#NerdsUnite: Confessions of a Videogame Journalist

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy John. We started talking on the twitter not too long ago, and then he reached out and asked if he could write for us regarding his journey through the nerdy realm. I was all DUDDEEE!! That's so raaaddd!! And now, here we are. Like right now, in real time, this is happening. Pretty cool huh? HIT IT JOHN!!! </editorsnote> 

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @JohnSollitto

So the Game Developers Conference has come and gone. Those of you who are setting your sights on it for next year should be preparing and getting things together so that when you do head out there, you’re rarin’ to go.

Here are some things you’ll definitely need just to start off:

• A backpack or bag of some sort
• A folder for papers
• Lots and lots of resumes
• Business cards and business card holders. One holder for your own cards another for  cards you recieve from others
• Gum (it comes in handy for you and it could be an ice-breaker)
• Writing implements (pens, pencils, highlighters, sharpies, etc.)
• Hand sanitizer (this is vital for avoiding the Convention Flu since you’ll be shaking numerous hands)
• Spare pad of paper for notes
• A cheap lighter (people smoke and go out for smokes a lot, if you have a lighter on you, you can give them a light as an ice-breaker, even if you don’t smoke)

Now that you’ve got your survival gear in order, there are some things you need to be ready for as far as dealing with recruiters and events.

If you’re an artist, have a portfolio, whether it is digital or physical. You’ll need to show this to some recruiters, and it gives them an on-site idea of who you are and what you can do. It’s better than a resume, but have that too so that you can hand them that with your contact info on it as well as a business card.

Regular recruiters are seeing hundreds of resumes a day, so don’t take it personally if they don’t seem thrilled to talk to you. If they make notes on your resume, keep an eye out for it.
Often times, the person at the booth is not the right person to talk to. You’ll be talking to a technical recruiter, marketing rep or even just another employee of the company instead of the head of the specific department you're interested in working in. Always, always, always ask who you should be talking to directly in reference to your position. Never settle for a roundabout way of getting there. Always be direct.

Get everyone’s contact information. Seriously, if you talk to them, get their info. Even if they’re just trying to get a job like you. You never know when it will come in handy to know a programmer or an artist. You may be working on your own projects some day and knowing a lot of people will be good for you. Not only that, but contact info for recruiters is great and if you establish a relationship with them, you’ll be on their mind a lot if they’re looking to fill a position.

Be prepared to get turned down. I know it sucks, I know it’s hard and it’s not what you want to hear. This is a big industry and you’re at an event that is full of other potential candidates. Just because you got face time doesn’t mean they’ll remember or recognize you again.
This brings us to the next important thing to do. Contact every single person you got a card from after the conference. Don’t do it during the conference because they won’t be looking at their emails and they’ll be super busy. Do it afterward, at least the Monday after or middle of the week. Some people won’t be back in their office right away and others might be taking some time off, especially if they got sick. Don’t anticipate a quick response either. You won’t be the only one doing this and they’ll have quite a backlog to get through.

If you have the chance to go to any networking events or after-parties, try hard to make time to attend them. You've got to be up to the challenge, though. They’re high-energy events and crazy fun, but if you’re not feeling it, it will show and people may avoid you as you could be a party-pooper. Networking events are great for meeting other industry folks and establishing a more personal friendship. This will help again as they’ll keep you in mind for positions later.

Remember that old phrase “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know?” That is true nearly 50% of the time. Of course, if you’re not good at what you do, they’ll never refer you. But, if you’re good at what you do and they know you, you’ll have a better shot.

This is a lot of information and could be a little daunting to people just looking to enjoy the conference. Don’t worry, you’ll have fun. But if you’re looking to work it and try to get some good contacts and a job, these are some basic tips for you all to know and utilize.
Good luck!

#nerdsunite

Want more from John? Click here to follow him on the twitter!

Check out his gaming site too!

#NerdsUnite: WTFs and Abs (Big O' #Tandem10 Update)‏

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Eric. He is a MAASSTTEERRR social dynamics expert that will be talking about his experiences in the field from both an expert, and experience perspective. He's not just saying "this is how to get the girl" he's here to share his actual life stories and lessons learned from them. I only have one more thing left to say ... HIT IT ERIC !!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @Redolpho

There is so much going on and I don’t want to babble on forever so I’m going to spare you some of the details and focus on the most important parts…

Progress on the Tandem10

Serendipity reared its beautiful face recently with my move into Bar 36 as it has been dubbed. With the new apartment came new roommates and I am truly lucky to have moved in with such awesome people. Here is where you can’t hear my gratitude over the sound of my mind being blown ->

So I’m sitting around hangin’ with my new roomies and come to find out my roommate has the coolest fucking job in the world. He’s a travel show host of a show called “Off The Beaten Path” that plays on discovery channel and in a handful of countries. He gets paid to go on crazy adventures all over the world. When I told him about the Tandem10 he loved it and said he wanted to come on part of the ride with his crew! What!!! Did the Tandem10 just get international airplay??!!!??!! Fuck yes it did. Nothing has been signed or made official but we’re both stoked about it. Which leads me to…

Australia

It’s happening but the Tandem10 is happening first. If you read a recent piece about confronting my fear of success and leaving LA behind then you know I am supposed to already have a plane ticket and departure date. Well plans change and I want to waste no time getting my Tandem10 on. I talked recently about the importance of one’s environment on success and I believe I’m seeded as appropriately as possible right now. This life mission is about dice rolling and doing what’s right as I see fit when I see fit. Australia will most likely happen afterward while I save for my next adventure. Whatever that may be…

This week was the end of week two of training and I am starting to see some tone. A lot of water weight fell off and my body has started to adapt to the workouts. I’m not debilitatingly sore after EVERY work out. Love seeing some fruit for my labor. The first two weeks are the hardest.

Also, I promised that I’d try and vomit during the plyometrics and I gave it my all. Unfortunately no vomit just a really prime workout, it has set a new standard for my work ethic in the gym. I’ll take it.

A Little WTF!!??

On the financial front I have no money saved as of now for the Tandem10. With equipment and airfare included I’m expecting this adventure to cost something around the 12-15k for the entire year I’m riding. Before I left the hostel I had raised 2k but that got absorbed in the move. So I have been looking for a second job to provide with the extra money needed to save and so I can set a date already for this thang.

And now for our WTF moment of the day…

I have been looking for a second job to replace the hostel. I need 1k a month to cover my living expenses. I thought I had a sure thing (<- 1st mistake) when I saw a craigslist ad for a restaurant were the manager was a friend I’d known for years. Since I had lost her number I texted my bestest friend in the world who had dated her for a long time and was how I originally met her. He gave me her number and I shot her a text. After inquiring about the opening she said, “I don’t hire people I know.” I made the confused dog face but respected her decision. My best bud had also suggested I hit up his long-time friend and her roommate who also worked for the same restaurant group but a different restaurant. When I hit her up she informed me that her restaurant was also hiring and we arranged a time for me to come in. By pure coincidence both girls came into the restaurant I currently work at in Venice a couple days before my arranged time to meet the manager. As they were leaving the manager who doesn’t hire people she knows told me she’d make a call and put in a good word for me. A couple days later I hopped the bus and made my way to the high end bakery/restaurant. When I arrived and asked the host to let the manager know I was there I was shocked to find out she asked for me to drop off my résumé at the front and she’d call me if they were interested. With two people recommending me for the position it didn’t make sense that she wouldn’t come out and at least take my resume in person. 

I chatted with my friend for a minute and took off, then I got this text…

Which ends our wtf moment of the day. These two people haven’t talked to each other in over a year. So much for the good word.

But my friends, there is a silver lining here that I’m saving for later but it’s very exciting and could present both a short-term and long-term solution to complete soul satiation.

#thatisall

If you’d like to share your stories please feel free to tweet me at @redolpho or email me at eric dot rudolph dot carrillo at gmail dot com

#RealDeal: Living on both ends of the spectrum (The "fun" side of manic depression‏)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Brandon. We started talking on the Facebook not too long ago, and lemme tell you, this guy can throw in quite the few kneeslappers in his emails. Yep, see Brandon is a comedian who is here today to tell you the real deal on what it's like being "on the circuit." I only have one more thing left to say ... HIT IT BRANDON!!! </editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @BrandonComedy

I’ve never been good at thanking people or accepting help, but over the past year (especially since coming public with my illness) a number of people have stepped up  and kept me from falling back into a really dark place, and I thought I’d thank them here.

