tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119320182024-03-07T03:59:28.428-05:00Talien's TowerMichael "Talien" Tresca is a game designer, author, communicator, and artist. He has authored numerous supplements and adventures for AEG, MonkeyGod Enterprises, Goodman Games, Otherworld Creations, RPGObjects, Ronin Arts, and Privateer Press. His articles and reviews have appeared in Allgame.com, D20 Filtered, Dragon, Gamers.com, Pyramid, and RPG.net. Michael lives in Connecticut with his wife, who is an editor, his infant son and his cat, all of which are fluent in English.Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.comBlogger2516125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-21988667654593357622017-01-02T21:22:00.003-05:002017-01-02T21:22:52.006-05:00My Top 50 Articles on ENWorldENWorld's <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/content.php?3749-The-Top-50-Tabletop-RPG-News-Stories-of-2016#.WGsIXlyPaCg" target="_blank">top articles for this year</a> includes a few of my contributions. Always good to have data on my work:<br />
<ul>
<li><b><a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/content.php?3449" target="_blank">#16 - The War on Imagination</a>:</b> This article caused a lot of controversy because of the title, but it's clear the title got a lot of traffic. This was an example of a sensationalist piece that definitely sparked an interesting dialogue -- but mostly, people disgusted by the mere thought that a girl should be able to dress as a superhero to school. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/content.php?3474" target="_blank">#18 - The End of a D&D Campaign Was the Beginning of Doom</a>: </b>I was particularly proud of this article because I got a tweet from John Carmack himself about it. This article was an example of good old fashioned reporting and it's great to see people enjoying it. </li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/content.php?3739" target="_blank">#22 - How a RPG Changed the Star Wars Universe</a>: </b>A late contribution I wrote a few weeks ago, inspired by the buzz about the Star Wars RPG's contribution. This article is an example of right place/right time with Rogue One being hot right now.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/content.php?3299" target="_blank">#31 - Can Wizards Avoid Another RPG Glut?</a> </b>This article was written in response to what I saw was a timely topic on ENWorld. Also, I've been through the glut and it's not fun. That said, this article was written earlier in the year so it's just as likely in the top 50 due to SEO-type searches of "Wizards" and "glut".</li>
</ul>
A great way to kick off 2017!Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-27820816529806064612016-09-05T10:54:00.002-04:002016-09-12T10:30:35.319-04:00My Thoughts on The Death of ExaminerThis post is long overdue, but I was so busy traveling to a convention at the time and trying to rescue my six-years-worth of articles that I didn't have time to comment on the <a href="http://www.savingcountrymusic.com/an-artifice-of-integrity-the-death-of-examiner-com/" target="_blank">death of the Examiner.com platform</a>.<br />
<br />
Before I share my perspective on what happened and why I left, let me first state the positive: Examiner was my entry into pro-am journalism. I won't say it was actual journalism by any stretch -- Examiner had no editors to speak of -- but it did give me press credentials and an opportunity to see what life was like as a journalist in the very small tabletop gaming community. I made friends with WOTC's PR team (man, I miss those guys) and had a great relationship with some of the WOTC design leads. There is no way I would have gotten that exposure without Examiner, and for that I'm grateful. I also met some real pros during my time at Gen Con, like the <a href="http://gamerstable.com/">Gamerstable gang</a> who are just plain awesome and always welcomed me to their table at any event. <br />
<br />
That said, the press for tabletop gaming has a low barrier to entry. I met a lot of guys who were bloggers or ran their own hobby podcasts and they weren't too interested in
reporting things so much as they were having a good time.<br />
<br />
I created my own code of conduct for Examiner by publishing an article nearly every day. I was over nearly 2,000 articles at the end of my run, and worked hard to provide timely formats based on what Examiner incentivized me to write. Sometimes this was a review, sometimes it was a list, sometimes it was me writing a review using two fictional characters. I experimented frequently -- and as I look for a new job and interviewers ask if I can actually write, I can speak with confidence that I've been honing my craft in the battlefield of public opinion
for over six years. <br />
<br />
The cracks started to show early on. Examiner promised financial incentives based on social sharing, then failed to deliver on them (two years later they finally did implement these incentives). I brought a new Examiner over but because he didn't fill out the form early enough in the process, they refused to make an exception and award me the headhunter fee. Mind you, the bounty for bringing on a new Examiner was $50 at the time, which was easily the equivalent of what I made from Examiner in a month. The fact that they weren't willing to cover a simple thing as a fee for bringing a new Examiner in (something that should have been celebrated) left a bad taste in my mouth and was a sign of things to come. <br />
<br />
Then the ads started. Oh the ads! First it was an ad along one side, then along the bottom, then it was an ad across the top, and finally it was an ad that took up the entire screen. The ads weren't just aimed at readers -- logging in to use the tool as an Examiner meant wading through ads that frequently crashed my browser. At some point, Examiner decided to make money off of the suckers trying to write for them, which is a bit like a snake eating its own tail. Sure, you might stave off death from starvation for a little longer, but it won't end well.<br />
