Monthly Archives: August 2011

i, Consumer

So, getting an iPod touch has been one of the best and worst purchases I’ve made this year.

On the one hand, I’ve got a mobile computer.

On the other hand, I’m getting into a dangerous ecosystem of iDevices. They are seductive, style oozing from every smooth surface, every UI decision.

An iPad can’t be far behind.

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Wednesday Night (Romantic D&D Encounters)

It’s very odd to see your real name pop up on other people’s twitter feeds for something that you did.

But just right now, I’m really kinda freaking out.

Mainly about how my eyes are seriously all over the place in the video. You learn a lot at open mics, but not anything about how to perform on video. So far, I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback about the song and I’m working on a recording.

Additionally, Labyrinth wants a video of some sort. That can be arranged.

On Song Writing

They say to write what you know. I know a little bit about heartache and a little bit about Dungeons & Dragons.

Geek courtship is a fragile thing. Sometimes you meet someone at an event, such as PAX or a board gaming night at your local game store, and your gamer flag is out there for everyone to see. At other times, there is still the moment of “coming out” as a person that likes nerdy things, possibly things like Dungeons & Dragons.

Admittedly, there is not a horrible stigma as there was before. Sure, geeky attractive celebrities have gone a long way to legitimize the hobby—but among the general public there is still an outdated misconception of the Dungeons & Dragons player.

The truth of the matter is, geeks go out and date, just like everyone else, so I felt no pressure to adhere to the stereotype when I wrote the song.

And when the relationship is new, and the hobbies are still uknown, there is a moment. A moment defined by a person dropping hints and saying they have things to do on Wednesday night.

“Oh, like trivia night? I love trivia!”
“Er, no.”

I wrote a song, called, “Wednesday Night.” If you know what I’m talking about, well then you know what I’m talking about.

What I’m astounded by was the creative process of writing this song. I’d dabbled before, wrote some chords down, wrote some lyrics, and then promptly forgot about finishing it.

From inception to final revision was about one week. Then performance on Saturday for the Gamerati event. I can’t take full credit for it, I have no idea where it came from.

Words

I used up all my words a long time ago.

I used up all my words on girls I barely remember and perhaps a few more; now I did not have words for you.

I used up all my words in musty college study nooks, and music practice rooms with out of tune pianos, on the tops of car hoods listening to music through underpowered speakers, on picnic blankets produced out of thin air on starlit beaches, in loud bars with blaring music, and in quiet moonlit kitchens in group houses.

And then I had no words in this bookstore cafe.

I called them and they did not come.

The words that would make you stay.