So I go and check my blog stats this morning and I come across some hits from a page I'd never seen before. I take great interest in these hits, because most of my hits come from the usual suspects of the old school blogosphere. Hits from a new site means that someone from outside our little echo chamber has taken interest in -- or umbrage at -- what I'm writing here.
Imagine my surprise, then, when I discovered Grognardia had been mentioned in an article in the entertainment section of the Los Angeles Times -- and very positively, no less. I know I shouldn't be as pleased with this as I am. In general, I'm a pretty self-deprecating guy and don't take compliments well (not that I take criticisms much better). Still, I can't deny this put a big smile on my face. It's gratifying to know that one's writing is met with approval by someone with whom I have no connection. It's a small vindication of what I'm trying to do here and an encouragement to keep doing what I'm doing.
It's just the shot in the arm I needed. Thanks, everyone.
Wow, that is quite cool!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! A little outside exposure is a good thing.
Congratulations, James! Whatever you need to keep writing - Grognardia is my first stop on the Internet, I always look forward to reading new articles.
ReplyDeleteNot that I imagine my congratulations means much to you, but I offer it nonetheless. :D
ReplyDeleteThat's what you get for being an interesting writer.
ReplyDeleteThink about this: When I got back into RPGs well over a year ago, your blog was one of the first I discovered. When I introduced my co-workers to Labyrinth Lord, one them excitedly sent me a bunch of rpg links, and yours was on top.
When it comes to old-school rpgs, along with a small handful of other blogs, yours has become a "go to".
Again, that's what you get for being an interesting writer (and one who has a passion for his hobby).
Great about the mention. So-so article.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDelete> By Ed Park
ReplyDelete> January 24, 2010
We've seen the future and it is OSR?
@Ed: never did need to be rolling many of those ol' d12s. Barbarians were always better at the castle gate, rather than in the keep. ;)
Good to see that shout over, thanks. Haven't seen that anthology, but bonus points for familiar usage of the DMG to draw comparison.
> It's just the shot in the arm I needed.
Watch out for signs of addiction, James. Kudos. ;)
Cool! Sooner or later you'll need to turn this blog into a book!
ReplyDeleteWell done James, congrats! Your blog is always entertaining and enlightening. I agree with Jay. A book! A book!
ReplyDeleteNot just famous. IN-famous. Infamous is when you're MORE than famous.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! No one deserves it more.
ReplyDeleteYou deserve the recognition. You are, after all, the OSR's leading commentator.
ReplyDelete> Not just famous. IN-famous. Infamous is when you're MORE than famous.
ReplyDeleteIrony > Infamy. Mohs says so...
Los Angeles? Where the hell is that?
ReplyDeleteRight on, James! You (and Grognardia) deserve it. Having been name-checked in the LATimes myself, I've gotta warn you that there are fewer comped stretch limos and free lap dances than one might think...
ReplyDeleteFantastic news, James.
ReplyDeleteAt the very least you're internet famous...
ReplyDeleteAnd it is most well deserved. He's just writing in the LA Times what a lot of us think: that you are the man who makes us think about our gaming (and in a way that isn't pretentious or annoying either).
Very done, very well done.
You should be pleased. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI don't post comments here, well not until now at least. I have to say it, your blog is entertaining and insightful. Thanks for all the hard work!
ReplyDeleteCongradulations James,
ReplyDeleteYour writing is excellent and I also have had your blog as my home page for some time now. Keep up the great work,
Adam.
A deserved accolade!
ReplyDeleteGongrats!!!
ReplyDeleteWell deserved, indeed, James--congrats!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, James.
ReplyDeleteHey, you're now the Harry Knowles of D&D! Hopefully you can eventually get rich off this ride like he did with aintitcoolnews.com.
ReplyDeleteYou have a big following, and are read by admirer's of your musings, those you have inspired (I count myself as both of those), those who heartily disagree with you often, and even the occasional butt-kissing sycophants who think you can say no wrong (where are ya, Clovis?). Your writings attract a pretty diverse group.
You're a smart dude, your writing keeps improving exponentially, and you have a lot to say about gaming stuff that takes us somewhat older folk way back to yesteryear (not real old, but y'know, fortyish...).
And you can take criticism pretty well which is a rare ability and a good way to be a success. Even after some fun-poking and ball-busting from me a time or two, you invited me to be a Facebook pal, which proves you are a pretty good Canadian dude to boot. Keep at it, and I'm sure your name will pop up in even more non-game media in the future.
Congratulations. You've done a lot of work to get that accolade. Here's to your reviving of the old ways.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good site, and that is just one more sign. I say, sit back and enjoy it for as long as it lasts.
Respice post te! Hominem te memento!
Congratulations James, I attribute your blog as one of the elements that lead me back to the hobby of D&D, it was the gateway that allowed my to see that there are other "mature" ie older people who still have an interest in gaming. It also has allowed me to learn about authors whom I had never heard of, and probably would never have heard of either.
ReplyDeleteThis blog has also been a jump off point for me to many of the other insiteful and well written blogs out there. So not only do I think you deserve it, but I want to say thank-you. Without your well written words, and creative ideas, my re-entry into d&d would have probably started and ended with a short 4ed game I played a year and a half ago.
As a 30-year fan of tabletop RPG's I've had plenty of nostalgic discussions with people talking about those magical early years of the hobby. The fact that you lend such insight to that conversation is what keeps me coming back to your blog. Now I know not only that I love the old-school games, but have a better understanding of why.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, and keep up the great work!
- Pat Kilbane
I agree with all of the above!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDelete