Good news is... we've sort of started planning for Digitiser Live and Series 2. We might actually do two live shows back-to-back, and - if so - will open up those shows to non-backers too.
We're currently working towards a similar schedule for series 2 - with fundraising beginning in March, most likely, and filming at the end of June. I appreciate that feels like a long way away, but... the reality is, I don't do this full time - and still need to be able to pay my bills - and if we want the series to build on what we had before, then we need to plan it properly.
Ideally, the series itself would launch sooner than last time, though - especially if we can afford to bring in an editor to assemble the bulk of the footage.
Of course, you'll still be getting regular updates on the channel. I've pegged Friday teatime for new uploads, and there'll be one tonight (or, depending on when you're reading this, a new one on the channel now). Some of the team and I are hoping to get together in the next few weeks to actually film a bunch of things. And we've also started talking about doing a Digitiser podcast. So, whenever we film Series 2, you'll be properly furnished in the interim with plenty of Digi content.
And of course... there's still this site.
Talking of... it's Letters Page Day!
If you'd like to appear here, or you've something you'd like me to give some attention to in our occasional Plug Zone, or you've got a picture of a bin you wish to share, please send your filthy emails to this place here: digitiser2000@gmail.com
- Have any complete Turner the Worm stories been archived? If so, could you share them in a future article on this blog?
- Any plans to feature Turner in a future series of Digitiser The Show, and/or a series of their own?
- Who played/plays the Man’s Daddy?
- Why have you yet to eat goujons on camera?
- Aside from Pete being booted off Fiverr, what other reasons are/were there for Goujon John not appearing in The Show?
2. No plans there - Turner isn't really a Digitiser character, despite the appearance of The Real Turner The Worm on the final day - but I have thought a few times of doing a new Turner The Worm strip just to see if I've still got it in me.
3. Uh... he plays himself...
4. Good question. Yeah, I was meant to do that. The reason I haven't? Well... it was just a bit of fun really, and it felt like there were more important things which required my time and attention. Now it feels like the moment has passed. You might be the only person who really cares.
We were also meant to launch a goujon into space, but when we priced it up... it was about £1,500-£2,000 minimum, which felt like a poor use of the money we'd raised. And then a really big YouTuber launched a sausage roll, or something, into space in the exact same way we planned to... and that put the final nail in the coffin.
5. I had intended to feature Goujon John on Digi, but... Voiceover Pete became a viral sensation before I had the chance, and it would've looked like I was jumping on the bandwagon. Goujon John is a victim of Pete's (well deserved) success.
I'm sorry if this is a silly question, or one you've answered elsewhere, but what's the origin of moc moc/a-moc? Why do people sometimes say moc moc/moc moc and sometimes moc moc/a-moc? Again, sorry if this is silly, but I'm a fairly new convert to the Digi way and I'm curious.
Chai (@findmethewords)
Hello, my boyfriend Charlie fuckin' loves your show or whatever it is. I’m not the best at paying attention and I’m not 100% sure what’s happening when he tweets about you.
But you make him very happy and I want to say thank-you for that, because I can’t be there with him when he’s sad (because of distance). But knowing that something is making him smile means so so much to me. <3
Do something gay for me thanks.
Love n' punches from
Bishop
Press reveal to see something gay.
So good to see you throwing around ideas for funding a second series of Digitiser. We all need more of it in our faces. I said faces. What's wrong with you people?
Anyway, unless there's a viable way to get a bigger budget from a production company or channel that doesn't involve sacrificing what Digitiser is, which seems unlikely (that's a compliment, not an insult), then come back to Kickstarter.
No physical rewards, no high quality tat or distractions. You want the show? Put money in for the show. I'm sure most people still would. I would. And I'm allowed to spend my own money and everything.
We got it done it done first time, we'll get it done again.
PJ Close
However, now that we all feel more confident about what we're doing, the plan is to make more episodes, so we can do a longer run.
I got two copies of Sultry Tramp© for the Atari 2600 for Christmas. Anyone want to swap one for a Tamagotchi?
I can smell weevils.
Jabberwoc
As I recently got a Nintendo Switch for Christmas with Breath of the Wild. I also grabbed Sonic Mania and Lumo. Can you recommend a few must have titles for it?
By the way I love how Ste Pickford has drawn you as a maniacal looking drug lord on the DVD artwork :)
Cheers.
The Master of Porridge
Also, what makes you think I'm not a maniacal drug lord?
I like my Nontendo Gravy Boy like I like my gravy: Thick and meaty with game cartridges sticking out of it. Please send me a years supply.
Luke Adams
I tried to think of something witty or insightful, but it's late and my 5 month old is yelling at me.
So, bollocks to that.
Here's some random questions instead.
