Contact James Durham
Please feel free to contact the author any time!
James Durham, (jdurham at fetidus dot org)
Zombie Mail
James Durham
PO Box 4009
Annapolis, MD 21403
Click here for my Facebook profile
Personal Website
[ * Fiendishly awesome photo of James Durham on this page by the superlative Charles Butler of Free Flame Photography - Please check him out at www.freeflamephoto.com if you dare... ]
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
I stumbled on this site today via Podcast Pickle and am hooked! The story, plot, voice acting, music and quality of the podcast itself are all OUTSTANDING!!!!
Thanks for all the work you put into this . It will become a cult classic I’m sure.
Thank you, Ed! I really appreciate the support and kind words! Makes me want to make each episode as good as I possibly can. Take care, James
I love Fetidus. But you know what I am really fucking sick of. You expect an invest from us. But you’re not invested in us. You take so god damned fucking long to release new episodes and we’re invested in the story.
So fuck you. I am cutting my feed from Itunes and will sign up again maybe in a year. When I am positive that all of the episodes have been released and I don’t have to wait so long.
This is really not fair to your fans.
Hey Shane,
Wow, man, I almost don’t know what to say! First, I’ll take your post as a profoundly twisted compliment, so thank you, sir! I guess P.G. Holyfield had people tell him, “Damn you, Holyfield!” and now I guess my version of it is “Fuck you, Durham!” — although perhaps for different reasons. But I’ll take it as a good thing anyway. And I’ll just add this:
1) I deeply appreciate all my listeners. I try to say that as often as I can, and I hope that’s coming across. Getting to know some of them has been one of the highlights of producing FETIDUS. When someone transitions from being a listener to a full-fledged “fan,” I can’t say how awesome that is, and how much I appreciate it! It’s humbling and amazing. You guys completely blow me away!
2) You’re right, it does take a long time to release new episodes. As far as I know, I’m the only podcast novelist who is also writing all his own music for the episodes, and you know I have multiple voice actors as well, etc… this is basically a totally custom audio drama including all the music, and I don’t exactly have a staff, other than the split personalities in my poor, demented, contortionist mind. Plus I want to make sure each episode has a certain minimal level of quality. In fact, if I did it to the perfectionist level I wanted to, the episodes would take far longer to release!
So, yes, that all takes time, more time than I would like it to. But alas, this is how I’m doing it. Since FETIDUS is free, and I also have to make a living, have other creative projects going on, and more importantly I have a family I love spending time with… it’s the reality of the situation. As you know, I don’t charge for FETIDUS, don’t have any sponsors and thus far have refused any sponsors or ads, and I haven’t asked for donations (and I don’t plan to). So when you factor in the time it takes me to produce it, FETIDUS is costing me a huge amount of money. And I wish I could work on it full-time. I believe the way I’m doing it will eventually be worth it, and more importantly, I’m enjoying the hell out of it, and hope my listeners are too, even at the expense of torturing them with long waits in between episodes.
Now, in between episodes, it’s not that I forget about FETIDUS, or just ignore it or the listeners. I’m constantly trying to work on it, but I have other obligations in life, as I’m sure you do. For one, I have to make the money to make the time to work on it, so unless you want to write me a really big fat check to cover all my expenses, this is the only way I can do it.
Other podcasters struggle with the same issues, as I’m sure you know. They have different ways of dealing with it, all of which are completely understandable. For example, they may choose whether or not to include some of the production elements I’ve chosen to include. Some take sponsors. Some have a volunteer or a paid assistant helping them, or even a team or partners to work with. Some have real budgets. Some have big (or not-so-big) publishing deals and this is part of their critical marketing effort for their book launch (and I have supported more than one podcaster in that situation). Some are passionately trying to get that magical “big book deal.” Some are experimenting by charging for content. Some strip down the production to the bare minimum (quite effectively, I might add). Some secretly have a slave clone of themselves working night and day, etc., etc… In fact, I know of some podcasters who think I’m insane that I write my own music for FETIDUS and I’ll frankly, happily concur. But since I love doing it this way, I’ll continue investing the time.
3) Finally, how can I say this except, thank you for listening! I totally understand if you want to hold off until the whole project is done. I get where you’re coming from, and I’m honestly thrilled to hear you’re so pissed off at me that you’d let me know. I guess I must have done something right, otherwise it wouldn’t have been worth your time to contact me. And I sincerely wish you didn’t have to wait so long as well. In the end, I hope it will be worth the wait, and you come back to experience the full story. I just wish you didn’t cut the feed before episode 8, because things are about to get even more juicy.