<br />
The real nail in the coffin was the Taboola-style deal-with-the-devil faux ads. Examiner just gave up any editorial pretense completely and let an algorithm shove its own article-style ads on the side and bottom of the page. These so-called articles were gruesome, with such lurid descriptions (with accompanying pictures!) like "Do You Want to See a Dead Body?"<br />
<br />
These changes steadily eroded Examiner's reputation, and by proxy damaged my reputation as a "pro-am" journalist. Then Examiner started to get editorial.<br />
<br />
I welcomed editorial guidelines. But Examiner tried to implement guidelines without the financial resources to back it up. They were attempting to stem the tide of drek they had reaped for years and were coming after the most visible writers. The problem was that they didn't earn the additional effort they were requiring. In the end, it was enough to make me decide to quit completely.<br />
<br />
I walked away from Examiner when it wasn't necessarily financially lucrative to do so. I formally resigned and moved to <a href="http://www.patreon.com/talien" target="_blank">Patreon</a>, but Examiner kept my articles and kept making money off of them...for a few months anyway. The site closed in much the way it operated, without enough respect to even notify the writers who made it money. It was through one of my patrons that I even found out what was happening, and then set about saving the articles I valued most.<br />
<br />
Looking back, I'm glad I left on my own two feet, so to speak. All the signs were there: the lack of respect for the writers who worked so hard, the race to the bottom with ads, the loss of financial incentives, and then the whole thing suddenly collapsing in on itself. <br />
<br />
I've since discovered that Examiner's rise and fall is not unique. Many online outlets have made Examiner's mistakes on some level, like engaging in Taboola/Outbrain-style ads, or just not paying their writers anything but "exposure." At least Examiner paid, even if they never let you know exactly how much you were making.<br />
<br />
This is why I'm pleased to announce that I'm part of the <a href="https://www.patreon.com/enworld">ENWorld News Network (ENN)</a>. My Patreon allows me to write what I want; ENN lets me report on gaming topics that I'm passionate about and ensure the audience sees it (even if they don't agree with me). In leaving of my own accord from Examiner, I found not one but two better opportunities. You have to go through some tough times to reach a better place.<br />
<br />
I will keep that in mind as I transition to the next step in my career, whatever that may be.Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-64223398541332787132016-02-22T22:14:00.000-05:002016-02-22T22:14:39.957-05:00Join Us on Patreon<strong></strong>I write a lot on gaming and geek culture. I research,
I interview sources, I try to connect dots in this overstuffed world of
regurgitated
content. We're in a new world order in
which we no longer need distribution channels layering, skimming,
siphoning off
the top. Sick of ads? Me too. Help me write what I love without having
to wade through two videos and three pop-up banners. I had 90
subscribers on Examiner. With just $1/month from each of them I could
easily keep doing what I love most: writing and sharing with you! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.patreon.com/talien" target="_blank">Join us on Patreon!</a> <br />
<br />No
matter how many Patrons I have, I will at least write six articles a
month because I really can't help myself. These articles are for free to
the public, but for longer investigative or reference pieces I am happy
to make the articles Patron only, let me know!<br /><br />So what do I write about? Reviews of cartoons and movies I watch, games I
play, books I read, and projects I fund. But I also try to connect the dots on
overlooked issues in the gaming community, like the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-reason-you-didn-t-get-your-gen-con-event-tickets-this-year">coming convention crisis</a>, how <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/the-murder-suicide-that-derailed-4th-edition-dungeons-dragons-online">4th Edition Dungeons & Dragons derailed</a>, <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/10-signs-you-shouldn-t-fund-a-tabletop-crowdsourced-game" target="_blank">crowdfunding controversies</a>, and <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/critical-fumble-the-real-motivation-behind-the-magic-dating-article-gone-awry">defending geeks</a> from <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/men-s-fitness-magazine-bashes-cosplayers-at-new-york-comic-con">jerks everywhere</a>.Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-7400421193016878542015-09-02T21:49:00.002-04:002015-09-02T21:49:22.470-04:00Examiner Still Won't Stop Emailing MeBut that's okay, they're very entertaining! The Director of Content had a very important message:<br />
<blockquote>
One item of note from the original notification you received: In my haste to get the message out about the whitelist, two versions of the message were sent. While both correctly stated the 10% CPM increase, one message neglected to say that it was being capped at a $400 maximum bonus. I wanted to personally apologize for the oversight. Regardless, I hope that you were still able to take advantage of the incentive and we hope to offer more in the near future.</blockquote>
Oops! Here's my favorite part:
<br />
<blockquote>
On a more personal note, it is with great anticipation and trepidation I let you know that today will be my last day at Examiner.com. </blockquote>
Got questions? Too bad!
<br />
<blockquote>
If anything comes up that you need assistance with, you can reach out to your contacts here directly, go through the Support Center or email...</blockquote>
But Examiners have a bright future ahead of them!
