good EscapePod is or how much we the listeners enjoy the stories (and the quality of the reading).

The breaks you take are your business and you will not be judged for it. I just appreciate the hard work that goes in every week to bring me a story. It's like being a kid again and hanging out for the next comic book.

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:27:16 +0000

Steve,

I fully support you in taking a break. You are overdue a break and it is okay to take one!!! I hope you give yourself full permission to do this and not consider it a failure because I don't. You are a strong person to admit this is what you need. Thank you for your hard and wonderful work bringing the greatest short SF out there!!! Oh, and to borrow I line I have heard a time or two: "HAVE FUN!"

By: RAW

RAW — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:18:07 +0000

WOW…almost afraid to add anything here for fear of sounding silly. Apart from the great stories I think I stay (a year now) to find out how you (Steve) are doing. I can’t recall a podcaster pulling me into their life as much as you have. I am sure that’s part of why we are all still here, stories…yes but personality…definitely. I will be waiting to hear more. By the way I live in the vacation spot you need…Negril, Jamaica….FUN…we know the meaning of fun… Take care and “cool runnings”.

By: Gary Katsevman

Gary Katsevman — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 08:43:06 +0000

Steve,

If you need time to get your act together take it. I'm sure that all the Escape Pods fans would prefer you to take a longer break now, even through December, if you can come back stronger and better in the new year. I love Escape Pod and appreciate all the work you have done to bring it to us. Before Escape Pod I have never really understood nor liked short fiction, now I understand how amazing it is. So, take a big breath and dont forget to "have fun"

By: Aram

Aram — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 03:39:15 +0000

Everybody needs time off. Passion is important, and no one would want you to lose your love of science fiction. Take a break, breathe in, breathe out, and when your lungs ache for story time, come back to us. We’ll be here.

By: EP fan

EP fan — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:26:15 +0000

Steve,

We all understand! You are doing a great job! Take your time!

-EP fan

By: Hiker

Hiker — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:24:42 +0000

Take a vacation. Everyone takes vacation. I expect you to do the same, without having to provide an excuse.

Best of luck sorting it all out.

(And... the show is great. Escape Pod and Podcastle; best fiction sources in Podcasting.)

By: scifiNut

scifiNut — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:41:49 +0000

Steve, get some rest. You won’t lose any loyal listeners during your break.

By: Cay Green

Cay Green — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:54:24 +0000

Steve, I hope you get what you need from your break – please take as long as you need. All the best you sweet sweet man.

By: Lazlo Panaflex

Lazlo Panaflex — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:17:40 +0000

Steve, i’ve been listening for quite a while now and i got behind when i left Ontario (up in Canada) for Fort McMurray, Alberta (also Canada, but much colder). Anyway, when driving home one night i hear on the radio (CBC radio 1) the announcer talk about science fiction radio shows of the past and how they don’t really exist anymore. i think i said out loud “yeah they do, it’s called ESCAPE POD”. no sooner than the words leave my lips the announcer goes on to say that there is an outlet for science fiction in audio format in the form of the podcast and that the best one is ESCAPE POD.
so, during your hiatus, know that you have made it all the way up to the Great White North on the FM band and i’ll be listening and trying to “have fun”.

By: aka

aka — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:55:41 +0000

Steve, you’ve done an excellent job with escape pod, we’ll still be here when you’re back.

By: Mike G

Mike G — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:02:28 +0000

You’re a good narrator (esp when you DON’T try to do women’s voices) and you pick a lot of good stories, “Beans and Marbles” was very entertaining. I hope you feel better soon.

By: Whistling John

Whistling John — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:31:59 +0000

July 14, 2005
You create your own stage,
the audience is waiting.

By: meg

meg — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:04:27 +0000

Steve,

I listen to EscapePod at night as I drift off to sleep. You are a beautiful bedtime storyteller and I will be forever grateful for the bliss your podcast has given me. Please take as much time as you need to care for yourself.

