I spent much of today going through last night’s post comments, and making sure that people I’d inadvertently blocked on Twitter were unblocked.
But, uh, the thing is … after going through about 250 links, I’d only actually blocked three of them. Everyone else was “just in case” or something like that. I thought, gee, maybe I didn’t make the instructions for finding out if you’d been blocked clear enough.
But the other thing is, I ain’t even mad. Because I did that today, I saw a couple hundred real people’s faces, and got a tiny little glimpse into what all of those people have been doing with their lives. It made me feel connected in an unexpected way (it put the “social” in “social media”), and though it was time consuming, it turned out to be a nice way to take a break from doing actual work.
And it gave me an idea: Why don’t you introduce yourself to me and other WWdN readers?
Leave a comment in this post that tells us a little bit about yourself, if you feel comfortable sharing that sort of thing. Don’t post personal stuff that could be too revealing or hurt your privacy, but maybe share your first name, if you’re married, have kids, what sort of work you do, and maybe something that you like.
The idea is that, when you see the actual, real, human person behind a screen name or twitter handle or whatever, it’s a tangible reminder that we are all people on the other end of the connection. We’re people with families and jobs and hobbies and passions and hopes and fears and we all live on the same piece of rock, hurtling through space.
Of course, you don’t have to do this, and I can’t stress enough how important it is that you protect your personal information, but since I enjoyed the social experience of feeling connected to actual humans, maybe you will, too.
Or maybe you won’t. I’m not the boss of you.
My name is Jacob. I’m 32 and married with 1 child and another on the way. I’m living in Illinois right now. I write part-time (mostly short stories on Amazon), and I’m still trying to find a career. I have a Bachelor’s in English and a Masters in Psychology. I’m a huge fan of Tabletop. It really introduced me to a whole new type of gaming. I had a falling out with video games, and I feel like I connect a lot better with tabletop games. Now I just need to find someone who will game with me. StarFluxx anyone? How about Pairs (Patrick Rothfuss themed)? Have a happy holidays everyone!
Hello Mr. Wheaton, my name is Marisa and I am addicted to fantasy. (Hi Marisa) I was born with a book in my hand and get so caught up in my favorite worlds that I sometimes end up ignoring Dumbledore’s wise advice and “dwell on dreams while forgetting to live.”
When I remember where I am, I live with my high school sweetheart and my son Chokichi Daiko Bond whom we always call Roo. He has 4 legs, a tail, and the most adorable face. We don’t have any human babies yet but we are going through the process of becoming foster parents and maybe adopting some later on.
I am bad a video games, a terrible strategist, and I am too young to have been around for a lot of the really awesome stuff like Star Trek and Doctor Who. My mother is crazy about those things though and when I watched your William F-ing Schatner video and they played the theme it was like an amnesiac hearing their favorite song and suddenly remembering everything. I was instantly very young and listening to that sound long after my mother thought I was asleep.
I am probably a little more obsessed with you than is healthy to be honest. I fancy that I am a pretty good judge of character and I can’t help but feel that if circumstances were different You and I, along with Josh and Anne would be sitting around a table playing board games. I am so happy that you asked us to weigh in and even if you never read this (I am going to pretend you did no matter what) it is nice to know that you honestly care about people. Just helps to cement what I already knew, that you are just a genuinely nice person.
Thank you.
Hi, Rebekah, married mom of two, long time lurker, pulled in several years ago by Wil’s hilarious TNG reviews, a show I obsessed over as a younger teen. Wil, your enthusiasm, humility, and normalcy makes reading you so damn enjoyable. Please do a beer-drinking-and-book-reading in Boston some day!
Greetings and Salutations!
I’m Colin (@colin_walker). I work in tech as a coding-but-still-talking-to-humans-and-writing-(sometimesfunny)-things type geek.
I’m into Tabletop, D&D, Magic, computer gaming, music, food, and more, though not particularly in that order. I’ve been an avid follower of Wil for about a decade now.
