Battier Than Batman

If my week had a theme, it would be "battier than Batman."

Not in a negative way - several of my freelance assignments/projects were brought to completion, and final invoices were sent. Of course, once that final one was e-mailed....I received calls for three different interviews.

Go figure.

Ironically, this was also the week when I wrote my final guest post for Job Stalker. Part of my decision was informed by the fact that I'm now running another Chicago Now blog (and which was featured as part of Blog Action Day); more importantly, I was so focused on writing that I was starting to forget that it's best done in balance with other activities. (A recent health scare with Mom confirmed this belief). I'm grateful for the opportunity to write about the search, and although it continues, I'm in a much better position....and more importantly, have better search results.

And as part of my Comic Related work - I have a new column up and running (don't know if I linked to it before), and here's the latest episode of Zone 4. Sometimes, it pays to have a great set of friends....it helps even out some of the unintended drama of normal life.

Finally, a very special thank you to Scott at Mist's Detectives for the opportunity to review his fine books. Go and read them; you'll thank me later.

An Awesome-ly Tough Week

Well, have to admit - this has been a rough week.

Part of it is a nasty cold that's still slightly hanging on, so I'm feeling a little bit underenergized. Thankfully, though, it's also been a week of finishing and letting go of some projects - some temporarily, others permanently, and some setting up for me to let go of.

On a semi-related note, I nearly found myself reacting negatively to someone's use of "awesome". Rather than start an online kerfuffle, my only point is - rather than tell you that I'm awesome, I would rather focus on being awesome.

And not call people "douches" - that's one cliche that I hope we can eradicate from our language.

But two things I'm proud of this week are the latest episode of Zone 4,  which is a great conversation (and how-to) for marketing your comics or other creative endeavors. We even provide some great resources via Scribd to help you promote your efforts. 

And of course, my penultimate Job Stalker entry. Yes, more on that next week....

Friday Pie Time

Probably the biggest news in my life this week would have to be...the release of Wonderman #1 via Excalibur Webcomics. Here's a direct link, and they're posting one page at a time. If you like the strip, please feel free to leave your comments below. Would love to read if people like my writing, and (other than the recent commission for issue #2) there's room for more of my writing about Fred Duncan.

Speaking of which, if you know someone in Chicago who needs social media training, I'm putting on Sherlock Holmes & The Social Media Mystery on September 10th. Yes, there is a small fee, but it's a relative bargain. For more information, please visit the Dabble page (and forward this link - http://bit.ly/Ss6k0S - to your pals).

There's also a great episode of Zone 4, where we basically praise a great American hero and trash talk a national disgrace. Yes, friends, this week Captain Ron, Brant, John and I manage to talk about Neil Armstrong and Rob Liefeld in the same conversation, with various results. It's something you definitely need to hear.

Finally, I think I may have a new addition to the Job Stalker team (will need to follow up this weekend) and there's plenty to read at One Cause At A Time. (I've been asked why I don't have a Facebook page for it - given that I just started, and am running other FB pages professionally, I think it might be overkill - what do you think?)

It's A Wonder - I've Been Published!

Yes, after all this time, I can formally announce that the first page of Excelsior Comics' new Wonderman webcomic is up and running. It's a brilliant piece of comic writing and now nobody can push me around. I'm officially a "creator".

In addition, the new One Cause At A Time blog for Chicago Now is being launch. It's taking the place of my long, neglected Metroshrink blog, with a difference - slightly wider audience, as well as a greater incentive to post more frequently. I'll be gradually phasing out of Job Stalker in the next few weeks, and will post a very special "want ad" this coming Wednesday.

By the way, if you know someone who needs a great overview of social media, just found out that my Sherlock Holmes & the Social Media Mystery is scheduled for 9/10 via Dabble (For details, simply click the link and join us).

In addition, the latest episode of Zone 4 is up and running. Quite frankly, it's one of the better episodes, and it's because I had to take charge at the last minute. And please leave comments on our Facebook page, even if they are off-color.

Serving Up Some Comic Related Goodness

This is a huge week for me in terms of writing for Comic Related - not only did we have a historic Zone 4 podcast (which you all should listen to, right away), but I also have a guest review - and my "TV Party" column - up for your reading.

It is official - we're putting together the Bar Tab of Rassilon podcast. Maybe this way, I can politely chew out David Tennant fangirls. Because - let's face it - it's simply fun.

And, there's also a new Job Stalker up. And I'm doing a Doctor Who 101 session, the proceeds from which will fund the Doctor Who Meetup.

And so, to bed.

Time For A Nap

Yes, it's been a busy, hectic week, and I'm only now catching up on some work related assignments. (Mostly finishing things that I should have finished today, but hey, when you gotta crash....you gotta crash).

Anyway, I'm gearing up for an upcoming Net Tuesday meeting (which I would be very grateful if you could help get the word out, especially since now we have a cool entry on the Netsquared hub), a Doctor Who meetup, and a Geek Breakfast. (You can get all of this - and more - via this week's Job Stalker post)

(Minor quibble - getting a little weary of people who never show up for events insisting on changes or locations. Meetup accounts ain't cheap - except for Netsquared, who covers Net Tuesday - and quite honestly, they probably wouldn't come if I moved heaven and earth. But enough of my ranting and raving - I'll save that for Zone 4).

Well, that's it for me - now, time to bed.

Clowntime Is Over

Thankfully, was able to get caught up on a variety of projects, including a transfer to a new-ish computer. (My Windows laptop is moving slower than molassess, poor thing). However, I have some good news - an entry that I wrote for a short story contest didn't win, but will be published anyway. (With some editing, quite honestly, but I'm not too bothered by that - coming close but still getting the figurative cigar is still cool with me).

And now, assorted and sundry highlights from this past week:

• Great Zone 4 episode which features an in-depth interview with Chris Roberson. Had a great time recording it, and quite honestly, it's a great episode.
• New Job Stalker up and running
• You definitely want to check out our August Net Tuesday meeting- I'm personally excited to be hosting this.
• Mark August 16th on your calendar - Chicago Geek Breakfast in the morning, and Doctor Who Meetup early in the evening.

A Fast and Furious Week

This has been a very busy week for me, with another Chicago Geek Breakfast under my belt; a successful double bill of Doctor Who 101 and Sherlock Holmes & Social Media at Learnapalooza (and which has led me to realize that I need to upgrade the Holmes presentation - it was better attended); and a Thursday evening gathering of old high school friends. In short, I needed plenty of napping to recover, and thankfully, this coming week will be relatively calmer and more serene.

Personal highlight from this past week was attending the Idea Potluck, an event much like TED where people muse about a variety of topics. Although I did not muse (I was there for the networking), I have to say that in a town with plenty of hand-off-your-business-cards-and-schmooze events, this is a great, much more rewarding experience. Definitely going to try to make it in August (which is already looking pretty full, but in a good way).

So this week, I have a Job Stalker entry that aggressively courts controversy (and if you live in the Chicago area, we could always use another blogger); a Comic Related column about how a dying genre really isn't; and a Zone 4 episode about San Diego Comic Con.

As always, thanks for reading!

Wanted: Job Stalker!

As many of you know, I have been guest posting for Chicago Now's Job Stalker for awhile now....but with main blogger Brendan extremely close to regular employment (and my own pressing freelance career/possible shift of non-profit blog), I thought it might be good to help a pal out and encourage anyone out there to consider taking over Job Stalker.

As with any other blogging position, there are prequisites and responsibilities. You would be responsible for posting three times a week (perhaps more frequently) about your experiences in the job search (with particular focus on the metropolitan Chicago area), as well as any resources/books focusing on the subject. (Brendan's done a great job in organizing the blog). You'll have two - count 'em, two writing/blogging eminents helping you transition, so it will be a breeze.

But what are the requirements, you may be asking? Well, let me simply list them in bullet point form:

• Currently out of work and actively looking for work
• Writing Ability (especially with blogging) and familiarity with WordPress
• Lives in the metropolitan Chicago area
• Wishes to gain visibility (this is purely an unpaid gig), but there are plenty of networking opportunities
• Provide appropriate marketing via social media (Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus)

Simply, your "job" would be to write clever stuff....and get people to read it. It's a great way to expand your network (it's definitely helped me), and also would allow you to do me - and a pal - a great favor.

If you're interested, please shoot me an e-mail and I'll connect you with Brendan. As always, thanks for reading!

