Lore 248: Blowout
Explore the unexpected downside of digital advertising and the risks of flamboyant historical and not-so-historical festivities in the newest episode of Lore with Aaron Mahnke. Mahnke reveals the challenges posed by programmatic advertising platforms, which sometimes slip inappropriate ads into the podcast, bypassing his team's filters. Understanding the importance of community, Mahnke urges listeners to proactively report any ads they find unsuitable by reaching out directly, ensuring the show maintains its intended character and respectability.
The episode also delves into the past, unraveling tales of grand celebrations marred by catastrophe. From the tragic story of the Ball of Burning Men, a fiery accident amidst a 14th-century royal charivari, to the unsettling extravagance of Emperor Domitian's Roman feast, and the deadly fireworks of an 18th-century royal wedding, history is rife with parties that ended in disaster. Mahnke also recounts the eerie tradition of ghost parties from the Victorian era, including a particularly harrowing event at Adelphi College that led to a fatal accident, underscoring the ever-present balance between merriment and misfortune.
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1-Page Summary
Inappropriate Political Ads on Lore Podcast
Aaron Mahnke, the host of the LORE podcast, has recently disclosed concerns about inappropriate programmatic ads that manage to air on the show despite filters. These ads are not personally approved by Mahnke, unlike the ads he voices himself. To combat this issue, Mahnke encourages listeners to report any inappropriate ads they encounter by contacting the show through various channels, such as Instagram DMs, thread replies, or emailing ads@lorepodcast.com. The feedback from listeners is vital for the team to identify and remove any deceptive ads.
Historical Parties Gone Wrong
Historical celebrations, intended to display power or mark significant events, have occasionally led to tragic outcomes. In 1393, the Ball of Burning Men resulted in the death of four knights after their pitch-soaked costumes caught fire accidentally during a charivari hosted by Queen Isabel of France. In 89 CE, Emperor Domitian's Black Banquet unsettled the Roman senators with its morbid and provocative theme, serving as a demonstration of the emperor's dominance. Lastly, a fireworks mishap during Marie Antoinette's 18th-century wedding celebrations caused an explosion and subsequent stampede, which saw hundreds of fatalities, overshadowing the festivities with sorrow.
Ghost Parties
Ghost parties are a unique Victorian tradition that began in the Midwest in the 1870s and continued into the 1900s. These parties involved guests wearing ghost costumes and sharing ghost stories, often influenced by literature such as "A Christmas Carol." However, one particular ghost party at Adelphi College in Brooklyn in 1910 ended in disaster. The event, which involved over fifty female students, was struck by tragedy when a homemade alcohol lamp exploded, igniting the attendees' flammable costumes. Nineteen-year-old Suzanne Lustgarten lost her life in the fire, and her funeral drew a crowd of over 500 mourners, highlighting the serious risks associated with these eerie celebrations.
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Clarifications
- Programmatic ads on podcasts are automated advertisements that are inserted into podcast episodes based on listener demographics and interests. These ads are typically managed by ad networks or platforms, allowing advertisers to reach specific audiences without direct approval from the podcast host. Programmatic ads help monetize podcasts by generating revenue based on the number of impressions or clicks they receive. The content of programmatic ads can sometimes vary in quality and relevance, leading to concerns about inappropriate or misleading ads slipping through filters.
- Charivari was a folk custom involving a mock parade to shame someone in the community, often accompanied by noise-making and ridicule. It could involve dragging the alleged wrongdoer through the streets, using an impersonator, or employing an effigy for symbolic punishment. Communities used charivari to express disapproval of various behaviors that violated social norms, such as inappropriate marriages, adultery, domestic abuse, or other perceived transgressions.
- The Black Banquet was an event hosted by Emperor Domitian in 89 CE known for its morbid and provocative theme, showcasing the emperor's power and dominance through unsettling displays and extravagant feasting. It was a historical celebration that left Roman senators uncomfortable due to its macabre nature and the emperor's demonstration of authority. The banquet was part of a series of events that highlighted Domitian's reign and his approach to governance through grandiose and sometimes controversial displays.
