43. Revamp/ Reboot

So in my 'post - New Year' update I outlines how I want to push on this year and do a lot more stuff, both in regards to blogging and everything else.
Part of that involves a make over of all of my blogs.

I am torn about how to go about this.

I know for certain I need a new image host; Blogger has been using my G+ space to save photos at the moment.
While this is streamlined it is not the best solution for a number of reasons, the most pressing one currently is capacity.
I want to pump out more content, and more content means more pictures.
Currently the best option looks to be Flickr with 1TB of image storage space for free (I'm poor).
This will also allow me to (finally) have a functioning Galley feature!

The part I'm struggling with the most is an issue of saturation.
The science of selling yourself short started out as a one stop shop for all thing DarKHaZZl3, or what I was willing to share.
Over the last year or so it has grown somewhat.
Now I post issues of the Cardboard Cartographer on here, which account for the majority of my page views, and I also have The Underhive Hero on a separate blog.

Ideally I want to grow all of my blogs, however I recognise that The Cardboard Cartographer is what attracts the most views.
The question is; do I split The science of selling yourself short and the Cardboard Cartographer into two separate blogs?
An extension of this issue is I'd like to have my own domain name; hell I'd like to have my own independent website.
The issue with this is that I make no money on anything I do.
My IRL job would have to support all of my forays into internet space, and trust me, it doesn't pay well.
When I take into account all of my other projects that require funding too, I could realistically support one blog website.
Do I have it support all of my blogs, or just The Cardboard Cartographer?

I haven't decided yet, however, in the meantime I will be revamping the look and layout of The science of selling yourself short.
I may end up re-releasing all of the posts as I will no doubt have to re-edit them with new image codes.

Seeing as I mentioned other projects....
I've set myself a list of goals and resolutions for 2015 and, in some cases, beyond.

The one I'm pressing one towards currently is starting a podcast with one of my good friends.
Again, like the blog revamp, this requires some research and some funding; website hosts, podcast hosts...
We haven't got a name for the damn thing yet!
I am looking forward to it.
We were meant to do an audio test on the 17th/18th of January but I have quite a bad cold and my new computer has not turned up yet, so we are having to delay that. hopefully we can put out the first episode at the end of February.

Anyway, that is all for now.
Remember to check out my previous posts, and keep checking back for updates and such.

Peace
-DH-

++ Update ++

 I've decided to find a happy middle ground, at least for now.
The science of selling yourself short will continue to host The Cardboard Cartographer.
Each month I will post a new update, and a reworked original post.
These will fit a set format that will make for consistent quality overall.
Also this will allow for a the Gallery function to, well, function.

In addition The Underhive Hero will be expanding. Anything 'Art' related will be presented there.
Quite a few of my upcoming projects fit that description.

Stay tuned for further news.

42. 'Coin Age.' Un-'enveloping.' The Cardboard Cartographer issue 15.

Welcome to issue 15  of 'The Cardboard Cartographer' here on 'The science of selling yourself short.'

In this issue we'll be un-boxing (enveloping really, as it doesn't come in a box) a micro game called Coin Age.

Coin Age was a 'pay-what-you-want' game created by TMG that was funded via Kickstarter.
The original funding goal was $5,000, which they met on December 21st 2013, and proceeded to smash, reaching a total of $65,195.
You can check out their campaign material by clicking here > Coin Age

In Coin Age two players attempt to control the land of Agea using a single card map and a handful of pocket change. Players take turns placing their forces (coins) on the map to control spaces, outmanoeuvre their opponent, and score victory points.

As with my previous Kickstarter un-boxing I have yet to play this game. Which is silly really, as it is amazingly portable and can almost literally be played anywhere.

On to the un-boxing!

Like Elevenses, this game is really compact. This 'un-boxing will be over amazingly quickly, mainly because it came in an envelope with no box (hence the lack of packaging picture).

The rules are compact, clear and fairly simple.

 

 

The 'boards' are roughly the size of a credit/ debit card and are made out of thin card, with the exception of the glossy card which is hard plastic.
The two thin 'boards' are also double sided, as to fit in more variable 'maps'.

The coins are standard cardboard composite, but also also includes some stickers to be stuck to pocket change if you don't want to use the cardboard pieces/ lose them.

And that is it!

It is simple, compact and clean.
Considering its size I actually think they managed to fit a fair amount of detail without making it look too cluttered.
Also the colours are great!

My main concern would be with the two 'boards' made of card. 
They are very flimsy. I can honestly see them getting damaged quite easily. Admittedly, they include a more durable board, but I don't see one board having great replay ability, so using this Micro Game for consistent travel use may not be the best.

That said, it is kind of hard to criticise the game considering;
a) it is a micro-game,

b) it was 'pay-what-you-want,'

and

c) I'm yet to play it.


A very short issue this time round.
Blame Christmas and New years, and playing more games again.

Have you ever played Coin Age? What do you think about it?

Leave me a comment below, or tweet me @DarkHaZZl3 on Twitter.

Thanks for reading. Until next Time

-DH-

41. Let's give it up for the New Year

Happy New year I guess.

  Before we get into this new dawn, let us spare a thought or two for the year that has just passed.

Good fucking riddance!

2014 was not a great year for me. I'm pretty sure I spent from mid January hating almost every moment of it.

Which is a bit of an odd notion.
I have never had the urge to do as many things as I have this year.
I have been really inspired to do what I love and to try not to give a fuck about those who look down on it.
But the whole year was just bad thing after bad thing happening to me and my family.
That just created this bubbling pit of apathy and anger, which crept into everything I did and made me not enjoy, well, anything.

You cans see this in the inconsistency of my updates, and the lack of constructive posts outside of The Cardboard Cartographer.

The last 6 weeks have been a massive turn around. I threw caution to the wind and just got out.
I tried to see all the bands I enjoy, tried to see as many people as possible a soften as I felt the need, and tried to drag myself away from looking back at the past.
This culminated in one of the best New years eve's ever; surrounded by friends, enjoying life.

I want to look forward.


So that brings me to 2015.
A New Year. A new start. More clichés.

I hate that shit. But for once, I'm going to indulge in that idea.

I want to get back to begin me minus the depressive state of mind that has plagued me since forever.

So maybe lets talk resolutions.
I mean, they should be for life, not just for the New Year right?

My resolution is a bit of a cop out I guess.
Make a list of things I want and achieve that.
I want to do more. Make more. Live more.
Be happy more.

I guess it is the bucket list idea, but instead of just a one off experience, it will be goals to consistently work towards.


So that is it.
Stay tuned for more from The Cardboard Cartographer this year, and hopefully other stuff too.
I want to see if I can beat the 22 posts from this year.

Only time will tell.

-DH-