As an actor and writer, husband and father, I have two often-conflicting monkeys on my back: Monkey number one is Creative Monkey. He occasionally digs his claws into my brains, and refuses to let go until something wonderful comes out. I love him. Monkey number two is Pragmatic Monkey. He regularly wraps his prehensile tail around my neck and only eases his grip when I’m doing the things I need to do to support my family. I don’t necessarily love him, but I’m glad he’s here. From time to time, I can satiate both monkeys, like writing Games of Our Lives, working on CSI, or touring with Earnest Borg9. More often than not, though, I can only satisfy one monkey at a time, and when push comes to shove, Pragmatic Monkey always wins; with a family to support, I just don’t have the luxury of turning my back on him. For the last few years, I’ve been luckily enough to to strike a Balance that makes both Monkeys happy . . . but for most of this year, Pragmatic Monkey has been squeezing the everlivingfuck out of me, and in an effort to make him happy, I’ve ended up taking on far too many responsibilities, and given away way far too much of myself to other people. I’ve rarely seen Creative Monkey, let alone felt his wonderful claws in my brains, and that’s got to change. I miss him.
I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I believe that I didn’t come down with a crippling case of mono that forced me to bring my life to a complete halt just because The Universe hit a two-outer on the River to take me down. So over the last couple of weeks, I’ve taken a very hard look at my life, and looked for The Lesson. After a lot of soul-searching, and long talks with the two most important women in my life (my wife and my mother) I’ve come to the following conclusion: I’m tired. Really, really tired. I guess it’s appropriate that I got mono, because my body physically manifested what I’ve felt emotionally for a long time.
Call it what you want: over-extended, spread too thin, burned-out . . . the bottom line is, in an effort to put lots of irons in the fire, help some people out, and increase my opportunities to retire in style at the age of 25, I’ve given too much of myself to other people, and there hasn’t been enough left over for me and the people I love. The scary thing is, if I hadn’t had to cancel the Red Hat Summit appearance, I may not have realized it until it was too late. When I had to cancel the Red Hat Summit, I was shocked, that, rather than expressing compassion and understanding, I was called “unprofessional,” and a lot of people got very upset with me, because my health prevented me from speaking at their precious conference, and it made them “look bad.” I felt like I wasn’t even a person anymore. I felt like I was an object, a commodity, a number. For months, something had been bothering me, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. It was like seeing something out of the corner of my eye that vanished whenever I tried to look directly at it, but it suddenly came into focus: I have felt, for a very long time, like people wanted a piece of me, and I’d willingly given it up. I was filled with empty spaces. I had to take a step back, and redraw my boundaries. To quote my favorite TV show of all time: “I am not a number, I am a person.”
There are so many things I want to do, and I haven’t had time to do them. I want to plant a garden. I want to walk my dog every morning. I want to write fiction. I want to finish the two books I’m working on, so I can get into the third. I want to play more poker. I want to take my wife out on dates. Mostly, though, I don’t want to miss out on what little time I have left with my stepkids before they fly right out of the nest in a couple of years. I was working my ass off to provide enough financial security to do all those things, but I had hardly anything to show for it. I was undervaluing myself and my work, and at the end of each day, I was emotionally exhausted and I couldn’t even think about enjoying time with my family. All the while, these people who had gotten a small piece of me — some of them business associates, many of them random Internet readers — kept demanding more and more and more.
When I was so sick about ten days ago, I had a fever-induced epiphany: I needed to make several changes in my life. I needed to redefine some boundaries, and re-organize my priorities.
So let’s get to it. The first thing I have to do is refocus my creative energy, which brings the following changes:
- I have written my last column for Dungeon. When I started, I was under the impression that I could write whatever I wanted, as long as it was related to gaming. So I wrote about games I love, like Illuminati and Car Wars. I wrote about playing Magic with Nolan, convention gaming, and playing True Dungeon at SoCal GenCon last year. I really enjoyed writing the columns, but the feedback I got was largely negative (it’s really time to just get the fuck over Star Trek, nerds), so Erik Mona, my editor at Dungeon, asked me to write columns that were focused purely on D&D. I tried my best, but my life was just too full to put in the time that running or participating in a campaign requires. It was very hard to write a column about D&D when I couldn’t play at least once a week, so I told Erik last week that I felt that I couldn’t provide the quality and consistency that he and Dungeon readers deserve, and he graciously accepted my resignation. I loved working for Erik, who is a fantastic editor, and I will continue to read both Dungeon and Dragon, which I feel have improved tremendously under his leadership. I’m sad that I can’t be part of it any longer.