A Surprising and Revitalizing Week

In all honesty, I started this week in relatively poor spirits....but at this month's past Net Tuesday meeting, that changed. Some old friends/partners visited, and needed help....and for a former community mobilization guy who was feeling out of it, it was the motivation I needed. Now, just have to find a venue, but have some ideas in the hopper.

The other news is that....well, for those of you who didn't know, I have been doing some proofing of pulp e-book reissues for Radio Archives, and was fortunate enough to see that one of the books I proofed has just been "announced" for release. Thankfully, they have been keeping me busy....but one of you might be interested. Let me post the little blurb they send out for your information:

Radio Archives is seeking motivated, excited people to help us proof our eBooks. The team is working hard and we currently have a backlog of 100 eBooks that need to be read and any errors corrected before the eBooks are published.

 

If you have a love for classic Pulp tales as well as a good grasp of spelling, punctuation, capitalization and basic formatting, then you may be just the person we're looking for! Send an email inquiry to Service@RadioArchives.com for more details!

And now, after a lengthy intro, here's a list of blatantly self-promotional items:

• Come listen to the most recent episode of Zone 4, where we talk about Marvel NOW! (and the even more impressive news about Airship 27's new Captain Action book)
• My latest piece for The Baker Street Blog
• Hey, look - a Job Stalker post!
• If you haven't already, please RSVP for next Thursday's Chicago Geek Breakfast at Wow Bao. Come hang out, talk geek, and basically enjoy low-key networking.
• Also, please RSVP for Learnapalooza on July 21st, if you haven't already. I'll be teaching two classes, and you may dig either of them.

July - Brought to You By Coffee!

Ok, so you're thinking, "Oh, Gordon, you're just going to link to this week's rather impressive Zone 4 episode and your extremely clever, Doc Savage-influenced Job Stalker column this month, aren't you?"

Well, yes, but you'll have plenty of other opportunities in the month to have a close, personal interaction with yours truly, including:

• On Tuesday, July 10th, there will be a very special Net Tuesday meeting. Geared towards newer members, this is going to be one where we're announcing a slight change in direction. You probably want to be there if you want to be part of using tech for the social good.
• On Wednesday, July 11th, come to Third Coast Comics for the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup's screening of Matt Smith's Favorite Doctor Who story. Yes, we're only calling it that to get the newbies, because the Tennant and Smith worship....needs to be tempered a bit.
• July 19th brings the latest edition of the Chicago Geek Breakfast. For those of you who complain that it's too early....well, where's your sense of initiative? Real geeks get more done by 5 am....by huge amounts of caffeine.
• The Lakeview edition of Learnapalooza on Saturday, July 21st will feature two presentations by me at Next Door Cafe - Doctor Who 101 at 11:30 am, and Sherlock Holmes and Social Media at 1:00 pm. You'll need to RSVP on the Learnapalooza web site if you plan on attending - these are going to be popular presentations. After all, they're on the back of the Learnapalooza t-shirt.

That's right - as my freelance work is slowly, but surely, coming together (with interviews for potential full time positions as well), I'm putting together a rather impressive array of activities, and you are more than welcome to attend and have a close, personal interaction with me.

Your Weeky Menu of Online Shenanigans

This has been a pretty busy week, including scheduling two job interviews, a successful Doctor Who Meetup (and planning for the regeneration of Bar Tab of Rassilon) completing a rush freelance job, and an outing to Second City (which I'll write about tomorrow).

For now, though, please feel free to check out this book review in the Job Stalker blog for Chicago Now. I've been doing a weekly guest post for awhile, and you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy some good writing. (It's always great to break away from the whole comics-pop culture thing for awhile - after all, while I don't always court controversy, I sometimes have to clarify what I send (simply scroll to the bottom). After all, I have something of a reputation to maintain).

And don't forget - a brand spanking new Zone 4 episode. If you like what you hear, please like our Facebook page, especially since sometimes, I need backup, if you catch my drift....

Cheapskate Film Festival: BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA

(First, don't forget to check out this week's Zone 4 podcast, as well as a double dose of non-profit/tech action, including Job Stalker)



I've always been a fan of John Carpenter's movies - he's a director who knows his craft, yet always imbues his films with a very smart, pulp-influenced sensibility. Even his more horror-oriented films like Halloween, The Fog, and The Thing have the kind of crackle and spark that most summer movies rarely - if ever - possess.