This is no failure, dear one. In part, this is all of the vacations that you never allowed yourself finally catching up to you. I hope that when you return you are able to include periods of R&R into your regularly scheduled podcasting activities. Your horde of listeners won't mind if you take some time away from tending us to nurture yourself now and then.

Take care.

By: Giancarlo Angulo

Giancarlo Angulo — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:32:47 +0000

Steve,
Hope you find the Fund and the Balance you are looking for!

By: Tom

Tom — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:33:00 +0000

Get it together Steve. For real.

By: Anony

Anony — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:08:26 +0000

Post 120. I hope that means something to you.
Finally a chance to catch up on all the old stories!
(Nightfall was awesome)

By: ADerksen

ADerksen — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:13:46 +0000

You know, Steve - you've done an amazing thing for a lot of new authors by getting this whole show up and off the ground and flying, and you've been an amazing resource for your listeners as well. I have been impressed by the continuous high quality of your shows, and thrilled to see the whole operation grow and diversify into your sibling podcasts at PodCastle and PseudoPod.

More amazing still (have I overused that particular superlative? I think not!) is how you manage to pull all of this off AND run a real job and a real life on the side. I know how incredibly difficult that is, and when push comes to shove, real life has to win. Part of why I listen to EscapePod is so that I can escape from mine for a little while - but I know those escapes can't replace the real thing. I can dream of Artificial Intelligence and laser beams, but I have to listen to the podcast while in front of the microscope.

Heck, when I didn't find a new EscapePod story in my automated feed this week, my first concern was not, "where is my story, darnit!", but rather, "gee, I hope Mr. Eley is okay". I think that you should take that to heart. Your audience is sympathetic and appreciative, and will be here when you get back. We know that you are an integral part of the show, and that it can't happen unless you are doing okay.

So... get okay, Mr. Eley.

Reality has to come first.

The fiction and your fans will still be here waiting when you get back.

By: David Steele

David Steele — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:49:00 +0000

Steve, there must be times when you wonder whether or not it's all worth the effort.

Just take it from me that it really is. Without Escape Pod, and all the other Escape Artists' contributions, my hour-and-a-half drive to work every morning at 06:30 would be torture.

Not only that, but you've added so much colour and shape to the thoughts in my head that I'm a happier person just for havinng these wonderful and terrible ideas to mull over and think about during the working day.

So, quite frankly: My life is better for having you in it. And I thank you for that.

Kindest regards from David Steele, Yorkshire, England.

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:24:04 +0000

ARGH! No EP for a few weeks?! Life is ruined! LOL

Enjoy a holiday. Everyone else does.

And think about getting more guest narrators. You do it almost every single week. No wonder you're worn out!

By: Zytheran

Zytheran — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:20:41 +0000

Steve,
Life is meant to be fun and we do not expect you to work your way into the ground. Most of us have leave and holidays every year and you should be no exception. Get a break, get some rest, get some minions. We’ll still be here.

By: Glimmerville » Blog Archive » Podcast Extravaganza!

Glimmerville » Blog Archive » Podcast Extravaganza! — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:41:57 +0000

[...] Escape Pod [...]

By: James

James — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:33:03 +0000

Please take your time, get better, and return to us when you're ready.

A lot of podcasts these days have a pretty loose schedule. Maybe that would work better for you.

Cheers James

By: Esuna

Esuna — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:17:39 +0000

Steve,
As a person who has battled depression and bipolar for years, I know exactly where you’re coming from, and I wanted to tell you that you are doing exactly the right thing. Take care of you. We’re not going anywhere.

By: bill

bill — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:10:07 +0000

Steve,

Thank you.

Take a break.

My condolences to you and your family.

I look forward to the next story, but if it were not to happen, you have given us an awful lot of good.

Regards

Bill.