<br />
<blockquote>
As stated in our email to all contributors, you are a member of a select group of Examiners who will continue to reinvent Examiner.com Thanks for your contributions and I look forward to watching the progress of the site.</blockquote>
P.S. You left off a period after Examiner.com in the second to last sentence. I was going to tell the Director of Content about it but, well... Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-1317563757680371782015-08-06T20:27:00.003-04:002018-01-11T14:42:35.024-05:00Good News Everyone: Examiner Whitelisted Me!I have been officially removed as Examiner (yay!) but my articles continue to be there (boo!), so me quitting had the net effect of...me basically just not making any money on their site. They're still emailing me though, and you'll be relieved to know that I'm still a highly respected Examiner:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Dear Michael,<br />
<br />
Congratulations!<br />
<br />
You have been selected as a member of our Whitelist team, effective immediately. You have shown us time and again that writing high-quality content is as important to you as it is to Examiner.com. We thank you for that and wanted to let you know that the publishing process will not change for you. <br />
<br />
As stated in our email to all contributors, you are a member of a select group of Examiners who will continue to publish directly to the website without review. That said, we do reserve the right to occasionally check out your writing and offer feedback along the way. <br />
<br />
Thank you for being a star contributor! As an added bonus and to show our gratitude for your quality contributions, we are offering you a 10% increase in your CPMs for the remainder of the month, and hope to continue this in future months. This will not be reflected on your dashboard but will be added to your earnings paid out on or around the 20th of September.<br />
<br />
Thanks again!<br />
<br />
Examiner.com</blockquote>
Gee Examiner, thanks for giving me a 10% increase after ruining my CPMs with your mass changes that you are no longer paying me for.<br />
<br />
I'm so grateful for my <a href="http://www.patreon.com/talien" target="_blank">Patreon patrons</a>! <br />
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</xml><![endif]-->Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-1503075439780347182015-08-01T08:41:00.000-04:002015-08-06T20:33:44.972-04:00Examiner won't let me quitThere's a process for decommissioning your column from Examiner. I filled out the form for my two topics as per their instructions:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h1 class="title">
How do I quit writing for Examiner.com?</h1>
<span id="bodyfont">If you need to your account with Examiner.com or just need to stop writing on an individual title, please submit a ticket. </span></blockquote>
<span id="bodyfont">So that's what I did, and I copy/pasted my entire "I quit" letter you saw in the previous post. Here's the response I got from the editor:</span><br />
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<br />
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<b>Dear Michael Tresca,</b> </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="mso-line-height-alt: 10.5pt;">
Here is some information regarding your
recent support request. </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hi Michael,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Thanks for your feedback; we appreciate your efforts. Please feel free to
directly report any article that contains objectionable content or incorrect
information. To do so, please click on the 'report' button below the article in
question.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The
best part is that in the editor's response it turns out there is a
Facebook page and a Twitter feed dedicated to Examiners who are gamers
that I was never made aware of. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Examiner's so bad you can't even quit. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-65238345355492135272015-07-30T21:46:00.002-04:002015-07-31T06:37:57.609-04:00I quit Examiner today<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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<i><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">I quit Examiner today. Below is my resignation letter for those who are interested as to why. If you're interested in contacting me for a writing gig please feel free to contact me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/talien" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/dreadspace" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltresca" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>. </span></i></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">I believe all these email exchanges are cataloged,
so I'm hopeful that as a six-year veteran writer of Examiner that this message makes
its way to your leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll try to
be succinct in my objections to Examiner's platform:</span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;"> </span>
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<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">The concept of gaming as a hobby is not valued at Examiner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">This issue
is clear if you look at the top five examiners in Other Games and Top Games: the
<a href="http://www.examiner.com/gambling-13-in-detroit/joseph-karbousky" target="_blank">Warren Gambling Examiner</a> and the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/international-lottery-in-national/marv-dumon" target="_blank">International Lottery Examiner</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gambling, video games, and tabletop games are
not the same, and it reflects poorly on my readership that the topic is grouped
there. This harms my brand. </span></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">You advertise egregiously, including to your own Examiners. </span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">It's bad enough that my readers experience a visual assault of ads when
they come to Examiner; you also advertise on the login for Examiners who work
for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or to put it another way, I'm
actually paying YOU by simply showing up to write something. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This harms my brand. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">Y<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ou
unpublished hundreds of articles without discussion or recourse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Examiner unlisted 330 of my articles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no means of fixing them without a
manual process; I can't republish them or even format the articles to fix
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have been happy to fix
them, but I wasn't even given that courtesy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This harms my income as an Examiner. </span></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">Social sharing is broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">Google+ only picks up the appropriate picture from the article once out
of every five articles. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This harms my
income as an Examiner. </span></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">News postings are broken. </span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">A search of
RPG Examiner in the news section brings up an article submitted for news with
the title "Use Your Key for the Next Article."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That text wasn't in anything I wrote on the
article, so it was an error in how it was submitted to Google's news. This
harms my brand and my income as an Examiner. </span></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">You removed the $1 incentive for lists. </span></b><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">Examiner's removal of the incentive has not gone unnoticed. Without that
incentive, the more substantial writing you require is no longer worth the
effort for the amount Examiner pays.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;">In short, Examiner is now harming my brand
and what little income I made through the platform. This leaves me with no
other choice: I quit. </span></div>
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<![endif]-->Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-14472594352389940852014-06-09T21:27:00.000-04:002014-06-09T21:29:05.192-04:00I am a guest at PortConMaine 2014!<img alt="" src="http://www.portconmaine.com/web/images/notsquishedlogo.jpg" id="jsn-logo-desktop" width="100%"/> <br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">PortConMaine is Maine's first, longest running, and largest convention celebrating the hobbies that enrich our lives. </span>Join
us for a celebration of geek culture interests including anime, gaming,
science fiction, costuming, fantasy, video gaming, boffer combat,
comics, pop culture, steampunk, and more! You can catch me at the following events:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Friday, June 20, 6 p.m. EDT - The Path to Publishing: </b>Publishing a book in any format is now easier than ever before. Mike Tresca -- RPG, fiction, and non-fiction author -- explains his three paths to publishing and how his gaming experience helped him get there. If you've ever thought about writing a book, now's the time. Mike will show you how.</li>
<li><b>Saturday, June 21, 7 p.m. EDT - Gamers & Gaming in Business: </b>Ever wondered if you have what it takes to succeed in Corporate America as a gamer? The elements of gaming that make gamers so effective in overcoming obstacles have practical applications in the business world. From tabletop, to massive multi-player online role-playing games, the impact of these games is changing how the next generation of employees views work. This presentation will show why being a gamer gives you a critical advantage in the workplace.</li>
<li><b>Sunday, June 22, 9 a.m. EDT - Gaming Through 2020: </b>We are in the midst of a gaming revolution. As social media becomes more prevalent, everything is being turned into a game. The world has changed, uniting people more than ever before even as it fuels other revolutions: of ideas, of governments, of how we perceive each other. Mike Tresca -- social media manager, gamer, and tech enthusiast -- shares how this revolution came about, where we are today, and where gamification will take us into the future.</li>
</ul>
Click <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/portconmaine-2014-tickets-8715583545" target="_blank">here to register</a>. Hope to see you there! Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-43131573685299934442014-04-01T06:50:00.001-04:002014-04-01T06:50:54.459-04:00Happy Anniversary to Me!<img src="http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/all/modules/custom/ex_achievements/images/anniversary-5-200px.png" width="100%" />
I've been an Examiner for five years! Still waiting on my watch...
Oh wait, I got a badge. That thing up there. I have now collected every badge Examiner offers. There's nothing else to achieve. This tells me that Examiner isn't expecting people to make it past five years.
Now I don't feel quite so excited.
Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-25290469198686076102014-03-22T04:56:00.002-04:002014-03-22T04:56:48.499-04:00I Will Be a Guest at PortCon Maine!<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.portconmaine.com/web/images/notsquishedlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.portconmaine.com/web/images/notsquishedlogo.jpg" width="100%" /></a></div>
PortConMaine is Maine's first, longest running, and largest convention celebrating the hobbies that enrich our lives. Join
us for a celebration of geek culture interests including anime, gaming,
science fiction, costuming, fantasy, video gaming, boffer combat,
comics, pop culture, steampunk, and more! Come to enjoy your current
favorite fandom and learn something new about another! Meet old and new
friends and join the community-- let's celebrate the interests we enjoy
together!<p>
<a href="http://www.portconmaine.com/web/index.php/guests/67-michael-talien-tresca-game-industry" target="_blank">Read more</a>Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-68351795355802870282014-02-23T22:17:00.001-05:002014-02-24T06:54:53.969-05:00Thank you IABC!It was a pleasure speaking at the <a href="http://westfair.iabc.com/" target="_blank">International Association of Business Communicators Westfair </a>this past week. For those of you who attended my presentation, here are all the links I referenced:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cut-the-rope/id380293530?mt=8" target="_blank">Cut the Rope</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-create-a-linkedin-group.html" target="_blank">Create a LinkedIn Group</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.the-efa.org/" target="_blank">Editorial Freelancers Association</a></li>
<li><a href="http://fedobe.com/learn-some-social-media-etiquette-in-social-networks/" target="_blank">Learn Online Etiquette</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/authors/becoming-an-author/" target="_blank">McFarland Publishing</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/start?ref=nav" target="_blank">Kickstarter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://kdp.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Kindle Direct Publishing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://exm.nr/NEoxTf" target="_blank">Become an Examiner</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.codecademy.com/" target="_blank">Codecademy</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://docs.writethedocs.org/en/latest/writing/beginners-guide-to-docs/" target="_blank">Write the Docs</a></li>
<li><a href="http://careerplanning.about.com/od/negotiatingoffers/a/negotiat_salary.htm" target="_blank">About.com Career Planning</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://gigaom.com/2010/01/16/secrets-of-successful-self-directed-work/" target="_blank">Secrets of Self-Directed Work</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2012/05/29/passion-hobby-or-purpose/" target="_blank">Passion vs. Hobby</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://zynga.com/">Zynga.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.egfnyc.com/" target="_blank">Enterprise Gamification Forum</a> </li>
</ul>
Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-14228792679109988992013-11-17T21:30:00.000-05:002013-11-17T21:30:12.805-05:00EGF Post-Mortem Michael Tresca A quick interview with Jim Wexler post Enterprise Gamification Forum.
