Virtual Birthday Card

[klb]

As I turn 41, I feel lucky to have a family that I love very much and a job that I like very much. But sometimes the world can feel small when one has young kids, and one of my birthday wishes this year is to feel meaningfully connected to a community that goes beyond just family and work. So this is my virtual birthday card, and I am hoping that maybe some people would like to take a moment to write some nice things in it! If my presence in the world has improved your life in some way, it would make me feel very good to hear about it!

Comments

Happy birthday!

[irrationalpie]

Happy birthday klb! When I think about why the podfic community means so much to me, you're one of the first names I think of! Through podtogether and voiceteam I've met so many great people and you do so much to help those events run smoothly and bring people together this way! I hope you have a lovely birthday and a wonderful year ahead ❤❤❤

[eafay70]

Happy (early) birthday! You have played a big role in my podficcing journey because Pod Together always looked so cool! And then I started doing Pod Together and you make it so cool!
Also, Voiceteam! You helped bring together a whole bunch of podficcers at a time when we all needed togetherness. And in the following years, when the urgency of the need for togetherness perhaps faded, you've kept helping bring people together for chaos and fun. I am super grateful that I get to help you make that happen.
Being a mod alongside you has taught me how to manage people, time, and energy. You have an eye for detail and a memory for specifics that I can only aspire to have. Even though I don't produce a lot of podfic these days, I still feel like I have a role in the community thanks in large part to Voiceteam and you.
<3 and many happy returns, eafay70

[mayotoffees]

Happy birthday klb!!

You've had such a huge influence on me, from fests to your podfics to introducing me to a new musical every year it feels like!

Your podfics are such a perfect mix of easy to listen to cadence and beautifully expressed emotions and they've always been such a delight to listen to 🧡

And then there's you as a person which there aren't the words in the English language to express how wonderful you are - you're so supportive and fun and hilarious!
I genuinely don't know who I'd be as a podficcer OR as a person without Voicetem so that alone I'll never be able to thank you enough for!

In fact, my achievement this year of managing to comment on all the pod-together fics is absolutely down to the wonderfully supportive community you've helped to shape.

I'm not sure what else to say so just know I am throwing affection by the bucket load at you and again HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂🎈🧡

Re: Happy birthday!

[flamingwell]

You are such a gift to the podfic community!! And to me, specifically. You are so warm and welcoming, and you've gone out of your way multiple times to invite me to participate in community events like Voiceteam when I was nervous or having a difficult time in life, and you've jumped through hoops to enable me to do so. Every time you've done so, I've ended up having a marvelous time at the event itself, but just the way you keep reaching a hand out to me over and over again, inviting me in—that in and of itself makes me feel warm and fuzzy and welcomed and joyful. Thank you thank you thank you, and may you have as much joy on your birthday as you've brought to me and to this community!!!

happy happy birthday!

[ginandchthonic]

You do so much for the fandom community — and with such creativity, consideration, and care. I love how you commit to making anything you're involved in as inclusive as possible — and ever-better. And it was lovely to meet you this summer, too. I hope you have a wonderful 41st year.

Happy birthday!

[kitsunerei88]

Happy birthday!
Thank you for your work on Voiceteam and Pod_Together--the two events I haven't missed since starting to pod fics. It's a ton of work, but you do SO MUCH to make it work, and they're both so much fun. Thank you!

[godoflaundrybaskets]

Happy birthday!! You are such an inspiration in the podfic community. Any event you run feels so inclusive and welcoming and it's such a joy to have you around. I don't have any big words but I have to admit I really do admire you and the way you do fandom. I wish you just the best birthday! 💜

Happy Birthday!!

[(Anonymous)]

Congratulations on 41! I'm sure this will be an amazing year for you! I am so hyped that you asked for compliments about community because that's absolutely SO easy to write about for you. You're one of the most iconic podfic community leaders I can imagine, if you ONLY ran Voiceteam I would still think you were one of the most important builders of social connections between podficcers, but you don't!