For today's edition of the Cheapskate Film Festival, I'm going to talk about Big Trouble in Little China, whose two-disc set was acquired from a clearout/discount chain for $10....and was the best money I have ever spent.

Yes, this film wallows both in stereotypes and special effects....but beneath it all, there's an energy and a sly sense of humor. I mean, Kurt Russell channels John Wayne! Kim Catrall actually looks....presentable! There's tons of martial arts action! It's the kind of movie that you may not necessarily want to see on a daily basis, but really has a great spirit about it. It's pulp sensibility is apparent from the first frame.

But enough of my testimonial - please allow me to use the power of YouTube to run a "highlight reel"






Trust me, you don't get better in terms of sheer entertainment value than Big Trouble in Little China. 


It's a classic. You'll thank me later.

Shameless Self-Promotion, Part Two: Online Blatherings

Terry Jones, Cosplayer

Think that I lead a not-quite-busy life? Well, if part one didn't impress that on you, let me give you a heads-up on some other activities....

This week, not only do we have a really good Zone 4 episode (in which I basically talk smack, and quite honestly, should have learned a little diplomacy), but my column for Comic Related this month focuses on two documentaries....and contains a little bit of editorializing on my part.

And of course, here's the latest edition of Job Stalker. 

If you haven't already, be sure to sign up for Thursday's Geek Breakfast. 


Enjoy! 

My Usual Friday Blogaround

Right now, I'm currently prepping for a few upcoming personal appearances - first, I'll be presenting tomorrow at Chicago COUNTS (for non-profits and tech), and I'll also be gearing up for my first Chicago Geek Breakfast as organizer. So if you're in the area, don't be like several people on that "social media channel with the words book and face in the name".

Seriously, I was informed by one or two such people that if I made it a lunch, they might come. My attitude - if you're not willing to get up early and take initiative, you're part of the decline of Western Civilization. (And the event was created by someone else, and part of a national initiative - I'm just lucky, like with Net Tuesday, to be able to make it happen)

Speaking of which, you might want to give a listen to this week's episode of Zone 4. The crew wanted to talk about property crossovers; I think talking about them is a waste of time, because they always turn into a large pile of rhetorical waste products. I was outvoted. Please listen to hear my First Amendment rights be trampled, or something.

(Actually, I only kid slightly - I'm just starting to get a little weary of comic and pop culture fandom. We sometimes take ourselves a little too seriously, and act a little too obnoxiously. But please give the podcast a listen).

And for those of you who are professionally inclined, here's my latest Job Stalker post.

P.S. No special significance to this entry's picture - just thought it was rather funny.

It's June Already?

Things have been really hopping for me, and so far, the month's barely begun, and my calendar is starting to get filled in. Here's what's on my plate thus far:

• On Saturday, June 9th, I'll be presenting at Chicago COUNTS, a one-day conference that deals with tech and social good. I'll be presenting on "How Not to Be A Douchebag: Social Media for the rest of us". If you're interested in attending, please RSVP by heading over to  http://chicagocounts2012.eventbrite.com
• Upcoming Meetups for both Net Tuesday and the Chicago Doctor Who groups
• Becoming the new organizer for Chicago Geek Breakfast
• Impending regular contract work that will (hopefully) provide me with a little more structure to my day....and longer term work.

 But otherwise, things are going great - I have another listing of cool Chicago stuff on Job Stalker, and I'll be performing more of my usual online tomfoolery at the Zone 4 Facebook page - if you like it, we'll give you a shout out, and I will make some obnoxious comments at your expense. (And be sure to check out our latest episode)

Happy Friday, everyone!

Time The Avenger

Things have been hopping - potential freelance writing, scrambling to find an artist for my Zone 4 comic project, looking for work....things have been keeping me busy.

So busy, in fact, that I barely noticed that Comic Related had posted my Avengers review one week early. Not complaining - just wondering what it would take me to actually carve out some time to sit back and, like, play online.

Of course, I managed to crank out a new Job Stalker post, so there's that.

Anyway, things have been busy for me on the job search/freelance front - mostly, a lot of prep work which I'll have to dedicate significant chunks of time in completing, but since NATO will be shutting down most of downtown this weekend (and early next week), I can dedicate myself to getting things done.

Oh, and I almost forgot - new Zone 4 episode about a movie. It's an indie film about, like, cats and self-discovery, or something.