Best Regards,
James Durham
P.S.: And by the way, cool artwork on your site! (I clicked there from the link you provided on your name.) Nice work, man!
By the way, I added a blog post over on my personal website about this topic: http://www.jamesdurham.com/2009/07/fxxk-you-durham/
Hi, I’m Gonzalo from Mexico city, just wanted to let you know that your work is amazing… every single episode is better than the last one and that is almost unbelievable (considering that every episode is so well polished, a complete work of art!!!) I can understand people getting upset having to wait for the next episode, thats only because it’s so addictive … but no matter if someone gets angry… I’ll bet he will be waiting for the next episode just like the rest of us.
I hope everything turns out the way you want and faster than you expect (that’s a little selfish from my side, cause if everything works out for you then we can have thecomplete work of art faster…
)
Once again amazing work, take care
Gonzalo
Gonzalo
Thank you for your generous and kind words, Gonzalo! I really appreciate the support! There’s no other project I enjoy working on more than FETIDUS right now, and I can’t wait to get the next episode posted. I’ve really been touched by how supportive FETIDUS listeners have been — for example, with my wife’s recent hospitalization — and such awesomeness as the fan art gallery! I had no idea when I started FETIDUS that one of the greatest parts of the project would be the experience of interacting with such fantastic people. Still, I understand how frustrating it is when someone gets to the end of the released episodes and is waiting for more… and I thank you again for your support! I hope you’ll enjoy the next one… although it’s a darker episode, so be prepared!
Best, James
Just wanted to say that I heard your promo on a podcast from Scott Roche. Your teaser got me interested, and I’m glad it did. I’m really enjoying FETIDUS: Damned Heir. I love the “film noir”, serial, pulp fiction style of writing and storytelling.
And your original music?! Kickin butt!!! I’m loving it! I’m hoping that when you’re able, you’ll consider releasing a full album of completed music.
I just noted that episode 8 has dropped, so I’ll have to get my podcatcher to grab it and drop it on my Zune. I know when I’m done listening to it, I know I’ll be anxiously awaiting Episode 9!
First, I have to say this is an amazingly well done audiobook. You have ruined me for listening to other audiobooks. You are very talented as well as your cast.
Now, not to be a downer, but I have a several friends, I myself included, that would go nuts supporting this and recommending the heck out of this, if it wasn’t so racy. I can totally handle the expletives, and even the suggested violence, but the sexual content is not needed. It’s just distracting from the story. I guess I may be overly sensitive, but I am tired of seeing great stuff get weighed down by needless content. I know as an artist myself you may be saying, “this is my story, who are you to say what’s needed? ” And maybe you are right, but I am a potential fan.
Anyway, I’m not trying to rant, I’m just giving my opinion.
Thanks and I hope I can listen one day.
First off, amazing work! I’m really digging this and understand its a project you do your best to get to on your own time. That being said, the wate is always worth it and I look forward to the next chunk of story. thanks for provideing it free of charge and takeing the time to make it as great as it could be. Also, I really like the choice of voice actors. Just a thought, Plaster that book cover on the front of a black shirt, it would be great, I’d buy that shirt, I’d even seriously think of buying some kind of FETIDUS murch apart from that. Take care, James.
Ahhh! I see a few more posts that I seemed to have missed during the vortex of production and craziness of life! Apologies for the very late responses!
Drew – Thank you very much! Yes, I will be releasing a full soundtrack album in the first half of 2011 with refined versions of the best music tracks from the audiobook. I can’t wait to get that project going full steam after I release the finale in November 2010. Hopefully by now you’ve had a chance to listen to EP9, and I hope you’ve enjoyed it!
Brian – Thank you, kind sir! Yes, FETIDUS is not everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to content rating — it is filled with language, violence and racy situations that may not be suitable for all listeners. I try to be clear about that on the website and in the opening words of each episode. I totally respect your point of view, and as an artist yourself, you know you have to make choices about what and how you want to share your creative work. For the way I shared FETIDUS, this is obviously a choice I’m comfortable with, and realize some people may choose not to listen. Again, I respect your choice and appreciate your comments. If FETIDUS has not soured you from the rest of my work, I do have plenty of more family-friendly creations if you ever decide you want to listen!
James – Thank you for the kind words! Hope you’re enjoying the stream of episodes since the relaunch! We’re almost to the finale! As of this post, we’re up to EP16. I almost can’t believe we’re in the final stage… which brings me to an answer of your question…. Once the finale is posted, I’m going to take a good look at what’s next. I just have to survive until then.