1. What is the best biscuit to have with a cup of tea or coffee?
2. Spectrum mini when?
3. What's the best way to balance kids and gaming? Edutainment or just good quality family games. (as a side note I found Scribblenauts to be the best mode of helping my nephew with spelling, adjectives etc)
4. Where do you get those wonderful jackets?
Right. I'm off to bed.
Jonno Phillips
2. Following the Vega+ debacle I think it might be a while. Though aren't we meant to get that Spectrum Next thing this year?
3. On your lap. That sounds sarcastic, but my kids used to love watching me play games.
4. Amazon. And in one case, my mother-in-law.
Dear Maestro Biffo,
I know you like to have a lark and make jokes but I kindly request a serious answer to my question: Which is your favourite Pokémon? No snide remarks or sarcastic suggestions like “Moistusss” or, “Blarney the stilton goitre” please.
I’ve been playing Pokémon Let’s Go and Detective Pikachu and I thought it’d be funny if the latter game got a sequel called District Attorney Raichu...ha ha ha! I was right, that is funny. Then I thought it’d be funny to do jobs for all the Pokémon...it was NOT funny. I kindly demand you print my unfunny list in full due to the amount of time I spent on it (while at work).
Dishwasher
Bulbasaur
Sous Chef
Ivysaur
Chef
Venusaur
Bell hop
Charmander
Concierge
Charmeleon
Night Manager
Charizard
Blacksmith
Squirtle
Silversmith
Wartortle
Goldsmith
Blastoise
Plumber
Caterpie
Electrician
Metapod
Gas Engineer
Butterfree
Capo
Weedle
Underboss
Kakuna
Godfather
Beedrill
Pedestrian
Pidgey
Cyclist
Pidgeotto
Driver
Pidgeot
Blogger
Rattata
Vlogger
Raticate
Teacher
Spearow
Head Teacher
Fearow
Bartender
Ekans
Mixologist
Arbok
Detective
Pikachu
District Attorney
Raichu
Modern Artist
Sandshrew
Classical Artist
Sandslash
Female Butcher
Nidoran♀
Female Baker
Nidorina
Female Candlestick Maker
Nidoqueen
Male Butcher
Nidoran♂
Male Baker
Nidorino
Male Candlestick Maker
Nidoking
Tree Surgeon
Clefairy
Botanist
Clefable
Banker
Vulpix
Governor of the Bank of England
Ninetales
Barrister
Jigglypuff
Judge
Wigglytuff
Farmer hand
Zubat
Farmer
Golbat
Unemployed
Oddish
Training Scheme
Gloom
Zero Hours Contract Worker
Vileplume
Barber
Paras
Hairdresser
Parasect
Nail Technician
Venonat
Beautician
Venomoth
Ship Maker
Diglett
Shipbreaker
Dugtrio
Roofer
Meowth
Steeplejack
Persian
Bricklayer
Psyduck
Housing Developer
Golduck
Prison Guard
Mankey
Prison Warden
Primeape
Killer
Growlithe
Serial Killer
Arcanine
Private
Poliwag
Major
Poliwhirl
Field Marshal
Poliwrath
Seaman
Abra
Midshipman
Kadabra
Rear Admiral
Alakazam
Civil Servant
Machop
MP
Machoke
Prime Minister
Machamp
Reverend
Bellsprout
Bishop
Weepinbell
Pope
Victreebel
Novelist
Tentacool
Librarian
Tentacruel
TV Extra
Geodude
Stage Actor
Graveler
Film Star
Golem
Vinter
Ponyta
Brewer
Rapidash
Doctor
Slowpoke
Chief Surgeon
Slowbro
Conspiracist
Magnemite
Flat Earther
Magneton
Double Glazing Salesman
Farfetch'd
Tour Guide
Doduo
Curator
Dodrio
Conductor
Seel
Train Driver
Dewgong
Darts Player
Grimer
Sumo Wrestler
Muk
Bus Driver
Shellder
Taxi Driver
Cloyster
Fisher
Gastly
Trawler
Haunter
Whaler
Gengar
Chimney Sweep
Onix
Zookeeper
Drowzee
Zoologist
Hypno
Nanny
Krabby
Wet nurse
Kingler
Skier
Voltorb
Water Skier
Electrode
Scuba Diver
Exeggcute
Deep Sea Diver
Exeggutor
Life Guard
Cubone
Life Coach
Marowak
Locksmith
Hitmonlee
Escapologist
Hitmonchan
Fireman
Lickitung
Pilot
Koffing
Astronaut
Weezing
Lady in Waiting
Rhyhorn
Butler
Rhydon
Bin man
Chansey
Miner
Tangela
Stunt Man
Kangaskhan
Dancer
Horsea
Choreographer
Seadra
Lumberjack
Goldeen
Carpenter
Seaking
Chiropodist
Staryu
Podiatrist
Starmie
Influencer
Mr. Mime
Podcaster
Scyther
Window cleaner
Jynx
Paperboy
Electabuzz
Newsagent
Magmar
Chocolatier
Pinsir
Jockey
Tauros
IT Support
Magikarp
Tech Billionaire
Gyarados
Ambulance Driver
Lapras
Skateboarder
Ditto
Tinker
Eevee
Tailor
Vaporeon
Soldier
Jolteon
Spy
Flareon
Archaeologist
Porygon
Best Boy
Omanyte
Key Grip
Omastar
Boom Operator:
Kabuto
Sound Mixer:
Kabutops
Director
Aerodactyl
Hot Air Balloonist
Snorlax
Nuclear Physicist
Articuno
Astro Physicist
Zapdos
Quantum Physicist
Moltres
Circus Clown
Dratini
Juggler
Dragonair
Trapeze Artist
Dragonite
Strongman
Mewtwo
Milkman
Mew
Thank you in advance for taking this all seriously. Gotta catch ‘em all!