- A homemade alcohol lamp is a simple device used to produce a small, controlled flame for various purposes like heating or lighting. It typically consists of a container filled with alcohol, such as ethanol or denatured alcohol, with a wick that absorbs the liquid and burns when ignited. These lamps are commonly used in scientific experiments, laboratories, and even in historical settings for tasks requiring a portable and adjustable heat source.
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Inappropriate Political Ads on Lore Podcast
The host of the LORE podcast, Aaron Mahnke, addresses the issue of inappropriate ads appearing on the show.
How some groups deceptively categorize ads to bypass filters
Mahnke explains that some ads aired during the LORE podcast episodes are not directly approved by him. This is due to two types of ads used on the podcast—those voiced by Mahnke which he has approved, and programmatic ads that are similar to TV or radio commercials, which do not get individually approved by him. Unfortunately, these programmatic ads can sometimes bypass filters through deceptive categorization.
Listeners can help flag inappropriate ads by contacting the show
To address the challenge, Mahnke urges listeners to play a role in maintaining the integrity of the LORE podcast's advertising. He encourages listeners to contact the show i ...
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Inappropriate Political Ads on Lore Podcast
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Clarifications
- Programmatic ads are automated, data-driven advertising placements that are bought and sold through technology platforms. These ads are placed using algorithms and real-time bidding to target specific audiences based on factors like demographics, behavior, and interests. Unlike traditional ads, programmatic ads are purchased and displayed in real-time on websites or platforms without direct human negotiations. They can be more efficient in reaching the right audience at the right time compared to traditional advertising methods.
- Deceptive categorization in advertising involves labeling ads in a misleading way to make them appear as something they are not, allowing them to bypass filters meant to screen out inappropriate content. By using deceptive labels or descriptions, advertisers can disguise the true nature of their ads, making it harder for content creators to control what is being promoted on their ...
Counterarguments
- While Mahnke's request for listener assistance is well-intentioned, it could be argued that it is ultimately the responsibility of the podcast team to ensure the appropriateness of their ads, not the listeners.
- There might be concerns about the effectiveness of listener-reported feedback in real-time ad filtering, as the process may not be swift enough to prevent multiple exposures to the inappropriate ad.
- The reliance on programmatic ads, while financially practical, could be seen as a compromise on the podcast's control over its content and the user experience.
- Some might argue that the podcast should invest in better ad filtering technology or work with ad providers who offer more control and oversight to avoid the issue of inappropriate ads altogether.
- There could be a discussion on the transparency of the ad approval process and whether more information should be ...
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Historical Parties Gone Wrong
Throughout history, extravagant parties meant to showcase power or celebrate major events have sometimes turned into tragedies. Here are three notable incidents where festivities went disastrously wrong.
Ball of Burning Men
In 1393, a celebration called a charivari, organized by Queen Isabel of France, intended to entertain the court with a dance performance took a dark and deadly turn. Knights dressed as wild men were covered in pitch-soaked linen and flax to look hairy and feral. Among these performers was King Charles VI disguised as one of the dancers, and they were all chained together to enhance the wildness of the act.
However, the king's brother, Louis-Duc d'Orléans, carelessly brought torches into the no-flame zone of the party. A spark from his torch landed on a dancer’s leg, setting the highly flammable costumes ablaze. The fire spread quickly from one man to the next, and in the ensuing chaos, four knights burned to death. The horrendous incident went down in history as the "Ball of Burning Men."
Black Banquet
Another morbid event was the infamous Black Banquet hosted by Emperor Domitian in 89 CE. Domitian, a member of the Flavian dynasty, was known for his harsh and paranoid rule, which created tension with the Roman Senate.
The senators were suspicious when invited to a banquet by Domitian. The hall was morbidly decorated in black, complete with black drapes, tombstones with the senators' names, and nearly invisible silent servant boys painted to blend into the black walls. The feasting table offered food that was dyed black, served on black plates and cups, emulating a Roman funeral.
Throughout the dinner, Domitian provoked fear by discussing death and slaughter. Contrary to the senator’s grim expectations, they w ...