Obviously, the soundtrack album, and I’ll be working on a print version of FETIDUS, plus some other fiendishly cool things in the coming months. T-shirts, hell ya, if I can! 
Hey. Just wanted to say that your story is great. I really like the universe, storyline and oh wow, the production and music is really really, just wow. Is that opening/ending theme available to download or something?
Hope everything goes well for ep 18.
Looking forward to it.
Amy
Thank you, Amy! Hope you had a chance to enjoy EP 18! And yes, the FETIDUS theme, entitled Retribution, will be part of a soundtrack album I’ll be releasing in the near future. It will contain tweaked and mastered versions of the best music from throughout the 20 episodes. I’ll announce plans and a release date after I get through this final production phase for the audio book! Best, James
Hey noticed a comment hadn’t been left at this spot in a long time so figured to slip in and say awesome job. I listened before you took the time to get all the recording done and when you re released the whole thing I listened again to episodes I had heard already and cannot wait until the new episodes come out. Keep it up
Bert
I need my FETIDUS fix !! You can’t leave us hanging so long with that kind of ending!! I suspect that that evil J.C. Hutchins has been secretly giving you lessons or has sent KILROY 2.0 to infiltrate your computer to sabotage your work on this story !! He is truly diabolically evil,you can’t put anything out of possibility with him. Scott Sigler has faced him before and he knows evil !!
hey James, I don’t know if you’ll remember me from Dragon con but I just wanted to say again how much your wonderful audio drama has helped me over the last couple of months and I wanted you to know how much I’m going to need more audio drama in the future I’m contemplating a very risky surgery which will lay me up for about six weeks or so I’m probably going to wait until February so season two of the Leviathan Chronicles can come outI don’t know what your immediate plans in regards to the foundation are but I was kind of hoping you could help me out with some new content by then as well.
Cobern
@Bert — Thanks, man! Such support over the whole journey is deeply appreciated. Thank you for hanging with me for the finale — I hope you enjoy it!
@Donald — Haha! JC Hutchins is indeed diabolically evil in all the best ways — but I assure you he’s innocent on this one. But the good news is that all foes have been vanquished and the finale is on its way very soon! Art Blanchard’s work is not yet done, so neither is mine!
@Cobern — How could I forget you, Cobern? It was an honor and privilege to meet you, an unforgettable highlight of Dragon*Con. You are f*ckin’ AWESOME. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed FETIDUS, it really inspires me to create more. So sorry to hear about your serious surgery, and I hope it all goes well. My immediate plans for FETIDUS are mainly to get the beastly finale out the door, then I’ll have a follow-up discussion podcast where I’ll talk about some plans, including the FETIDUS album, an indie movie I’m working on, more FETIDUS stories, and a brand new mini audio drama I’m shooting to release this Spring. Send me your email address to jdurham at fetidus dot org and if I have something early I can send you (possibly from the album or film, which are next in line) while you’re recovering from surgery, I’d be honored to do so! Take care, Cobern, and I hope your New Year totally rocks like you deserve!
Just Finished all 20 eps!….MORE PLEASE!
*giggles and nudges gently* Hey James? *grins* I just now started to follow you on twitter… Is there anything new on the horizon for FETIDUS? *beams!* If there is I can’t -wait- to hear it! You done absolutely WONDERFUL for the first book installment of FETIDUS! *winks!* And I can’t wait to hear more from you… *smiles happily!*
Love,
Chromey
Just got done with fetidus. I really enjoyed it. Had me not wanting to ever put my headphones down. I was sad when it ended. I want more!
Hey James,
I thought the world you created with FETIDUS was great and probably one of the best podcast/radio dramas I’ve been able to find. It’s amazing that you do the music as well because that was a great part of listening to the story and really helps draw you in. A lot of podcasts seem to dismiss that part or just don’t bother. I was wondering when you expect to start the next FETIDUS story or if there still will be one.
Is FETIDUS returning with a new story?
Thank you all so much, I deeply appreciate the kind words and support! Yes, there will be more FETIDUS, and in fact right now I’m working on a special music album that will include some of my favorite pieces of music from FETIDUS. The project has sort of ballooned into a larger project (surprise, surprise), involving other musicians as I re-record, remix, etc… and there’s even some artwork (see http://www.fetidus.org/2012/01/happy-new-year/ — a concept sketch with Art Blanchard in it!). More news later as I get deeper into production of the music album. I hope you’ll enjoy it! Best, James