By: JDH52

JDH52 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:25:28 +0000

I’ve listened to Escape Pod for over a year and never miss an episode. I checked on i-tunes for this week’s story and it didn’t show up. I googled the escape pod web site – I had never been here before – and I read Steve’s note and all these responses. It’s amazing that about one in two hundred listeners have responded here, that’s got to be a remarkable statistic.
I’ve not made any effort to join in the discussion before, but I’ve enjoyed hearing the reviews from the previous weeks’ stories.
I’ve also enjoyed the personalization of Steve injecting Steve’s life into the intros and extros of these stories.
I agree with the sentiments above about being no biggy taking a break and taking care of one’s self.
Coming here and moving one step closer into Steve’s community moves me to make my first donation.
Steve – take care. You are a success.

By: Libby

Libby — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:03:06 +0000

Escape Pod is the best, and well worth the wait. Success and failure are at the mercy of our own definitions.

By: rani23

rani23 — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:07:00 +0000

Some quotes for you to ponder, Steve:

I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas Edison

The best way out is always through. - Robert Frost

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. - Robert F. Kennedy

And of course, my favorite:

Fall down nine times, get up ten.

You're doing a great and amazing job and I utterly love EP. Take a well deserved break, okay?

By: maxiewawa

maxiewawa — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:19:59 +0000

You've done a fantastic job, have a great "product" (inverted commas because it's free!) and deserve a break.

Good luck!

By: Calculating...

Calculating... — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:18:25 +0000

see how much we love you?

get better!

By: Doug Waterman

Doug Waterman — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:04:02 +0000

Please don’t let this lapse in episodes be viewed as failure. Let your time off be viewed as reward for an amazingly successful effort. Take care of yourself, take time to grieve for those lost and take solace in the comments posted here.

By: Disquisition

Disquisition — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:57:44 +0000

Reading through these comments brought me to tears. Anyone can publish audio fiction, it takes something special to build a truly loving community. Do what you need to do Steve.

By: Cognosco

Cognosco — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:48:42 +0000

I cannot add a single word to improve upon what has already been said regarding our condolences, our gratitude for what you’ve provided so far to all of us – and the fact that we all want you to take care of yourself so EP can continue. So the only thing I CAN add is to suggest that anyone who needs an EP fix do what I’m gonna do – listen to some old episodes for a few weeks. For cryin’ out loud, there are 183 of them to choose from and I know I’m going to enjoy some of them as much this time as I did the first time I heard them!

Safe travels, Steve!

By: Niel Crafford

Niel Crafford — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:15:13 +0000

What courage it took, you are an amazing
man.Take all the time you need. It is you time now!!

By: Hazel

Hazel — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:08:39 +0000

Ditto the above. Joined your listening family this year,it’s a bit of worry how addicted I have become in a short time. You are a master at what you do. Spend time with your family, rest up, take more holidays – all well deserved. Gives me time to re-listen and catch up – thanks for that. Hope to hear you again before too long and that you have a big front lawn. (See above)

By: Shamash

Shamash — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:59:20 +0000

Steve,

Take all the time you need. Your loyal fan base will still be here. We would rather you find this fun, and be happy, than to let the quality slip because it became "work".

Blessings and warm fuzzy thoughts to you and yours. We will be waiting for your return.

Guess it is time to check out some "vintage" EP.

By: Zoe

Zoe — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:25:32 +0000

Hi Steve,

I was glad to read your explantion here as I was a little worried about you because you sounded a bit down in the last outro I listened to. I think Escape Pod is great and I really enjoy the stories. But to echo many of my fellow fans here, you & your family are far more important and yes everyone needs a holiday sometime. So chill out, get some rest and come bouncing back to us if/when it feels right to do so. Love, Peace & Jelly Babies (a slogan I once saw on a post card) from Holland.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:54:55 +0000

Sending good thoughts to you and yours.

By: TurboFool

TurboFool — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:04:41 +0000

I was kind of curious about that empty spot on my Zune. Glad to know there’s a good, reasonable, understandable, supportable excuse for it. You have our love, our respect, and our understanding. You’ve given more than enough to us to deserve whatever you can get. If all we have available to give you is some time you don’t have to be responsible to us, then you’re letting us off easy. And I’m more than happy to let my subscription continue despite the lack of content. I came into Escape Pod late (February of this year), so consider it payback for all the stories prior to that.

