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February 2004
Part of the challenge of writing a monthly column like this is thinking up a good topic every month, especially without frequent repeats of the same topic. It's not as easy as it sounds, and it's one of the things that contributes to writer's block and burnout. If you're one of the people aspiring to making a living by writing, be forewarned. Working in a factory may not be nearly as fun, but I've never had my boss threatening to dock my pay if I don't get "inspired" and produce right now. I can do my job in the factory without feeling especially imaginative or inspired, which also means that my paycheck isn't coupled to my imagination and creativity. It may not be glamorous, but it's steady income. Being a volunteer writer, though, means that my editor doesn't threaten me, either. Pleads and begs, maybe, but never threatens. It also means that I'm here because I LIKE being here, and not because if I quit doing this, I won't be able to pay the bills and put food on the table.
In my two years (so far) here at Collector Times, my column has been at times serious, silly, observant, speculation, sometimes well thought out, and sometimes rushed. I've had the privilege of writing up interviews, reviews, opinions, and humor. I've heard from a few of you readers out there letting me know that my stuff really is being read, and I have to tell you that such notes do mean a lot to us writers. Unlike a conversation in person or through electronic media, writing like this does not elicit immediate feedback. Sometimes, we wonder if anyone is out there, much like the comedian tapping the microphone and saying, "Is this thing on?" If you read something here that you enjoy, that you particularly agree with, or maybe even that you disagree with, drop the writer a note, and CC a copy to our editor as well. It's been over 2 years since the letters page was last updated, so maybe your letter will end up on there for the next two years. It's not as neat or as profitable as winning on "Survivor Island", but we normal people (using that term loosely) have to take our fame where we can get it. If you do disagree, though, please be polite and take the time to articulate why you disagree. Sometimes, we may overlook something and your perspective may inspire us to take another look at why we see it the way we do.
Last month, I wrote about gaming as an insight into a blossoming relationship. The day after I write this month's column, my wife and I will be taking off for a long weekend to celebrate our anniversary. Going with us on this trip will be an assortment of our games. Often, it seems the only time we get to play games together is when we're off on a trip, as those are some of the few times when we don't have so many other concerns pressing at our time.
"Wait a minute," you may be saying, "You're going off on a romantic weekend getaway for your anniversary, and you're taking GAMES along to play?"
Yep. Really, when you think about it, what could be more romantic for an old married couple like us than to enjoy doing all kinds of things together, besides just the "obvious"? Many years ago, the Christian singer/songwriter Keith Green wrote a song for his wife, Melody, which included the following lines:
"If you want to love with me, love with me then,
I only ask that you still be my friend.
For there are many where friendship's unknown
They live together, but they're really alone."
We might see if "Munchkin" works played by two people (Thanks to Chris and AJ for a copy of Munchkin as a holiday gift this past year!) though we likely won't quite get into the spirit of "backstabbing" as much as the game might suggest. Maybe we'll take along "Torches and Pitchforks", although that might have the same "two person" problem. I'm sure we'll take along "Safari Jack", and maybe even a few "old fashioned" games.
We might even stop and buy a new game on our way out. We never know. We don't even know as we're leaving which ones we'll actually play. That's part of the beauty of the getaway. Very little is scheduled in "stone". We have a reservation at a hotel, and some ideas of what we might like to do this weekend, but other than that, the whole weekend is like a game. It's a time of sharing some fun, some laughter, and most of all, a whole lot of friendship.
You see, marriage and game playing have something very specific in common. You don't have to engage in either with someone who's a friend, but both are so much better when they are entered into with a friend. Plus, if you play right, even if you do start out with someone who isn't a friend, you might just find yourself with a friend before you know it.
Have fun, and we'll see you all in March, when we can "look forward" to the release of the "Starsky and Hutch" movie, still more proof that Hollywood is getting desperate for ideas.
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