Wednesday, October 3, 2007

The sound of silence

I'm really pissed off about something, so prepare yourself for a rant.
I am livid, frustrated, annoyed, irritated, and any other synonym you'd care to add in there.
It's about this new "improved" system they've got over at Blog Talk Radio.
I'm not able to hear any of the shows at all anymore. The sound simply does not work.
And no one can tell me WHY.
I've tried all sorts of crap like refreshing the page, or clicking on different links to get there... worthless. Doesn't help. And yes, my speakers are turned up. Other sounds get through just fine, like my e-mail notification sound, and the sound that happens when I open and close programs. The only thing that doesn't work is Blog Talk Radio. All I get there is total silence.
The problem is that the player box up in the corner is all grayed out.
See the picture? That's what it looks like, every time, no matter what I do. The player does not work.
There's some small consolation in the fact that it seems to be happening to a few other people as well. But MOST people seem to be able to get it to work, and I don't understand why I can't. What the hell is the problem?
This infuriates me to no end, because there are a couple shows out there I really really really REALLY WANT to hear.
And now I can't.
To add to the frustration, the chat room works just fine, so I'm presented with lively chat from plenty of other people who can hear just fine. Lots of them are using the exact same browser I am (Firefox). I want to join in, but can't hear what they're hearing. So far no one has been able to get this thing fixed.
Believe me, I realize that in the larger scheme of things, this is perhaps not a huge deal, but please understand. It's a big deal to ME.
And I'm so frustrated I could just scream.
At least then I'd hear something.

Additional Note: When I go back later to listen through the show ARCHIVES, I AM able to hear. The player looks completely different then (see picture). It works just fine then. Why isn't this coming up when I try to listen to the show live??
I would much rather be able to listen live, so I can join in the chat room and be able to call in with some general idea of what's being discussed.
Still waiting for help.....
.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Please don't hit me over the head for asking this, but have you cleared your cookies and your cache? Have your firewall settings been changed? If yes then, hmmmmm... If that all sounds like Geek to you enlist the help of a nearby Computer Geek. They should be able to set you straight.

Janna said...

Square1: I can't imagine how either of those things would affect whether the player is grayed out or not. Nonetheless, I'm so desperate I tried it anyway, and.... nope. Didn't help.

Mimi Lenox said...

Oh no. And I was about to go over and catch up on some archived shows. Hope you have better luck soon.

The Ferryman said...

This distresses me. I better look into it.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

that is exactly what is happening to me, exactly. i am fortunate in that sarge can still get it on his laptop so i can listen but it sucks whatever they changed.

smiles, bee

Desert Songbird said...

I haven't had an problems, but I knew Miss Bee had, and I hear Turnbaby's having problems, too, and she's a show host!

Anonymous said...

I had no problem hearing or commenting on Sunday. My problem is I DON'T KNOW WHAT I DID! I didn't log in right, so I wasn't identified (I was "guest"- and I put my initials up so they knew who I was.)But I have no computer smarts. Just the ABC's!

Anonymous said...

Well I tried what limited scope of pc savoy I might possess. Sounds like you need to enlist a Geek to help you on this one.

Marilyn said...

It took me ten minutes to sign in... I don't like that. I missed the opening of Mo's show. I am always in such a hurry on Wednesdays. I do like the chat room feature, but it's not worth having Bee, Turnbaby, and You not be able to join in the fun.

I wish I could help.

katherine. said...

it probably doesn't ease your anger....but others have this problem.

I know Turnbaby is writing a detailed email to BlogTalkRadio...she has the same symptoms...and she is a host!

Empress Bee can not hear on her computer....but she can on Sarges...so it sounds like either an obscure setting....or a combination of same.

in the meantime...I am sure you know you can call in and hear the show live while you are on hold...

Janna said...

Mimi: The archives come through just fine for me!

Mr. Fab: Thank you for your concern!

Bee: It feels somewhat comforting to know I'm not the only one. :)

Desert Songbird: It's frustrating!

Metalmom: Be glad it worked for you. :)

Square1: That's ok. I appreciate you trying to help. :)

Marilyn: Ten minutes? Wow!

Katherine: Yes, that may be my only option... asking the host if he can just please let me listen on hold.