<br />
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rU_wTMmKXP4" width="560"></iframe></div>
Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-75561346622835325372013-08-26T20:34:00.001-04:002013-08-26T20:34:10.207-04:00Crowdsourcing Incorporating RPGs into Business Training EnvironmentsHi All,<br /><br />I will be conducting a presentation at the Enterprise Gamification Forum in New York City on September 25. You can find out more at http://www.egfnyc.com/schedule.html#details<br /><br />The title of the presentation is "The Sword is Mightier Than the Pen: Roleplaying Games & the Business World." I'd like to spend my time speaking about how to create a well-designed successful training game environment. I'm looking for any best practices, recommendations, or ideas you'd like to share, and will consider incorporating them into the presentation, with full credit of course. <br /><br />You can contact me directly at miketresca@gmail.com or here on social media. I hope to hear from you!Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-68139630629573616002013-08-09T07:19:00.000-04:002013-08-09T07:19:05.846-04:00Join me at the Enterprise Gamification Forum in NYC on Sept. 23 - 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVHjhvmQop40wi_1m1VR3QYGGAVl4fkuF4YuwF_gCOERiBUkJ3zzQJvQl_d87jG41uxP8__amoTE58LP-koq_GdrhzwC28hH6B9HpaoIMBgVaJbFwlB8XRmzkXQkU5Nr87oWT/s1600/The-Enterprise-Gamification-Forum-2013.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVHjhvmQop40wi_1m1VR3QYGGAVl4fkuF4YuwF_gCOERiBUkJ3zzQJvQl_d87jG41uxP8__amoTE58LP-koq_GdrhzwC28hH6B9HpaoIMBgVaJbFwlB8XRmzkXQkU5Nr87oWT/s1600/The-Enterprise-Gamification-Forum-2013.jpeg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">The
Enterprise Gamification Forum <a href="http://www.egfnyc.com/">www.egfnyc.com</a>
serves a deep need at the enterprise level to understand gamification. Over
three days, we will deliver hands-on workshops, share best practices, showcase
new products and ideas, disseminate data, inspire each other and offer networking
to create a more fun and engaging world. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Join me
along with leaders in a variety of industries to showcase our real-world
success stories in using game mechanics to motivate people, engage audiences
and solve problems, including:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">President &
Chairman, <b>Children's Financial Network</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Publisher,<b>
Wall Street Journal Custom Studios</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">CEO,<b> Butler,
Shine, Stern & Partners</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Director of
Digital Strategy, <b>Prudential Retirement</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Lead Manager of
Digital and Multichannel Programs, <b>AXA Equitable</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Chief Creative
Strategist, <b>Flightpath</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Director of
Consumer Learning,<b> T. Rowe Price</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Enterprise
Community Manager, <b>Thomson Reuters</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">President,<b>
RealTime Media</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Enterprise
Community Manager, <b>Pearson</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Senior Innovation
Strategist, <b>SAP Labs</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Global Social
Media Manager, <b>Cisco</b></span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">See the full
speaker line-up here <a href="http://www.egfnyc.com/">www.egfnyc.com</a> </span></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">This is
the only exclusive enterprise gamification forum offered – don’t be left
behind. Secure your spot today and take advantage of two exceptional discounts:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Register by <b>August
9th</b> & save $400</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Register a team
of 3 and get a 4<sup>th</sup> pass for <b>FREE</b></span></li>
<li><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Mention code
“SPK” and receive an additional $400 off!!!</span></b></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I look forward to
seeing you in New York this September. </span>Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-72392520256763907092013-06-28T08:16:00.001-04:002013-06-28T08:24:49.155-04:00Thank you NJ ISACA!<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=michaeltresca&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004I5BN0Y" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
To all my gracious new friends at the NJ ISACA celebrating their 35th anniversary, congratulations and thank you for having me! For those of you interested in the electronic version of my book, The Evolution of Fantasy Role-Playing Games, please see the link at right.<br />
<br />
If you would like to network with me, please feel free to connect on LinkedIn: <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltresca">http://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeltresca</a>. Here's the videos I didn't have time to share:<br />
<br />
Sight, a brilliant and disturbing short sci-fi film by Eran May-raz and Daniel Lazo, imagines a world in which Google Glass-inspired apps are everywhere.
