I've always been lazy, but never really creatively lazy. Never really just "blah". There was always a bit of productivity there, too. Probably not as much as it should have been, and maybe this is my punishment for that mistake.
In high school, I had school to focus on with a goal in mind--college. That's what was next. I scored the grades and the scholarships, and that's where I went.
In college, it was all about getting that degree. I did it. I finished and got a degree. Perhaps I chose the wrong degree. Maybe I should have focused on something more practical. That's done and over now. I have a BA in English (concentration in professional writing).
And then, that was it. What was next? Graduate school? Nah. In hindsight, maybe that's what I should have aimed for; though. It was fear of loans and debts that scared me away the most. So, then what? Start working. But where and with whom doing what? I didn't know. I never really thought about it.
I always wanted to be a writer, and as all good writers, I had that one story. Of course, as with all writers, I never actually wrote it. It just sits there, not knowing how to flow from mind to page. And in college, I never wrote it. To this day, I've never wrote it. And other stories have come up, but I never wrote them either. Not more than a thousand words here or there.
So, not really writer, I guess. I have a degree, but that doesn't mean much when you can't get the writing samples together to offer them to a potential employer.
What came next was my dream to work in a particular industry. I decided to go the route of Customer Service to get into that industry, and you know what, I actually liked it. I enjoyed going to work each day. And I had options and places to go at that point.
Three years later, I don't feel like I have anywhere else to go. And I don't know where to go outside of where I am now. It's not like it was my first year or even my second.
And now when I get home, I don't want to do anything but be lazy. It doesn't help that my current shift is very odd hours either.
It's my fault; though, and every time I set out to do something about it, I get lost. I don't know where to go or how to do it.
It's not like I'm doing terrible in life. I live on my own, and pretty much pay all of my bills. Living alone is not cheap, and I'm managing to do it without being utterly broke, so that's a success, right?
But it's hard to see success when you don't feel successful. And I really don't anymore. I feel like I'm working toward something that I'm not really sure about, and I'm not really getting there anyway.
And even if I did, what next?
Don't get me wrong, I do actually enjoy my job. The details at least, not so much the bigger picture. Nor do I enjoy the other crap that comes with it; however, I know that is the same with every job now. I saw it when I worked with my dad, and I always hoped that I'd find a place that didn't have that stuff. Now I know that such a place doesn't really exist. Not permanently at least.
Now if I could only find a way to fix myself. To fix the slump I'm in, and break out there.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Just writing
I have ideas. Lots of them. Different stories. Some even interconnecting. They're all there. In my head. I know how some begin. I know how some end. I know bits and pieces here and there. But I don't know the most important parts. The details.
I know the larger settings, but not the specifics. I know where I want to go, but not how to get there.
This is true in my writing as well as my professional life. I know where I want to go, but I don't fully understand what I need to do to get there.
As for the professional part, maybe I just need to be really awesome in the interview. I don't really know what else to do on the personal side to show that I can write.
Then, it all comes back to that. Personal writing. As mentioned above, I have many ideas for creative writing; however, not so much for other forms. I need an assignment or project. Something directed. I've had a few things like that at work recently, and I feel they were pretty successful; however, the opportunities are few and far between.
I really tried with web development, and I understand the basics of HTML, XHTML, and CSS; however, in the end, I just don't find it interesting. I like writing. I like taking words and creating with them. I like taking assignments and producing.
Back to creative stuff.NaNoWirMo is starting up in November like normal. I think I should do it. I want to do it. I think I have an idea for it. I just need to make the details happen. I need to make the story appear on paper. 50,000+ words by the end of November. How do I get the details right? That's where the devil is, right?
I honestly love what I do. I know I'm good at it; however, I don't want to do it forever. I want to write. I want to write for the company I'm part of now. And, while it may sound silly, I don't care what department in the company I write for.
Someone may see that as, "Oh, you're not passionate," or, "You just want out of what you're doing now." That's not true. I love my company, and I really feel I can write in any department. I know I can write any form, and I may be rusty on some but I can learn anything. I am passionate. I burn like a fire. I care about this company. I know it's not true, but sometimes I feel like the only one.
I do know it's true that, to some, it's simply a job they do for money to pay bills and party. But I use the products. I care about them. I care about the future. I want to be part of it, I want to build it.
I just don't know how. I don't know how to be part of it. I always feel outside the structure.
I'm going to try to buckle down. I want to do NaNoWriMo. I need to. I need to produce solid, completed creative writing. I do want to be more than just a writer in name. I want to be a novelist. I just need the details.
I know the larger settings, but not the specifics. I know where I want to go, but not how to get there.
This is true in my writing as well as my professional life. I know where I want to go, but I don't fully understand what I need to do to get there.
As for the professional part, maybe I just need to be really awesome in the interview. I don't really know what else to do on the personal side to show that I can write.
Then, it all comes back to that. Personal writing. As mentioned above, I have many ideas for creative writing; however, not so much for other forms. I need an assignment or project. Something directed. I've had a few things like that at work recently, and I feel they were pretty successful; however, the opportunities are few and far between.
I really tried with web development, and I understand the basics of HTML, XHTML, and CSS; however, in the end, I just don't find it interesting. I like writing. I like taking words and creating with them. I like taking assignments and producing.
Back to creative stuff.
I honestly love what I do. I know I'm good at it; however, I don't want to do it forever. I want to write. I want to write for the company I'm part of now. And, while it may sound silly, I don't care what department in the company I write for.
Someone may see that as, "Oh, you're not passionate," or, "You just want out of what you're doing now." That's not true. I love my company, and I really feel I can write in any department. I know I can write any form, and I may be rusty on some but I can learn anything. I am passionate. I burn like a fire. I care about this company. I know it's not true, but sometimes I feel like the only one.
I do know it's true that, to some, it's simply a job they do for money to pay bills and party. But I use the products. I care about them. I care about the future. I want to be part of it, I want to build it.
I just don't know how. I don't know how to be part of it. I always feel outside the structure.
I'm going to try to buckle down. I want to do NaNoWriMo. I need to. I need to produce solid, completed creative writing. I do want to be more than just a writer in name. I want to be a novelist. I just need the details.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
A Portfolio
So, I am a writer. That's what I've always wanted to be, and that's what I am. I can write. Everyone that has ever read anything I've written has told me so. So, there is no question to that statement. I am a writer.
However, that alone will not get me a job writing. Only writing will do that for me. However, I've been a little stuck on what to write.
Ultimately, I do want to be a creative writer, and that's why I'm working on projects like Found. It's why I'm trying to work with a friend on a webcomic idea. It's why I'm working with two different group of friends on some game design ideas. And, it's why I'm always trying to think of a story to write.
I don't think I've been very successful; though, when it comes to creative writing. I've yet to finish a story, or create one that I've been able to stick to. Of course, like all creative writers, I do have that one story, but I've just not been able to sit down and get it out.
If I want to be part of the game industry as far as creative development goes, I need to do something. I need to make a change. I need to write something. I have to find that spark, that creative fount that overflows. If you happen to know where it is, let me know.
Outside of creative writing; though, I am solid at other types of writing. Professional and technical. I mean, you've seen two of my reviews, and I think they're pretty good. The same goes for things I write up at work for customers. They're generally "form" type letters that expresses my compay’s stance on a certain situation. So, far, I think I've produced some very good ones! Other people seem to agree.
Now, technical writing, there are a few jobs at my company that needs a technical writer. Never really see anything for professional writers, but technical writing is where it is at there. Though, to be fair, professional writing can lend itself to technical writing. Any good writing can lend itself to a different type.
I need some technical writing samples; though. I need something to show potential employers that I can write.
I'm just not sure what to write up. I'm thinking of putting together a small technical document for the Starcraft II editor. It's a pretty cool tool, and it would be fun to play around with and write about. Same can be said for the Neverwinter Editor as well.
Maybe some screenshots and explanation of the toolbars and actions in the editor.
This is all leading to something. I want an active, growing portfolio of writing examples from creative to technical. I want to make it online as well. I also want to include level design samples as well as design documents for those levels.
Yes, I really do want to be in the game industry. I want to be part of the creation aspect; though.
So, here I sit, wondering where to go from here.
However, that alone will not get me a job writing. Only writing will do that for me. However, I've been a little stuck on what to write.
Ultimately, I do want to be a creative writer, and that's why I'm working on projects like Found. It's why I'm trying to work with a friend on a webcomic idea. It's why I'm working with two different group of friends on some game design ideas. And, it's why I'm always trying to think of a story to write.
I don't think I've been very successful; though, when it comes to creative writing. I've yet to finish a story, or create one that I've been able to stick to. Of course, like all creative writers, I do have that one story, but I've just not been able to sit down and get it out.
If I want to be part of the game industry as far as creative development goes, I need to do something. I need to make a change. I need to write something. I have to find that spark, that creative fount that overflows. If you happen to know where it is, let me know.
Outside of creative writing; though, I am solid at other types of writing. Professional and technical. I mean, you've seen two of my reviews, and I think they're pretty good. The same goes for things I write up at work for customers. They're generally "form" type letters that expresses my compay’s stance on a certain situation. So, far, I think I've produced some very good ones! Other people seem to agree.
Now, technical writing, there are a few jobs at my company that needs a technical writer. Never really see anything for professional writers, but technical writing is where it is at there. Though, to be fair, professional writing can lend itself to technical writing. Any good writing can lend itself to a different type.
I need some technical writing samples; though. I need something to show potential employers that I can write.
I'm just not sure what to write up. I'm thinking of putting together a small technical document for the Starcraft II editor. It's a pretty cool tool, and it would be fun to play around with and write about. Same can be said for the Neverwinter Editor as well.
Maybe some screenshots and explanation of the toolbars and actions in the editor.
This is all leading to something. I want an active, growing portfolio of writing examples from creative to technical. I want to make it online as well. I also want to include level design samples as well as design documents for those levels.
Yes, I really do want to be in the game industry. I want to be part of the creation aspect; though.
So, here I sit, wondering where to go from here.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Endings
And the weekend ends as quickly as it started. Just like last weekend, I was greeted with a frustrating work issue in my email that I worked myself up about. That added a bit of annoyance to my days off; however, I did get some stuff done.
I got most of my chores completed. Which is good since that means I have food and clothes for the work week!
Writing; though, was not as successful. The new blog is probably the most successful, but honestly, I don't know how good it is. I actually managed to get three posts up with substance, and I have a lot of tools for story telling at my disposal if I use them right. Maybe it's starting slow, but I don't think there is a better way to do it considering the setting and story.
The writing contest stuff was less successful. I didn't get anywhere near completing a story, so nothing will be ready on October 1st. Hopefully, it's a monthly thing, or even if it's not, it'll open up again. That will give me time to refine the story I'm working on. Hopefully, it turns out good. It's around 1,800 words at the moment. I'm still under the 4,000 world limit, but I have to be careful.
I did find another contest on the site, and it's not due until November, but it's only a 1,000 world limit. So, that may be a goal for next week; however, I'm going to have to work hard to come up with a good story that works in a thousand words or less.
As for the game story, I didn't get anything written. Nothing at all. I did find some 2D engines that I forwarded to J', but that's about it. No progress. :(
Though, I submitted my Infamous 2 review to GameFaqs and it was published. Yay for that at least. I guess.
Anyway, it's about bedtime. Night from a less than successful writer who feels like he just wasted a weekend.
I got most of my chores completed. Which is good since that means I have food and clothes for the work week!
Writing; though, was not as successful. The new blog is probably the most successful, but honestly, I don't know how good it is. I actually managed to get three posts up with substance, and I have a lot of tools for story telling at my disposal if I use them right. Maybe it's starting slow, but I don't think there is a better way to do it considering the setting and story.
The writing contest stuff was less successful. I didn't get anywhere near completing a story, so nothing will be ready on October 1st. Hopefully, it's a monthly thing, or even if it's not, it'll open up again. That will give me time to refine the story I'm working on. Hopefully, it turns out good. It's around 1,800 words at the moment. I'm still under the 4,000 world limit, but I have to be careful.
I did find another contest on the site, and it's not due until November, but it's only a 1,000 world limit. So, that may be a goal for next week; however, I'm going to have to work hard to come up with a good story that works in a thousand words or less.
As for the game story, I didn't get anything written. Nothing at all. I did find some 2D engines that I forwarded to J', but that's about it. No progress. :(
Though, I submitted my Infamous 2 review to GameFaqs and it was published. Yay for that at least. I guess.
Anyway, it's about bedtime. Night from a less than successful writer who feels like he just wasted a weekend.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Weekend!
Today is the first day of my weekend, and it seems to have flown by. That's probably because I slept in way to late! Didn't get up until around ten! Blah!