- I’ve resigned from igrep. I like the people who created it very much, and I completely believe in their technology — if you’re a developer, and you’re not using igrep, you’re wasting a lot of time — but it’s clear to me that I can’t provide the services that they need from a spokesman, and it’s best for everyone if I invest my time and energy somewhere else.
- I am not doing any more conventions this year. I don’t have anything new to offer in terms of creative content right now, and I’m not going to go out and rehash the same old shit. It’s boring for me, and the audience deserves something better. So I’m taking the rest of the year off to work on new material.
Hopefully, these changes will allow me to reclaim a lot of time and energy that I can spend with my family, tending that garden, and writing.
I also need to make some fairly significant changes to my blog. I have to keep perspective and focus: I write this blog because it’s fun and enjoyable, and ultimately I have to write it for me, and I have to write in a way that keeps me comfortable. There’s this guy named Paul Phillips, who the poker pros call “Dot Com,” because he made a megatillion quatloos during the dotcom boom. He retired in style, and became a seriously good poker player. He also writes one of the greatest blogs (actually a live journal) that I have ever read, and I don’t say that with any hyperbole. He writes about poker, other players, technology, geeky things, and his baby girl with wonderful, honest, prose. But he’s got his boundaries, which he makes very clear. His Live Journal helped me come to the conclusion that I could redefine my boundaries and still have a blog worth reading and writing. For example, his FAQ is unambiguous and makes it clear that he’s not interested in any bullshit. It doesn’t mean he’s a dick, it just means that he knows what his boundaries are and that he’ll defend them. I respect that more than I can possibly put into words, and I intend to follow his example. (Though I probably wouldn’t have folded that Queen-high flush to TJ Cloutier at the Bike, when only two cards in the deck beat me ;). I’ve also read and thought about another blogger I respect, Tony Pierce. Tony recently wrote a great post about what happens when bloggers experience blogger burnout. At one time or another, I have been guilty of every single entry on his list, right up until today. Starting right now, I will change that. I don’t think everyone is going to be happy with these changes, but I think that will say more about the individual than it does about me. In fact, if you see me as a fellow blogger, writer, stepparent, privacy advocate, spouse, pet owner, poker player, [whatever] aficionado, geek, or human being, I’m pretty sure you’re going to understand all of these things. As a matter of fact, if these changes upset or offend you, you should probably not be reading WWdN in the first place, and I hope you’ll leave.
- I hate Reality TV, and I feel like my blog is dangerously close to crossing the line from ” this interesting thing happened to me” to “come with me while I take a shit in the woods.” I need to tell more stories, and bear less soul. You know what I’ve learned about The Internets? It’s full of freaks, and if a high-profile person bears too much soul, they really come out of the woodwork and latch on. It’s a little creepy. So, I need to reclaim a lot of myself for myself and my friends and family. If that means people stop reading WWdN, I’m really okay with that. In fact, I hope it has a bit of a Darwin effect.
- When I get the redesign launched, there will be minimal advertising. I’m doing this because I believe I’ve found a tasteful and non-intrusive way to help support my family. I will never allow WWdN to become a billboard, and I will never allow my writing to be influenced by, or secondary to advertising or sponsorship. I do plan to enter a few affiliate programs, and if I ever link to something that could go through one of those programs, I’ll do it. Again, I’m sure this won’t sit well with everyone. Deal.
