Fan To Pro - The Blog of Professional Geekery

An Interview With The People Behind Armchair Arcade

I found Armchair Arcade when I was doing research into useful links for people interested in gaming careers.  It was nice to see a site focused on game history - though Armchair Arcade covered a lot of ground.  When the creators offered to let me interview them, I had to take them up on the offer!

So let's meet:
Bill Loguidice, the Managing Director
Matt Barton, the Managing Editor
Mark Vergeer, the Contributing Editor

You can find more on them here, but now to the interview!  Thanks to Bill, Matt, and Mark for their insights on, writing, gaming, and game history!

News of the Day 3/31/2010

Asus has more coming, Starbucks tries a payment App, Digital content is growing, and China's game market is expanding. It looks like a lot is on the march in today's must know geeky job news . . . except for Ireland's economy and the future of 'Clash of the Titans.'

Career:
Be a careerpreneur. A short, fun post on taking an entrepreneurial approach to your career.

Economics/Geekonomics:
Ireland is also having financial problems. There's an acronym kicking around the econosphere - PIGS - Portugal, Ireland (or Italy), Greece and Spain. Those are 4 Eurozone countries with economic issues.

Is productivity actually slowing recovery from unemployment. Some contrarian thoughts.

Anime:
Funimation streams all sorts of stuff - More streaming all the time . . .

Media:
From the so-obvious-you-didn't-think-of-it department: how cutbacks in the postal service could affect geektastic company Netflix. Something I never thought of, and a good example of unexpected consequences in the economic downturn. I'm sure Netflix will beat any changes, but I'm also biased.

Digital Content is set to grow, but news doesn't look like it's going to take advantage of it. Some food for thought from a report from GigaOm.

Movies:
The new Clash of the Titans doesn't seem to do 3D well. For that matter sounds like it doesn't do plot too well either. Sounds like this might be an object lesson in why not to tack 3D on later.

Technology:
Asus has their tablet plans - and talks about them. Get some insights with this interview with Chairman Jonney Shih. Sounds like Asus gets the idea about appealing to different markets and userbases. A few iPad alternatives here.

Starbucks tries an iPhone Payment App. It's being used in 1000 stores, and the results will probably shape their policies and plans - and those of others. How much of a future is there in payment apps?

Video Games:
Chinese game market to nearly triple in 4 years. A lot of their model sounds like it follows the Korean model (which reminds me to get back to Dungeon Fighter Online . . .). An interesting question here is one of Markets - China is growing within and without, but what about letting other companies in . . .

An argument that the retail game store isn't in immediate danger and the comparisons of it to Blockbuster don't hold up here.

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Total Geekery:

Can we replace schools with games? A cheeky article that makes some good points about immersive environments.

The iPad will have an app that makes it look like A PADD from Star Trek. Yes at times, I am easily amused.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What is the future of the game market in China for external companies?

-Steven Savage

iPhone Non-Exclusivity And You

If you follow tech news, you've heard the rumor that Apple is going to end its exclusive deal for the iPhone with AT&T . . . oh, just about every other day. However, it appears that this may be the real thing this time, folks - no less a mainstream news source than CNN is reporting that Apple could begin manufacturing Verizon and Sprint-compatible phones as early as September.

Now, we're not going to jump the gun here and say this is a done deal, but it's looking more certain than not. So, it's probably time to analyze what this is going to mean jobwise to various segments of the geekonomy.

The Key To Your Career: Imagination

One thing I rarely talk about - probably as it seems obvious - is there is one thing you have to have to move forward in your career.  There is one key, one power, one trait you need to cultivate and use.

I don't talk about it nearly enough.

That trait?  Imagination.

News of the Day 3/30/2010

Game news all over, new controverisal social media, and . . . did I mention game news? Let's get to it . . .

Career:
Five reasons you may not be out of debt - Some nice, simple, effective advice.

Relocation:
Why location independence may be overrated. As a person who considered this kind of lifestyle, I have to say this makes some good points.

Economics/Geekonomics:
Keep an eye on Greece and China - Though to judge by this column, mostly China. Plenty to think of about these two companies often mentioned in any discussion on the economy, all written clearly.

Green Geekery:
An eco-friendly coke bottle redeisgn - Caffeine, a classic refreshment, aesthetic redesign, and green? A great example of having it all at once geektastically.

Anime:
Funimation gets rights to 'Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji'

Publishing:
Borders is apparently close to new financing.

Social Media:
Will Unvarnished become the 'honest' version of LinkedIn.com, a Yelp for People as seen here, or just an online Burn Book? Frankly I'm inclined to believe the worst - especially in this tough economy - and that this will go nasty fast, and end up with a lot of legal problems However you're going to need to be aware of this if it hits the larger social media culture.