So, I have a few things I want to accomplish this weekend! There's a writing contest I want to enter, but the story is due on the 1st of October. I think I can get it done this weekend. It won't be long, so that makes it a bit easier. The rules state that it is required to be no longer than 4,000 words. I'm going with the Science Fiction one this month, and I think I have a decent outline to build on. We shall see.
I also need to write something up for Project Steamworks, but I'm not sure what yet. This one is probably going to be the hardest!
And I've started a new blog. I don't know where it's going to go, but I hope it turns out to be fun and entertaining. It'll probably start off bland, and I'll need to edit stuff around at some point when I get better direction of where it's heading.
Finally, I need to clean up around the apartment and buy groceries! I hate chores! But, it must be done.
Not a super big list, but it is all quite a bit of work! I managed to finish up my list last week, so hopefully I can pull it off this week!
So, I have a few things I want to accomplish this weekend! There's a writing contest I want to enter, but the story is due on the 1st of October. I think I can get it done this weekend. It won't be long, so that makes it a bit easier. The rules state that it is required to be no longer than 4,000 words. I'm going with the Science Fiction one this month, and I think I have a decent outline to build on. We shall see.
I also need to write something up for Project Steamworks, but I'm not sure what yet. This one is probably going to be the hardest!
And I've started a new blog. I don't know where it's going to go, but I hope it turns out to be fun and entertaining. It'll probably start off bland, and I'll need to edit stuff around at some point when I get better direction of where it's heading.
Finally, I need to clean up around the apartment and buy groceries! I hate chores! But, it must be done.
Not a super big list, but it is all quite a bit of work! I managed to finish up my list last week, so hopefully I can pull it off this week!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Day 2
And by Day 2, I mean of the work week. Only working 4 days a week makes it difficult to call it a week name unless the third day is considered Wednesday before lunch and Thursday afterwards. Day 2 is just easier.
I spent for too much money on a few shirts and nit-knacks, but you know how it can be sometimes. I needed a new mousepad, really epic one. Oh, well, I hope some of the stuff can go into the eventual decoration of my apartment. Nerdy/gamer style! Still gotta save up money to do that.
I also have to save up money in case any Temp Assignments come up for my job in Cali. That would be an awesome opportunity to get, but extremely expensive. It'd probably break me, but I'd have to do it for the experience and just the great opportunity. Regardless if it lead to a permanent job.
I've had to take a break from the Web Development stuff. I think I put my head into it too much without moderation. If I didn't break, I'd hate it. So, trying to focus more on writing with a little gameplay on the side.
I've been playing Dead Island, and it's pretty fun. Fun enough smashing zombies at least. But, I have to moderate that as well. This week and weekend, I think I'm going to focus on writing, get more creative examples out there.
I have an idea for a zombie story, but not your traditional survival horror. I'll see what comes of that. However, for a fun experiment, anyone that read this, give me something. A topic of some sort to write on. An idea that I can creatively expand on. Anything. A setting, a plot, a character. Anything. Give it to me, and I'll try to turn it into something. Then, you can tell me what you think.
For now, I'm going to brainstorm ideas for my ever constant novel and my zombie story. Every writer has both, right?
I spent for too much money on a few shirts and nit-knacks, but you know how it can be sometimes. I needed a new mousepad, really epic one. Oh, well, I hope some of the stuff can go into the eventual decoration of my apartment. Nerdy/gamer style! Still gotta save up money to do that.
I also have to save up money in case any Temp Assignments come up for my job in Cali. That would be an awesome opportunity to get, but extremely expensive. It'd probably break me, but I'd have to do it for the experience and just the great opportunity. Regardless if it lead to a permanent job.
I've had to take a break from the Web Development stuff. I think I put my head into it too much without moderation. If I didn't break, I'd hate it. So, trying to focus more on writing with a little gameplay on the side.
I've been playing Dead Island, and it's pretty fun. Fun enough smashing zombies at least. But, I have to moderate that as well. This week and weekend, I think I'm going to focus on writing, get more creative examples out there.
I have an idea for a zombie story, but not your traditional survival horror. I'll see what comes of that. However, for a fun experiment, anyone that read this, give me something. A topic of some sort to write on. An idea that I can creatively expand on. Anything. A setting, a plot, a character. Anything. Give it to me, and I'll try to turn it into something. Then, you can tell me what you think.
For now, I'm going to brainstorm ideas for my ever constant novel and my zombie story. Every writer has both, right?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Productive?
So, I think I was pretty productive this weekend. I did two reviews on the blog that I was promising for a while! I also wrote up my final nation on Pathseekers! And I did a design document for Project Steamworks.
I think the reviews turned out pretty good. I even got a comment on one! ^_^
The nation was kinda short, and I may need to go back and do some more work on it later. Not sure, yet. I like the feel of it, though. Magic punk needs to be defined a bit more, I think.
As for Project Steamworks, the doc isn't that big, but it covers major characters (protagonist and antagonist) as well as a short synopsis on the story with setting and theme stated. I do need to flesh out and revise a few things in it, though. But I think the synopsis is pretty solid for what we want to build. Now just to figure out the best way to build it for the mobile platform (first at least) for fun, additive multiplayer.
I also finished Anansi Boys this weekend, so that's cool, too. I need to finish my video game writing book, and I think that is my next task to finish. Then, I'll get back to the web design book. I had to take a break from it a bit as I think I put too much time into it without a break. It was killing me.
Other than that, time to go back to work tomorrow; however, that generally goes by pretty fast. I did find a site that I may be able to put reviews on, so we'll see.
I think I'll end the weekend with a little more zombie smashing or maybe some Morrowind. Not sure just yet.
I think the reviews turned out pretty good. I even got a comment on one! ^_^
The nation was kinda short, and I may need to go back and do some more work on it later. Not sure, yet. I like the feel of it, though. Magic punk needs to be defined a bit more, I think.
As for Project Steamworks, the doc isn't that big, but it covers major characters (protagonist and antagonist) as well as a short synopsis on the story with setting and theme stated. I do need to flesh out and revise a few things in it, though. But I think the synopsis is pretty solid for what we want to build. Now just to figure out the best way to build it for the mobile platform (first at least) for fun, additive multiplayer.
I also finished Anansi Boys this weekend, so that's cool, too. I need to finish my video game writing book, and I think that is my next task to finish. Then, I'll get back to the web design book. I had to take a break from it a bit as I think I put too much time into it without a break. It was killing me.
Other than that, time to go back to work tomorrow; however, that generally goes by pretty fast. I did find a site that I may be able to put reviews on, so we'll see.
I think I'll end the weekend with a little more zombie smashing or maybe some Morrowind. Not sure just yet.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Sucker Punch
It's been a few months now since I watched Sucker Punch, and the movie has been--more or less--been put out of my mind. However, I said I would share my thoughts on it, and now I finally will.
I should probably note that I did not see it a second time nor do I ever plan to as that would qualify as torture in some lands, I'm sure.
First off, what does the title mean? Well, I'm pretty sure they tried to explain that near the end or something in scene in which Peter Griffin would have loved, but it didn't really stick with me. By that point I had already decided that I as sucker punched by this movie in general.
I'll be honest; I was highly anticipating this film after seeing the trailer a long while back. It seemed like they were going for an epic story with a strong leading female heroine set in a very beautiful fantasy world with legendary fight scenes.
That's not what happened.
Well, there were many female "heroines" but not many were very interesting. I'm not a female, some saying they're not something I was able to relate to is probably moot, so I won't discuss that in depth; however, I didn't really care about any of them. I had slight concern for the supposed main character (*spoiler* the sucker punch is that it's not her story...apparently). Yeah, yeah, I know what they were going for, but it didn't work.
I didn't care about ANY of the other characters in the slightest. They were all very one dimensional and (*spoiler*) by the end getting killed off left and right.
Setup: Abused daughter gets sent away to a mental institution after her stepfather framed for the death of her sister (he killed her, surprise). There, Baby Doll--as she is nicknamed--meets the other very sexy but crazy denizens of the institute; however, quickly the institute turns into a brothel. Obviously, this is the start of the inception like comparison many people like to pin on Sucker Punch.
Let's get one thing straight, there are no similarities between this movie and Inception. One (despite what some will try to say), Inception is a pretty good movie; and two, Inception explains what the hell is going on.
Think if you went into Inception, and they just started going into dream worlds without any kind of explanation or acknowledgement. That's what happens in Sucker Punch, and they also do go an extra layer deep as the brothel turns into many other fantasy based areas as the girls go on missions to collect random items to escape the candy land/brothel/mental institution.
With all the stuff happening here, you kind of wonder if they should be in an institute. Ok, ok, not fair. I know they're trying to explain the girls are escaping the abuse and hard reality of the world by going into these fantasies. Regardless, I don't feel like it works. I don't believe it. I feel like it is poorly explained and very clunky.
At the end of the day, the story was barely passable, disconnected and loosely put together, and ended with a big "meh". Not going to go into the details of the ending just in case you want to watch it, but be warned, it isn't a good ending by any stretch of the imagination. Sure, it's not bad, but again, overall a big "meh". And no story, epic or not, should end with the audience going "meh".
So, if it wasn't an epic story, what was Sucker Punch? I think it turned out to be what they wanted. A giant live action anime (albeit with less point than even the craziest anime) with sexy women in epic fight scenes set to awesome music. That's exactly the whole of this particular film. If that's truly what they were going for, they succeeded by tenfold.
I don't really know any of the actors in the film, none of them stands out to me; however, that isn't necessary to be a good film. Sadly, while the acting wasn't say as bad as The Last Airbender, it was just bland. Which I guess is the overall feel at the end of this movie. Bland and meh.
Sexy babes. Check. Awesome fight scenes. Check. Really great soundtrack. Check. Story. What?
Yeah, that's about how it goes. The really focused on the first 3 aspects and let the fourth fall to the wayside feeling like something hastily patched together to justify making the film in the first place.
I think, like many video games and comics as well, the female heroines are a bit exploited for the thrills of the male fans that obviously hoped to attract (nerds/geeks/gamers/anime fans) which are--in all honesty--predominantly male. Yeah, there are female fans in the droves, but they don't compare to the male fans in those demographics by the numbers.
I'm not a feminist or feminist supporter--and don't take that to mean I'm against equality or for the oppression of woman because I'm not, I just hate the way they approach things--but even I felt like this film that originally looked like it would promote a positive female heroine (ok, not completely but still); however, they just became sexy school girls fighting samurai robots (should have figured that out from the trailer, but one could hope, right?)
I think you either love or hate this movie. There's not really any middle ground. The soundtrack was really the best part. It was clearly focused on exploiting the geek/gamer demographic, and I think it worked to do that. I'm not sure of the profit it received, but sadly, it probably was greater than Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, which is pretty sad since it was a movie that demographic really should have supported (damn you Michael Cera).
I would suggest wasting your time on something else completely! Sucker Punch is very much fluff with little substance.
I should probably note that I did not see it a second time nor do I ever plan to as that would qualify as torture in some lands, I'm sure.
First off, what does the title mean? Well, I'm pretty sure they tried to explain that near the end or something in scene in which Peter Griffin would have loved, but it didn't really stick with me. By that point I had already decided that I as sucker punched by this movie in general.
I'll be honest; I was highly anticipating this film after seeing the trailer a long while back. It seemed like they were going for an epic story with a strong leading female heroine set in a very beautiful fantasy world with legendary fight scenes.
That's not what happened.
Well, there were many female "heroines" but not many were very interesting. I'm not a female, some saying they're not something I was able to relate to is probably moot, so I won't discuss that in depth; however, I didn't really care about any of them. I had slight concern for the supposed main character (*spoiler* the sucker punch is that it's not her story...apparently). Yeah, yeah, I know what they were going for, but it didn't work.
I didn't care about ANY of the other characters in the slightest. They were all very one dimensional and (*spoiler*) by the end getting killed off left and right.
Setup: Abused daughter gets sent away to a mental institution after her stepfather framed for the death of her sister (he killed her, surprise). There, Baby Doll--as she is nicknamed--meets the other very sexy but crazy denizens of the institute; however, quickly the institute turns into a brothel. Obviously, this is the start of the inception like comparison many people like to pin on Sucker Punch.
Let's get one thing straight, there are no similarities between this movie and Inception. One (despite what some will try to say), Inception is a pretty good movie; and two, Inception explains what the hell is going on.
Think if you went into Inception, and they just started going into dream worlds without any kind of explanation or acknowledgement. That's what happens in Sucker Punch, and they also do go an extra layer deep as the brothel turns into many other fantasy based areas as the girls go on missions to collect random items to escape the candy land/brothel/mental institution.
With all the stuff happening here, you kind of wonder if they should be in an institute. Ok, ok, not fair. I know they're trying to explain the girls are escaping the abuse and hard reality of the world by going into these fantasies. Regardless, I don't feel like it works. I don't believe it. I feel like it is poorly explained and very clunky.