- As my blog has grown out of my control in the last year, and taken on a life of its own, I have self-censored several times. Mostly, it’s when I want to rage about what a colossal fucking liar George W. Bush is, what a disgrace he is to my country, and how the mainstream corporate media have completely failed to hold him and his administration accountable for countless lies. I’m a passionate person, and I’m passionate about politics. I’m going to write about it, and I’m not going to pull any punches. It won’t be my primary focus, and I will never be as great a political blog as The Moderate Voice, Josh Marshall or Atrios, but I’ve turned away from political posts for too long. If the world were a bar, America would currently be the angry drunk waving around a loaded gun. Yeah, the other people in the bar may be afraid of him, but they sure as hell don’t respect him. And as soon as he drops that gun, he’s going to get his ass handed to him. I’d rather my country be respected than feared, and I’m going to do whatever I can, however small, to make that happen.
- I will move most of my Los Angeles-specific content to blogging.la, including news about local readings, ACME performances, and the like. I estimate that there are less than one hundred local readers, so it makes more sense to put local stuff on a local site.
- Because I make my living by writing, I’m going to focus most of my time and energy on completing the books I’ve got in production, even if that means I write fewer blogs (though I have noticed that it’s almost axiomatic that when a blogger says, “I’m going to blog less” that they actually blog more). However, I’m not going to keep material off my blog because I’m planning on including it in a future book. I’ve already written a successful book, Dancing Barefoot, that was entirely composed of previously-published material, and Just A Geek would have been even more successful if O’Reilly hadn’t mis-marketed it so badly, against my wishes and advice. I’m not worried about losing book sales because some, most, or even all of the material is available on my blog. I believe 100% in the Long Tail, and I owe much of my success to it.
Still here? Not foaming at the mouth in anger and resentment? Cool. I’m happy, and I’d like to close by sharing a few very cool things that I’m adding to my life:
- For the month of June, I am guest-editing the Technology section of the SuicideGirls newswire. (Newswire is Safe For Work, the rest of the site is not.) I will be putting up about three new technology stories every day this month.
- I’m also guest-blogging for the poker blog pPlayer.com this month. I haven’t posted anything at pPlayer, yet, but I plan on running some book reviews, as well as some interviews with well-known pros, poker bloggers, and authors. Both of these gigs allow the two Monkeys on my back to happily intersect: I get to write about things I love, and I get to support my family a little bit by doing it.
- I’m putting the finishing touches on a podcast. I’m not going to go into any details, because several things are up in the air, but I think it’s going to be pretty damn cool.
If you’ve gotten this far, I probably don’t need to say this, but here it goes anyway: I love writing my blog, and I’m grateful beyond words that so many people have continued to read it through the feasts and famines over the past few years. By making these changes, and announcing them so bluntly, I don’t intend to disrespect or take for granted any of the people who have come with me on the journey from Has-been to Hope-to-be. My need to pull back a little bit and keep a bit more of my life to myself also isn’t intended to disrespect or insult any of the thousands of people who have commented or e-mailed their appreciation of my willingness to be open and honest. In fact, I will continue to be open and honest because that’s the only way I know how to live an honorable and respectable life. (Ironically, it was that openness and honesty that earned me the “unprofessional” charge. Nice.) I just plan to be a little more selective in the things I choose to write about. Like I said, if you’ve gotten this far, I’m sure you understand.
I’d like to close with a little blast from the past . . . a thought for the day:
A small leak will sink a great ship
-Anonymous
Thanks for reading. 🙂
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Good for you Wil! Focus on what’s important in your life and keep to your boundries. Those of us who understand you are a human being will still be here to read what you have to say. The rest of the creeps aren’t worth your time. ;>
Thank you for letting us know and letting us into your life. It was a mild curious notion that led me here but your honesty and passion for things has kept me an avid reader.
The best to your family, yourself and the monkey boys. 🙂
Gee, and I thought your Blog couldn’t get any better! I wait with anticipation! As for the cause? Sometimes it takes a major happening to come to these understandings. It can happen to anyone… Let a beast grow beyond control and no-one wins. Glad to hear you are worrying about yourself and your family… the rest of us can simpy enjoy what you share, and really, we have no right to ask for more.
You go Wil.
As a father who also struggles at times, I understand where you are coming from. Partly because I understand you so much through your writing, I can understand why you need to pull back or reorganize. There is part of me that feels melancholy and that we are losing access to part of you, but I understand.