I love following the heads up, “for the cause” type geek royalty. It warms my heart to see the sense of community, fellowship, support and encouragement they offer each other (and the masses) while building/writing/singing/doing/filming some really cool shit. Felicia Day, Nathan Fillian, Patrick Rothfuss, Neil Gaiman, Amanda Palmer, Gabe & Tycho, Coulton, Scalzi, Savage … the list could go on. Wil and those few (those merry few) help remind me that it’s not just okay to be me, and do what I love. They remind me it’s the best thing I can do. For myself, for my family and friends, and for all those future geeks out there who, inevitably, will come to doubt themselves somewhere around the time when their biological flesh hosts begin hormonal overdrive.
Being a geek is hawesome, and I wouldn’t change it. Thanks Wil, for reminding us how beyond okay that is.
So say we all.
I’m Stephanie (@StefkaRyan). Married, one dog, several cats. Sadly, no kids. I’ve worked in newspapers most of my life. I’m a lifelong geek, started reading at 3 1/2 (found fantasy and sci-fi early, and never looked back!), and I like to work with my hands — I make all my husband’s and my SCA garb, I knit, I weave, and I write Ukrainian Easter eggs. I also just plain write. 🙂
Les here, grew up on DC comics and Commodore 8-bit programming; have spousal unit, and 2 child processes. Saw you in Virginia during your “vs Paul & Storm” tour, gave you metal dice (I hope they roll well for you). Long-time Burrito fan, longer-time TNG fan. Keep rocking! \m/
I’m AJ – I live a stone’s throw from the Arctic circle (in Canada), I have two beautiful daughters, and am pregnant with our third. Our oldest is now old enough to play board games with us – and smart enough to beat us a few times! I work as a French Immersion teacher, and am married to a Mountie.
I discovered tabletop games, D&D and comic books in high school, and spent quite a few years as the only female player in a few group games. I’ve successful pulled my husband into D&D as well, and we share comic books back and forth.
I like reading your blog because I find it fun and entertaining, I stumbled upon it after the first time you guest-starred in the Big Bang Theory, so I’ve been following for quite a while.
What an amazing thread of comments this has turned into. If I ever felt alone in my “geekdom”, this has cured me of it. So many people with shared interests that I would be proud to call friends and hope to meet some of you some day.
I know, right? I feel so connected to people. I want to invite everyone over for a giant sleep over.
COUCH FOOORRRRT!!
I’m Katrina. I’m a Kindergarten Teacher. (I’m brave!) I love to work my local conventions and I’m looking forward to our local gaming one coming up in March.
Hi, I’m LeAnn, married to Dale for almost 33 years (so, we’re early 50-ish). First-time commenter, but I read a lot of the comments regularly, so I’m glad I’m getting the chance to learn more about my fellow fans.
Dale and I are both geeks and nerds: been playing D&D since AD&D (still have the white box, but now we’re starting up a 5th edition campaign), other RPGs, historical wargames (counter and miniature), tabletop games, reading books, loving sci-fi movies and TV, attending conventions, etc. forever. Dale works in a library when he’s not writing, and I’m a systems analyst for a local school district.
I’ve been reading Wil’s blog for years and years, went to several W00tstocks, and even met him once at Ground Kontrol; he was very nice and we chatted about W00tstock (I was wearing my W00tstock t-shirt).
When I’m not working or trying to stay fit (yay Fitbit!), I’ve usually got some kind of craft project in front of me; I knit, spin, make bobbin lace, tat… you name it, if it involves string, I’ve tried it. I manage to knit while gaming too, unless the turns are fast-paced enough that I can’t get a stitch in between turns.
Being a nerd/geek/fan has taught me a lot about diversity, tolerance, and being unique; lessons I don’t think I would have learned as a muggle in my community. I can work with anyone, thanks to my tribe.
Reading Wil’s blog also introduced me to John Scalzi, Chris Hardwick, and other public geeks and nerds that I now follow, too. It’s a good time to be a geek and/or nerd.
We killed cable about 4 years ago, so I really appreciated Wil’s efforts to make ScyFy understand that alternative distribution methods are needed; sorry they didn’t get it.
Happy holidays to those who celebrate, and best wishes for a new year to everyone!
Conor. I’m a junior in high school, and I have a summer job working in a medieval reenactment village, which is a pretty awesome job to have as someone who’s spent most of their life as of yet playing D+D and reading LOTR. My parents started me on The Next Generation when I was about six, and I’ve been a fan for just as long. When I’m not doing homework or watching Netflix, I play banjo and a bit of guitar.