At the end of the day, the story was barely passable, disconnected and loosely put together, and ended with a big "meh". Not going to go into the details of the ending just in case you want to watch it, but be warned, it isn't a good ending by any stretch of the imagination. Sure, it's not bad, but again, overall a big "meh". And no story, epic or not, should end with the audience going "meh".
So, if it wasn't an epic story, what was Sucker Punch? I think it turned out to be what they wanted. A giant live action anime (albeit with less point than even the craziest anime) with sexy women in epic fight scenes set to awesome music. That's exactly the whole of this particular film. If that's truly what they were going for, they succeeded by tenfold.
I don't really know any of the actors in the film, none of them stands out to me; however, that isn't necessary to be a good film. Sadly, while the acting wasn't say as bad as The Last Airbender, it was just bland. Which I guess is the overall feel at the end of this movie. Bland and meh.
Sexy babes. Check. Awesome fight scenes. Check. Really great soundtrack. Check. Story. What?
Yeah, that's about how it goes. The really focused on the first 3 aspects and let the fourth fall to the wayside feeling like something hastily patched together to justify making the film in the first place.
I think, like many video games and comics as well, the female heroines are a bit exploited for the thrills of the male fans that obviously hoped to attract (nerds/geeks/gamers/anime fans) which are--in all honesty--predominantly male. Yeah, there are female fans in the droves, but they don't compare to the male fans in those demographics by the numbers.
I'm not a feminist or feminist supporter--and don't take that to mean I'm against equality or for the oppression of woman because I'm not, I just hate the way they approach things--but even I felt like this film that originally looked like it would promote a positive female heroine (ok, not completely but still); however, they just became sexy school girls fighting samurai robots (should have figured that out from the trailer, but one could hope, right?)
I think you either love or hate this movie. There's not really any middle ground. The soundtrack was really the best part. It was clearly focused on exploiting the geek/gamer demographic, and I think it worked to do that. I'm not sure of the profit it received, but sadly, it probably was greater than Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, which is pretty sad since it was a movie that demographic really should have supported (damn you Michael Cera).
I would suggest wasting your time on something else completely! Sucker Punch is very much fluff with little substance.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Infamous 2
Infamous was a great game. It took the sandbox genre (which I considered championed originally by Grand Theft Auto 3) to a different level. No longer were you a thug trying to become a made man, but now a superhero...or villain! It totally set itself apart from the standard games in that field.
A few years later, and now we have Infamous 2. The original game, as far as game mechanics, at least, was not really groundbreaking. Infamous 2 sticks to that trend as the system is basically the same as the first game. Now, don't get me wrong, that is far from a bad thing.
If you've played a sandbox game like the GTA or Saint's Row series, you know the standard controls and camera views. It's all about the 3rd person action here. Of course, Infamous tosses out car driving and jacking as the main character, Cole, is electrified and any car he drove would seemingly explode.
Cars aren't needed, though. Presumably, due to the superpowers and years as a courier, Cole is pretty fast on his feet. He can also climb exceedingly high buildings very fast and drop from heights without any damage--once again likely due to his superpowers and possibly a monkey back in the family tree.
Traveling in Infamous 2 is such a blast, especially, once you get a few travel power upgrades like Ice Launch (Firebird Strike if you're evil), Induction Launch, and Lightning Tether. You get Lightning Tether near the end, but it's pretty nice. Sadly, it's not very conductive to jumping into combat; though, and it cannot be selected with Ice Launch/Firebird Strike with is a bit inconvenient to the flow.
Another change from Infamous traveling was the removal of charge when using Induction Launch (i.e. traveling over electric lines). Not too big a deal, but a slight disappointment.
Combat is solid, for the most part, and pretty much a pull over from the original game. The targeting system can be a bit loose at times if multiple enemies are around, but it works out in the end. The worst part of the combat is the "large" enemies. This is for two reasons: 1) No variety and 2) Cinematic death.
These enemies are novel the first 2-3 times, but once you're fighting them for the 25th time? Not so much. There is only one way to kill most of them, so you have to stick to the same pattern. Then, when they die you're treated to a nice "take camera control away" for around 5-10 seconds. There's no way to skip these, and again, after the 25th time, it's a bit annoying and tedious.
The story starts off with the main antagonist (mentioned at the end of the last game), the so-called Beast, attacking New York Empire City, and taking a page from every other sequel where you play the same character by beating you to a pulp and stripping you of your powers.
And soon enough you're on your merry way to New Orleans New Maris with the Beast hot on your tail. And by hot, I mean extremely slow. After each story mission, you're informed of how much closer he is, but it never really feels like a big threat to worry about.
Luckily, New Maris has its own Edwin Edwards with a dash of Billy Graham with Joseph Bertrand III, the leader of the local Militia and thorn in your side as you build up your powers in preparation of the Beast's arrival.
All in all, it's an entertaining story, and the moral/ethic system returns for another round. Unlike the original game, the good or bad decisions do actually have some functional effect (outside of powers obviously) on the story. You work with one of two companions depending on your choices, and while I won't spoil it, the endings for each side significantly effects the story unlike the previous game where it didn't really matter that much.
Of course, powers are affected again by your good or bad choices. If you're good, you'll get ice based powers, and if you're bad, you get fire powers.
And finally, the characters are nice even if a bit two dimensional; other than Zeke. That's right, you're right hand man is back for this game with his silly antics and Elvis looks; however, he this character feels as though he has more depth than previously displayed. And he brings the humor to the game! An all around entertaining and strong character.
Cole, the protagonist (in case you didn't know), is actually pretty much the same with little to no depth thanks to the moral system. Since you can choose to be good or bad throughout the missions, he really can't have one or the other type of personality without diluting your choices and thus you're left with a very bland main character. It's very minor; though, and shouldn't kill the fun for anyone.
The other supporting characters, as mentioned with the 2D aspect above, are pretty set in their ways. Your evil companion is evil (at least to a degree) and your good companion is good. Though, at the end, the good companion does do this odd switchoroo on you that seems completely out of character, and is honestly the only complaint story-wise I have. It was just a bit jarring for a character that seemed pretty set in her ways.
Outside of the main story and quests, you get your choice of side missions (which are really necessary if you hope to unlock all the powers and upgrades) or user created missions. I didn't really do the user created missions after attempting a few as I didn't really find them all that fun nor did they add anything to the game. The side missions are fun enough albeit incredibly repetitive.
You're also given "random" events that pop up throughout the city which are the definition of repetitive that tries to use the moral system as well. For example, you find a bomb and you can either disarm it or let it explode.
And the collection side this time around is the good old dead drops just like the original game's satellites, but no longer static (but just a bit less) in the form of messenger pigeons. Adds a little extra story if you collect them all. Of course, Blast Shards. Tiny, little items scattered all over the city, and there are over 300 of them. You collect them in increasing multiples of ten (10, 20, 30, etc.) and collecting the required amount increases your energy. I'll be the first one to admit they're a bit addictive to collect since you have a power that makes them flash on your mini map, and it's always just one more!
Overall, I had a great time playing Infamous 2. Like the original; though, I don't really plan to play it again. In this case, I actually borrowed it over buying it because of that reason alone! There is some DLC coming out; though, that may bring me back depending on what I hear about it! I do recommend playing it if you loved the first, and if you haven't played the first one; then you should play them both!
A few years later, and now we have Infamous 2. The original game, as far as game mechanics, at least, was not really groundbreaking. Infamous 2 sticks to that trend as the system is basically the same as the first game. Now, don't get me wrong, that is far from a bad thing.
If you've played a sandbox game like the GTA or Saint's Row series, you know the standard controls and camera views. It's all about the 3rd person action here. Of course, Infamous tosses out car driving and jacking as the main character, Cole, is electrified and any car he drove would seemingly explode.
Cars aren't needed, though. Presumably, due to the superpowers and years as a courier, Cole is pretty fast on his feet. He can also climb exceedingly high buildings very fast and drop from heights without any damage--once again likely due to his superpowers and possibly a monkey back in the family tree.
Traveling in Infamous 2 is such a blast, especially, once you get a few travel power upgrades like Ice Launch (Firebird Strike if you're evil), Induction Launch, and Lightning Tether. You get Lightning Tether near the end, but it's pretty nice. Sadly, it's not very conductive to jumping into combat; though, and it cannot be selected with Ice Launch/Firebird Strike with is a bit inconvenient to the flow.
Another change from Infamous traveling was the removal of charge when using Induction Launch (i.e. traveling over electric lines). Not too big a deal, but a slight disappointment.
Combat is solid, for the most part, and pretty much a pull over from the original game. The targeting system can be a bit loose at times if multiple enemies are around, but it works out in the end. The worst part of the combat is the "large" enemies. This is for two reasons: 1) No variety and 2) Cinematic death.
These enemies are novel the first 2-3 times, but once you're fighting them for the 25th time? Not so much. There is only one way to kill most of them, so you have to stick to the same pattern. Then, when they die you're treated to a nice "take camera control away" for around 5-10 seconds. There's no way to skip these, and again, after the 25th time, it's a bit annoying and tedious.
The story starts off with the main antagonist (mentioned at the end of the last game), the so-called Beast, attacking New York Empire City, and taking a page from every other sequel where you play the same character by beating you to a pulp and stripping you of your powers.
And soon enough you're on your merry way to New Orleans New Maris with the Beast hot on your tail. And by hot, I mean extremely slow. After each story mission, you're informed of how much closer he is, but it never really feels like a big threat to worry about.
Luckily, New Maris has its own Edwin Edwards with a dash of Billy Graham with Joseph Bertrand III, the leader of the local Militia and thorn in your side as you build up your powers in preparation of the Beast's arrival.
All in all, it's an entertaining story, and the moral/ethic system returns for another round. Unlike the original game, the good or bad decisions do actually have some functional effect (outside of powers obviously) on the story. You work with one of two companions depending on your choices, and while I won't spoil it, the endings for each side significantly effects the story unlike the previous game where it didn't really matter that much.
Of course, powers are affected again by your good or bad choices. If you're good, you'll get ice based powers, and if you're bad, you get fire powers.
And finally, the characters are nice even if a bit two dimensional; other than Zeke. That's right, you're right hand man is back for this game with his silly antics and Elvis looks; however, he this character feels as though he has more depth than previously displayed. And he brings the humor to the game! An all around entertaining and strong character.
Cole, the protagonist (in case you didn't know), is actually pretty much the same with little to no depth thanks to the moral system. Since you can choose to be good or bad throughout the missions, he really can't have one or the other type of personality without diluting your choices and thus you're left with a very bland main character. It's very minor; though, and shouldn't kill the fun for anyone.
The other supporting characters, as mentioned with the 2D aspect above, are pretty set in their ways. Your evil companion is evil (at least to a degree) and your good companion is good. Though, at the end, the good companion does do this odd switchoroo on you that seems completely out of character, and is honestly the only complaint story-wise I have. It was just a bit jarring for a character that seemed pretty set in her ways.
Outside of the main story and quests, you get your choice of side missions (which are really necessary if you hope to unlock all the powers and upgrades) or user created missions. I didn't really do the user created missions after attempting a few as I didn't really find them all that fun nor did they add anything to the game. The side missions are fun enough albeit incredibly repetitive.
You're also given "random" events that pop up throughout the city which are the definition of repetitive that tries to use the moral system as well. For example, you find a bomb and you can either disarm it or let it explode.
And the collection side this time around is the good old dead drops just like the original game's satellites, but no longer static (but just a bit less) in the form of messenger pigeons. Adds a little extra story if you collect them all. Of course, Blast Shards. Tiny, little items scattered all over the city, and there are over 300 of them. You collect them in increasing multiples of ten (10, 20, 30, etc.) and collecting the required amount increases your energy. I'll be the first one to admit they're a bit addictive to collect since you have a power that makes them flash on your mini map, and it's always just one more!
Overall, I had a great time playing Infamous 2. Like the original; though, I don't really plan to play it again. In this case, I actually borrowed it over buying it because of that reason alone! There is some DLC coming out; though, that may bring me back depending on what I hear about it! I do recommend playing it if you loved the first, and if you haven't played the first one; then you should play them both!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Broken Record
Here I am again to talk about SMMO. I know, I just talked about it the other day or whenever; however, I'm really excited for Skyrim. It just seems like the perfect idea! Even if we wanted to limit the idea down, we could make it so that players only met up with other players in Taverns and such where they could chat, trade spoils, etc. I think it would really add to that particular genre so much. I just don't know if we'll see it done. At least not done by Bethesda, and if they don't do it, I'm not sure I'd be interested.