BTW, I think it’s hilarious that all these years I’ve followed you in your journey away from Wesley, you’ve finally been able to say it so clearly:
“it’s really time to just get the fuck over Star Trek, nerds”
Wil,
Do what ya need to man… I ain’t going nowhere. 🙂
-Gregory
We were raised by television to believe that we’d be millionaires and movie gods and rock stars — but we won’t. And we’re learning that fact.
I’ve discovered that the chance of becoming fabulously rich by working insanely hard is similar to hitting the lottery. The chances are better than most lotteries but the ticket price is very expensive. I still think it is worth giving it a shot when you are young, but it that ticket price isn’t worth damage to your family or health. At some point you just have to settle into the long slow steady game.
Slide.
Don’t jump into your newly reduced obligations too quickly. You aren’t well yet even though you may feel better. We don’t want to you to relapse.
I’ve enjoyed reading your blog for the short time I’ve known about it and I will continue to do so. You can get burnt out doing anything; it’s especially bad when you get burnt out doing something you enjoy… you stop enjoying it. Enjoy your life, post when you can and we’ll still be around to read it.
GO FOR IT!!!
Can’t wait to read the political stuff with no punches pulled — that should be great.
Absolutely the right decisions on all counts, and I would especially go for the “dates with your wife part.”
Good luck and best wishes.
Charlie L
Portland, Oregon
[email protected]
The Days of Decision are coming: We are frogs begin slow-cooked, and by the time we realize the water is boiling, we won’t have the strength to jump out of the pot. Keep an eye out for your “jumping moment” and we’ll all jump together. FROG FREEDOM!!!
The Republicans in power have lied and innocent people died.
The Republicans in power have stolen and given to their rich friends, leaving just an IOU for our kids to pay off.
The Republicans in power have cheated and claim they are the “moral” ones.
We must flush all Republicans out of power in ’06 and ’08.
Take back American Democracy. Don’t vote Republican.
Wil, I’m happy for you and your family, and I totally understand, respect and appreciate that you have found out something about yourself that will make your life better. As well as those around you.
I love reading your blog, and I’d love to read any fiction you may possibly write.
It’s really cool, because you’re so honest, and it makes me connect with what you say on a whole different level.
If only the world could be more honest… *sigh*
Best wishes to you, Wil.
Write what you can (and what you love) when you can, Wil. And if you don’t feel comfortable writing about family stuff here, I hope you’ll include at least a few bits about it in your books from time to time.
Because I’ve got to say, some of the stuff you’ve shared here about your kids, and your relationship with your wife, has been among the best stuff I’ve read online. Anywhere. It reminds me that 100% of the people in the world are not complete dorks, jerks, assholes, or Republicans. (No matter how much they might like us to believe otherwise.)
Bravo! I went through a similar epiphany, when realized that many of the “great opportunities” in life were usually just the chance to use my sweat and tears to help someone else achieve their dreams, at the expense of my own. I decided I want my son to grow up seeing a man who lives for his dreams, and who works to keep both the Creative Monkey and the Pragmatic Monkey working hard and playing well together.
You’re the best, Wil. Thank you for doing what is right for you and reminding me why I enjoy reading your blog. It’s not just interesting, it’s a picture of someone doing this life thing right- maybe not 24/7, but you always seem to get things back on track.
Good luck and take care.
Indy
As a long-time reader and infrequent commenter, I for one applaud your decision. Your family and your self have to come first. Having you share of yourself is a privilege we enjoy, not a right, and anyone who thinks differently is an ass, plain and simple.
As Polonius said “And this above all else: to thine own self be true.” Good advice (there’s another Will/Wil who had a way with words…).
I echo all the good sentiments above and below my post. Read the negative, contemplate if there’s any truth, if not, toss it. If there is then you are all the more better for being teachable.
I’ve just recently found and started reading your site. I don’t really have that much different to say than what most people write already. I just wanted to let you know that you have one more person supporting you. Hell, I like George W. and I still read your site.
It’s taken awhile for you to get where you are. It will take awhile to get to where you want to be.