By: me

me — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:03:10 +0000

Good luck, get well, look forward to Escape Pod Christmas!

By: Jeska

Jeska — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:37:18 +0000

We’ll be waiting. Take care.

By: Calculating...

Calculating... — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:40:03 +0000

love escape pod and you and your family!

take a break, you most definitely deserve it!

it makes me sad that escape pod won't be around for a little while, but that is totally okay as long as you promise to get your life back under control! i don't want you coming back feeling like everything is crazy!!

By: RedStone

RedStone — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:57:25 +0000

I was going to add something, but it looks like it has all been said.

so: Ditto

By: AussieFan

AussieFan — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:49:50 +0000

You’ve been spot on with the stories every week, you deserve a break!
It’s not only the stories that we care about. We care about the podcaster too!

By: Eweiand

Eweiand — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:01:20 +0000

Good luck.

Get well.

Hear you when you get back.

By: Jeremiah McCoy

Jeremiah McCoy — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:22:20 +0000

Most everyone else has said what I would say. My condolences on your loss. Taking time is completely understandable.

I will add when you start things up again, you don't have to go it alone then either. You have a wide range of friends. Many of them with time and knowledge. Let them help out. It will hopefully help maintain your energy and sanity if you let some other folks help carry the burden.

Love the show. I look forward to when it returns. Keep your chin up.

By: Gideon

Gideon — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:42:11 +0000

Take your time. Take it easy. Do some life maintenance. I’m grateful for what you’ve put together, and positively wish some R&R upon you. – Gideon.

By: Benjamin

Benjamin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:16:40 +0000

Steve, I was diagnosed with Adult ADD about 4 years ago and all the disparate and disjointed puzzle pieces of my fell into place.

I still fail quite a lot, and regularly find myself in pretty deep funks when I do. I usually say, though, about getting the diagnosis that I feel like my entire life I've been wandering about in a jungle, stumbling over roots and getting tangled up in vines. Getting my diagnosis didn't take me out of the jungle, but it gave me a map to start to find my way around and to avoid the worst traps.

Now after a few stints of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I've flushed out more details of the map and started to find walkable paths to wander through my jungle. I'm still in it and might never get out, but I might learn to feel at home here and make something really good out of it.

I've been a listener of EscapePod for quite a while now and wondered for a long time how you juggled everything you were involved in and made it work. When you went public with your diagnosis, I just nodded and exclaimed, "Of course! He's a fellow ADDer!"

I've been thoroughly impressed with you ability to keep EscapePod going so regularly for so long. Continuity is so hard for someone with ADD and the desperate need for new challenges and new inspiring starts makes it doubly hard to keep a project going for that long. Kudos to you and kudos to Anna for putting up with you! ;-) (My wife knows what that's like!)

I'm happy you've taken this hiatus and hope it's enough for you. Maybe you should schedule regular breaks during the year to give yourself some breathing room, like a 2 week break every 3 months.

Lastly, let me get a little critical of you, but in a good way: You apologized to donors for the break and offered to refund donations if anybody was unsatisfied.

Well, I'm a donor. No big-wig, but a $5 a week donor for nearly 2 years now. And I was a little ticked-off at your offer to refund donations.

EscapePod is free. Donations are totally voluntary. I don't see what you do as a business providing me with a service, I see you as an enthusiast doing what you love doing! I, as a donor, am not your customer, I'm your supporter!

I don't donate to EscapePod in order to get a weekly story, I donate because I love what you're doing and want to help you continue to do it!

I'd understand offering to refund donations if you were about to shut down EscapePod altogether (God forbid!), but as a donor, it's in my interest to see that EscapePod, the project, and Steve Ely, the brains behind the project, keeps going.

I wouldn't be much of a supporter if I demanded a refund of a voluntary donation because you took a hiatus, in order to strengthen EscapePod!

And, Steve, I hope that you don't think of us donors like customers, but your friends and fans.

We're here for you, not the other way around.