Technology:
A look at how Google could solve the issue of fragmentation in Android

Video Games:
Must Read: The experience of a game reporter using his Pokewalker at PAX. He notes the power of this peripheral as a social tool, and describes his experience. Nintendo often seems to have a good handle on some of the social aspects of gaming, and those of you working (or wanting to work) in gaming will find some food for thought. I myself speculate that one of the values of gaming is going beyond the game - and companies that know how to add "lifestyle" elements to games may have an advantage.

There's a definite trend towards agencies working with game development talent. I think the current trends somewhat favor this - the investment it requires to make a good game requires talent. This also means that if you're in gaming - or want to be - it's time to see if agencies will affect you. For that matter of course they might be a good place to work.

A grant for Wii-based programs? Not game programs but programs like therapy. Might be worth finding out more about - or suggesting similar activities to organizations you know . . .

Future US thinks that gaming magazines face a tough future. They needless to say have some insights.

Breaks for game developers in the UK? It's a campaign issue. Seriously. Now let's see if some of this gets over to the states . . .

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Finally . . . most awesome school bus in ages.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: So, Unvarnished. Good idea or bad idea?

-Steven Savage

The Want Ad Paradox

We all know the story - Networking is the best way to get a job.  Indeed every study I've seen indicates this is true.  I know people whose jobs have come from networking - in some cases, people I helped out.

So you know the drill, Networking good.

However, I also know people that have gotten great jobs via want ads, the whole standard mail a resume thing.  Good jobs.  Career defining jobs.  The majority of their jobs.

So I asked myself about why some people really DO make want ads pay off again and again, and I've come to the conclusion that there's a Want Ad Paradox - and some people manage to navigate it.

The Paradox of Want Ads in a nutshell is this:

1. Want ads are incredibly inefficient methods of finding employment because everyone applies to them and not all jobs are posted.
2. Want ads can be low labor to apply for if one is prepared - if you have a premade resume and a generic cover letter you can get resumes out quick.  I once, during a job search covering multiple cities, got out over 80 resumes, and got over 8 initial interviews out of it as well as a few follow ups.

So the paradox is one of inefficiency versus ease.  In short, Want Ads are inefficient, but easy to use.

People effective at using Want Ads are people who have perfected the search process, have a good resume or set of resumes, and a good cover letter or set of cover letters.  In short, they overcome the inefficiency of want ads by being able to get good resumes and cover letters out fast and efficiency.

I'm still big on networking, and frankly think that it's going to get more important over time.  But the Want Ad search, done right, has a place in people's career searches - if they know how to make it work fast and efficiently.

ADDENDUM: I'd also note one advantage of the Want Ad search is you'll meet many recruiters, whom you can network with or find out about unposted and new positions.  That may up the value of the search for people - and ironically turn it into networking.

- Steven Savage

Site Update 3-29-3010

Site Update:

I think the  site updates are going to be normal, beyond the updates on publishing the book.  So let's go:

* It looks like I'll be at HyperCon in San Francisco in April.  I was just invited and am figuring out which event or events I'll do.  I will have copies of the book to sell!
* I also was invited to Anime Saint George in September to speak! I'm sorting out my schedule now.
* The book will go for distribution as a POD book to several sites, such as Amazon.  It takes a few weeks to process however.
* We're still debating moving Podcasts to Tuesdays.  It's a really mixed bag finding good Podcast time.
* I am now looking at my next books (what, you knew there would be some).  I've got 2-3 in mind, and notes on a lot of them.  I hope to bring one (or both) out this fall.

And that's the update for this week!

- Steven Savage

News of the Day, March 29, 2010

iPads are selling! Virtual goods are selling! The Twilight manga is still selling! And now, we're going to sell you the news!

Economics/Geekonomics

Income/Spending About in Line With Expectations: Factors are in place for short-term economic growth, but the long-term picture isn't quite there yet.  

Japanese Consumer Showing Signs of Life: Some cautiously optimistic signs coming from one of the bedrocks of the world geekonomy.

What Does Greece Mean to You?: A simplified analysis of how the world's biggest financial crisis could affect the lives of everyday Americans. 

Publishing

The Reality of Digital Content: Why writers may have to develop an entrepreneurial spirit to survive in the post-print magazine and newspaper world. And, as an opposing opinion: Print is Dying, Really? People in the publishing industry really should take both sides of the coin into consideration, but also remember that the digital frontier is here whether traditional print periodicals hang around or not. 

Computers/Web Tech

One Company's Hard Lesson In the Freemium Business Model: The hard lesson is it's a spam magnet. Here's tips on how to protect you if your business goes in this direction (and, by the way, freemium is used by a variety of online businesses, not just gaming, though that's the industry it's most associated with).