Anyway, not too much of a productive week. I finished chapter 7 and 8 in my big book of programming, and then finished out the week with some Morrowind (preparing for Skyrim!) and some Dead Island. Dead Island isn't as bad as I thought it would be; however, there are some issues. Oh, yeah, I'll get to those, but just not in this post. I still have to do an Infamous 2 review, and I'm going to make that happen finally by the end of my next weekend. I plan to do some writing next weekend including Infamous review and some work on Project Steamworks. I really need to get some story concepts written up. Wouldn't want to make J' upset.
Still working with the HTML stuff as noted by finishing the CSS chapters at the start of this weekend, but I just wasn't ready to jump into the design and design issues chapters just yet. It's so much stuff, and I'm just nervous that'll never get it all down and useable. Not sure if I'll ever be good, you know? Which brings up the question of what am I really good at, and was my time in college really worth it in the end. I love my job and all, but I don't know if my degree will ever help me there in any way. I really didn't even need one to make it into my current line of work, and it's obvious that it's not really necessary to go forward (nor does it really seem to be of help). So, I just wonder if it would have been better to have either went for something else or not even went at all. If I hadn't went, perhaps I would have found a job and built of practical experience which seems to be what everyone wants vs. theoretical experience. That's what I get for wanting to be a writer, especially since I can't seem to write anything.
So, along with my other writing endeavors (the reason I'm going back to the Infamous review finally), I think I want to build of some gaming reviews. So, play like a reviewer, and not necessarily a gamer;then, pump out some reviews. So, I could use those as writing examples for websites, maybe some freelancing stuff. There are some non-freelancing stuff, too, but along with the moderation job, I need to compile that information and get it to my HR rep to review. I also need to setup a meeting with her this work week (probably Monday) to discuss my 401k so that I can finally set it up. I hate bureaucratic stuff, it makes me nervous.
I've also been thinking about one of my greatest weakness, and totally the particular weakness that makes me suck in interviews. I'm talking, of course, about my lack of public speaking abilities. Verbal communication in generally, but mostly aimed at speaking with more than one person,or in a situation that's important with someone in which I may be unfamiliar. I pretty much set myself up for failure when it comes up to lack of public speaking training since I avoided the class in college; however, I did that because I was terrified of public speaking. I just don't know what to do to overcome my fear as well as my inability to overcome it. Improv classes have been suggested, but I'm too nervous to even do that. I think a lot of it comes down to lack of confidence (another big weakness) and insecurity about my accent/voice. I much rather like typing things because, in most cases, I feel far more comfortable and confidant.
Anyway, it's pretty much time for bed. I may read till noon and go to sleep. It depends on how I feel when I go in there. I'm not particularly tired, but I still need to get some sleep. I do have a strange craving for soy sauce, though. Oh, well. G'night.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
My Projects
Hey everyone!
So, I have a few things I'm working on. Quite a few tasks and responsibilities I have queue'd up and I'm working to get done. Some are personal and some are professional. Here's a list in no particular order with some explanation below!
- Web Development Languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
- Writing Portfolio (websites)
- Writing Portfolio (games)
- Making a game
- Making a website
- Making a fansite
- Financial matters (401k,
Savings Account, credit card) - Getting my truck registered to Texas
- Web Development Languages-I'm currently studying the basic web languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This should help me accomplish other goals on the list (website/fansite), but also help me a lot in my current career. I want to be able to move to a different department, and these skills should be a big boon along with my English degree. I want to actually get my certification in each of the listed skills, and go from there to see what's next. I think, in terms of web development, it would be either PHP or ASP.net. I'm going to have to discuss that with a few people to see what they suggest.
- Writing Portfolio (websites)-So, this portfolio will focus on my writing in general with hopefully websites, reviews, editorials and such. I'm trying to get some information to my HR department about a few things I'm interested in doing. One is writing for The Escapist. They recently added a "Write for The Escapist" section, but I need to run it by HR to see if I can do something like that since it is paid. Another thing I'd like to do is simply write for a gaming site, no pay, just building my writing skills and getting my name out there. This is something else I can use in my current career as well--published works to show off my writing skills. Finally, something else I have to run by HR, is a voluntary moderation position at MMO-Champion, and I need to get some moderation experience; however, that may be obtained on on of my other projects if it works out (see below).
- Writing Portfolio (games)-This project is mostly related to Project Pathseekers, and focuses on building my portfolio in writing for games. I need to get some more stuff written up on there. I have one more nation to write up, and some more extended scenes to get on there. Other than Pathseekers, another game I'm working on (see below) fits into this category as well, but I'm not just writing stuff for it, I'm working on level design and general project management with my other friends on it as well. We had our first semi-successful meeting the other day.
- Making a game-A few people at work and I are spit-balling a game concept that could work for smart phones (and maybe even steam). We finally got together and banged out a solid concept to build on. It's going to be set in a steampunk environment and about capturing renegade robots (maybe some ghosts) and other things! It's envisioned as a side-scrolling, action platform style game. Some game mechanics still need to be reviewed and discussed, and we just came up with the idea, so I haven't went into story development just yet. I plan on getting into that some this work week before work, but gotta focus on Web Development stuff as well. I think it's a solid concept, but there's so much to do to get it off the ground. I need to figure out how to make levels for it in the UDK, actually write story, and find someone who can produce art for the game (assets, everything like that). We'll see where we go from here.
- Making a website-This one is a bit far off, I think. I was talking to a friend, and we're thinking about making our own gaming website. Possibly with reviews, editorials, and all that jazz. That's what I want to do at least, and I think he's interested in making videos on games and such. However, I need to get a solid base in Web Design. I'd like to get a forum up and running on it, so I can do my own community building and moderation for career experience.
- Making a fansite-Another one that is just a bit off as well, but something I'm really interested in doing. I think it blends together my current study of web design with my creative aspirations. It would be a Diablo 3 fansite, but not your typical site. I'd like to make one focused on following my Monk's journey through Sanctuary in a blog style writing (journals on his travels) and extended scenes written by me (story excerpts from his journey). Of course, I need more HTML experience and it wouldn't happen until whenever D3 comes out, and who knows when that will be.
- Financial matters-So, I finally set up a savings account, so that's out of the way! Yay! However, I've yet to set up my 401k, so that's very, very bad. I talked to a financial adviser today, and he explained the stuff to me a bit more; though, I'm still slightly confused when looking at the setup page, so if there's anyone out there that has set up their company 401k, and wants to help me out, let me know! And finally, credit card! I need one. I don't really want one, but I need to build credit. I'm 25 and have neutral credit, which isn't bad, but it isn't helpful either. I have to decide which one to go with through Chase.
- Getting my truck registered to Texas-Finally got all the information here, but I need to look into how much it's going to cost, where I need to go get the title switched to my name, then how much it will cost to change the license plate over and where to do that. I've been procrastinating on this one a long time, but I really need to get it done!
And that's about it on my list for now. I know there are other things, but not everything can be listed. I also feel pretty overwhelmed as it is. On the bright side, this whole post was written using HTML, so that's something, right? Anyway, I have to get to work early, and figure out some stuff. So, I'll be back eventually with more updates! Later days!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thoughts on the Future of Gaming
I'd like to see a single-player massively multi-player online game.
Wait. What?
Yes, that's right! A SMMO! How does that make sense, you may ask. And I'm glad you did. So, I use the Elder Scroll games as my template. Generally, you're the savior of the world. Well, let's change that, now you're just an adventurer, not the promised one.
Your goal would to be to explore the massive world, that's what adventurers do! Just like all the Elder Scroll games, it'd be huge with caves and hidden things all over. Plus, you'd have the factions and people around the world to give you quests. Cool. That's Elder Scrolls as normal; however, the catch is, you're not the only adventurer out there.
Everyone else that plays the game would also be an adventurer in the world. You just wouldn't actually see them. They'd take quest and build renown, and you'd hear NPCs talk about this player or that one.
We could even have quests where they could help escort lower leveled characters. For the brief duration of the quest, they'd appear in your world (if you were the escortee) and help you get to your desired location.
Players could also create quests for their fellow players. Say you need 20 bear pelts, but you have to go to work and don't have time to collect them but want to create some armor when you get home. So, you set up a quest and place it. Another character could come along and pick it up, do it, and collect whatever reward you promise for it. When you get home, the reward you set up for the quest is gone and you have your pelts! Woot!
Of course, to avoid abuse, you could set a time limit for the quest, so the player can't hold it forever and only one player at a time could accept it. Then, if the timer runs out, the player loses the quest and you could even set up a timer on it to prevent the same character from picking it up again. Don't want someone continuously picking up your quest and not completing it!
Anyway, there are some other ideas that can go into the SMMO game, but I think you get the basic idea of what I'm going for. I think it would be amazingly fun! It would also make a game like Skyrim or future Elder Scroll games feel even more alive and add reply value!
Wait. What?
Yes, that's right! A SMMO! How does that make sense, you may ask. And I'm glad you did. So, I use the Elder Scroll games as my template. Generally, you're the savior of the world. Well, let's change that, now you're just an adventurer, not the promised one.
Your goal would to be to explore the massive world, that's what adventurers do! Just like all the Elder Scroll games, it'd be huge with caves and hidden things all over. Plus, you'd have the factions and people around the world to give you quests. Cool. That's Elder Scrolls as normal; however, the catch is, you're not the only adventurer out there.
Everyone else that plays the game would also be an adventurer in the world. You just wouldn't actually see them. They'd take quest and build renown, and you'd hear NPCs talk about this player or that one.
We could even have quests where they could help escort lower leveled characters. For the brief duration of the quest, they'd appear in your world (if you were the escortee) and help you get to your desired location.
Players could also create quests for their fellow players. Say you need 20 bear pelts, but you have to go to work and don't have time to collect them but want to create some armor when you get home. So, you set up a quest and place it. Another character could come along and pick it up, do it, and collect whatever reward you promise for it. When you get home, the reward you set up for the quest is gone and you have your pelts! Woot!
Of course, to avoid abuse, you could set a time limit for the quest, so the player can't hold it forever and only one player at a time could accept it. Then, if the timer runs out, the player loses the quest and you could even set up a timer on it to prevent the same character from picking it up again. Don't want someone continuously picking up your quest and not completing it!
Anyway, there are some other ideas that can go into the SMMO game, but I think you get the basic idea of what I'm going for. I think it would be amazingly fun! It would also make a game like Skyrim or future Elder Scroll games feel even more alive and add reply value!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Been a while
Haven't been here lately, but I plan on being back pretty soon! Getting used to my new schedule, or trying to before I actually have to work it. My first day will be 12am Friday. So, it's a bit rough. I've managed to stay up to 11 once, but I still woke up way too early. Two more days to get this right!
Other than that, I made it through Javascript basic. Working on Objects next, so that should be fun. I did make it a bit further in the SC2 novel, and I really need to finish it. I'm also working my way through the Elder Scrolls series to prepare for Skyrim!
I need to pull some more stuff together for the Pathseekers as well. On my to do list for that:
1) Short excerpt from Kiwiki perspective
2) Steam and Magitech nations
3) Class summaries for the elementals of each nation I created as well as unique classes like the mechanic for the steam nation
I always feel like I have so much to do that I'm drowning in it! I still want to finish my Video Game writing book as well as work on a narrative based module for NWN.
Here we go! I'm going to get this all done eventually, and it'll all work out. Right?
Other than that, I made it through Javascript basic. Working on Objects next, so that should be fun. I did make it a bit further in the SC2 novel, and I really need to finish it. I'm also working my way through the Elder Scrolls series to prepare for Skyrim!
I need to pull some more stuff together for the Pathseekers as well. On my to do list for that:
1) Short excerpt from Kiwiki perspective
2) Steam and Magitech nations
3) Class summaries for the elementals of each nation I created as well as unique classes like the mechanic for the steam nation
I always feel like I have so much to do that I'm drowning in it! I still want to finish my Video Game writing book as well as work on a narrative based module for NWN.
Here we go! I'm going to get this all done eventually, and it'll all work out. Right?
Sunday, July 31, 2011
So many blogs
No joke, I'm working three now! And that's not a complaint, I think it's pretty awesome! What blogs, you may ask. Well, obviously this one, which is my personal blog. Yeah, it can be pretty mundane and boring. I'm also working on a personal work blog at work talking about different topics I find interesting. It's pretty much all about work stuff, so I'm not going to talk about that here! And finally, the Pathseekers blog I mentioned in my last post.
I'm having a lot of fun with that! I just needed a base idea, and I've just been going through it. Pretty positive response so far. If you read the blog, you'll know it's a permanent pre-production (which means it really doesn't face the problem). We're all about putting up tons of ideas to build a portfolio. For some of us it's about writing and designing story and lore; for others it's about art and maybe modeling or programming. I just know I'm enjoying it! Be sure to check it out!