All the best! Benjamin

PS. If there's any way I can get involved in EscapePod and help you out with the production, contact me. I could screen a few stories. I've been told I've got a good radio voice and am a good story teller. I've also got some limited access to a recording studio.

By: Kurt F.

Kurt F. — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:34:00 +0000

Its odd how much I can relate to what you’re going through, from the brain chemistry to the family loss (my grandmothers funeral is tomorrow). So, take some time. You’ve more than earned it, you deserve it, and most importantly, you need it. I know how hard it can be to organize and motivate with ADHD and depression, so the fact that you have gone this long without missing a week is unbelievably impressive to me. My condolences to you and your family, and I hope a couple of weeks with the weight of the world off your shoulders will bring you some peace of mind. We will all still be here when you get back.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:09:09 +0000

I recently donated about $50 by check and I'm not upset at all. I think you absolutely need to take a break--I know what it's like to be losing the race on a treadmill.

Go for a bike ride. Spend time with your family.

When you get inspired, record a few episodes so you'll have them in advance so you can maybe only stress about it once a month instead of every week.

But most importantly, take care of yourself. We all enjoy the stories, obviously, but you need to enjoy doing them.

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:31:01 +0000

Your podcasts help make a long commute fly by. For that, I am grateful. Take what you need. Rest assured…. We’ll. Be. Here. There is nothing else this good. And if taking some time for yourself is what it takes to keep you interested in doing it, then by all means…. My best to you and yours.

By: JJC

JJC — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:06:57 +0000

Hang in there.

By: Whitney

Whitney — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:12:34 +0000

I listen to over 30 hours of audio a week, because I am able to listen to my iPod at work. Because of that, I have a list of over 35 podcast I subscribe to. That list is in constant flux, because it's easy to get tired of many podcasts after listening to a few of each one. Escape pod is one I have not tired of and will not tire of. For all your amazing work, THANK YOU.

Steve, if you need help, you have a huge base of listeners, and I don't know about others, but if it would mean that escape pod could continue, I would be happy to give any help I am able to give. However, I don't know if my particular skill set would be any help. But if there is anything I could do, I would be happy to. All you have to do is ask.

Also, I agree with what some others have said here... you should schedule time off each year. Maybe two weeks off each year, one in June, one in December, or whatever time would work best for you. Everyone needs a break from almost everything they do sometimes. You have not failed, not even close.

One last thing... I would like to recommend that you all check out Radio Lab during Steve's well-earned break. It is from WNYC and it is put together VERY well and they have over 25 episodes in their feed right now. It's kind of like science for dummies, but it's really entertaining, even if you already know about what they are talking about.

By: Malcolm

Malcolm — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:26:56 +0000

Your pod cast has become an important escape in my weekly life (and to judge by the responses here I am not the only one) and your stories and insights have all been well worth the listen.
It’s easy to get tunnel vision on such a grand project and focus on some perceived concept of perfection. It’s not as easy but far more important to focus on your own wise words “have fun”.
My own daughter is the same age as your son and I believe that our main goal should be that when they discuss us sometime in the future they say that we always had enough time for them, we weren’t complete nitwits and we had a lot of fun.

By: Scott Whidden

Scott Whidden — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:03:34 +0000

Thank you for countless hours of thought provoking entertainment. Escape Pod has been one of my primary refuges from my own high-stress life. You deserve your own refuge. I am glad that you have the wisdom to take time now, before it became necessary to shut down shop entirely. This is partly me being selfish, and partly because I respect that an accomplishment like Escape Pod must be (or should be) deeply satisfying.

I've been meaning to say thanks for the past year or so since I found your website. Now seems to be the time. I'm dyslexic so my reading speed is slow, and I also have a 3 hour commute each day. I'm constantly on the move with a high-pressure job and two kids. So, your contribution has really made a positive impact on my life.

That being said, I'd hate to think of Escape Pod taking the fun out of your life. Rest up, and know that you have patient supportive and appreciative fans. After reading enough of these comments I think that's pretty clear.

Oh yeah, and have fun.