Lexalytics' Big Move: The story on how one tech company snatched success from the jaws of failure while working in an unusual field: Text analysis, which can instantly tell you if an E-mail is full of praise or insults. (It might be worth noting that they're thriving in Boston, which is more of a tech area than you might think).

Semiconductor Revenue Fell More than 10% Last Year: And it's the first time profits in this sector declined for two years in a row. However, the report indicates that sales started gaining strength toward the end of the year, indicating this is yet another industry hit hard by the economic downturn that is starting to bounce back.

Silicon Valley Investors Unhappy About Restrictions: A proposed financial reform bill would make it harder for startups to obtain funding in a prompt fashion, and it's drawing ire from investors who say it aims to "destroy Silicon Valley." Definitely worth paying attention to by any entrepreneurs, not just tech ones. 

Netbooks/Tablets

Apple Sells Out First Week's Shipment of iPads: Anyone surprised? Buehler? Buehler? (This is all preorders, by the way, we're still a couple of weeks from the release date). But seriously, this is the tip of the tablet iceberg - things will get really interesting when the Android-powered Googleblets arrive on the market later this year, especially if they cost less than Apple's device. Meanwhile, Nintendo is releasing the DS XL a week before the iPad and apparently considers Apple a threat to its device. 

Anime/Manga

Twilight Tops Bestselling Manga List: See first sentence of iPad item above. The fact that Maximum Ride is also on that list (and that manga's been out awhile) says that the future of manga in America may include many more fusions and cross-marketing. (Harry Potter, the Manga: Don't be surprised.)

Comics

Comics For Women vs. Comics for Girls: An analysis of what it would take to reach both the adult and teen female markets with a single title. (Personally, I'm impressed just to see comics companies, other than manga publishers, taking any female audience seriously).

Smartphones

Verizon, Vodaphone May Combine: Vodaphone is an overseas communications giant and Verizon's partner in its widely successful Verizon Wireless network (aka the House of Droid). This could serve to make a strong brand even stronger, not to mention extending the Droid's reach on a global basis. Verizon may be the safest bet for mobile-company careers right now.

Video Games

Hardcore Gamers Accepting Virtual Goods in Games: About 88% of gamers said they have bought either DLC or digital movies and music, while 60% said they have paid for goods within games. Might be a skewed number, because that 88% figure may reflect music for your iPod more than true DLC add-ons, but it's a sign that paying for goods and services is finding acceptance outside the casual market thought to be the bedrock of freemium.

GameStop Distributing Freemium Game: The company had acquired online game designer Jolt Online Gaming last year, and the first offering under the new partnership is called Legends of Zork. Smart move by GameStop to protect itself as an increasing amount of the business goes over to online gaming (see above).

E-Publishing

Self-Published E-Books to Make it to the iPad at Almost No Cost: Apple has cut a deal with self-publishing company Smashwords, and others are sure to follow (like, for instance, Lulu?). Great news for authors looking for exposure - self-publishing and E-books seem to go together hand in glove. 

Social Media

Facebook May Automatically Share Data With 'Pre-Approved Partners': It's part of their new privacy policy, under which data may be shared when users visit various Web sites to provide a "more personalized experience." However, users may opt out - so consider this a heads-up to Facebook users to do so. 

Geek News of the Weird

Battlefield Earth Screnwriter Apologizes, 10 Years Later: Sometimes, when you screw up to that extent, it's best to just issue an apology and move on. No, nobody's apologized for Howard the Duck, though somebody should. And speaking of embarassing flops, it's also the 15th anniversary of Microsoft Bob!

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Are the DSXL and tablets actual competitors to each other, or are they appealing two two distinct markets?

Weeky Challenge: When it's time to wait?

Everything comes and goes in the cycles of life.  We, careerists and professionals, are used to trying to figure these cycles out to ride them - or run from them.

Now and then, we end up at a difficult period in our lives when the various forces in our lives are at a crossroads, things end, and we're trying to get a handle on what's next.

So today's challenge?  Ask yourself what is on hold in your life - and that should stay on hold.

Take a look at your career goals - what is on hold now and why?  Of these events on hold, what are ones where you need to apply timing - to wait for an economic change, someone to return from a trip, etc.  What parts of your great life plan just happen to be caught up in the cycles of change.

Now for a second part - what of these "on hold" goals should you NOT try and tackle?  Are there things that, if you try and ram them ahead, you'll only end up in trouble?

What in short, are you just going to be bet off waiting on?  As much as people that try and encourage others on their career (like me) push you, sometimes you gotta wait.

- Steven Savage

Upcoming Podcast

Our next podcast is tomorrow!  We'll be covering the news of last week and our discussion is realignment versus recovery in the geekonomy.

Listen here!

- Steven Savage