Other than that, I'm just preparing for my new shift, and working on web development still. I'm up to Javascript on W3schools! Which reminds me, I'm going to read over a bit more of that before bed! Later blogosphere!
I'm having a lot of fun with that! I just needed a base idea, and I've just been going through it. Pretty positive response so far. If you read the blog, you'll know it's a permanent pre-production (which means it really doesn't face the problem). We're all about putting up tons of ideas to build a portfolio. For some of us it's about writing and designing story and lore; for others it's about art and maybe modeling or programming. I just know I'm enjoying it! Be sure to check it out!
Other than that, I'm just preparing for my new shift, and working on web development still. I'm up to Javascript on W3schools! Which reminds me, I'm going to read over a bit more of that before bed! Later blogosphere!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Here we go
So, my vacation is over, and my brother is gone. Yeah, I'm a bit sad to say the least; however, at least I'll be saving up money now, I guess. That's a plus, right? Oh, and my house is clean now! Gotta keep it that way, and get back on my diet!
I wasn't able to finish the SC2 novel, but I was able to get it checked out longer! So, gonna finish that up still! I also just finished the W3schools stuff for CSS! Do I know it? Just like all the other stuff I went over so far at W3schools, sort of. I'm still going to need more practical knowledge of all of it. Next up is Javascript, and a look over CSS3 after that. Then, it'll be off to my big book finally followed by some helpful links friends and co-workers have shared (mostly on CSS).
In other news, my friend, Niki, has started up this cool project for a mock game (for now at least) called Pathseekers. I'm really excited about it, and my creative juices are flowing. I kinda already changed around a bit of the base foundations which I hope everyone else on the project is ok with, and begin building a lore and story for the world. That's what I do, lore all the way! I have my work cut out for me, but I'm so excited! I even have a few scene pieces in mind!
Anyway, time for bed since I go back to work tomorrow. Only a few more days before my new shift starts. Still waiting to see what happens there. *fingers crossed*
I wasn't able to finish the SC2 novel, but I was able to get it checked out longer! So, gonna finish that up still! I also just finished the W3schools stuff for CSS! Do I know it? Just like all the other stuff I went over so far at W3schools, sort of. I'm still going to need more practical knowledge of all of it. Next up is Javascript, and a look over CSS3 after that. Then, it'll be off to my big book finally followed by some helpful links friends and co-workers have shared (mostly on CSS).
In other news, my friend, Niki, has started up this cool project for a mock game (for now at least) called Pathseekers. I'm really excited about it, and my creative juices are flowing. I kinda already changed around a bit of the base foundations which I hope everyone else on the project is ok with, and begin building a lore and story for the world. That's what I do, lore all the way! I have my work cut out for me, but I'm so excited! I even have a few scene pieces in mind!
Anyway, time for bed since I go back to work tomorrow. Only a few more days before my new shift starts. Still waiting to see what happens there. *fingers crossed*
Monday, July 25, 2011
On the Road
I've never tried this yet, buy there is a first time for everything!
I'm on my way from Austin to Louisiana to bring Dawson home. I can't wait to get out if Houston.
No much to report at the moment. I want to talk about more, but I don't like writing on this phone. Plus, I don't know if this will even work!
More later if it does work!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
T-minus two days
Pretty close to the last day my brother will be here.I'll be taking him home when the time comes, and at least I'll see my family for like a day. That will be cool since I probably won't see them again until my birthday in March!
I watched Captain America last night, and it was pretty good. I'm excited to see Avengers now to see how all these heroes and actors work together!
Other than that, not much going down. Trying to finish up the SC2 novel before I head out, so there will be a lot of reading tonight! My friend asked me to edit her school paper, so I'll be doing that tonight as well. Still reading up on web development, working on CSS right now. Then, Javascript followed by my big book of web development that I got so long ago. A friend also shared some CSS pages for me on Google+ to check out. So, it's something I'm to learn. I just need more practical use of it.
Now, it's time for work! Still nervous about the new shift starting on the 7th...
I watched Captain America last night, and it was pretty good. I'm excited to see Avengers now to see how all these heroes and actors work together!
Other than that, not much going down. Trying to finish up the SC2 novel before I head out, so there will be a lot of reading tonight! My friend asked me to edit her school paper, so I'll be doing that tonight as well. Still reading up on web development, working on CSS right now. Then, Javascript followed by my big book of web development that I got so long ago. A friend also shared some CSS pages for me on Google+ to check out. So, it's something I'm to learn. I just need more practical use of it.
Now, it's time for work! Still nervous about the new shift starting on the 7th...
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Allons-y
So, the weekend is over. No, I didn't get anything done really, but more on that in a minute. It was my last weekend with Dawson here. I'll be bringing home come this time next weekend. It'll be a bit cheaper to live, and quite a bit cleaner (after I pull it all together when I get back); however, it's going to be a lot emptier. I'm going to miss that little punk.
I didn't do anything this weekend, really. Well, I did read quite a bit of the SC2 novel, and I plan on doing so more when I get off of work this weekend. I really need to have it done by Sunday/Monday. That's my goal for it.
Nothing else; though. I fooled around with Morrowind and updated the graphics to play it a bit. I also set up a Minecraft server for Dawson and me. Hopefully, he'll be able to hop on now and then even if he has dial up so we can build that world together.
As for as "productivity" goes, I'm going to slow down a bit as I keep trying to set myself up to do everything all at once. I need to pace myself, or else I'll do nothing ever. I still have my goals, and I'm still going to work toward them. The immediate goal is web development. Once I finished that big book, I'll consider myself close to the end of that one.
I got my new shift at work, and it starts on Aug. 7th. I'll be working Midnight to 11am with Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays off. That was my 10th pick, and no, I'm not ecstatic about it at all. My last "good" pick ended at 6am to 3am, and that was my 6th pick. So, consider that to what pick I got!
However, there are two things one can do in this situation. One, you can give up caring and either quit or work crappy until they fire you; or two, you can take it in stride and kick that shift's ass. I've already dedicated almost three years to this company, and I really do want to make a career of it. So, I'm not giving up just yet. I don't want to be where I am at forever; though, there are other areas in my department and other departments in the company I have my eye on. But doesn't do me any good to give up. Here we go! As the Doctor once said, "Allons-y!"
Well, I'm going to head off to work as there is something I want to finish writing up there. Maybe it'll turn into nothing, but at least it was an interesting exercise! Later!
I didn't do anything this weekend, really. Well, I did read quite a bit of the SC2 novel, and I plan on doing so more when I get off of work this weekend. I really need to have it done by Sunday/Monday. That's my goal for it.
Nothing else; though. I fooled around with Morrowind and updated the graphics to play it a bit. I also set up a Minecraft server for Dawson and me. Hopefully, he'll be able to hop on now and then even if he has dial up so we can build that world together.
As for as "productivity" goes, I'm going to slow down a bit as I keep trying to set myself up to do everything all at once. I need to pace myself, or else I'll do nothing ever. I still have my goals, and I'm still going to work toward them. The immediate goal is web development. Once I finished that big book, I'll consider myself close to the end of that one.
I got my new shift at work, and it starts on Aug. 7th. I'll be working Midnight to 11am with Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays off. That was my 10th pick, and no, I'm not ecstatic about it at all. My last "good" pick ended at 6am to 3am, and that was my 6th pick. So, consider that to what pick I got!
However, there are two things one can do in this situation. One, you can give up caring and either quit or work crappy until they fire you; or two, you can take it in stride and kick that shift's ass. I've already dedicated almost three years to this company, and I really do want to make a career of it. So, I'm not giving up just yet. I don't want to be where I am at forever; though, there are other areas in my department and other departments in the company I have my eye on. But doesn't do me any good to give up. Here we go! As the Doctor once said, "Allons-y!"
Well, I'm going to head off to work as there is something I want to finish writing up there. Maybe it'll turn into nothing, but at least it was an interesting exercise! Later!
Monday, July 18, 2011
End of a Journey
Wow, so it's been around 14 years since Harry Potter first came out, right? I finished the books up around 2-3 years ago I guess, but just watched the final movie last night. How did I feel about it? It was pretty good, followed the books closely with a few changes here and there. Of course, if you look at the movies from 1 to 7/8 a lot has been removed, obviously. I'll personally always enjoy the books far more.
So, this a quickie. I'm about to head into work for my Friday! Hopefully, it'll be a good end of the week. Last weekend with my brother; though. I'll save money when he's gone, and my apartment will be cleaner; however, it'll be a bit more lonely.
CSS is coming along quite nicely. It's far longer and more complex than HTML and XHTML, but there is still quite a bit I need to know in those two as well. W3schools is pretty good, but in scale it is really small. I still have so many questions, but I'm hoping my big book answers those when I get to it! Going to finish up all the W3school stuff (CSS, Javascript, etc.) then hit the big book finally. It's actually quite fun! Can I be a web developer? I always felt like this was something you'd have to be doing right out of high school (or while you were in it). We'll see.
Still gotta get stuff written and read, but I'm going to try to worry less. Less stress would be pretty awesome!
Anyway, time to head to work! Have a good one!
So, this a quickie. I'm about to head into work for my Friday! Hopefully, it'll be a good end of the week. Last weekend with my brother; though. I'll save money when he's gone, and my apartment will be cleaner; however, it'll be a bit more lonely.
CSS is coming along quite nicely. It's far longer and more complex than HTML and XHTML, but there is still quite a bit I need to know in those two as well. W3schools is pretty good, but in scale it is really small. I still have so many questions, but I'm hoping my big book answers those when I get to it! Going to finish up all the W3school stuff (CSS, Javascript, etc.) then hit the big book finally. It's actually quite fun! Can I be a web developer? I always felt like this was something you'd have to be doing right out of high school (or while you were in it). We'll see.
Still gotta get stuff written and read, but I'm going to try to worry less. Less stress would be pretty awesome!
Anyway, time to head to work! Have a good one!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Yes, I know
So, brief update on my lunch break. I'm still planning on getting the Infamous write-up; however, behind thanks to Plucker's with Quiz and Harry Potter. I'm going to see the 2nd part tonight.
However, I did make it through HTML5 and XHTML! Working on CSS now and then Javascript. After that, big kid's book! >>
And I have to get to the Infamous write-up, Suckerpunch review, read the SC2 novel, and get a new poem.
This is also my brother's last week here. A lot to do in the coming days, but I should hopefully have the four things up there done by the end of this month!
However, I did make it through HTML5 and XHTML! Working on CSS now and then Javascript. After that, big kid's book! >>
And I have to get to the Infamous write-up, Suckerpunch review, read the SC2 novel, and get a new poem.
This is also my brother's last week here. A lot to do in the coming days, but I should hopefully have the four things up there done by the end of this month!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Alright, Tonight, I swear!
I don't know why, but I was really tired last night. No clue why; however, I will get to my Infamous write up after work tonight. It's going to be on here, then! Expect discussion of the story, genre, and all that jazz. It's not just a "Infamous 2 is a 10! Play it" kind of thing. I really think that series did a lot for the sandbox games, and I wanna talk about it on that type of level, not just a simple review.
Nothing major last night. I finished up HTML Advanced before collapsing; however, I don't think I'm ready for a website just yet. Starting up on HTML5 for now. I have a long path ahead of me, and my to-do list is pretty big. I think I'm going to aim at knocking out the SC2 novel pretty soon. Hopefully, I'll make a big impact tonight after my infamous write up!
After the infamous write up, I'll start working on a new poem entry! And the Suckerpunch review. Ew. That should tell you how I feel about that movie!
Anyway, I have more work today, so time to get ready!
Nothing major last night. I finished up HTML Advanced before collapsing; however, I don't think I'm ready for a website just yet. Starting up on HTML5 for now. I have a long path ahead of me, and my to-do list is pretty big. I think I'm going to aim at knocking out the SC2 novel pretty soon. Hopefully, I'll make a big impact tonight after my infamous write up!
After the infamous write up, I'll start working on a new poem entry! And the Suckerpunch review. Ew. That should tell you how I feel about that movie!
Anyway, I have more work today, so time to get ready!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Failure
People have told me a while I shouldn't be afraid of failure, but everyone of them I've disregarded; however, they're right. You don't go anywhere without failure. If you want to know what I mean, if you don't already, check out this video.
So, all those people were right, and I'm dumb for not listening all this time. So, let's do it. Let's stop being stagnant and do! Failure or not, I gotta do to move on!
So, yesterday! First day of the week, and it was pretty solid. I had probably the best lunch I've had in a long time, work went well, and I did dailies and ran an instance with Mark. I made it through some HTML Advanced lessons, and thinking about starting up a website to practice the skills I'm learning there. It'd be more like a "professional" blog site with editorials and such. We'll see what happens!
I know, I know. I didn't get my review out on Infamous 2, but I decided to change it to a reflection on the Infamous series, so I'll get it together soon!