By: Unfocused Me

Unfocused Me — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 03:06:45 +0000

I’ve noticed that it’s been a long time since anyone else did the reading, and I’d been wondering how you managed that on top of everything else. My condolences for your loss, and good luck with the R&R. We’ll be looking forward to your return.

By: Julio

Julio — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:27:03 +0000

Hang in there.

one more supporter.

By: Merrill

Merrill — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:29:28 +0000

Everyone is entitled to a vacation on a regular basis.

By: Knic

Knic — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:08:54 +0000

Take as many breaks as you want. I would hate to see you get burned up so bad you stop doing the show. The show brings me great happiness listening every week.
Do episodes every other week, once a month, once every once in awhile, or just the hugos(please don’t stop doing the hugos, I love the hugos). I have found a bunch of stories I liked(btw I like listening to stories more than reading). And had some great times listening to them with my fiancee and then discussing them.
Have fun with your life, you probably aren’t right now and I am sorry about your loss. I wish you luck on your life.
Anyways if it comes to ending escapepod I have a few comments. If you trust someone, and don’t mind them taking it THEIR way, then hand it over. Otherwise just put up a sign saying “It’s over”.
Thank you for all the shows!!!

By: BabylonLurker

BabylonLurker — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:15:02 +0000

Steve,

Condolences for your loss
If you need a break - take it.
Take your own advice : Have Fun

I found your podcast after haveíng had an accident, and have listened to moset of the stories since then.

Some highlights and occasionally a story I did not finish (precious few of those)

It is one of the weekly podcasts I look forward to, and I will recommend it to anyone with an interest in scifi.

Why not make a habit of a break, say twice a year. There are enough stories around, but most often your choices suit me very well.

Be safe - and make sure you come back - take the break as long as you need.

By: earthspot

earthspot — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:30:21 +0000

Steve, yours is the only podcast of which I take care never to miss an episode. If I bother with another podcast it’s on your recommendation.
If you take a well-deserved rest, I’ll get by. (I do have a backlog.) But if you shipwreck yourself… that’s a big piece gone missing from my life.
So optimise your “hiatus” for effective long-term recovery — and don’t stint it.
And now for something rather personal. There’s a raft of tribute on this list and there seems little scope to add much to it. That’s if you even bother to read this far. But if you do, may I diffidently offer a grain of experience, crystallised from a lifetime, which you may not hear anywhere else? Maybe you don’t need to read it now, but in a year or two.
I’ve been a mental health worker, though a long time ago. I’ve known doctors kill themselves at the onset of heart disease. I’ve known senior psychiatrists divorce their depressed spouses in obscene haste. Why? Because they basically don’t believe in the effectiveness of their own profession? Or because they can’t face the hassle? I’m not so smart as that: I’ve nursed a spouse through not one but two separate florid episodes: hospitalisation, ECT, the lot. I’ve also been on the receiving end of help myself. That’s just by way of credentials.
For my part, I’m in not the slightest doubt you’ll bounce back — and without irrecoverable damage to your life, or (ultimately) to Escape Pod. It’s aftershocks that take their toll.
Whenever, to get someone over a bad patch, I’ve extended more credit than others judged wise (and I’ve done it without question at the time) a year or two later I’ve been staggered at their ingratitude. Conversely whenever someone — family, friend or employer — has done the same for me, a year or two later when I’m fine and well I’ve found it hard to forgive them.
(For what? I’ve never really known.)
This won’t happen to you. Merely to be aware of the possibility of such perversity in the human mind is to be armed against it.
Blessings on the memory of your grandmother — and regards to Anna and the children.

By: Martin Edwards

Martin Edwards — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:10:43 +0000

Hi, Steve

Be well, be safe, be back soon!

By: Dave (aka Nev the Deranged)

Dave (aka Nev the Deranged) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:18:57 +0000

Wow. That's quite an outpouring of support. I think this got more comments than even some of the most controversial stories here- and I don't see a complaint among them.

