Lately I just haven’t been able to interest myself in topics related to MMO design. I can’t exactly explain why but I think it has a lot to do with me being content in life. I’m back playing EQ2 and nothing about it really riles me up enough to take something to task. At the same time the reformed Iniquity is pretty well on target and is not giving me inspiration to write about how to lead a guild. If anything kills motivation to do something it is success I suppose. I believe I want to take Epic Slant in a slightly different direction.
Discussion around here has really started to fall these last few months and I think my voice on design has started to slack. Without the passion the articles just don’t generate a buzz and there is enough of this out there already. I’ve also fallen into the trap of the podcast. I’m a host on two different ones and would like to find a third. I’m a better orater than writer and I really enjoy the shows. What is in store for Epic Slant then?
I have no intention of closing the site. I just want to try something new. Occasionally I’ll do a write up on a dungeon or game and that always generates a lot of traffic. My Champion Online guide and my Epic Pet War articles are still my top read posts each month. I enjoy doing that sort of thing and sharing my perspective on a game I play. I’m also pretty stoked about the advice column so “Ask a Guild Leader” is here to stay (if you guys will keep submitting questions)! Beyond that I want to stick to the occasional soap box and continue to stay away from the news. I know that is the hot ticket but I just don’t care enough to give my opinion on every story that comes out.
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Eh, it’s not about readership so much as enjoying the experience of blogging. When I wrote Fires of War, what burnt me out was feeling like I had to write all the time about things I really didn’t feel like talking about. Blogging became a grind. What you’re talking about is a good way to go. Keep it fun for you, people will come and go, and, no matter what, you’ll have your set audience that will branch out.
Yup, just have fun. If you’re not enjoying *random aspect of blogging/gaming/whatever*, why bother with it? This is a hobby, not something you’re paid to do (I think).
Also, design talk tends to circle around some common topics anyway, and the genre as a whole is pretty stagnant, completely ignoring these bloggish design conversations. May as well find something else that sparks your interest.
Yes, I think it might be the stagnation or the slow movement. I can yammer on all day about this mechanic or that mechanic but I don’t think anyone cares to read it. I’m not sure I care to read it! People seem to prefer when I talk about something else like a personal experience in game. I enjoy writing those!