Work time for now, though! Later!
So, all those people were right, and I'm dumb for not listening all this time. So, let's do it. Let's stop being stagnant and do! Failure or not, I gotta do to move on!
So, yesterday! First day of the week, and it was pretty solid. I had probably the best lunch I've had in a long time, work went well, and I did dailies and ran an instance with Mark. I made it through some HTML Advanced lessons, and thinking about starting up a website to practice the skills I'm learning there. It'd be more like a "professional" blog site with editorials and such. We'll see what happens!
I know, I know. I didn't get my review out on Infamous 2, but I decided to change it to a reflection on the Infamous series, so I'll get it together soon!
Work time for now, though! Later!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
A Brief Pause
I'm about to head off to work for my Monday, so I don't have too long to blog. I did finish up HTML basic! Woot! Now to review and remember all of that stuff. It's quite a bit of tags and such to remember, and that's not even all of it!
I want to continue; though, since I can get an certification from w3, but I'll need to find someone to be a supervisor to add even more credibility to the certificate. Not sure who I'll ask just yet.
My phone seems to be fully functional again! Yay! Sounds, check. Light, check. No longer doing random things, seems to be check! Awesome! Fully submerged in water, but still in working order after a few hours to dry!
Like I said, time for work! I hope to pull together a review for Infamous 2 tonight. Stay tuned!
I want to continue; though, since I can get an certification from w3, but I'll need to find someone to be a supervisor to add even more credibility to the certificate. Not sure who I'll ask just yet.
My phone seems to be fully functional again! Yay! Sounds, check. Light, check. No longer doing random things, seems to be check! Awesome! Fully submerged in water, but still in working order after a few hours to dry!
Like I said, time for work! I hope to pull together a review for Infamous 2 tonight. Stay tuned!
Wrapping up the weekend
So, I had some successes and some...failures(?) this weekend. I got my last poem up! Success! But I didn't write any new ones yet. Failure!
For the most part; though, it was pretty successful; though. I finished Infamous 2, and I hope to pump a review/impressions out on it before next weekend, so on a post coming up soon!
I even made it to page 107 in the SC2 novel! I was aiming at 140 at least; however, difficulty arose. I dropped my phone into water, and dealt with its craziness for a while. For a bit, the light would stay off, and I couldn't read any texts! Now the light seems fine, but there are still issues. Certain sounds are wonky, and the home key isn't working (it was for a while afterwards). Hopefully, after more drying, it'll work like normal. As long as it doesn't randomly call anyone while I sleep. It did try to a bit ago...
I also got some HTML done this weekend! Like the SC2 novel, I didn't finish my goal (so failure!), but I only have a few lessons left in Basic! Now if I can just remember the stuff when I need it!.
And I tried out the game I mentioned previously called Faxion. It's interesting; however, while the aesthetics are appealing and the concept solid; I couldn't get into it. I may give it another go over, but we'll see.
Well, it's bed time for me! Not sure if I'm ready for work tomorrow or not, but it's time for bed for now! Later!
For the most part; though, it was pretty successful; though. I finished Infamous 2, and I hope to pump a review/impressions out on it before next weekend, so on a post coming up soon!
I even made it to page 107 in the SC2 novel! I was aiming at 140 at least; however, difficulty arose. I dropped my phone into water, and dealt with its craziness for a while. For a bit, the light would stay off, and I couldn't read any texts! Now the light seems fine, but there are still issues. Certain sounds are wonky, and the home key isn't working (it was for a while afterwards). Hopefully, after more drying, it'll work like normal. As long as it doesn't randomly call anyone while I sleep. It did try to a bit ago...
I also got some HTML done this weekend! Like the SC2 novel, I didn't finish my goal (so failure!), but I only have a few lessons left in Basic! Now if I can just remember the stuff when I need it!.
And I tried out the game I mentioned previously called Faxion. It's interesting; however, while the aesthetics are appealing and the concept solid; I couldn't get into it. I may give it another go over, but we'll see.
Well, it's bed time for me! Not sure if I'm ready for work tomorrow or not, but it's time for bed for now! Later!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
A Random One
So, without further adieu, the last poem I've been promising for a while:
Silhouetted Censorship
Through silhouetted eyes the world sees
Blinking lights glamour minds
Curving wires bind us to our universe
within a universe
Anyway, poem down! I think I have some HTML to review! Later!
Silhouetted Censorship
Through silhouetted eyes the world sees
Blinking lights glamour minds
Curving wires bind us to our universe
within a universe
Only seeing what we want
a bubble prison, never popping
Trapped by our own design
Never questioning content
Worshiping the Gods of silicon
Sacrificing time to Deities of the useless
Gorging on the meaningless
Creating monuments to nothing
The vast amount freedom
endless flow of information
has closed our minds
censoring ourselves
We see more
than we ever saw
We here more
than we ever heard
We do less
than we ever did
So, this poem wasn't written with any form in mind; like most of my previous, non-college poems. I just went with content and style. One day, when re-visiting my older poems, I may re-work this one into some type of form. I'm not sure how I'm going to address the older ones in the revision just yet. Regardless, I still like this one, and it's not really that hard to interrupt what I was going for, but I guess you could still see something different.
I wrote this one a few months back, I think. It was far before I considered jumping back into poetry writing as I still think there's not much to be done professionally with it; however, it has been very therapeutic; a big stress relief for the most part.
Now that I'm all out of already written poems, I'm going to have to get back to crafting some new ones!
Speaking of therapeutic, this blog has been pretty stress relieving as well. I'm pretty much only talking to myself most of the time as I don't think anyone else really sees it! Though, it's been pretty fun regardless.
I really dig the social network stuff, too. Google+, Facebook, Twitter, and all that jazz. So much can be done with them. Just gotta master it!
So, I was watching extra credits again, and their topic on Gamification was awesome. I've thought long and hard about the concept and how it can fit into everyday life. I mean, there's so much I get done in games that could really be useful in real life. So, using gamification would be pretty awesome. I first thought about it when wanting to lose weight and how I could make a game of it. After that episode, I think I'm going to give it a shot again.
I didn't beat Infamous 2 last night, but I am so, so very close now. If I get to play today, I should be able to wrap it up. However, I do have some daily quests in WoW to do, and I kinda wanna play some CoD with Dawson. Not to mention a little minecraft. >_>
Oh, and I have bills to go pay, some groceries to pickup, and gotta bring the headset back to ship off for a replacement. So much to do always! I also need more money, so I wonder if overtime will be available this week.
At least I got a bit read in the SC2 novel! Only 60 pages or so, but that's better than zero! It is really well written. People always trash talk the licensed novels like this one (including the WoW stories), but I've always been entertained and felt like they were pretty quality. I guess it depends on how much you enjoy the stories of the Blizzard Universe games, and I like them. Which is why I'd like to write in them!
Anyway, poem down! I think I have some HTML to review! Later!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Frustration
It seemed like yesterday was just one frustration after another after another that just kept piling on. My new headphones came in. A little bulky, but comfortable. Not very flexible, but solid. Sound is good, a little cracky sometimes. Whatever. The mic, though, blows. Which kinda makes the whole thing pointless. I already had good headphones; what I needed was a mic enabled headphone. When your mic randomly decides to do a high pitch scream, doesn't really do good in chat situations. Especially when it's random and there is no cause for it.
That's what I get for buying a licensed product. Especially one called Banshee, right? Utter crap. I have an email in to the company, but I don't think they'll be able to help. It's been out for over a year now, I think, and I've seen several postings on the internet of others having the problem, but no fixes yet.
So, I'm tempted to go to best buy and just pick up some Logitech headphones and go with that. What else can I do? I spent all last night tinkering with them with absolutely no positive results and an hour today. I can't find anymore info, and I just want to be able to talk. I don't need extra stress. I pay for the things, they should work out of the box with no issues. I already had to wait 2 weeks to get them, and now, they don't even work. Or at least the function I bought them for doesn't work. So what's the point?
No more licensed products for me, and I'm thinking no razer products either. I think I've only had success with the mouse at this point. Done.
That's what I get for buying a licensed product. Especially one called Banshee, right? Utter crap. I have an email in to the company, but I don't think they'll be able to help. It's been out for over a year now, I think, and I've seen several postings on the internet of others having the problem, but no fixes yet.
So, I'm tempted to go to best buy and just pick up some Logitech headphones and go with that. What else can I do? I spent all last night tinkering with them with absolutely no positive results and an hour today. I can't find anymore info, and I just want to be able to talk. I don't need extra stress. I pay for the things, they should work out of the box with no issues. I already had to wait 2 weeks to get them, and now, they don't even work. Or at least the function I bought them for doesn't work. So what's the point?
No more licensed products for me, and I'm thinking no razer products either. I think I've only had success with the mouse at this point. Done.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Overtime and IHOP
I was really tired last night. I blame all of the overtime. Then, this morning, I ended up going to get something to eat at IHOP before work. Those are my excuses for no blogging last night and this morning. Overtime and IHOP.
At least it's Friday. I'm not sure if I'm watching Doctor Who tonight or powering through Infamous 2. I need to finish that game, and that is one of my top goals for this weekend followed by reading the SC2 Novel and my game writing book. Gotta get that stuff done this weekend! Let's make it happen!
I'm on lunch break at the moment, so not a lot of time, and not too much to say anyway. Google+ is a bit more interesting than it was at first glance. I'm going to keep playing around with it for a bit at least. Just need more pictures!
Found out there is a game company in Austin that makes a few free to play MMOs like Faxion and Mytheon. They also have some non-mmo games there as well. I think I'm going to look into those MMOs. Check out the community and fun factor.
My SC2 headset just came in! So, installing it and heading back to work! Later!
At least it's Friday. I'm not sure if I'm watching Doctor Who tonight or powering through Infamous 2. I need to finish that game, and that is one of my top goals for this weekend followed by reading the SC2 Novel and my game writing book. Gotta get that stuff done this weekend! Let's make it happen!
I'm on lunch break at the moment, so not a lot of time, and not too much to say anyway. Google+ is a bit more interesting than it was at first glance. I'm going to keep playing around with it for a bit at least. Just need more pictures!
Found out there is a game company in Austin that makes a few free to play MMOs like Faxion and Mytheon. They also have some non-mmo games there as well. I think I'm going to look into those MMOs. Check out the community and fun factor.
My SC2 headset just came in! So, installing it and heading back to work! Later!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Overtime Part 3: Holy Hand Grenades
Ah, yes! Last day of Overtime for this week at least. We'll see if anymore is offered. Opposed to the other two quickies, this one will really be short!
So, I really plan on playing some Infamous 2 tonight. That's my game plan as of now. Of course, this could change, but it's what I'm going for at the moment. I'll prolly get my WoW daily quests done at lunch again.
Other than that, no major plans for today. It's Sunday but feels like it should be Monday. This week was longer than any other! I blame the overtime!
Like I said in my Twitter, you should check out Project Zomboid! I was begrudged when I said it was an indie game, but indie games are really where it's at right now! They don't have funding, they have extreme deadlines, and just tons of pressure. Well, that pressure can either produce a broken and terrible game, or a pure beautiful diamond! They're where the innovation is coming from right now in the gaming industry; at least when it comes to game mechanics. I wouldn't say they had the best story or writing, but they probably don't have time or money to pay a writer! Look at Minecraft.
Anyway, time for work!
So, I really plan on playing some Infamous 2 tonight. That's my game plan as of now. Of course, this could change, but it's what I'm going for at the moment. I'll prolly get my WoW daily quests done at lunch again.
Other than that, no major plans for today. It's Sunday but feels like it should be Monday. This week was longer than any other! I blame the overtime!
Like I said in my Twitter, you should check out Project Zomboid! I was begrudged when I said it was an indie game, but indie games are really where it's at right now! They don't have funding, they have extreme deadlines, and just tons of pressure. Well, that pressure can either produce a broken and terrible game, or a pure beautiful diamond! They're where the innovation is coming from right now in the gaming industry; at least when it comes to game mechanics. I wouldn't say they had the best story or writing, but they probably don't have time or money to pay a writer! Look at Minecraft.
Anyway, time for work!
Much to Say about Nothing
It's that time again! Yeah, that's right, close to my bed time! I'm not going to put up that last poem just yet, otherwise, I'd have to start writing more for the blog, and I'm tired right now! Not much happened today. More overtime, so I'm pretty tired earlier than normal. Tomorrow's the last day I have scheduled to do it, so everything should be back to normal tomorrow night.
No Infamous 2 or raiding tonight. Basically, I went and got cat food. My brother and I also ate at Pluckers. Now I'm home pretty much ready for bed. I really need to wrap Infamous up since I borrowed it from someone.