Even if EP didn't have a vast back-catalog for me to fall back on, I'd still not begrudge you some well-earned time off. Trust me, I know how it is to bite off more than you can chew, even with the best of intentions.

Nobody here is going to blame you for having your priorities straight, Mr. Eley. Take care of yourself and we'll be here with open arms when you're ready to come back to us.

Just make sure you DO come back, or you'll find an army of shambling fiction-starved zombies milling about on your front lawn, moaning "pooodcaaaasts.." =P

By: DrCrisp

DrCrisp — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 03:42:41 +0000

Ctrl-Alt-Delete

By: RanRan

RanRan — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:35:25 +0000

Heya!

1st: Shock!
2nd: Disappointment!
3rd: Sympathy.
4th: I can’t believe how much I look forward to EP, and I’m still catching up, currently at EP127!
5th: Midway through my own life (age 50), I still have both parents, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate for that.
6th: Brain chemistry: Can’t live with it, can’t live without it…

Take care of yourself, Steve. We’ll be here when you get back.

RanRan

By: Me

Me — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 00:30:50 +0000

Don't be proud. It doesn't matter about expectations or targets or being a certain thing. It is only a podcast, not your life.

Wait till 2009(/10!) if you need to, to get yourself back on par. Better a good 'podcaster than a broken one.

By: adam

adam — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:20:46 +0000

you are the bread and butter of my weekly downloads. I found you 6 months ago and I listened to every escape pod over the next 2 weeks. I was blown away that I was missing such a internet treasure. Now i have a hard enough time emptying my cats litter box let alone managing a substantial pod cast, work, family and the death of a loved one. its the right thing to do. we look forward to hearing from you.

By: Scatterbrained

Scatterbrained — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:15:04 +0000

I’m speechless…no, literally I have nothing witty nor helpful to say, other than I hope Steve Eley does what he needs to do, to get where he needs to go.

By: Norman

Norman — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:10:45 +0000

Steve,
I’ve never seen a reply list with only positive things said. You’ve started a great community here, a lot of people care about you. Thanks for your openness and honesty. Take care of yourself.

By: Steven Smethurst

Steven Smethurst — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:00:44 +0000

Take all the time that you need and get better. there is nothing more important that your own heath.

Get volunteers to help you out! there is no way that you could do it all by yourself. Find other to help you out.

By: Anony

Anony — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:36:13 +0000

Steve,
words fail me. I hope you feel better.

By: Arthur Dent

Arthur Dent — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:49:14 +0000

Hey Steve,

Of course we'll all miss our weekly SF story but of course of course you ought to take all the time you need to relax. Plug back in only when you're ready.

Given your description, the issues you are facing appear to be largely personal. EP is your baby, and you are obviously entitled to do with it what you want--you could even shut it down permanently and none of your listeners or donors would have any legitimate reason to complain. After all, you made us no promises.

Perhaps--perhaps--EP has now become bigger than you had anticipated, and bigger than you (can handle). With such a talented group of people listening and donating, I expect that a call for volunteers during an outro would bring countless messages to your inbox with offers to accept and carry out all manner of duties you could delegate.

If there tasks that you can delegate to members of the EP family, please let us know. I'd be flattered to help.

By: oldguypaul

oldguypaul — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:29:08 +0000

Steve,I was going to add some brilliant comments in support to the mix but everything has been covered by smarter and faster folks than I.

Condolences on your loss and Kudos on Escape Pod. I will be waiting....I have a dozen Podcastles to catch up on!

I just listened to your outtrow on the psychotic spacer story. I I was a ,ong term manager and learned the most important item is insuring you have good folks surrounding you and delegate, delegate, delegate.

SSRI's can be very nice stabilizers.

I will be here whne you come back

By: John Sullivan

John Sullivan — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 06:36:17 +0000

Steve, Take the time you need. No one asked you to do EP, but we are happy that you do. If you didn’t enjoy it I wouldn’t expect you to keep doing it. After you have gotten yourself re-centered I hope you’ll be back. But even if you aren’t I am grateful for my reasons for what you did for yours.
I wish you well,