:It’s all about the baby steps.” 🙂
Wil,
I have been a lurker for a long time and have enjoyed your writing. In fact, your personal viewpoint has helped me a couple of times. My eldest son just finished kindergarten and your remembrance of the first day of school of one of your kids helped me overcome the apprehension I had as I watched him drive off on the bus that first day. And I lost my 16 year-old cat, Feynman, about a year ago and empathized with you over your difficulties.
I do not always agree with you but I appreciate the passion and thought you give to your positions. I just wanted to thank you for them and second the sentiment of a majority of the comments posted here: Do what you must for yourself and your family. If you can share some of your talent with us, great. But if you can’t, don’t think twice about it. Those kiddos and your wife are the priority, as is your well being.
Kindest Regards,
Michael B.
Woo-hoo, go Wil! You’re doing what you need to do and I applaud you. Best wishes.
-Laura
As a first time poster and a fan of Wil’s non-TV ventures I have to say reading this blog was nice. Stigma is such a pain sometimes. It’s great that you are cutting back. The game industry and the fans can be so thankless at times. Probably why I focus on my family more these days than writing RPGs. Kudos!
Cool Beans.
Hi Wil, I totally support your decision to spend more time with your family and do the things that make you happy. I only have a minor little whine. I hope you won’t really move all your Los Angeles specific stuff to blogger.la. I live in San Diego and I really appreciate hearing about your plays and booksignings, even though I can’t usually attend. At least knowing about them gives me the option. I have limited time each day on the internet and it would be really nice to go to one source to find out not only what you’re blogging about but what you’re doing locally. I hope you’ll reconsider this decision. Thanks! Tracey in Santee (San Diego)
Gotta say I love the message today. As someone who has the same two monkeys battling in my brain (currently my creative monkey is beating the everloving shit out of my pragmatic monkey), I can definitely sympathize with the struggle.
Sorry to hear that you’re leaving behind the Dungeon writing. I was actually contemplating writing previously asking if the articles could be added to your blog…if that was at all possible. And now it is too late.
First, I want you to know that within my D&D group, your column was the best thing about Dungeon and it was the first page we turned to as soon as we pulled it off the shelf at the newsagency. Actually, if it wasn’t for the rather cool posters of late, we probably wouldn’t have bothered buying it at all, your articles made it worth the purchase price.
Secondly, anyone who bitched about you cancelling your obligations due to glandular fever(infectious mononucleosis) are ignorant individuals who have no idea what this illness can do if not treated seriously. Check it out people, do a google search, check out the medical database on your local library’s website, it will tell you that if ignored this illness will kill. Is that what you want for a man we supposedly love and respect??
Thirdly, I want to assure you that the whole Internet communities are not loonies. The Internet does give those that will normally sit in dark rooms cutting letters out of newspapers and magazines for annoymous correspondence a whole world to vent their spleen in, but they are not even the majority of those out there. Ironically, I believe the Internet makes Lurkers out of the normal person and makes bold and outgoing the weirdos.
Oh, and before my boss yells that I better be doing some work….have you noticed that Piazo are selling poker kits? I’m wondering if old D&D players don’t become poker players??
Good luck on the new focus and I look forward to reading your blog in the future.
Thank you for saying what you feel, Wil. I honestly was hoping, while you were sick and saying that you wanted to re-evaluate, that you would post this series of conclusions. Isn’t it ironic that it takes NOT doing some things to realize that you are NOT OBLIGATED in any universal sense to doing those things? You are a real person, with a real life, with a real family and soul to nourish. I’m so happy for you! Let the critics go the way of the dodo 😉
This is a good blog, Wil. It’s been fun reading for the last few years. I hope the ‘new’ incarnation of wwdn will be equally entertaining – but if not, so what? You don’t owe any of us anything, man. Good luck to you.
More power to ya Uncle Willie!
The cool people will understand. The ones who don’t understand can go get fornicated.
We don’t want to read your blog if you have to wade through shit or become somebody else’s bitch in order to pay the bills or provide entertainment for internet wierdos.
We like a Happy Willie who gives us Sage advice, not a burnt out Willie. Nobody needs a burnt Willie.
You cant keep everybody happy. If the people that you are trying to keep happy are Jerkoffs who don’t appriciate your efforts and think you belong to them, then Kick ’em to the curb.
You gotta keep you and your family happy first.