I’ve been reading your blog for about four years now, and it’s been a huge inspiration for me to stay positive and Not Be a Dick. I had the pleasure of meeting you at Emerald City Comicon when I was eleven, which remains one of my most treasured experiences. I don’t remember all the details of what happened, but I remember you were incredibly kind and gracious, and I remember quite literally shaking with excitement as I got to meet my hero, Wesley Crusher.
So thank you for everything.
I’m Katie and I love Wil because he thinks of things like this and makes them happen. Also, he rocked the FUCK out of those Wesley sweaters on TNG. Someday he will be our King.
I love sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk, and cosplay. I am a LotR nerd and a Whedonite. My favorite film is Blade Runner, my favorite show is Firefly. Recent high points of my life include Alan Tudyk complimenting me on my Wash crossplay outfit at a con and Amanda Palmer kissing me on the lips at her book signing.
Thanks for fighting the good fight, Wil. Your writing entertains and inspires me to no end. Never ever stop.
Hi Wil & Everyone! I’m Dawn and primarily a lurker because of NO TIME. I’ve been on the adventure of my lifetime by being married to a truly wonderful man for 32+ years. I love to read, craft, sew, work on our old home (for California standards, anyway), cook, walk, yoga, and play video games. I really want to find a tabletop group to play more board games next year. My latest ‘creation’ was for an Ugly Christmas Sweater party: I sewed a real fake tabletop tree to a shirt and decorated it with lights and garland and glass balls. BALLS! It’s Christmas time again!
Wil – Thanks for the opportunity to participate in a larger community by encouraging this activity!
I hope everyone has a joyous season and brilliant 2015.
Hello, I’m Chris. I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and no, I’m not a Mormon. Sorry for being a bit defensive about the Mormon thing but it is an assumption that I tire of very quickly. Phew, now that that is outta the way.
I’ve been enjoying Chris Hardwick’s Nerdist Podcasts for sometime now.
While I haven’t been following WW blog for very long but I am glad I’m here and have really enjoyed reading up.
I was a nerd or geek before it was the new “cool.” Some of the best days of my life have been spent playing games or attending conventions or even just sitting in a pub talking about the SW EP7 trailer while downing a fine brew.
I love playing Star Wars X-Wing in fact I played a round last night. Sadly, the Imperials handed the Rebels an epic beat down. Not to worry we’ll regroup and try it again tonight.
When I’m not busy commanding the fleets of the galaxy or helping to save lives you can usually find me with my nose in a book or during the warmer months I tend to loose myself in the unbelievably awesome mountains and outdoor areas hiking, or biking even roller blading. I love to cook, dabble a bit in photography, drink GOOD beer and I’ve even tried my hand at brewing although I’m not very good at it…yet.
Thanks for the interest and the opportunity to post a bit of me on your blog. Keep up the good work WW.
Hi, I’m Nora. I’m a librarian, and volunteered at what I think might have been one of the first W00tstocks, in San Francisco in 2009. Like Wil, I have a twenty-something stepson named Ryan, and unlike Wil, I live on a boat. My dog never notices sea lions unless they’re barking. My back hurts.
Yay! Another librarian!
Hello, my name is Will, 30 years old, and have been a fan (and I thought follower) since Wootstock. Somewhere in the interval, twitter decided we shouldn’t be friends, which I discovered through P4A this year. I have rectified this. I am studying for my welding certification. I have immensely enjoyed Table Top and discovering some of your backlog. I would be lying if I said I agreed with you on a lot of points, but the manner with which you convey them, with a simple honesty and non-flippant tone, demands the courtesy be returned. You are becoming one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more in the future.
My name is Barry. I’m an attorney for the State of Louisiana, and a huge Trek fan. I love to read, all kinds of books, and have four cats and two dogs. When I can, I go to conventions as a Klingon, sing Klingon songs and love to “play the part”, not as a mean, angry Klingon, but as a jolly Klingon who loves life. I’m not loving life so much these days. Last month I lost my girlfriend and companion of thirteen years to cancer. Anyone dying of cancer is a tragic and horrible event, but to take one so young, I just don’t understand.