You also run Pod Together which connects podficcers with wider fandom, AND cements personal bonds between writers and podficcers (and podficcers and podficcers with their writing hats on), AND makes plenty of authors consider how transformative (and COOL) podfics are as a medium, AND ALSO drags plenty of authors to the dark side... I mean encouraging authors to try podficcing.

And Voiceteam is such an important part of community connection within podfic fandom! Not only the joy of getting to collaborate within our teams and make friends that way, but I can't tell you how many times I've ended up being brave enough to collab with another podficcer months or years later because I've already got a discord DM chat with them from Voiceteam. "Heeey Voiceteam Buddy" has been the start of so many interactions that were 100% less intimidating than they would have been otherwise.

And if that weren't enough Awesome Ladies does the fabulous and important work of helping make podfic fandom prioritise women more in their works, which is always a lovely thing to see. And since we're on the topic of how you meaningfully contribute to podfic fandom making more diverse art, you can't underestimate the Character of Colour bonus for Voiceteam! So much of each year's annual podfic is made during Voiceteam (and MysteryBox) that it gives me the warm and fuzzies that Voiceteam is explicitly a space that wants and encourages podfic that doesn't only centre white characters <3

And I know these aren't things you do all by yourself, but that makes them EVEN BETTER! You're so good at collaborating with other mods, other participants, and other people that you help make these beautiful things that make podfic fandom an awesome space to be in! And inspires other people to mod their own events, perpetuating the cycle of community.

Also, I have listened to Ten Changes in Podfic History Since 2009 that you recorded with Reena Jenkin's for PodAware more than 5 times, I love listening to it because it's such a cool insight into the history of podfic and how we developed some of the community norms we have now.

I didn't get to participate in Guess That Voice this year but I gave it a try before reading the answers and I guessed you immediately. I was so proud of myself for being able to go "well of course that's klb" (probably because of how many times I've listened to your various meta on podfic community, Podfic Community and Beyond with finnigain is also super interesting)

Thankyou for helping build such a wonderful community to exist in, Happy Birthday klb <3
MelancholyMorningstar

Re: Happy birthday!

[klb]

Thank you so much for the kind words and also for blessing the year ahead! I think I am going to try to make next year be all about finding joy and beauty in small places, so I have very high hopes for it being a good year as long as the world can avoid sending any major tragedies my way <3 I'm so glad that PT and VT have connected you to people, which is one of my very top wishes for both of those events (along with encouraging cool explorations of what audio fanworks can be)!

Re: Happy birthday!

[klb]

Thank you! You have always been so kind about that, and it has always been wonderful to have your presence, in whatever capacity you were able to be there! I really appreciate this birthday message which made me feel very warm and fuzzy this morning.

[mousek]

klb!! Happy birthday!! When I think of podfic community, you're ever-present. I truly can't imagine this place without you. You so obviously care so deeply, and it's made me feel really valued and included. The way you organize, participate, communicate... it's beautiful. I hope your birthday is extra-special and I hope that your communities continue to thrive in the coming year!

Happy Birthday klb!!

[(Anonymous)]

I hope you have such a wonderful day!
Let me start this by saying that I very much credit you as a big reason I started podfic! I saw your message in some server advertising it and signed up on a whim, barely knowing what podfic was...
You do such an incredible job at fostering a community that it made me want to stay. You're organized and enthusiastic and you know when to come towards people and help them and when to set boundaries.

Working with you has been an actual blast! You're a fantastic actor and the way you CARE so deeply about the things you create is contagious and I think it makes everyone around you to want to do well (which I think is no small feat), it certainly did that for me.

You are also just fantastic at letting people know what exactly you're looking for in a project or interaction and it opens up the chance for everyone to be open about what they want, which creates such an open environment, which I really, really, REALLY admire.

I am very much hoping we get a chance to collaborate at some point again! And I hope you have such a fantastic birthday, and all the days after that!