I read your blog because I think you are a cool guy and a great writer with a nice perspective on the world. I don’t read because you used to be that young guy on StarTrek who owes me something because he’s a celebrity.
It’s about fucking time WIL!
You give give give without the realization that eventually, over time, it takes a personal toll in some way, shape or form. In this case, it was your health. You have to put YOU first. And I’m glad you figured that out before it was too late.
You should never have to compromise your opinions or beliefs either. Who gives a shit what others say about it. Do what you have to do, say what you have to say. And never feel bad about it.
You know in your heart what the right path for your life is. I’ve always felt everything happens for a reason. Each of us are destined for our own level of greatness. And “greatness” is in the eye of the beholder. What one person sees as great, may not be great at all, but it only matters what YOU think, not what the masses think.
I feel like I’m rehashing shit here, but I hope you read it anyhow.
I think that we read your blog because you are a WHOLE person. Very real, intelligent and genuine without all the bullshit. SERIOUSLY… Where else can you find that on the “cold, heartless internet” but right here, at WWdN????
Wil, you have no idea what you mean to us. Speaking for myself, you’ve been a part of my life since I was 13 years old. I’ll be 33 next month (days before your 33 B-Day). That’s 20 years of Mr. Wil Wheaton somewhere in my brain. I think that’s pretty cool. (You may think it sounds wacko, in a way, I agree, IT IS!!!)
But this blog gives people like myself a way to THANK YOU for what you’ve given to us. Your lifes work has personally given me alot to think about (i.e. what I really want from my life), and that’s the gift that keeps on giving. You can’t put a price on something like that. And YOU did that, even if you don’t realize it.
That “weird ass” dream I had the other night starring Mr. Wheaton showed me how truly happy you are. You have a wonderful life Wil, and I think you know how lucky you truly are. Most of us in this world are searching for what you have, and I’m grateful you’ve found a way to share a glimpse of that with us, here. SO THANK YOU WIL!
Thank you for creating this blog Wil. I know it won’t last forever, as nothing ever does. So we will read and enjoy, and contribute for as long as we can. Live for today, and not for tomorrow.
🙂 Kel
I
Good for you! We all need to re-evaluate our priorities and our lives once in a while. Keeps us growing and evolving.
I for one am looking forward to reading more political posts. I read several in the archives when I first started coming here, and I typically agree 100% with your views. But you have a way of expressing those views much better than I can. Plus you do a better job of keeping up with what’s going on in the political arena than I do, so I always learn something from you.
I’ll miss the more personal stuff, as I think those were some of the most moving and eloquent posts (especially the actor vs. the writer audition entry). But I completely respect and understand your reasons for pulling away from those.
I’ll even miss the local stuff even though I’m in the East. I liked hearing how the ACME shows were going, so I guess I’ll be visiting blogging.la more often.
But as so many others have already stated, it doesn’t matter what I want you to post, this is your blog and you have every right to say whatever you want to say on it. That’s what freedom of speech is all about, so enjoy it while it lasts!
I do hope you won’t turn off comments, though, because even if you never read what I comment, I like knowing that I’ve gotten to applaud your writing, or ask a question about a post. And I like hearing what others think. I’ve followed many of their links and found several other blogs I like because of your comments section. You’ve helped build a real community, one that represents all that the internet could and should be. Thanks for that.
Didn’t mean to take up so much space, especially when all I really wanted to say was I respect your decision and I’ll definitely keep being a loyal reader and posse member.
All the changes you’re planning are great and
I am very happy to hear more about your political views.
How can you hold back? you shouldn’t.
I really enjoy when you do actually say something about the shit that’s going on.
Please do not hold back on that sort of stuff!
Great blog always.
Wow !!! Wil, if you’re reading this, that is the most heartfelt blog entry I’ve seen in a long time (by anyone!! EVER!!!!). I’m very impressed! Bravo on the soulsearching, babe! I won’t say I told you so (lol) but…. (just teasing) I actually had the same epiphany last year and can relate. Yaye, I have something in common with a celeb: stranger than fiction!