I’m J Wynia and I live in Minneapolis with my wife and our 2 basset hounds. I write custom software for a living. I make beer/wine/cider, play mandolin, mandocello, wooden spoons and sing in an Irish traditional folk band, cook, write and knit when I’m not working. I grew up on sci-fi of all sorts from devouring all the Asimov my small town library had when I was 11 to Star Trek, Star Wars and Stargate on screens. I still enjoy geeky culture and pursuits.
Hello! I work in marketing but spend the rest of my time hanging out with my husband and our cats and dog, playing extended sessions with a board gaming group (Battlestar Galactica, A Game of Thrones, Warrior Knights, Firefly and Dune are some of our favorites) and singing in a classic rock band. I’m also a blogger who spends a lot of time online, so I’m a geek culture sponge.
hullo, lila here. i’m about to turn 40, married w/no kids. grew up with tng and quantum leap and reading scifi/fantasy. internet dork since 1993, following you since the geocities days, love boardgames and music and dance, still watching and reading scifi.
also a depressive who appreciates your openness about your struggles and defends you when people think you’re being an ass, but really you’re just tired or have anxiety and are trying the best you can to balance being a public figure with your own needs.
see you on the nerd boat!
Hi Wil – and all others.
My name is Søren, and I’m from Denmark. I’m 46 and I was introduced to you, Wil, thorugh the game designer Monte Cook, who referred to you on his web site. Since then, I’ve read your blog, bought your books, sponsored Season 3 – oh, and watched ST:TNG.
Tabletop has brought my family and me a little closer together – we’re a modern family with mom’s kids and dad’s kid – and for that I can’t thank you enough.
I’m Darcy, 44, married, mom to a bright 7 year old girl, dog-mom to a black Lab mix and white German Shepherd mix, and a public librarian. I knit/crochet/craft compulsively, run races in a Wonder Woman costume (my second half marathon is in January), and am a lifetime ecumenical nerd (there’s rarely a SF/Fantasy I don’t love).
We have always been tabletop game players, but we have fallen in love with TableTop and love how we get to see the mechanics and game play.
Thank you, Wil, for your work and the risk you take in sharing your tough times. It sounds silly, but it’s nice to know I’m not alone even in the most nebulous of ways.
Hi! My name is Mark. I am currently living in Kansas. I just recently married the love of my life after 10 years of “dating”. I was also honored this year to actually meet and play a game with Wil @ Planet Comicon. This was my second year there and it was such an experience. Wil, you are one of the most humble people I’ve met, and it was awesome to defeat Baron Blade. You’re excitement was just as infectious in person as in your blog, videos, and your podcast. You make me feel awesome and allow me to express myself about things I am passionate about. Thanks for being awesome!
Hello Wil et al. My name is Shona (nice name I know, I got it for my birthday (feel free to steal that by the way)) I’m 32 & married and currently failing to have a baby :/
I adore Table Top and have tweeted at you Wil (just the once) that you should play the first quest of Hero Quest and play as the GM as it is impossible to lose as the GM on that quest. I always root for you, well not when you played against the kids, then I rooted for the girl of course. You make myself and many of my international friends smile. If you ever get addicted to Coursera and fancy finding some like minded peoples to natter about random stuff to, come find us on facebook at the Coursera Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Group. We’d love to have you, and that goes for the rest of you to 🙂
Hi, real person here. 🙂 Name is Cat, I work in tech writing, teach a group bellydance format, and am passionate about the history of textiles and making things by hand. I also help support the storytelling community, other dancers, and blossoming authors. I dabble in sci fi and nerd things, although I usually remain only “gaming adjacent.” And I truly miss my three years working at JPL. Ah. Go science!
Hi Wil, I’m Tyson. I am an IT Administrator from Oregon who grew up with TNG and Wesley. While moving I found a one page intro fanzine for the fan ship my brother and a friend of mine started. I have moved between fandoms over the years and am currently digging into Marvel with Marvel Unlimited (pretty great on the iPad but a bit buggy with offline reading).
