Best way to enjoy Big Finish

[Dude Who]

Hi all, After listening to the recent reviews on the Doctor Who Podcast for Big Finish audio's, I decided to give them a go. So far I have listening to Sirens of Time, Phantasmagoria, The Genocide Machine, Sword of Orion, Spare Parts, The Nightmare Fair and Cyberman:Scorpius and must say I have enjoyed them all. However while thinking about which one to listen to next, a question developed in my mind. What is the best way to enjoy Big Finish Audios? His it listening to them in order of release, or by just cherry picking the best ones in the range. Would really appreciate getting peoples opinion on this.

[Michele]

Hey Dude! (I wanted to say that!)

Welcome to the forum! (Have we said that yet?)

As for what order, I'd guess it might depend on how much money you have to invest in BF. If it's lots, you might just subscribe and start enjoying, while simultaneously cherry picking the best from the back catalog.

If funds are more restricted, I'd go for the cherry picking strategy. Perhaps focusing on what concensus has agreed are the best audios.

Here's a link (with another link) to recommendations from forum members....

http://thedoctorwhopodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=1785.msg18467#msg18467

Michele

[Ian]

I've hit the BF range pretty much at random, just listening to what James sends us to review. There have been a couple where there is clearly some backstory going on that I'm not getting, but so far none have been inaccessible because of this.

If you can, I suspect you'll get more from some stories by listening to them in order. But if you want to just dip in and out my experience is that you will still enjoy them.

[Dude Who]

 Thanks both for your advice, and thanks Michele for the warm welcome.  After posting my question I discovered episode 69 of Doctor Who Podcast which also answered my question, and also made me feel abit silly for asking a question that had already been answered.  So thanks both for your patience and kindness. After listening to your advice I have decided to get them in order of release just starting off with monthly series, can't afford to subscribe at moment because I'm saving up to get married but will buy them as and when I can and hopefully subscribe in future. Thanks again for your help.
Best Wishes
Jason

[Michele]

I suppose putting Big Finish on the wish list for wedding gifts would be frowned upon? 

Congratulations!

And I don't think we ever tire of talking Big Finish...

[judgefloyd]

I think it would be nearly impossible to enjoy ALL of the BF range because they differ so much in quality and in what kind of Who they cater for.   Also your time and money may be finite. 
   I like some Doctors more than others, so that makes a difference.  Also some stories are better than others.  Probably everyone has their personal favourites - my 'to avoid' list includes a terrible story involving Sylvester McCoy shouting at magically powered aboriginals - I've got nothing against either McCoy or aboriginals, but the story was a mess.  Some stories have a good idea, but don't use it very well - I'm thinking of the Sixth Doctor story in which Frobisher the Penguin becomes a god.  Lots of good story ideas, but after the first big reveal, it becomes a bit of a mish-mash.
  I'm biased towards stories with characters I like (eg Davros and the sixth Doctor) and I particularly recommend 'The One Doctor - a lovely funny sixth Doctor story.

[timdalton007]

I think it would be nearly impossible to enjoy ALL of the BF range because they differ so much in quality and in what kind of Who they cater for.   Also your time and money may be finite.

Agreed. I'm reminded of the minor controversy that took place early this year when Nick Briggs comented in Vortex that The Boy That Time Forgot wasn't one of his favorite stories and the story's writer getting somewhat upset because he'd said that. Given that, counting main range stories alone, Big Finish has now released as many stories as the old series did, it's not suprising to me in the slightest that there are stories that cover the entire range of what Doctor Who can do. Some stories work better than others but it is all down to personal preference in the end. Even with my favorite Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) I've got stories I can not stand (Bang Band A Boom! and The Magic Mousetrap) and stories I adore (Master which is perhaps my favorite Big Finish). It's all down to what intrests the listener in question.

timdalton007