This is the Way? (Conclusions)

So, where has this all led me? After some thought about what I wanted to do with my future, and what I really wanted to spend money on, it became clear.

The so-called "Culture War" so many talk about online has just become one big war of words now. There are those like myself who just want good movies, games, comics, and books released for us to enjoy without the unwanted, on the nose political messaging. There are those on the other side, the progressives who want to see more matching entertainment and will fight tooth and nail for it, even doing their best to destroy those who argue for it.

After a long time of watching this and seeing numerous movies, comics, games, and books released that catered to this crowd, minus the profit they were after, I found my way forward.

I simply moved on.

I finished console gaming and now own a Raspberry Pi computer I've turned into a retro gaming machine, complete with a classic NES case. My friend Doug, whose YouTube channel you can find here, created a wonderful memory card filled with games from my childhood I know and love, plus a few I missed out on. I've enjoyed sessions of Alien Vs Predator arcade with my youngest son, especially when he was giving me tactical orders so he could attack the bosses. I've got hours of entertainment on one small computer, without having to pay out for another high-priced game ever again.

When it comes to comics, I've backed a large number of the Comicsgate projects found on Indiegogo, twenty-eight so far. My favourite has been Monster M.D, written by Von Klaus, with amazing art by Marco Maccagni and beautiful colours by Tanya Wicker. It was a large and satisfying read with characters I want to see more of. In modern mainstream comics, you just don't find that. I wait for book two with excitement. I just wish I'd purchased the art book that went with book one. Live and learn, I guess.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea. The answer isn't found in internet slap fights with people you don't know. It isn't found in making YouTube videos attacking people for whatever reason. It isn't even found in non-fiction books written on the topic.

The answer is two-fold: Vote with your wallet, and make your own stuff.

Watching all this has inspired me to work harder to get more of my work out there. I'm due to release a free book as part of my mailing list this week. I have another with my editor which will be out in a couple of months, hopefully, and I'm currently writing my attempt at a military science fiction novel. Carla Tornielli is illustrating the cover for me and I can't wait to launch it.

I take comfort in the releases of the past, seeking out old movies rereleased on blu ray with new special features. My Pi computer will never grow old, and the CG projects will keep on coming. As long as they do, I'll be there, money in hand.

For those of you who just want to show support, investing in these small creations is the best way. When it comes to the bigger companies and their releases, vote with your wallet. It's the only language they understand anymore.