I started following you again when I discovered the Memories of Futurecast and Radio Free Burrito. The return of Tabletop has been much heralded and Tokaido is currently edging for the top spot as my favorite game. It has stiff competition with Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Duel at Mt. Skullzfyre (which I am looking forward to watching you play). Your blog and tumblr have been a great resource for me. I style myself as a Social Justice Bard, I’m a support class with random Bardic Knowledge to provide historical context for issues that plague our society.
The last few months have been pretty hard. Life events, plus societal issues, plus a down swing on my Manic Depression have not been good for my winter. Thankfully, with help from friends and loved ones I was able to get out from under some responsibilities and clear some difficult/expensive tasks that were hanging over my head. So it seems I will be having a happier Christmas than expected. Marriage, a home we own, and possibly a child is on the horizon, so lots to look forward to and stick around to see what happens.
I’m Justin. I hang out in the Silicon Forest of Portland, OR. I was able to shake your hand at my airport (I worked there at the time) as you were heading home after the first Portland w00tstock, where, it seems, I was sitting in the row just behind your family. When we got to the Aladdin, the entire row was blocked off so my date and I were like “Sweet! No one sitting in front of us!” Little did we know…
I absolutely love how all of my favorite things just seem to fit together eventually. How DaVinci’s Notebook begat Paul & Storm. How TNG begat a be-bearded Wil Wheaton. How my interest in WoW begat my love for Jonathan Coulton and how those three seemingly unrelated things come together to form w00tstock! I love that found Hard & Phirm independently of finding be-bearded Wil and yet… still connected. I will always miss “The Show with Ze Frank” because loved it SO. EFFING. MUCH… still connected.
I love the swirling mass of like-minded people and similar things that are connected to ALL OF THIS.
That’s a lot of love… I need to lie down 🙂
I’m Liz Miller. I live in Broadlands, VA with my husband and son. My husband’s last act as an elected supervisor of our county was to re-name a street Warp Drive. And he inspired me to run for office. I’m running for the Virginia House of Delegates!
As I live close to here, I will be going to experience live action on Warp Drive, and of course take a photograph. Very, very cool.
Hi,
My name is Amanda. I’m 20. I don’t have kids but I do have a cat who is pretty much stuck to me whenever I am home. I’m a physics major at a state school. I’m actually a scientist because of Star Trek. Some part of me saw those people in space and said “Hey, I can do that too!” It was kind of like my soul recognized it as home. Westley had a pretty big role in that (I was just a kid), so thank you! I love school for the most part and it’s going pretty well.
I don’t know how to end this.
Amanda
Hey Wil.
I’ve always gotten the feeling that you and I are pretty similar. We’re about the same age, married, fathers, geeks. We share a love of childhood nostalgia and gaming. I don’t know about you, but I can still remember what video games were at which supermarkets like 30 years ago. And I can still hear the sound of $5 worth of quarters plopping out of the ratty coin-dispenser. It was like angels singing.
Riding my bike through the canyons of Southern California, Oingo Boingo’s “Private Life” blaring on my walkman… these are still powerful memories for me.
When I read your thoughts about gaming with your family, I see myself. When you talk about the satisfaction of 5-starring a song on Expert in Rock Band, with your family or friends, I’m right there. My oldest kid is getting to an age where we can play some more complicated games, and I can’t wait to introduce her to more. Hey That’s My Fish, Sushi Go, and Bohnanza are current favorites. Waiting a year or two for Mice and Mystics.
I’m a professional software developer in a boring cubicle job, but I’ve dabbled in game development on the side. My recent game is local-multiplayer only, and I never really expected anyone to play it, but it has turned into somewhat of a cult hit. It was part of IndieCade a few years back, and I got the opportunity to meet Felicia as a result (she was the host, and is a truly wonderful person). In the back of my mind, I sometimes wonder if you have played my little game. I like to think you and your family would enjoy it. (In fact, it was even recommended to Felicia from one of her Guild castmates on a live Google+ Hangout! I couldn’t believe it!) I don’t want to spoil it by telling you the name, though!
I doubt we’ll ever meet, but if we do, I’d like to shake your hand and thank you for being unapologetic about your passions, even if they aren’t considered “cool” by the “cool kids”. You’re a standup dude, and that’s why I’ve followed your various blogs for so long.