Oh, and the title of today's post? An obvious reference to this:

Continuing Post-AVENGERS Withdrawal

You're probably wondering....why didn't I post my usual Friday Zone 4 promo and general long-form summary of links from this past week?

Well, I went to a midnight showing of Avengers...and spent most of Friday semi-conscious. Sadly, sleep deprivation and caffeine can really hit a guy hard. (And you'll probably be reading it in Comic Related soon, but short opinion - loved the movie.

Speaking of Comic Related, this week's episode of Zone 4 features young Eric Ratcliffe, who has featured me on his Why I Love Comics podcast in the past. He's a good kid, and well worth listening to....even if he does enjoy the work of Joss Whedon a little too much.

On the work/writing front: my primary freelance gig has ended temporarily, pending further funding (and thankfully, I've been helping with the grant research). In addition, I'm working on a small project for another potential client which fits in very well with my professional interests (and would have been a great follow-up project when I was living in St. Louis). Enjoyed a great dinner last week with a pal who flew in from St. Louis. Other than that, I will need to get back on the job search/freelance train, including networking (and in Job Stalker, I explain why we're networking wrong) and investigating training possibilities. On the networking front, between Monday's Latte of Rassilon (thanks, Geek Girl Chicago, for the mention!) and Tuesday's Net2Chi meeting, I should be covered.

A very special thank-you to Ron Fortier, who took a recent post from Baker Street Blog and featured it his Pulp Fiction Reviews blog.

So until next time, folks - have tons of fun. Seriously.

A Pulp-Flavored Weekend

As you may suspect, I will be spending most of my Saturday at Windy City Pulp and Paper Con, hanging out - and having good natured arguments - with Zone 4 co-conspirator Ron Fortier. (Followed by dinner with a St. Louis pal that evening). Yes, people, even though I have some freelance possibilities up in the air (my main one awaits funding; another awaits formal notification; comics work is still being performed), I'm still making my rounds out and about.

Speaking of "out and about", please be sure to check out this week's episode of Zone 4 - it's a great C2E2 recap, and quite honestly, it's always a lot of fun to record. Plus, you'll hear my professional jingle (which contains banjo - according to experts, banjo music makes any commercial impossible to ignore. I'll let you provide any further commentary or insight)

Sunday night, I will also be out and about, practicing some of the grooming tips I propose in this week's Job Stalker when I attend the fundraiser for egen.tv at Highball Lounge, located at 738 N. Clark. As many of you know, I co-host the impressively awesome Bar Tab of Rassilon (soon to be followed by the meetup imaginatively titled The Latte of Rassilon). But for those of you who are interested in attending (and/or making a donation on Indiegogo if you cannot make the Sunday night event), here's a great video explaining things in detail:





So please - feel free to share this post in your social networks, because getting me out of the house and socializing with others is always a good thing.

Post-C2E2 Podcast-O-Ganza

Yes, this is my moment of self-promotion, in which I encourage you to listen to the best podcast on the planet. This week's episode is all about Pulp Ark, which happened this weekend, and which I couldn't attend. (Sandwiched between C2E2 and next weekend's Windy City Pulp and Paper, I just couldn't swing it in terms of travel and time).

You'll also notice that I didn't use the photos that you may have seen featuring me and two of the hosts of Nerd Girls Eye View, another podcast on Comic Related that you should be listening to. I have a Flickr account; please Google me on Flick to check those out. (There's a fine line between cool and creepy, and I've already used those photos. Need to show my fellow podcasters some respect).

Along with pal Chuck and new(ish) pal Ginny, I recorded a brief segment for an episode of their Ginny Tonic Hour podcast. (And surprise! surprise! It's about Doctor Who.) You definitely want to give this one a listen, folks.

Speaking of Doctor Who, you may have heard that Egen.tv, the online home of Bar Tab of Rassilon, has had to move, necessitating a fundraiser to cover costs. You are more than welcome to join me at the Highball Lounge, 738 N. Clark, on Sunday, April 29th, from 6:00 pm to midnight. General Admission is $10; $25 gets you a drink voucher; $50 gets you a $25 voucher towards the silent auction. There will be films! Guests! Bands! Comedians! So thank you for allowing me this brief commercial message.

And to finish off, please feel free to check out my latest ramblings on both Job Stalker and the Baker Street Blog.