<br />
<iframe align="middle" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lK_cdkpazjI" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
ImageMetrics asks Emily to explain the "uncanny valley" of computer graphics imitating life. Look closely, what she has to say might surprise you.<br />
<br />
<iframe align="middle" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bLiX5d3rC6o" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
It was a pleasure meeting you all!
<br />
<br />
Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-8423101087731724142013-04-24T22:39:00.002-04:002013-04-24T22:49:21.140-04:00Review of the Evolution of Fantasy Role-Playing Games<iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=michaeltresca&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=078645895X" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
Christopher T. Connor reviewed <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Fantasy-Role-Playing-Games-ebook/dp/B004I5BN0Y/ref=tmm_kin_title_0" target="_blank">The Evolution of Fantasy Role-Playing Games</a> in The Journal of Popular Culture, Volume 46, Issue 1, pages 221–222, February 2013: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ultimately Tresca's book is a strong supplementary
text for exploring role-playing games and online interactions. It
provides a concise balanced summary of the history of role-playing
games, while also spending time analyzing the shift to online
role-playing games. Despite the lack of a strong analytical edge, Tresca
manages to provide some interesting insights for how online games work.
His emphasis on the role of anonymity and limited availability for
using non verbal cues provides keen insight into online role-playing
games if not all online interactions. </blockquote>
<br />
Read more at <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpcu.12022_2/full" target="_blank">The Journal of Popular Culture</a>. Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-41838410994086382132013-04-08T06:55:00.000-04:002013-04-08T06:55:54.502-04:00Book Signing at SFABC's Saddle River Valley Cultural CenterI will be conducting a <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sfassnofbergencounty/home/general-meeting-directions/2013/04-2013-meeting" target="_blank">presentation and book signing</a> as a guest of the Sci-Fi Association of Bergen County (SFABC) at the <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/sfassnofbergencounty/home/directions/saddle-river-valley-cultural-center-upper-saddle-river-new-jersey" target="_blank">Saddle River Valley Cultural Center</a>, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey this Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 8 p.m. For over 25 years the S F A B C has promoted an interest and enjoyment of science fiction, fantasy, horror and related areas with a variety of events and activities. <br /><br />I hope to see you there!Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-70526898179709495882012-12-31T22:59:00.003-05:002012-12-31T22:59:53.113-05:00Looking for a game columnist?I'm not sure how many folks will see this but I'm going to put it out there as part of my New Years resolution: I am looking for a new home for my game writing. My efforts to date in my other columns are not generating enough income to justify the effort. <br />
<br />
However, I'm not willing to abandon writing a column entirely. I enjoy having a platform for gaming advocacy. It has been instrumental in ensuring my voice is heard, enough that io9 has used my column as a source. In short, there are much more popular platforms that get a lot more traffic for a lot less effort. I don't mind working hard, but it's becoming clear that I'm working harder than a lot of other folks for a lot less return.<br />
<br />
So this is my official announcement that I am looking for a new home for my column. My requirements: <br />
<ul>
<li><b>It's about gaming. </b>Not just video games, which is a very crowded market, but inclusive of tabletop, LARPs, and other forms of gaming. </li>
<li><b>It must pay with a rate that is clearly stated up front </b>(not "pay in the future," or "when the site becomes viable")</li>
<li><b>I determine the content. </b>I don't mind some guidelines on the topic, but I define role-playing very broadly.</li>
</ul>
These requirements may be unrealistic, but I figure it's worth putting myself out there to see what my options are. <br />
<br />
Happy New Year!Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-22516964796033931992012-12-07T06:56:00.000-05:002012-12-07T06:59:35.712-05:00Please contribute to the #Punktown #RPG #Kickstarter<p align="center">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="380" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1799183063/punktown-an-rpg-setting-for-call-of-cthulhu-and-br/widget/card.html" width="480"></iframe></p>
I've been working on-and-off for the past few years on a secret project that can now be revealed to the world: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Thomas_%28writer%29" rel="nofollow">Jeffrey Thomas'</a> Lovecraftian sci-fi setting known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Thomas_%28writer%29#Punktown" rel="nofollow">Punktown</a> is on track to be published as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_of_Cthulhu_%28role-playing_game%29" rel="nofollow">Call of Cthulhu</a>-compatible <a class="inline_link" href="http://www.examiner.com/topic/roleplaying-game/articles">role-playing game</a> by <a href="http://www.miskatonicriverpress.com/" rel="nofollow">Miskatonic River Press</a> in 2013.<p>
After reading Jeff's fiction in <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/book-review-of-unholy-dimensions">Unholy Dimensions</a>, I added everything else he wrote to my wish list. Over time I received a few more of Jeff's books, including <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/book-review-of-monstrocity">Monstrocity </a>and <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/book-review-of-everybody-scream">Everybody Scream! </a>I
was hooked. Jeff's world was so evocative I was convinced his books
would have inspired a fan conversion of the setting to a role-playing
game, so I did a search on Google for "<a class="inline_link" href="http://www.examiner.com/topic/punktown/articles">Punktown</a>" and "role-playing game." I came discovered <a href="http://punktalk.punktowner.com/?p=66" rel="nofollow">this entry</a> on Jeff's blog:<p/>
<blockquote>
Some cool stuff that might happen: Polish and Korean
translations of some of my work. Punktown graphic novels and
role-playing game. LETTERS FROM HADES Hollywood production. We shall
see…we shall see. I hope to have some solid facts to relate in the
future. Or at least, a few more cute anecdotes, anyway.</blockquote>
When I asked Jeff if the <a class="inline_link" href="http://www.examiner.com/topic/rpg">RPG</a> ever came to fruition he explained it had not:<br />
<blockquote>
Well, such things are often suggested — and Puntown
graphic novels, and Punktown movies — but then too often people don’t
pick up on the idea, or carry it for a short while before letting it
fall behind. But I would still very much like to see that happen.