And now I’m rambling like a fanboy. Better cut this short.
Hi, I am from Joplin Missouri, lived a decade in Japan. Have a wonderful 8 year old son that keeps me active and loves all the wonderful geeky things I enjoy. We play with Star Wars figurines, Legos, and read to each other every night. My husband deals with my weird ways and I love how he accepts me for who I am. We eat drink and are a merry bunch. I am addicted to coffee and books. I am very proud that my son’s first thing to build in Minecraft was a library.
Yep, I almost commented asking about that in last post but saw soooo many replies already that I did not want to contribute to either overwhelming you or just being the three hundredth ignored person or anything. So how can you tell? I mean, I am so nobody that I am exceedingly certain I have not been blocked, but it would still be a fun factoid to lern. 😀
I am a 37 year old Systems Administrator for a middling-sized ISP in Central Oregon. Married, two kids and an extra fluffy cat. I like playing games on Steam, I make and sell some toys and sound gestures on Secondlife where I am pretty sure I have probably one of the 100 oldest active accounts (ten years since September :P) Play Minecraft, sometimes with the kids too. Talk to friends on Skype. Man, free group video chat with half a dozen people scattered arbitrarily around the globe is a helluva thing, isn’t it? :O
What a fascinating and delightfully simple idea. It seems I’ve become jaded and/or forgetful of how human the internet can be, if we make a nice enough space.
I’m Gemma – a recently-married British game designer who’s been living in beautiful (but dark and cold) Stockholm for just over a year now. I spend a lot of my time either working on small, independent projects (often the result of game jams) or engaged with schemes which actively encourage diversity in games and gaming culture. My love for games – digital and tabletop – would come as no surprise, but I’m also enthralled by science fiction, and railways. I visit railway and Tube/tunnelbana stations just to see what they’re like, to take photos, and explore how they’re connected to the wider city.
Hi, I’m Susan. I’m 45 and single. I work in a factory,so nothing real important in the world,but I’m having fun. Being single and without kids kinda frees up my time to spoil my Nieces relentlessly. My Hobby at the moment is just trying to find things that are fun and might like to do. Right now I’m dreaming of maybe one day building me a Tiny House on wheels.
Hi Wil,
Chris here, 32 years old. 2 dogs, 2 cats and a chinchilla roaming my house (friendly battle royale’s occur regularly).
I’m a grease covered gear-head, Always tearing up my cars to make them better/faster. I also double as the Local compu-geek. 5 of my friend’s laptops are in front of me at the moment, none of them work…pretty much par for the course. I do it for free though, RAOK.
I have an awesome day job. I’m a network tech for a large cell company that shall remain nameless. I build networks, operate, break, and fix electronic stuff. (and get yelled at by my friends when there Facebook doesn’t work @ 4am)
Long time fan, hope to say hello and shake your hand one day.
Keep being awesome.
I’m Jo, married for almost 8 years to the other half of me 🙂 Two gorgeous and hilarious children – Bethany is 5, convinced she is a princess and the funniest person I know. Sammy is 11 months, giggles at anything slapstick and loves a boogie. I’m a high school English teacher in the UK, which is brilliant and stressful in equal measure. Outside my family and job, books are my life 🙂
HI- Barbara -I live in the East Bay (non San Francisco area people- that means I’m not in the coolest part of the Bay Area of California but it means we actually own our house! …;-) ) I am a long time sci fic and fantasy geek, loved original Star Trek. It has been so long since I’ve found Wil Wheaton’s site that I don’t know what led me to it but so glad I found it- have gotten back into Star Trek, and have gotten into table top games- Ticket to Ride and Settlers of Qatan is under my tree. Pandemic is a solid fave as well. I live up in the hills with three cats, one husband and one mom who will be 99 this coming year!
Love reading everybody’s postings- thanks Wil!
Garrick (@gcassom). I have been coming here for years now. Reconnected with the Wil-o-verse when Hardwick started his many headed beast. I seem to be older than some of you but slightly younger than Wil.
On to my 2nd marriage 3 kids (only one shares DNA though).