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Historical Parties Gone Wrong
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Clarifications
- A charivari was a folk custom involving a mock parade to shame someone in the community, often accompanied by loud noise and mockery. It was used to express disapproval of various behaviors that violated community norms, such as inappropriate marriages or immoral conduct. The parade could involve dragging the alleged wrongdoer through the streets, using an impersonator, or even employing an effigy. The aim was to publicly shame the individual and enforce social norms through community action.
- The Flavian dynasty was a Roman imperial dynasty that ruled from AD 69 to 96, consisting of emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. They came to power after the civil war of 69 and oversaw significant events like the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79. The Flavians were known for their military achievements and economic reforms during their relatively short-lived rule.
- The Roman Senate was a governing body in ancient Rome composed of aristocrats and officials who advised and made decisions on various matters concerning the state. It played a significant role in Roman politics, especially during the Roman Republic and Roman Empire periods. Senators were appointed for life and held considerable influence in shaping policies and governance. ...
Counterarguments
- The text states that King Charles VI and four knights burned to death during the charivari, but historical records indicate that King Charles VI survived the Ball of Burning Men. It was other knights who perished in the fire.
- While the Black Banquet was indeed a display of power, some historians argue that the event may have been exaggerated over time and that the interpretation of the banquet as a form of psychological warfare is based on sources that are hostile to Domitian. Therefore, the exact intentions and the nature of the event might be more complex than a straightforward display of tyranny.
- The text implies that the fireworks disaster at Marie Antoinette's wedding directly caused the deaths of hundreds of attendees. However, it was not the explosion itself but the resulting panic and stampede that led to the fatalities. The distinction is important in understanding the dynamics of the tragedy.
- The text does not provide context for the events, such as the political or social climate of the time, which could offer a more nuanced understanding of why these parties wer ...
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Ghost Parties
The tradition of ghost parties, originating in the Midwest during the early 1870s, became a chilling yet popular form of entertainment in the US lasting well into the 1900s.
Victorian trend of throwing parties with ghost costumes and stories
Guests would receive invitations adorned with macabre designs and attend these gatherings clad in ghostly attire, draped in sheets with eye holes cut out to mimic ethereal forms. Influenced by literature like Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," these spectral soirees often included the sharing of ghost stories in dimly lit rooms, heightening the eerie atmosphere.
Ghost party at college initiated deadly fire
However, these parties were not without their dangers. In 1910, such a party turned to tragedy at Adelphi College in Brooklyn. A ghost party, serving as an initiation ceremony with juniors welcoming freshmen, gathered over fifty female students dressed ...
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Ghost Parties
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Clarifications
- Ghost parties were a popular form of entertainment in the US during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These gatherings involved guests dressing up in ghostly attire, inspired by literature and Victorian trends, and sharing ghost stories in a spooky setting. The tradition of ghost parties originated in the Midwest in the 1870s and continued to be a chilling yet popular social activity for decades. The concept of ghost parties reflected a fascination with the supernatural and macabre elements, providing a unique and eerie form of amusement for participants.
- The influence of literature like Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on ghost parties can be seen in the themes of supernatural elements, ghostly encounters, and the eerie ambiance created by ghost stories. Dickens' portrayal of ghosts and the afterlife in his work may have inspired the use of ghostly costumes and storytelling at these gatherings. The popularity of "A Christmas Carol" during the Victorian era contributed to the fascination with ghostly themes in social events like ghost parties. The tradition of sharing ghost stories and creating a spooky atmosphere was a way to evoke the spirit of mystery and the supernatural, much like Dickens' storytelling in his famous work.
- The tragic incident at Adelphi College in 1910 involved a ghost party where a homemade alcohol lamp exploded, igniting the flammable costumes worn by the attendees. This resulted in a fire that claimed the life of 19-year-old Suzanne Lustgarten, who was unable to escape when her costume caught fire. The event was part of an initiation ceremony at the college, where juniors welcomed freshmen in a gathering that turned into a fatal accident. The incident highlighte ...
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