-ShakespeareStoleMyURL

Happy Birthday!!! 🥳

[mistbornhero]

I hope you have the BEST day and get to eat your favorite thing!
It's very fitting that the theme for comments you are asking about is community, because I don't think I would have found my way into podfic community without the events you created with other people. And it wasn't just the first event, because I love inviting people to the next event, either voiceteam if they're interested in podfic, or pod-together if they just want to write fic. I have, in at least one occasion, used the argument of "and the mods are super supportive, so if we need anything we know they're there" while thinking of you and all the work you do so that any idea people bring into both events is listened to.
I often go back to listen to your tiny'tato filk with TheArcher whenever I've got a silly idea and want to pump myself up for Actually Doing It. Which is maybe a silly thing to mention here but it just brings me a lot of joy.
You are honestly so cool and you do so much for this community, and I already said I probably wouldn't have embedded myself into it as much without it, but I also can't quite picture what it would be if we didn't have the events to look forward to through the year? Like, yes, a lot of podfic gets made there, but also a lot of friendships and connections and being in the event together, even when being on different teams, does feel like it forms a tiny bond of "I could reach out to them for help if I need it"
I've rambled and deleted like ten different things because I appreciate you so much but I always feel a bit awkward putting things into words, so I'll end it here and just say thank you! you are fantastic! have a very happy birthday!!

[chantress]

Many happy returns, birthday neighbor! <3 I'm continually impressed and astonished by all the amazing events you've made a reality, and what a warm and welcoming presence you are in the podfic community--especially for those who don't yet know they're a part of it! I love your whimsy, creativity, and sense of humor, and am in awe of the time and effort you put in as a mod to make sure Voiceteam runs smoothly and continues to improve year after year. I hope you're having a wonderful birthday, and that the year to come is full of joy and beautiful things <3

[kitkaos]

Happy birthday, klb!!! I hope you have a good one!

I hardly know you, since I'm just starting out in the pod fix community - but then again, I feel like you're one of the kindest people I've met in fandom (and a lot are great, don't get me wrong). I've been part of pod_together as a writer for three years now, and it's always felt like one of the two absolute highlights of my fandom year (the other being Yuletide) and something I'm already looking forward to months before it's actually happening. I have connected with some wonderful people through it, not least of them you. Even fandom-blind, I always get sucked into your podfics, and thus get introduced to some amazing fandoms. All because of you. Thank you so much for all of it!!!

Again, all the best, happy birthday! Many happy returns! 😘

[the_ocean_protocol]

Happy birthday and thanks for helping organize voiceteam!

Happy Birthday!

[wilfriede0815]

Happy Birthday, klb!

I mostly know you as a mod of events that have grown to be the highlight of my podfic year. I would not be the same podficcer if it wasn't for Voiceteam and pod-together and for the community around these events. You do so much for the podfic community! I cannot thank you enough for that.

Also, in the online spaces I've shared with you, I've always known you to me as incredibly kind, welcoming, considerate and open in your interactions with everyone. Being relatively new to the more social aspects of online fandom, this really stood out to me and I like to think it's shaped how I try to interact with people online.

I hope you have a wonderful and I wish you all the best for the next year <3

P.S.: I wish I'd taken pictures when I unexpectedly came across a Kneipp basin this summer and soaked my feet. I often think of you and that addition to the Choosing Well challenge :)

[klb]

Thank you for this wonderful kind message that made me so happy! I really like what you said about how Voiceteam came out of a moment when there was a real shared hunger for togetherness, but in a way it was the years following that, when that shared hunger for togetherness was replaced with a much more complex set of emotions, that were more difficult to keep people together, and I do think that as a team (very much with your invaluable help) we were able to hold things together through that transition. And I'm proud of it, hearing you say it back like that!

Also thank you for the nice words about my modding. You know how much I can get emotionally wrung out by the end of a Voiceteam and end up doubting every choice I have ever made, so it is very reassuring to hear specific things pulled out that I do well, from the perspective of someone who actually sees it all behind the scenes.

