This was another productive and exciting week for me. I signed paperwork to write for another magazine (I’m not naming names just yet, but look for a new publication to pop up on the Bib next week.) and wrote two articles for LadyClever, one of which hasn’t gone off yet. That last part is Kind of a Big Deal, since I’m only contracted to write one per week, so I’ve got my fingers crossed it will lead to more work in the future.
THE POLITICS OF LANGUAGE: ON TALKING ABOUT DISEASE
I have a rare, almost invisible chronic illness. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life. I don’t want to be seen as a fighter or a warrior, and I find it offensive when people refer to people living with chronic and/or life-threatening diseases using combat language. This article tells you just what is so offensive about calling your friend’s mother a “Cancer Warrior” and offers alternatives to these pervasive phrases.
THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERHERO GIRL: A REVIEW
I could say The Adventures of Superhero Girl was one of the best graphic novels I’ve read this year, but who am I kidding? I haven’t read a book I didn’t like this year. But seriously, Superhero Girl and Roommate Girl are my favorite dynamic duo now. Check out this review and see if this title is something you’d be interested in.
WHAT IS “EVERVERSE”? SPECULATION ON BUNGIE’S Latest TRADEMARK
One of the downsides to getting into games journalism is the fact that you inevitably talk your friends’ ears off with all the news items you get your hands on. This is probably the one I blathered on about the most. I was excited as a Destiny player, a Bungie fan, and a games writer. Check out Eververse and let me know what you think.
INDIE DEVS NOT HAPPY WITH STEAM’S NEW REFUND POLICY
Steam refunds have been the topic of conversation lately, surpassed in popularity only by Fallout 4. But some indie developers worry the new policy may give buyers the opportunity to cheat game-makers out of compensation for their work.
CAITLYN JENNER: VICTORY, BUT THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES
This is what comes out when your editor asks for “topical” pitches. I’m clearly not the only person to have written about Caitlyn Jenner this week, but I was proud to have the opportunity, in any case. This piece examines Jenner’s privilege as compared to the average trans person, and – like my other LadyClever piece – offers suggestions for those interested in becoming better allies.
THINKGEEK SNUBS HOT TOPIC’S $122MIL, SELLS TO GAMESTOP FOR $140MIL
This was a pretty big surprise, since outlets were already reporting Hot Topic’s acquisition of ThinkGeek parent-company Geeknet as a done deal. GameStop offered 14.75% more than Hot Topic for the company, which leads me to believe the corporation has big plans for the online vendor. Without official word from either party, those plans are largely rumor at this time.
GUIDE PUBLISHERS PRIMA GAMES AND BRADYGAMES HAVE MERGED
This was another huge merger this week. Millennials have grown up with video game strategy guides from these two major players, and now, thanks to a deal between Dorling Kindersley and Penguin Random House, the two have become one. The two sides have been pretty tight-lipped about the merger, however, so – like most of the news items here – the event is open for a lot of speculation.
HOW TO WRITE A SHAKESPEAREAN SONNET
This was the last installment in my three-part series on sonneteering. The Shakespearean is the most well-known sonnet form, so I’m sure this article was a long wait for some of you. I think it’s important to put each of the three main sonnet types in its historical context, though, and I hope I succeeded by ordering these entries as I did.
Dimension Drive Kickstarter Finally Funded
Some of you may remember the indie game Kickstarter that fell victim to a €7,000 troll last month. 2Awesome Studio persevered, however, and funded Dimension Drive on their second campaign with two weeks left on the clock. This was a fun and uplifting story to write.