Nice one Ben, Im glad you're here. Im glad Im here! and all the other rag tag refugees from that old mythical place we Gamers Used To Call Home!
An old hedge knight arrives to hang his helm!
|
 On 02/23/2013 at 12:15 PM by BrokenH See More From This User » |
I’ve been a dunce with my introductory blog here at pixlbit. Twice I wrote it and twice I ended up not being signed in. I finally had to check the box for the site to remember me. Seems like common sense, right? Be that as it may, sometimes I’m running short on that stuff. Lol. Regardless, I’d like to thank Julian, Nick, and everyone else here for making us feel welcome. Certainly I expected kindness and sympathy but I did not the red carpet treatment too! You guys are the best!
What happened to 1up was sad and more than a little scary for me. I remember at that moment I was working on my game in rpgmaker xp. When I returned my closest friends had sent me messages wanting to “keep in touch”. I would have thought it was an April Fool’s stunt if not for the fact it’s February right now.
Jeremy Parish wrote a beautiful soliloquy about how much the site (and by extension us) had meant to him over the years. I could tell it was sincere. There was not a single patch of veiled sarcasm to be found. (Though there was a pretty funny reference to Harry Potter and Hagrid!)
Some people accused Jeremy and co. of “not caring” towards the end but to me it seemed more like the case of dwindling resources, dwindling staff, and dwindling revenue. All things considered, the 1up crew kept that derelict-ghost-ship running smoothly long after its’ power core had been ejected into space. As a result I have nothing but respect for them.
As for my personal run as a blogger? Towards the end I was pulling in over 1,000 views a day. Throughout my years of being on 1up I was even offered jobs by other sites to write for them. I wore the “game journalist hat” just long enough to realize how difficult it can be. The experiences I had gave me sincere respect for those in the field. Trust me, being a “professional game journalist” is not easy. We hear stories about champagne parties and backstage invites but that’s only for the journalists who work for the biggest names. Everyone else struggles and works their asses off for the smallest snippets of information and the occasional game demo.
Of course that wasn’t my goal at all. I blogged because I loved games and I loved to talk to gamers. (You, yeah YOU! The person reading this! I did it for you!) It really was that simple. I probably could have made money and been deemed a success story but the truth is I’m too sporadic and off the wall to thrive in a structured work environment.
I do feel some regrets over my blog dissolving slowly into the great nothing. I thought the recent piece I did on cyber bullying was really good and it hit home how even us geeks are not without our faults and petty moments. Yet a part of me is also willing to let that part of me die a quiet dignified death.
1up was a rose but it had its’ thorns too. I remember thinking I’d never make enemies but sure enough, I did. Between us, I don’t mind the occasional troll, posted Spiderman meme, or heckle. If it comes from a friend it can even make me laugh and brighten an otherwise dreary day. Laughter is the best medicine!
Thus I was surprised to learn that there are people out there who really have malicious intent. They really do see themselves as “the elite” and they try to defame and slander anyone who is not apart of their collective of loathing. It doesn’t hurt as much when you realize most of these people haven’t created anything worthwhile themselves. Usually it’s just a sad lonely person on the internet trying to get a reaction from anyone who will respond. Yet when one of those people turns out to be a professional paid game journalist from a revered place we call "home" it gives us reason to pause.
Before I go on, most of you know who I’m talking about. There’s no need to mutter his name. Last time I checked on this guy he was sick and going somewhere to be fired. I can honestly say at this point I wish this person the best and hope he recovers soon. Furthermore, I hope he doesn’t stay unemployed too long. I’ve been poor, jobless, and homeless and I don’t think I possess the spite necessary to wish that on another human being. (Even one who caused me so much grief)
My point is we need to give this consideration. We need to accept our words hold power and can be used for good or for ill. The more influence we have the more people we can hurt. With great power comes great responsibility! (Check out how original I am!)
Like a wary knight coming home from a mythical battle, I’ve seen both the wondrous and terrible sides of the gaming subculture. Additionally I’ve stumbled along the path of righteousness myself. I never tried to harm innocent people yet at some points I have. My dented charred armor is every bit as imperfect as I am.
Needless to say, my blogging sword arm isn’t what it used to be pixlbit. For now I’ll step away and let other heroines and heroes tell their tales of valor as I merely listen to them by the warm hearth with a smile on my weathered face. I may not be much to look at but I’ve been told my lewd jokes can incite a giggle and I’m willing to work the fields when they need a good plow! Will you have me?
Comments