All the typical likes: Stars both Trek and Wars comics Gaiman podcasts movies Spielberg music Simpsons fantasy Scalzi standup you know stuff.
I sell books brick and mortar style in Canada.
Working hard to not be a dick and enjoy my burrito.
Been reading your blog for about 10 years, never revealed myself.
Coming out of the closet, I’m a Wheaton fanboy.
About me: 55, my daughter is 24 and that was 2 wives ago. I drive a concrete truck in GA and build computers in my spare time.
Hullo Wil,
We actually met at Ottawa Comiccon a couple years ago, and I’m glad you’re coming back.
I’m 36, currently in school taking Event Management. It’s my dream to work for conventions one day. I love the idea of helping create events that mean so much to so many people.
My favourite game, and one I hope you’ll do on Tabletop one day, is Sentinels of the Mulitiverse.
I hope, your family, and everyone who reads this has an awesome holiday!
For reasons lost in time my friends call me Ozzy and I like it better than my given name so I ask anyone who I meet in a non-professional environment to use that name.
I’m 44, originally from Germany but have lived in the original Cambridge for 19 years where I work as a technical translator and spend my spare time reading/watching nerdy things, gaming with friends (board and RPGs) taking photos, cooking, eating and tweeting/blogging about food.
My name is Megan, I’m 21, a college senior working towards a degree in applied psychology; I’m a part-time student, working two jobs to pay for classes and volunteering at a local elementary school a few days a week. I’m currently working on publishing my first novel, while diving right into writing another.
I love to read and write – at any given time I could be reading three or four books at a time while writing two or three stories of my own.
I love to play board games with my family – I’ve introduced them to several iterations of Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic is a family favorite! My gaming is pretty limited to tabletop and I love nothing more than introducing friends and family to new tabletop games.
Something I will share on the Internet knowing that no one I know (I hope) will see it…I’m a stress-baker and stress-cleaner. Whenever finals roll around I bake up a storm (which is helpful close to Christmas) and then I deep clean everything I can – kitchen, bedroom, bathroom…you name it, I clean it.
I’m an insomniac – which is actually how I found Tabletop – and when I’m lying awake at night I binge watch YouTube videos – Rhett and Link, Vlogbrothers, Geek & Sundry, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, SciShow (basically anything science related). My insomnia is both a blessing and a curse; while I’d certainly love to sleep I sure enjoy finding new channels and series’ on YouTube.
I love Tabletop, and I love being able to share it with my family, thanks Wil!
Thank you for this opportunity! I enjoy Tabletop tremendously, and in particular your attitude on the social nature of gaming … fun times with good friends. As a long time gamer and D&Der, I’m challenged, however, to find “the right game” to play with my amazing, brilliant, sensitive, art+language+culture loving spouse, who describes herself as “not a game person”. Like you, I’m a huge fan of cooperative games, which appeal in general to my non-competitive partner, but have yet to find her “right game” (to quote the Qwirkle episode). Would love to hear any suggestions you or others may have to aid me in this Tabletop quest to spend some great gaming time with my beloved. Mega-kudo’s to you and the whole Tabletop crew for creating what has become my new favorite non-fiction show!
My wife is my best friend, she is a brilliant writer, counselor, professor – but board games are not her thing. My 3 kids all love it though, and we still try to suck her in now and then. She disliked Catan, but liked Love Letters. Non-competive two players games seem rare, have enjoyed two player sessions of Forbidden Island. My 10 year old and I also play Once Upon A Time and have a blast as we both enjoy unleashing our imaginations. Do not try Munchkin, even my niece hates it, ‘course sons love it. Anyways, sorry can’t be of more help, but love this community, feel inspired to help on such a great blog!
My name is Edward Anderson. I’m unabashedly a geek, and I don’t plan to change that any time in the future.
From 2005 until sometime last year I was resident volunteer staff at a Transitional Living Center in El Cajon, California…but am now paid staff. Folks wonder why someone would work for free for that long, but the truth is that my payoff has been watching individuals and families get repaired, people who were told to stay away from their folks house because of their addiction ending up invited for Christmas Dinner with their parents, and parents who had avoided raising their kids because their next hit/drink/shot was more important suddenly realizing they need to be Mom or Dad, and that they missed a lot of great events in the lives of their beloved ones.