I did read a few pages of the Starcraft 2 novel. It looks like it could be interesting. I'm also trying to play close attention to how it's written, hoping it'll help me write better!
HTML is still on the list of things to do! So much stuff! Hopefully, I can pull it together soon.
Something I think is important to remember: Not every opportunity is for everyone. You may see it as an opportunity, and it may very well be one; however, it doesn't mean it works for everyone.
I think I'm going to dedicate a weekend day to playing Black Ops on the Xbox with my brother. He's leaving soon, and while I hate the game, I'd probably be upset if I didn't play at least some games with him. It'll be a surprise, I know he doesn't read this blog!
I tried out Google+, but I'm not that impressed. Meh. We'll see.
That's pretty much it. I still have a lot of stuff on the table. I want to do some movie reviews, game reviews, maybe some philosophical discussions (I need to use that minor somewhere, right?), but there is a lot on the table! I'll get to it I swear!
For now, it's pretty much bed time! Night!
No Infamous 2 or raiding tonight. Basically, I went and got cat food. My brother and I also ate at Pluckers. Now I'm home pretty much ready for bed. I really need to wrap Infamous up since I borrowed it from someone.
I did read a few pages of the Starcraft 2 novel. It looks like it could be interesting. I'm also trying to play close attention to how it's written, hoping it'll help me write better!
HTML is still on the list of things to do! So much stuff! Hopefully, I can pull it together soon.
Something I think is important to remember: Not every opportunity is for everyone. You may see it as an opportunity, and it may very well be one; however, it doesn't mean it works for everyone.
I think I'm going to dedicate a weekend day to playing Black Ops on the Xbox with my brother. He's leaving soon, and while I hate the game, I'd probably be upset if I didn't play at least some games with him. It'll be a surprise, I know he doesn't read this blog!
I tried out Google+, but I'm not that impressed. Meh. We'll see.
That's pretty much it. I still have a lot of stuff on the table. I want to do some movie reviews, game reviews, maybe some philosophical discussions (I need to use that minor somewhere, right?), but there is a lot on the table! I'll get to it I swear!
For now, it's pretty much bed time! Night!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Number 10
This is basically another quickie like yesterday morning cause I'm doing overtime again today. Ready to hit it hard!
This is also my 10th post! Woo! Big number 10! Sadly, I don't have anything profound or ground breaking to say, and while I generally don't complain in my posts, I think I will in this one. I don't have enough time for anything! I need more time! People always argue, money doesn't buy happiness; however, I disagree. While it doesn't buy happiness directly, it can buy time and more time can lead to happiness. That's what I think at least.
I was thinking of starting up a fictional, Zombie-themed blog. What does anyone reading this think? Is it too late in the game? What direction should I go with it?
Anyway, this was a real quickie since work is looming over me and not much has happened since going to sleep last night to write about! Later!
This is also my 10th post! Woo! Big number 10! Sadly, I don't have anything profound or ground breaking to say, and while I generally don't complain in my posts, I think I will in this one. I don't have enough time for anything! I need more time! People always argue, money doesn't buy happiness; however, I disagree. While it doesn't buy happiness directly, it can buy time and more time can lead to happiness. That's what I think at least.
I was thinking of starting up a fictional, Zombie-themed blog. What does anyone reading this think? Is it too late in the game? What direction should I go with it?
Anyway, this was a real quickie since work is looming over me and not much has happened since going to sleep last night to write about! Later!
Blank Verse
And I'm back! Later than I thought, but here nonetheless. I'm actually about to go to bed because I'm going to continue with Overtime tomorrow and Sunday. But, tonight, I bring you my Blank Verse poem recently crafted for my poetry project. Blank verse doesn't have a rhyme scheme, but usually is in iambic pentameter. I tried! Here we go:
The Titan
The weary days end with such a whimper
Mediocrity holds no excellence
But still the mindless work drudges forward
Forcing the handicap worker further
His mind already decayed with dreams crushed
An empty shell looking toward the past
Deep within hoping there is still a chance
Salvation in a distant memory
Something to keep him awake day to day
A drive from a mythic land, a legend
Hoping to become the hero once dreamed
The stubborn empire swallowed all he was
Despite praise, despite the pure offering
Knowledge decapitated for what, nothing
Efforts ignored for such ignorance
The perpetually insane devours
Nothing left of his creativity
Your passion incited death; burning all
When rational, they said you didn't care
When jovial they called your fluff nonsense
For your facts, they whittle down to the bone
With your silence; they felt you ignored them
You understood the horrible truth
You had the position to give them the stakes
No winning, no, only degradation
And then he was gone in a puff of smoke
The worker, the drone, the husk of a man
His passion, his soul, his love burned away
A mere sacrifice to the soulless gray
The cold machine rumbles on, unending
I was actually pretty happy with how this poem turned out as well. I had my reservation in the beginning, but the subject came together for me once I got to the middle section. It is about a certain situation, or at least it was when I started with it. At this point it can be about a lot of different things, but I'll always think of at least two, and to pay tribute to one of those things, I gave it it's name. One of my friend's put a comment that I considered really positive after I posted this one, so now it's one of my favorites. I'm not that bad of a writer! :p
So, overtime went pretty good today; however, day ended with a lot less "umph" than I was hoping. Maybe I can do better tomorrow since I'll be doing more OT.
Due to OT, I didn't do too much else. Mark needed me again for raids, so I joined up and helped kill another Firelands boss bringing the guild to 6/7 down so far. They'll probably get the 7th tomorrow; though, I won't be there. Due to the learning curve of the fight, didn't finish up till late, so no Infamous 2 tonight. Hopefully, I'll get some time in tomorrow and finish it up!
I also need to read 3 books! Ahh! First, I need to get Starcraft 2's novel down since I have a due date, and then I need to finish up the video game story writing book. After those two are down, I can finish Anansi Boys. So much to read!
With all I have to read, I still need to do some more learning on w3schools.com for html experience. I'd like to get some wiki experience as well, but I don't really have anything to write on a wiki.
And speaking of things to do, I need some social media books. Ahhh! So much to do. And Dawson's trip home is coming soon. I wonder if things will settle down a bit after he's gone? Other than the house being a bit more empty...
Well, I hope you liked the poem! I'll be writing some more for the series soon, but I have one non-project poem I'm going to share next. Oh, any advice on cool people or companies to follow on twitter? Anyway, bedtime!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Quickie
I was a bit tired last night, so didn't get a blog up. Today, I have OT, so can't type for too long. Hopefully, I'll get a longer one in tonight, and maybe with my blank verse poem. You should check my twitter out for a pretty cool song by Lulu and the Lampshades.
So, not much happened yesterday. It was mostly just a work day, and nothing exciting happened there other than finishing off a writing project I wanted to do. No clue where that's going to go. We'll see. At home, I helped Mark out with a random instance in between my daily quests, but really didn't play WoW other than that. Not sure if I'll be needed in the raid tonight or not. I hope my headphones come in today either way.
The Extra Credits bit is really growing on me, it's a very solid show. I wish I could think of something like that and put it together. I also just got a copy of Starcraft II Heaven's Devils to read. I wanna learn the setting and how to write there. Every year there is usually (haven't heard yet this year) a writing contest I want to enter, and this year my story will be based in that world. Gotta get it right this year, I wanna prove I can write!
A friend sent me her thesis, so I started reading that. It's very sciency, which means not something I'm used to reading. Honestly, it reminds me of one of the classes I had back in Scholars. But, I made it to page 17/46*, so I'll finish it. Not sure how much help I'll be.
And, finally, played some Infamous 2! I have to be pretty close to the end, but still haven't completed it just yet. Soon, though, soon.
And I think I decided I'll drive my brother home, but not completely sold on it, yet; however, probably will.
Anyway, that was just a short recap of yesterday. Now I have to go make today happen!
So, not much happened yesterday. It was mostly just a work day, and nothing exciting happened there other than finishing off a writing project I wanted to do. No clue where that's going to go. We'll see. At home, I helped Mark out with a random instance in between my daily quests, but really didn't play WoW other than that. Not sure if I'll be needed in the raid tonight or not. I hope my headphones come in today either way.
The Extra Credits bit is really growing on me, it's a very solid show. I wish I could think of something like that and put it together. I also just got a copy of Starcraft II Heaven's Devils to read. I wanna learn the setting and how to write there. Every year there is usually (haven't heard yet this year) a writing contest I want to enter, and this year my story will be based in that world. Gotta get it right this year, I wanna prove I can write!
A friend sent me her thesis, so I started reading that. It's very sciency, which means not something I'm used to reading. Honestly, it reminds me of one of the classes I had back in Scholars. But, I made it to page 17/46*, so I'll finish it. Not sure how much help I'll be.
And, finally, played some Infamous 2! I have to be pretty close to the end, but still haven't completed it just yet. Soon, though, soon.
And I think I decided I'll drive my brother home, but not completely sold on it, yet; however, probably will.
Anyway, that was just a short recap of yesterday. Now I have to go make today happen!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Ballade
Oh, now it's time for the Ballade! So, like I said last night, don't get it confused with the Ballad. The Ballade is associated with French Poetry of the 14th and 15th century. It's pretty hard for the English language due to it's rhyme scheme of ababbcbC (x3) ending with bcbC with the "C" being a refrain. For some reason I'm not sure of still, the closing bit addresses a prince. I think I worked it into my poem nicely:
Monument
Remember when days were so long
For us all, remember those days
Before everything went so wrong
Now it's all just a foggy haze
With only a dead god to praise
This was something we could foresee
No worrying, no time to laze
Time is short, hurry we must flee
The days are hot, full of death's song
And the tune is sung with eyes glazed
There they march, a horrible throng
Never stopping, even ablaze
We're just mere cattle set to graze
The streets became a bloody sea
Let us dance in the dead’s ballets
Time is short, hurry we must flee
My son, to the earth you belong
Farewell, my child, no more delays
I swear by your grave I'll be strong
Destroy these dead with endless craze
Oh, through the corpses I will blaze
I promise a killing spree
This, my son, is the parting of ways
Time is short, hurry we must flee
My prince, to the heavens I raise
I only ask forgiveness please
I cannot bear that final gaze
Time is short, hurry we must flee
I absolutely dreaded writing this poem. I didn't know if I could pull off something that made sense or had value (though I guess you could always argue that the one above doesn't have such either or anything anyone writes, I guess). Though, I think this one turned out pretty good, and I was actually able to write it far faster than I thought possible.
There is only one line (This was something we could foresee) that I don't like. I just feel like it doesn't flow with the rest of that stanza, and I do plan on going back to change it eventually. For now, though, I think I beat the challenge of the Ballade. This was also the first poem from the series that received a comment from someone who never really saw my poetry, and I believe it was a positive comment!
Anyway, again, I woke up early today! An hour before my alarm! No clue why, but it's my Monday. >>
Goals for this week: No money spending (in fact, hopefully I can go till next pay check without doing so >>), start exercising, start a solid house clean up system, and make some progress in writing that can help my career. Let's see if I can accomplish any of that!
I'm also thinking about doing overtime on the 8th through the 10th. Need more money. Stupid bills.
Time to get ready for work, but I should have another post tonight before bed at least! Also, if you haven't followed my twitter, do so! I decided I'd just use it to status update my facebook as well since status updates are my favorite part of facebook. I just wish I had more friends that used twitter.
End of the Weekend
So, here were are on my "Sunday" night. Truly sad! I did accomplish some this weekend at least. I wrote in the blog at least once a day! I read a bit, and I may read a bit more before falling asleep. Didn't finish Infamous 2 off just yet, though. I had planned to play a bit more tonight; however, Mark asked me to raid cause they were short a member (I'm a second stringer :/). So, I went in and helped. We killed a boss, and the guild is now 5/7 on new normal content.
I was going to toss another poem up tonight, but I decided I'd hold off on it until tomorrow morning (most likely). It'll be a Ballade (not to be confused with the Ballad!). More on that tomorrow!
Getting deeper into July means that soon I'll be bidding on new shifts at work, and no telling what time I'll be living :(. I hope I get one of the shifts I really want, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. And near the end of July, my brother will be going home. The apartment will be a bit more lonely.
Oh, I don't know if anyone paid attention to my twitter, but I ran into an awesome new show called Extra Credits. If you like video games and topics on such, I recommend it!
Still waiting on my new headphones, but they are marked as shipped now! Yay! Oh, and I need to set up a budget badly. I hate thinking about things like that!
Oh, well, not much else to say tonight. Thinking about a movie review soon, but not sure which I want to do. Probably Sucker Punch....
Anyway, night anyone who sees this post!
I was going to toss another poem up tonight, but I decided I'd hold off on it until tomorrow morning (most likely). It'll be a Ballade (not to be confused with the Ballad!). More on that tomorrow!