Grembot
Favourite Pokemon? Dug Trio.
What is worse - a fly on your hand or a hand on your fly?
Carl Hickbread
You asked this week via twitter if I was 'cool' enough to send a letter. Alas, I am not. Therefore I didn't.
Yours sincerely,
elnikoman
You asked for a letter about dogs. This is a letter about dogs.
Dogs have legs. Usually there are four of the legs. Small dogs and big dogs all do a woof and they do it often.
Dogs do poo. They do smelly poo and you have to pick it up and put it in a special bin, but some people don't do that and we call those people poolluters, that's like polluters but it's about poo.
Dogs also have a tail which goes wag wag wag when the dog is a happy dog, and curly under legs when dog is doing a sad. Sometimes I think if a sad dog does a poo, it would get poo on its tail from being sad and doing a poo at the same time. I do not know if that ever happens. Perhaps poo makes dogs happy so this never happens. Theory confirmed!
There was a video game for the PlayStation Two where you were a dog and it had voice acting for the dog's thoughts and you could do a poo. It was called A Dog's Life and I wish to play it very much.
There are special dogs called big hecking dogs that are happy to see you and jump up at you and pull your hair with their big paws. Big hecking dogs are burly boys.
And that is my letter about dogs. I hope you enjoyed it. I even mentioned a video game in it so it's totally relevant and on brand for this letters page and don't listen to your strange uncle if he says it's not, because he's strange and we're all pretty sure he secretly wears sandals in the house because his toes get hot. He does not have a dog.
DOGS.
Thank you for reading my letter.
Nikki
So, I got one of those Mega Drive whatever-games-in-1 with the wireless controllers that isn’t as good as the impending Mega Drive Mini for Christmas. The input lag on the controllers makes all the Sonic games virtually unplayable! Anyone have any experience connecting a proper controller? I don’t want to buy one if it makes no difference...
Anyway. I’m not complaining. Mrs M is entirely gaming agnostic and it was an astonishing gift, the thought really did count. And my 3 year old finished Chemical Plant Act 1 by holding right and button mashing, so yeah. Maybe Sonic 2 is playable.
Any retro gaming surprises for Crimbo, Mr B?
Richard M.
I did buy my brother-in-law that Atari VCS handheld thing, and was hoping to have a go on it so I can do a review, but I'm not sure he even took it out of the box. Felt a bit rude to ask him if I could open the present I'd got him.
266) While it could hardly be called a failure and I have enjoyed it in parts, does Destiny rank as this generation's biggest disappointment?
267) Which developer, for you, was the biggest one-hit wonder?
268) What were your top 5 games of 2018, across all formats?
269) Digitiser doesn't really do requests, I know, but could you or one of your contributors review the games exhibition at the V&A, please? I enjoyed it and I'd be interested to hear it reviewed on the site.
270) Could it be argued that Gears of War was one of the most influential games ever, even more than its stablemate Halo? So many games borrowed its aesthetic, for better or worse, and the cover mechanics, too.
John Whyte
267) Oddly, I was thinking about Bug-Byte the other day. They released a lot of games for the Spectrum and Commodore 64, but most people only really remember Manic Miner. And, of course, the follow-up - Jet Set Willy - was released by Software Projects, which was formed by ex-Bug-Byte staff members. So, as they're fresh in my mind... them.
268) Unnhhh. That's really tough. I honestly don't know, because several of the games I enjoyed last year weren't actually released last year. I would say that Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Far Cry 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2 would be in there. Probably Spider-Man. Possibly Dead Cells. There you go: that's five. That'll do.
269) Oh man! I forgot all about that. I will see if I can get down there.
270) Hmm. Interesting. I've never really seen Gears as that influential, as its aesthetic felt quite heavily influenced by lots of other things. Certainly, the cover mechanic has been pinched - but never exactly in the way Gears has done it. All I can say is... I really enjoyed the first couple, but I've lost almost all interest in the franchise. Certainly, I'd say there are hundreds of games I'd list before Gears of War as being more influential.