My hobbies are Audiobooks, (I walk a lot, which isn’t conducive to having your face stuffed in a book) and playing around in the cracks and spaces where technology and art overlap. I’m a HUGE TableTop fan, have played board games since I was a wee tyke, my Dad having served on the same ship as a guy who invented something very similar to the game “Trouble”, and having seemingly made a board for everybody on the ship.
Other than that, all I can do is paraphrase Gag Halfrunt and say, “I’m just this guy, you know?”
I’m Shelley. Mom to 10 year old quadruplets. I volunteer and work at home. Married to Tom. We both love all sci-fi, HP and believe in Bigfoot. I know. My world would halt in college each week when a group of friends would get together to watch the new STNG. We called it sci-fi with sex.
Corri. 30-something geek, married with fur-kid currently located in SF bay area. Zookeeper. Huge fan of Wil since I was 12 and he was 16 (and still proud owner of a self-portrait he drew that I must have entered 50 times to win). Went from schoolgirl crush to honest appreciation of what a cool, interesting guy he is these days, sharing everything from his personal struggles with depression to his immense joy in playing tabletop games, something I am newly introduced to through Tabletop and my equally awesome and geeky husband. Proud to be a part of this lovely community of nerds and geeks! 🙂
Hello, Wil (and all you other commenters)!
My name is Scott. I’m a married guy in my mid thirties with an excellent beard that is finally filling out after having had to shave it for the previous two years as a previous job requirement. No longer saddled with that silly restriction I am free to grow my beard once again as I narrate audiobooks on a semi-regular monthly to bi-monthly basis. I’ve narrated a couple thrillers, a few romance novels, and some business books over the last year or so and look forward to more on the horizon. In my spare time I’m a gamer at heart. I’ve been a gamer since the days of the Commodore 64 and still game on my custom-built PC today. But I also enjoy some good table top shenanigans. Anything from D&D/Pathfinder to Gloom to Merchant of Venus is right up my alley.
Anywho, thanks for all the awesome work you do encouraging people, friends, and families to come together and connect through gaming, Wil. One of the best things we can do in this life is help people form strong positive bonds and communities with one another. Keep it up, man!
You, my friend, are a trend-setter.
I just watched a Honda commercial featuring Skeletor (and a magic 8-ball). You have single-handedly brought Skeletor back from the grave, but I guess a grave is where that bag-o-bones lives isn’t it?
I see a lot of people mentioning their struggles with depression, anxiety, and stress. I’d like to throw this out there as an option to add to your coping toolbox. If you ever need someone to talk to, no-judgement, anonymous or not (your choice), our hotline has two options for you. Telephone 631-751-7500, or you can chat with one of our counselors Mon-Fri 7pm-11pm (Eastern time) at http://www.responsehotline.org/hear2help-online/. Just a safe place for you to talk, and you don’t have to be suicidal to call, we’re there for you even if you just need to vent, talk, whatever. Take care <3
Ack! I forgot to say, the hotline telephone # is available 24/7. Sorry!
HI Wil! I’m Charlie I’m married with 2 kids and we hail from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My daughter is a dancer, My wife is a social worker, and my son is a big gamer(getting him into table top rpgs). We’re all fans of Table Top and very glad you are back for another season.
I collect comic books. I watch too many “reality” ghost and cryptid shows. I’m hopelessly addicted to Red Dwarf. I’m an avid Tunnels & Trolls fan and very active in the community on Trollhalla. I have a T&T blog called Hobb Sized Adventures where I post short solo adventures that are 20 paragraphs or less. I’m also an amateur game designer and publish some off beat games as Rarr! I’m A Monster Publishing(yeah I made one game based on the Beach Party movies and one on 80s breakdancing films). I’m a huge Horror fan and part of the Indie Horror filmmaking scene between Pittsburgh and Cleveland with several films on my resume(some have even made it to DVD). I also have a Horror blog and have built a Roku channel to go along with it. My real passion is to educate people on how money works and help them overcome debt and how to stay debt free. I’m lucky enough to do this as my job and teach classes in the the subject at my church.
Thanks for the opportunity and all the other groovy stuff you do.