Getting deeper into July means that soon I'll be bidding on new shifts at work, and no telling what time I'll be living :(. I hope I get one of the shifts I really want, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. And near the end of July, my brother will be going home. The apartment will be a bit more lonely.
Oh, I don't know if anyone paid attention to my twitter, but I ran into an awesome new show called Extra Credits. If you like video games and topics on such, I recommend it!
Still waiting on my new headphones, but they are marked as shipped now! Yay! Oh, and I need to set up a budget badly. I hate thinking about things like that!
Oh, well, not much else to say tonight. Thinking about a movie review soon, but not sure which I want to do. Probably Sucker Punch....
Anyway, night anyone who sees this post!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
So Early
Ok, so I didn't end up coming back yesterday, but the day turned out to be much fuller than expected. After getting my tire fixed, we went ate Indian! Delicious! After that we went swimming for hours. And afterwards went to BJ's Brewery. Yummy cream soda brewed up right there! Then, we wrapped the night up with a Doctor Who marathon! Couldn't get much better, eh?
So, today, I have to actually go buy groceries and get a hair cut, but no more money spending after that for a while. I need to Budget. >_>
Thinking about doing some overtime at work in the coming days. I was going to wait till my brother left, but whatever, he's not up early anyway. Might as well do it! It's going to suck when he's gone, though. :(
What to talk about today? I'm really digging Infamous 2, and I think I'm near the end. Once I completely finish (and maybe with a brief peek at the evil side), I'll write up a full review. It's pretty good; though, and will be the first console game I've finished since Uncharted 2, I believe. I'm about to get back on top of that, so you'll likely see a few reviews from me; however, they'll kinda be retro-reviews since I have quite a few old games to finish now!
Stupid Steam is having so many games on sale. Maybe next year at this time I'll have more money saved up, but there are more important things to get first. So, cheap games have to wait. If you do have the money; though, there are lots of awesome games on there. I'd recommend the Monkey Island series. Outstanding.
Oh, I didn't work with Quiz on webcomic ideas. I do have something I'd like to propose, but I don't have my hard copy of the concept. I fear it may be hard to understand without reading over what I wrote previously. But, I'm still thinking a surrealistic type of story. Not sure how well that'll go over.
Besides all of that, I've joined the escapist community. I registered (or re-registered as the case may be) for around three to four different gaming/entertainment websites with a strong forum community, but I can't manage being an active member on all of them, so I decided to go with the escapist. I love Zero Punctuation and Extra Credits is pretty sweet. I really want to get some experience in the community system, and the forums there also have a job forum. Hopefully, I can find a budding forum that needs moderators, so I can build some experience in that field. While, ultimately, I'd like to do writing and level design in the gaming industry, community management is my current short term goal.
Ok, so it's pretty early still. Not sure if I'm going to get up, or fall back to sleep a bit longer. Go ahead and follow my twitter if you have one, and then I can follow you! I need more normal people to follow and to follow me. Too many stupid bots.
So, today, I have to actually go buy groceries and get a hair cut, but no more money spending after that for a while. I need to Budget. >_>
Thinking about doing some overtime at work in the coming days. I was going to wait till my brother left, but whatever, he's not up early anyway. Might as well do it! It's going to suck when he's gone, though. :(
What to talk about today? I'm really digging Infamous 2, and I think I'm near the end. Once I completely finish (and maybe with a brief peek at the evil side), I'll write up a full review. It's pretty good; though, and will be the first console game I've finished since Uncharted 2, I believe. I'm about to get back on top of that, so you'll likely see a few reviews from me; however, they'll kinda be retro-reviews since I have quite a few old games to finish now!
Stupid Steam is having so many games on sale. Maybe next year at this time I'll have more money saved up, but there are more important things to get first. So, cheap games have to wait. If you do have the money; though, there are lots of awesome games on there. I'd recommend the Monkey Island series. Outstanding.
Oh, I didn't work with Quiz on webcomic ideas. I do have something I'd like to propose, but I don't have my hard copy of the concept. I fear it may be hard to understand without reading over what I wrote previously. But, I'm still thinking a surrealistic type of story. Not sure how well that'll go over.
Besides all of that, I've joined the escapist community. I registered (or re-registered as the case may be) for around three to four different gaming/entertainment websites with a strong forum community, but I can't manage being an active member on all of them, so I decided to go with the escapist. I love Zero Punctuation and Extra Credits is pretty sweet. I really want to get some experience in the community system, and the forums there also have a job forum. Hopefully, I can find a budding forum that needs moderators, so I can build some experience in that field. While, ultimately, I'd like to do writing and level design in the gaming industry, community management is my current short term goal.
Ok, so it's pretty early still. Not sure if I'm going to get up, or fall back to sleep a bit longer. Go ahead and follow my twitter if you have one, and then I can follow you! I need more normal people to follow and to follow me. Too many stupid bots.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Saturday and Ballads!
Well, I feel better now. Completely crashed last night after my last post. Figured I'd start the day off with another in my poetry series. This one is a Ballad as best as I could pull up at least, and I think it turned out pretty good. I went with the classic murder ballad because I didn't feel like a cliched romance one, but I've heard pretty positive things about it! It actually took me far longer to write than I thought it would. Brace yourself:
Sweet Sally Shade
I have a tale to tell, my friend
Oh, a grim little verse
About red blood and blondes, so sweet
My desires, such a curse
Was late one night, if I recall
In my sweet, dark alleys
Where she hid from the wind and rain
Oh, sweet little Sally
Scared when she heard my steps behind
And she sheepishly called
Hello, anyone there
And I was so deeply enthralled
Silence at first with no reply
I reveled in the fear
Sliding behind her in shadows
On her pale cheek, a tear
Oh, little Sally Shade don't cry
I swear a sweet goodbye
No pain, no fear, only beauty
Like a star in the sky
Why kill me, she thought to herself
Melodies and sweet dreams
I replied with a quick embrace
Oh, she struggled and screamed
They always scream, I'll let you, too
Oh, struggle all you want
My cold knife to her neck, she cried
I am not one to flaunt
Oh, little Sally Shade don't cry
I swear a sweet goodbye
No pain, no fear, only beauty
Like a star in the sky
I'm an artist, please understand
With a quick swish she's slack
They won't find me now or ever
Please call me Mister Jack
And with that I'm gone in shadows
Please keep my tale in mind
When you wander my sweet alleys
Least you, too, end in kind
When I said brace yourself, I meant because it's pretty long compared to the other two so far posted, but don't worry, I think the Blank verse poem is even longer! So, I decided to go with Jack the Ripper (spoilers! if you didn't guess that by the end) and end with the murderer getting away but still giving the "warning". Generally, the murderer is caught and his warning is to not make the same mistakes at him, but hey, it's Jack! This is probably the most enjoyable time I had since getting back into poetry, writing this Ballad. Hopefully, all the poems to follow will feel the same!
I should probably text Quiz or something. Or something. Today's not to busy, just a lazy Saturday. No movies--as mentioned last night--to watch and no other big plans. I probably should go grocery shopping, and I need to get my hair cut!
Today is the normal raid night in WoW, but I think I'm going to take a break from that game for a while at least. I don't know, I need something else to play. After seven years, there just isn't much there for me anymore. I'm not a first string raider, and daily quests always make me feel like I have to be there. :/
Anyone else out there using Blogger have an issue with spaces and the "enter" key? If I hit it to make a line break, it doesn't always drop the cursor down. It's pretty annoying. Any advice would be awesome. It's especially annoying when hitting it makes a new line, but the cursor goes all the way back to the first line. O_o
Anyway, I should be active and do something. Probably stop by later and write some more about something or another. Also, if you have twitter, I'm on there as @StetsonBlade! Just as entertaining as this blog! :p
Late Night Boredom and the Weekenders
It's Friday! Or by now Saturday, I guess. I'm so happy it's the weekend, even though I don't really have anything planned. There's really no good movies out. I think Transformers 3 is showing, but I said good and blah on Transformers.
What I am looking forward to is Cowboys vs. Aliens and Captain America. Those are actually the last two movies of the summer in my opinion. And Cowboys v. Aliens looks really interesting. So, fingers crossed on those two.
Outside of movies, there are a few games I really would like to play. Currently, I'm working on Infamous 2, and just like the first one I'm hooked. I can't wait until Uncharted 3 comes out as I loved the other two in the series. I'm also playing the original Knights of the Old republic game at the moment. Who doesn't wanna give The Old Republic a whirl when it comes out?
Anyway, there's more I'd like to talk about on the above topics of games as well as the webcomic (Quiz hasn't set up a meetup time yet...), but I'm really tired tonight. Not sure if I'll just go to bed or give one of the games a play. We'll see!
What I am looking forward to is Cowboys vs. Aliens and Captain America. Those are actually the last two movies of the summer in my opinion. And Cowboys v. Aliens looks really interesting. So, fingers crossed on those two.
Outside of movies, there are a few games I really would like to play. Currently, I'm working on Infamous 2, and just like the first one I'm hooked. I can't wait until Uncharted 3 comes out as I loved the other two in the series. I'm also playing the original Knights of the Old republic game at the moment. Who doesn't wanna give The Old Republic a whirl when it comes out?
Anyway, there's more I'd like to talk about on the above topics of games as well as the webcomic (Quiz hasn't set up a meetup time yet...), but I'm really tired tonight. Not sure if I'll just go to bed or give one of the games a play. We'll see!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Acrostic and Creativity
So, another from my poetry project! This one is an Acrostic poem which means that there are letters are words (generally the first in each line) that spell something else out. Maybe a hidden message, true meaning, joke, or whatever. Take a look:
Advice
During my life,
I have learned many things
Everything happens for a reason,
impossible isn’t guaranteed,
no one has the answer for everything,
and life is too short for so much worry
Forgive those that transgress even
if it is your greatest love or worst enemy
Remember, you’re only human yourself, and
everyone will see what you really mean.
I went the easy route and just used the first letter in each line; however, I would like to try a more complex version in the future. Now, how do I feel about this one? I find it humorous at least with the hidden meaning. I aimed for something serious throughout the whole of the poem, and wanted to undermine the speaker's "good advice". Now everyone can see what he really thinks!
Advice
During my life,
I have learned many things
Everything happens for a reason,
impossible isn’t guaranteed,
no one has the answer for everything,
and life is too short for so much worry
Forgive those that transgress even
if it is your greatest love or worst enemy
Remember, you’re only human yourself, and
everyone will see what you really mean.
I went the easy route and just used the first letter in each line; however, I would like to try a more complex version in the future. Now, how do I feel about this one? I find it humorous at least with the hidden meaning. I aimed for something serious throughout the whole of the poem, and wanted to undermine the speaker's "good advice". Now everyone can see what he really thinks!
I've been wanting to do something more creative for a while. I feel like I'm in a rut at work. It used to be what I lived for every morning, but everything feels a bit stagnant at the moment. So, I want more creativity in my life! That's why I started this blog, and why I plan to learn HTML (from w3 schools, awesome site!). I also want to learn some game editors like Neverwinter Nights (classic), Fallout 3, and maybe Dragon Age's editor. The Unreal UDK is on the list as well, but I've dealt with that beast before.
Outside of learning, I'd like to write more of my on stuff like the poetry; however, I want more prose as well. So, I'm brainstorming my original story (created concept back in highschool O_o). We'll how that goes!
And finally, webcomics! Quiz has been talking about making one, I've been wanting to make one, and now we found out Bob does, too. Luckily, Bob may also have the ability to draw--at least better than Quiz or me--so we may actually go somewhere. The only problem is concept. We need a story idea to build on! I personally want something serial and surreal. We're supposed to meet up and workshop this weekend, so we'll see what happens!
ABC Poetry
So, this is from my "Across the Literary Landscape: A Poem a Day" series. It's actually my first poem to write since starting the project, and it uses the ABC scheme. This one doesn't actually start with "A", and the fifth line isn't part of the order, so no comments on that! It's actually how the form works, the last line is a bit of summary to what the other four built up. Without further delay, a poem:
Inevitable Ends
Earthly desire birthed in
Fire from the soul that
Grants immortality to
He who seeks
However, eventually endings are inevitable
So, I actually enjoyed putting this one together, and I think it's pretty strong. I've never been one to really use a scheme as I always went with free verse; however, free verse doesn't always help you when you're trying to create. Sometimes, it's a bit too free, if you know what I mean. I found forcing a set of rules--structure--really helps me get the creativity flowing. I may not always follow the rules entirely of a style, but even attempting seems to help me out.
Take from it what you will, but I'm pretty proud of this one! For such a short poem, I feel it says a lot! Anywho, this is the first post of my blog! Now to actually keep on it. I have some backlogged poems I'll get on here soon enough to talk about, and I want to review Infamous II once I finish it. See you soon!
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