Anybody out there? Huh?</blockquote>
I took Jeff up on his offer. After collaborating for the past two
years we had a draft. Then it was a matter of finding a publisher.
Cubicle 7's success with <a href="http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/83956/The-Laundry-RPG&affiliate_id=34014" rel="nofollow"><i>The Laundry RPG</i></a> demonstrated that a licensed <a class="inline_link" href="http://www.examiner.com/topic/call-of-cthulhu/articles">Call of Cthulhu</a> was possible. There was only one publisher I knew personally in the Call of Cthulhu industry, whom I met at I-CON: <a href="http://www.miskatonicriverpress.com/" rel="nofollow">Miskatonic River Press (MRP)</a>.<p>
I knew MRP's quality from <a href="http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/77803/Our-Ladies-of-Sorrowhttp://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/77803/Our-Ladies-of-Sorrowhttp://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/77803/Our-Ladies-of-Sorrow&affiliate_id=34014" rel="nofollow">Our Ladies of Sorrow</a>.
The Mythos industry is a tight one, and Jeff's not just an author but a
talented artist who collaborated with MRP previously. I had <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/miskatonic-river-press-panel-it-s-a-small-world-after-all">covered MRP at I-CON</a> and spoken with President and Managing Editor <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/interview-with-tom-lynch-of-miskatonic-river-press">Tom Lynch</a>, Vice President in Charge of Gaming <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/interview-with-oscar-rios-of-miskatonic-river-press">Oscar Rios</a>, and Consulting Editor <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/miskatonic-river-press-panel-so-you-wanna-write-horror">Scott David Aniolowski</a>.
<p>
Once Tom, Jeff, and I connected the dots we signed a contract. I'm pleased to announce that the Kickstarter is now a reality. Please <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1799183063/punktown-an-rpg-setting-for-call-of-cthulhu-and-br">share and contribute</a>!<p>
<div align="center">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1799183063/punktown-an-rpg-setting-for-call-of-cthulhu-and-br/widget/video.html" width="480"> </iframe></div>
Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-53985579692725487442012-11-13T12:34:00.000-05:002012-12-27T17:38:37.463-05:00Brookfield man plays part in helping veterans start careersMe again, quoted in the Stamford Advocate:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
GE has said it will hire 1,000 veterans a year for five years, and it has nearly met its goal for the first year, said GE spokesman Michael Tresca.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"We're at 900. We're on track to hiring 1,000 for 2012," he said. "We're also doing job transition workshops across the country where veterans can talk with veterans who work at GE. We're doing 40 this year."</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Working with major corporations like Alcoa, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, GE also is co-sponsoring the "Get Skills to Work" effort. The program, with community colleges across the country, kicks off this month.<br />
<br />
<br /></blockquote>
Read more at the <a href="http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Brookfield-man-plays-part-in-helping-veterans-4030658.php#ixzz2C7oRy94V">Stamford Advocate</a>.
Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-67868588043822902772012-11-01T00:01:00.000-04:002012-11-01T00:01:01.230-04:00I Turned 40 Today!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This post was inspired by <a href="http://shellymazzanoble.com/?p=875">Shelly Mazzanoble</a>, who wrote what
I can only describe as a psychologically healthy take on aging.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turned 40 today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's
been a tough year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've been through five
outpatient surgeries (and have the scars to prove it!) and experienced a range
of emotional losses, including the death of my twenty-year old cat Maya. My
role-playing campaign ended and with it friendships of over twenty years. Our
house has been under construction, so I've been sleeping on a cot on the first
floor of my house for the past three months. I spent the last two weeks on and
off traveling for business under very stressful circumstances. When I got back,
our house lost power thanks Hurricane Sandy and we lived in fear that our
basement would flood, which is also where all our earthly possessions happen to
be stored. For the past forty-eight hours our alarm system died a slow, noisy
death, chirping from every corner of the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I was wrestling with a port-a-potty in the middle of a hurricane,
it makes one consider one's life choices. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I also turned 40 today! I am in good health – my blood
pressure is low, although I'm still working on my cholesterol. My gut problems
turned out to be entirely stress-related and once I figured that out they went
away. I have three published books under my belt (not counting my role-playing
game publications and articles) and finally achieved my dream of seeing my fantasy
fiction in print. I participated in the Dungeons & Dragons Documentary and
helped it succeed as a Kickstarter. I have a smart, practical, sexy wife who is
a fantastic mother to our two beautiful, bright children that keep me on my
toes every day. We will soon have a house that can actually comfortably
accommodate all of us. I started a new role-playing game campaign online and
reconnected with friends all over the continent from over twenty years ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year at work I launched an <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ge-careers/id538980482?mt=8">iPad app</a>
for recruiting university students and a <a href="http://www.getskillstowork.org/">web site</a> dedicated to helping U.S. military
veterans get a job. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite all this, I'm still not completely satisfied and I
doubt I ever will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm on the hook to
write a trilogy for my fiction series but way behind in writing it. Professionally,
I hope to continue moving onward and upward – the fact that I just spent a week
at work training by playing role-playing games is a sign that I'm on the right
path. I don't have as much time to for my hobbies as I would like (I read an
entire book during the blackout!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I
suspect this is the curse of the busy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the third day of the blackout, on Halloween, I sarcastically
shouted "Happy Birthday to me!" Then the lights came back on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Message received. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Birthday to me. :) </div>
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<![endif]-->Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-80923406564080765222012-09-15T23:36:00.003-04:002012-09-15T23:36:58.277-04:00My First Book Signing!I will be conducting my first ever book-signing on Saturday, September 22, 1 p.m. at Modern Myths for all three of my books: The Evolution of Fantasy Role-Playing Games, Awfully Familiar, and The Well of Stars. I will also talk about the evolution of fantasy role-playing games (go figure) before the signing.
Drop by 34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA and say hello! <a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/468240063197017/declines/?notif_t=group_activity">more</a>Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com134 Bridge St, Northampton, MA 01060, USA42.321259 -72.627755342.3197915 -72.6302228 42.322726499999995 -72.625287800000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-18461825266352871452012-09-02T17:41:00.000-04:002012-09-02T17:42:31.675-04:00Support the Dungeons & Dragons: Documentary Kickstarter<p align="right"><iframe frameborder="0" height="380" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andrewpascal/dungeons-and-dragons-a-documentary/widget/card.html" width="500" ></iframe></p>
These guys are awesome. Please support them!
<blockquote>Dungeons & Dragons is a game beloved by its fans. A game that brings family and friends together, creates communities, societies and sub-cultures. D&D teaches. We have heard countless stories of gamers who have delved deeper, studying history, language, science and math purely for the desire to be better players. Gamers have created lifelong friendships because of this game and come in all walks of life; firefighters, educators, computer programmers, entrepreneurs, and yes, even a few documentary film-makers.
We need to interview people all over the country, find folks who were there at its creation, talk to experts to explain to us why this is such an important game. We also have archival footage to find and pay for. Once we get it "into the can", we then have to cut all of that footage together. We need to edit, add music and include some fun graphics, etc. We then have to sound mix it, master it and put all the finishing touches to make it look great.
And we'd like to get all of it finished by 2014, the 40th anniversary of the first publication of Dungeons & Dragons, when the first boxed set was released. </blockquote>
<p align="center"><iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andrewpascal/dungeons-and-dragons-a-documentary/widget/video.html" frameborder="0"> </iframe></p>Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-55267811704299664012012-08-28T06:57:00.003-04:002012-08-28T06:57:27.123-04:00Very Short Review: The Evolution of Fantasy Role-Playing Games, by Michael Tresca<blockquote>Tresca also shares his own experiences with various games to illustrate his discussion. While some might argue that including individual experience invites criticism that it’s analysis based on anecdote, I found it quite helpful. Reading these experiences gave me a much clearer idea of the kind of player Tresca is and the kinds of games he prefers and so on. That knowledge makes his analysis easier for me to interpret. Knowing his extensive background also strengthens his authority, so that if he says something is frustrating, I know he is no newbie gamer getting hung up on something we all deal with, but critiquing something that many players might find tiresome.</blockquote>
<a href="http://kdevries.net/blog/?p=557">Else-If-Then</a>Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11932018.post-90445990322604731412012-08-17T07:49:00.003-04:002012-08-17T07:49:36.798-04:00Hello Gen Con!Hi there,
If you're here you've most likely found me because I handed you a card at Gen Con, or alternately you became so annoyed with my live tweeting that you decided to track me down. Sorry about that.
Anyway, I'm the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/rpg-in-national/michael-tresca">National RPG Examiner</a> and the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/scifi-movie-in-national/michael-tresca">National Sci-Fi Movie Examiner</a>. If you're affiliated with gaming, geek culture, or movies I'd love to interview you! Leave a comment at this blog or click the contact me button at left.
Likewise, if you're interested in talking about my books, my column, or me, see my most recent books below and at left.
Talk to you soon!Mike Trescahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10549041407072333530noreply@blogger.com2