Anyhoo, welcome to the self-awareness side of the world. The group of so-called hippy-dippy people who have learned to be in touch with themselves. Cause after all: if you lose yourself, you are nothing. You can quote me on that one. hahaha 😉
As for people getting pissed at you? Well… I am personally just as blunt as you are (mind you: I have more of a potty mouth… lol), and wasn’t offended by any of that rant. I completely understand….. So you’re stuck with me as a reader. Sorry. haha :-p But if people are pissed? Let ’em be pissed. Some people out there just wander around SEARCHING for reasons to be pissed, really. But they’ll never find happiness.
But I think you just did!!! 🙂 Way to go!
Hey Wil,
Good for you.
Not to knock the personal stuff that you blogged in recent times, but I miss the stories, the politics, etc.
We all need our personal space and I know from personal experience how hard it is to work through.
You are doing the right thing, but it’s a journey and you need to make sure you are keeping on the right track at regular intervals or you find yourself right back where you were when the mono hit. Again, personal experience talking.
You are doing the right thing.
Dear Wil,
It took me nearly 50 years of my life to realize what you have discovered in your thirties. God bless you and your family and as our Irish ancesters would say…good on ya.
John Gregory
It’s always funny to read political ramblings, especially from Americans. I look forward to much laughing. And thanks for talking poker so much, you inspired me to learn how to play. I’d love to play against you one day.
Good luck with everything Wil. I’ll always be here to watch your next adventure unfold.
Good for you! I read your blog every once in a while just to see what’s up with a person whose acting I enjoy, but this is the first time I’ve ever commented. If people do get angry and end up leaving, you are right that they are not the type of people you want hanging around your blog obsessing over you.
Congrats on getting your life and priorities in order for yourself! Also, just my humble opinion here, but I don’t think you’re a “has-been” at all. I think you are a very talented young man, both in your writing and your acting. I still expect to see you again up on the big screen and on the small one.
All the best,
~Shane
Ain’t it odd how people can be horny hounds at the gate? Sometimes, you gotta tell people to kiss the underside of your taint. I’m glad you finally did.
Good for you. ’nuff said.
Sounds like you’re doing well, Wil.
Shepherding your energies is good.
Keep a light hand on the stick, don’t expect to be able to change everything at once. Just take it easy, mate. Drift it, and forgive yourself for when you lapse.
Hang in there, mate. We’re rooting for you.
This is the best blog post that I have read in ages! – and I don’t always read long posts 😀
God, do I know those monkeys. Only mine have wings, and blue faces, like in Oz.
God, do I know those monkeys. Only mine have wings, and blue faces, like in Oz.
I’m not sure if a lot of us go through this particular change because it has something to do with being in our 30s or just possibly tuning into whatever message the universe is broadcasting, but I know a lot of people who are having similar epiphanies at this moment. I think people are starting to really want to just slow down, to refocus on the important things in life. The fact that you’re refocusing your life is just another step on the path that we’re all walking. People who don’t understand that just aren’t there yet.
Some of us do ‘get it,’ Wil. We’ll be here.
I’m not sure if a lot of us go through this particular change because it has something to do with being in our 30s or just possibly tuning into whatever message the universe is broadcasting, but I know a lot of people who are having similar epiphanies at this moment. I think people are starting to really want to just slow down, to refocus on the important things in life. The fact that you’re refocusing your life is just another step on the path that we’re all walking. People who don’t understand that just aren’t there yet.
Some of us do ‘get it,’ Wil. We’ll be here.
I’m not sure if a lot of us go through this particular change because it has something to do with being in our 30s or just possibly tuning into whatever message the universe is broadcasting, but I know a lot of people who are having similar epiphanies at this moment. I think people are starting to really want to just slow down, to refocus on the important things in life. The fact that you’re refocusing your life is just another step on the path that we’re all walking. People who don’t understand that just aren’t there yet.
Some of us do ‘get it,’ Wil. We’ll be here.
Wil,
Good luck to you as you reorganize your life. I think we all can understand what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with your family always. Your fans will stick behind you no matter what.