Most of all, I'm glad that I've contributed to you feeling you have a role in the community, because I love having you as part of this community! What would podfic fandom be without eafay70? Let's never find out!

[klb]

Mayo, this was so wonderful to read and made me feel so special on my birthday! If you ever do get fully introduced to Merrily We Roll Along, I want to hear all about it, and especially about your thoughts about it as someone who met our pod-together fanwork before meeting canon! I really appreciate that you not only are a member of the podfic community with me but that you actually listen to and like my podfics, even though the fandoms are often on the smaller side.

Anyway, I think extremely highly of you, of the things you create, and of the ways you are in the world, so it is extra meaningful to get this kind message from you. Thank you!

And thanks for giving me a sliver of credit for your amazing achievement. I will wear that sliver of credit with pride! :D

Re: happy happy birthday!

[klb]

It was nice to meet you too, and I would love to do so again sometime when we have time to hang out and chat for longer! Thank you for your kind words——all of the things you said are exactly what I hope and strive for and never am sure how much I'm actually succeeding at, so it feels amazing to hear it reflected back to me like that. I really appreciate you taking the time to write me this birthday message <3

[bluedreaming]

Happy birthday klb! I thought it might be fun to do a recorded message, but then I probably forgot to say some things and phrased things awkwardly, so I'll bookend it by just reiterating good birthday wishes and thank you for being here and doing so much for the podfic community!
mp3: https://whoosh.bluedream.ing/d?id=ZGIQtDzaz0zwZ0T

Re: Happy birthday!

[klb]

They are work for sure, but getting to feel like I'm creating something fun and meaningful makes it feel like the fulfilling kind of work. I am so happy to be part of something that is fun and joyful for people. Thank you for saying so!

[klb]

Hearing you describe them as inclusive and welcoming feels very *____* to me. Thank you for liking having me around, which is honestly the best thing to hear ever. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave me a nice note and being part of making my birthday lovely!

Re: Happy Birthday!!

[klb]

This was SUCH a nice message, thank you! Hearing how Voiceteam and PT have helped you build friendships and facilitate interactions makes me so happy. And for naming collaborating as the greatest thing of all and going into how everything is connected, with energy sparking energy, because that feels so true and right.

I think it's kind of awesome that you have listened to my 10-year-old meta and liked it enough to listen to it more than once! I probably have forgotten by now half the things I said in those, and have new narratives in my head about the course of podfic history, but if you ever want to have a chat and make a meta podcast of our own on any podfic-related topic, hit me up because I bet it would be a lot of fun!

Thank you for knowing my voice. It feels nice to know that all this talking I have put out into the ether for so many years is being heard enough to make my voice known to some people <3 And thank you so so so so so so much for this message, which I will definitely come back to and reread and internalize, because there is so much good and thoughtful stuff here that I want to hold onto.

[xdiorix]

Happy Birthday!!! I'm so proud to call you my friend! You're such a wellspring of creativity and whimsy and you also have the fortitude and determination to see things through when you want to see your ideas come to life! I've learned so much about modding from you! Thank you for everything you do to bring our community together! <333

[(Anonymous)]

Happy birthday, K!

I hope you and yours are doing well and had a lovely day.

I look back so fondly on all of our after work dinners and piling into your apartment on the weekend for watch parties. I miss chatting about theatre and work and whatever our newest obsession was. I love your passion for innovating and finding connection. You have such a creative and bright spirit that has brought me joy and happiness over the years and I appreciate you so much.

Thank you so starting our brunch group. You have brought me so many meaningful relationships and fun conversations and I can't imagine what my life in New York would have been like without you in it.

*sending you 41 purple heart emojis and a giant piece of cake*


-daisy

[tipsy_kitty]

I hope you had a lovely birthday :) Your podfics and your thoughtful podfic community-building events have brought me a lot of joy over the past few years <3

[klb]

Thank you so much, Mouse! I have really appreciated your friendship and kindness, both in and out of communities/events. Thank you for the wonderful birthday message!

Re: Happy Birthday klb!!

[klb]

This is such a wonderful birthday message, thank you! I think I've said it before, but I am so so grateful to you, because I love the Merrily fanwork that we made so much and there's just no way it would have happened without you. I've loved talking to you and getting to know you this past year, and I'm really glad that we get to watch musicals together every month now!

And thank you for saying I'm a good actor. It means a lot coming from you after how closely we worked together! I would be thrilled to collaborate again, at very least on recording a multivoice. Surely there will be a good opportunity for it this coming Mystery Box?

Re: Happy Birthday!!! 🥳

[klb]

Mist, this is the LOVELIEST message, and it means even more coming from one of the most kind, generous, thoughtful, and active members of the podfic community. It's very apt that you say you like inviting people to events, because it is very much your energy to not just experience but to invite others in to share that experience and to find ways to make the experience better for everyone!

The thought of Tiny 'Tato getting to actually bust through the wall and encourage you (with help from you actually clicking play, of course) makes me so happy!

I appreciate YOU so much, and I very much appreciate your birthday wishes. Thank you thank you!

[klb]

Hello, and happy now-past birthday to you too! I really appreciate this message. I think reading all of these on my birthday did something good to my brain chemistry, because I have felt so much more connected and like what I do matters to people since this day. And I am glad that you like the silliness, because that is some of my favorite energy to put into the world and it can feel very self-indulgent, but it's also the best feeling in the world when other people want to share in it :D

The year ahead is looking a lot more dark and scary at the moment than I hoped last month when these birthday messages happened, but I am determined to find and appreciate every moment of joy that comes my way. And so I do expect lots of joy and beautiful things despite it all. And I wish the same to you!

[klb]

Hi kitkaos,

It was so kind of you to come leave me a message despite being newish around here. And the fact that you listen to and enjoy my podfics makes me so happy, because I feel like the audience is small but I so so appreciate knowing I'm not entirely performing into a void. Thank you for being part of pod-together and for coming back year after year! And I hope to see you around Voiceteam someday <3

[klb]

Thank you for the message and for the enthusiasm and positive energy you bring to Voiceteam!

Re: Happy Birthday!

[klb]

Hi wilfriede,

I am so glad for the awesome energy you bring to Voiceteam and pod-together! The fact that you were previous fandom friends with one of my fave people in Ted Lasso fandom (chainofclovers) gave me an immediate positive impression of you that has proven to be absolutely deserved over the years.

I'm so glad that my presence has been positive for you——it means a lot to me to hear that reflected back, and makes me feel really good about myself, so thank you!

And I'm thrilled to be associated with feet-soaking. An excellent legacy!

[klb]

Thank you so much for this! How wonderful to not just get this lovely birthday message but to have the connectedness of getting it through voice! I think the podfic community (or at least the part of the podfic community I spend time with) is just such a fabulous group of people with amazing energy, and the thought that I might have had something to do with bringing some of those people together or shaping some of that energy makes me feel incredible. I'm very glad that you're here, and thank you for taking the time to help make my birthday feel special <3

[klb]

Thank you for the birthday message! I am so proud to call YOU my friend! Thank you for making time to come hang out last time you were in my city. (It was such a bad mental health time for me! But seeing you and Reena was still really lovely! And my mental health is much improved since then.) The things that I mod, *especially* Voiceteam, are all vastly better because of the wonderful energy you bring to them.

[klb]

Daisy! It is so wonderful to hear from you! Thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful birthday message. I've been excited to see you popping up around podfic spaces and would love if you come join Voiceteam or Voiceteam Mystery Box. And I hope our in-person paths cross again soon!

[klb]

Thank you for saying so! It really was a lovely birthday, and the messages here were a big part of it (and I've continued to feel good feelings from them ever since, even though it's now a month later.)