Jennifer Oestreich
http://www.cowbeverly.com
You deserve the best in life. Taking care of your family, nurturing your creativity and health are the most important; forget the small minded people who only think of “appearances” or “what others think of them”. You came to Austin, Texas and attended Linucon and did a talk at the Alamo Drafthouse. You are gracious, giving, kind, and obviously love your wife and family. Thanks for coming to our city and giving of yourself. Now, take time for those that matter most. The memories you left here are imprinted on the hearts and minds of your fans, who, if they are true fans, will wish you good fortune in whatever you choose to do.
P.S. You ran out of “Just a Geek” at the Alamo, so all who wanted to didn’t get a book. I would love to help with the fundraiser and would buy several copies if you have any left, at the fundraiser price. Good luck.
I’m very proud of you, Wil. It’s like watching one of my kids grow up–I hope that doesn’t sound patronizing because I don’t mean it to be. You make me smile. You go, Wil!
Good luck to you, Will. You deserve it after all you have worked for in your life.
I will admit my husband and I will miss reading your wonderful columns in Dungeon. To be honest your column was one of the reasons we resubscribed to the magazine again, we thought it was a great column by the way.
I wish you continued luck on your writting and acting. I hope to see you in something that is fitting to your talent.
So before I go picking up my living room that has D&D Mini’s attaking Transformer toys, I want to thank you for shareing your thoughts on the ‘net
You’re making the right moves.
You sound like you know it in your gut.
Let me know when the podcast is ready and I will promote it and air it… gladly.
–AJ
Mr Wheaton,
I understand and fully support your decision. Though I don’t necessarily agree with you in everything you write I do respect it and respect the fact you can be open and honest about who you are and what you think.
I’ve recently had the same look inside myself and realized that my life was also out of my hands and I needed to get it back. It usually does take something drastic to make you see, which can be scary as well as life affirming.
So anyone that has a problem with what you have to do I have to agree with you that it’s on them. The only real way to stay true to yourself is do the things you feel you need to do not what everyone else wants or thinks or feels you need to do. They don’t walk in your shoes so they have no right or room to judge.
With that said, I will continue to read your blog and say in advance a big thank you for being you.
Umm, I have been grappling with this all day and I have decided that I should post my feelings. First off, I don’t mean any disrespect but after 243 some odd “we love you man” posts I feel that there should be at least one counterpoint post.
First off, I have been reading your blog for over a year. Can I be TOTALLY honest for a second?? I think you complain a little too much about being overworked. We all work and most of us get up at 5 or 6am and don’t get home until 6 or 7pm. We have no time to “start a garden” or any of those things you mentioned, either. It’s just called being in your 30-40’s and paying the mortgage. I didn’t see my sons first steps, hear his first words or get to go to his kindergarten graduation. I was working.
Who else our age gets to play poker all of the time and go to conventions where people clamour for a chance to meet us and get our autograph? Sounds like a terrible life.
Could we being seeing a little of the same attitude that you write about when you were younger and having some success on TV and in films? It just seems to me (and again, I mean no disrespect) that just as soon as you get a little money in your pocket and some notoriety, you start backing away from doing what got you there. May I make a suggestion? I say, redouble your efforts! Strike when the iron is hot! This is what you have been working so hard for for the last few years and you’re finally seeing some fruit for all of your work. Post MORE on the blog. Write MORE columns. Do MORE conventions. Don’t back away now or you run the risk of losing it again.
Again, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love your writing and I didn’t think you were worth my time to write this opinion. This is exactly the advice that I would give a good buddy that had worked hard for his masters degree and was hesitating when it was time to take the big promotion. This is what you’ve worked for….go get it!
Silly RedHat geeks, thinking they’re the center of the universe. I mean, you had MONO for heaven’s sake!
I enjoy your stories, and while I’ve enjoyed reading what you’ve shared about your personal life I am COMPLETELY respectful (and understanding!) of your desire for more privacy. I usually read via livejournal, came in to it after your “early” stints on TechTV’s Screen Savers–yeah, yeah: “long time reader, first time commenter ” blah blah blah ;)–and just want to let you know that I’ll enjoy reading whatever you care to share, ‘cuz my enjoyment is as much (if not more!) in how you tell us things as in what it is specifically that you’re telling. 🙂
Who knows, now that I “broke down” and registered in typekey I might even comment again someday. 😉