The Best Friend is just that, she’s my best friend. She provides perspective, and honesty, but isn’t afraid to call me a fucking idiot douche bag (or kick me in the penis at Target). She’s always been there for me, and she has put up with some crazy behavior from me. She forces me to see things from different angles and constantly inspires me to be better than I am. At the end of the day I know I can go to The Best Friend with any problem and get an honest assessment of the situation. She won’t ever tell me what I want to hear, only what I need to hear.

The Ex and I had a weird relationship based primarily on sex and my ego. We never got to know each other until a year (and 360 miles) had passed. Getting to know her has been incredible. She’s one of the stronger people I know, and she is so incredibly forgiving. Having her in my life has taught me a lot about tolerance, forgiveness, and owning cats but not being a crazy cat lady. I wish I’d been better to her. If I’m ever a decent boyfriend to anyone, it’s because she was such a caring and patient girlfriend.

Letter Girl is great because we have a remarkable amount in common (mental illness, drug abuse, religious rebellion, short hair, and other stuff) she provides a ton of perspective. Also, her friendship has proven to me that you can transcend HUGE fuck ups (see here). She also regularly calls me on my shit, just like the Best Friend. She’s totally down to tell me when I’m being a narcissist or using someone, or just being fucking weird in general. She also makes and maintains eye contact when she talks to me, which tells me she not only hears me, she’s listening.

The Musician reminds me of me, had I remained more wide eyed and ambitious. She’s incredibly talented, hilarious, and more optimistic than I could ever hope to be. She reminds me that even in my lowest moments I have something to offer someone, that I’m a worthwhile person, and that good things happen. When I met her I totally anticipated hating her, she was loud, controlling, chaste, and annoying. I now talk to her every single day about everything. Being her friend makes me treasure, and look forward to surprises.

Red never bullshits me ever. Ever. She is perhaps the quickest to tell me when I’m being dumb or not thinking something through all the way. I’ve known her for years, but only recently have we started talking, and I’m glad we did. I don’t think I know anyone more blunt than Red, and that sort of abrasiveness (which is hiding a true sweetheart btw) is so necessary.

And of course, Jen Friel. Jen runs this blog and was the first person to inspire me to be open and honest about my headspace. Without her I’d probably still be moping around depressed, keeping entire sides of myself from the world. I’m forever in her debt.

Also, a huge thanks to anyone and everyone who reached out after the first blog. It’s been a roller coaster, but a manageable one. Not everyone “got it” but that’s okay. It was the first step toward being more honest with who I am and what I deal with on a daily basis. I’ve had people reach out and say that I’ve inspired them to go to therapy, confront old demons, and re-examine old friendships. None of those responses were expected, but are delightful nonetheless. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I feel better for it.

For the first time in years, I am taking real steps at being the man I want to be.

Thank you!

Brandon

#nerdsunite

click here to follow Brandon on twitter & don't miss his blog over yonder!

#NerdsUnite: The secret life of a veterinary technician (Reflection Part 4: Most Memorable Patients)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Lindsay. She and I met ... well, somewhere in the social space. I think we might have started talking through this site directly, then through facebook - maybe ... I'm not sure. But she's awesome. I talk to her on twitter almost every day, and she's really rad and TOTALLY a big huge animal lover. Like crazy huge!! In these series of posts she will be talking about her life and random adventures with sometimes more than two legged creatures. I guess there's only one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LINDSAY!!</editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @TheCraftafarian

Last time I shared Part 3 of the Reflections series (read part 1 and part 2) which ended with a photo of the young Bengal tiger I was fortunate enough to work with during my time at UF. He was certainly one of my most memorable cases for just being what he was. How many people get to work with tigers? I consider myself truly lucky to have had so many amazing experiences. I'd like to share a few more from University of FL Vet School:

There was the pet cougar (I do not recommend keeping wild animals as pets!!) who stayed in ICU overnight. She was under a constant sedative IV drip for pain and to keep her from eating us. Apparently she was someone's pet and actually slept in bed with the owner. Due to the fact that she was a cougar she stayed under sedation and closely monitored for her safety (and ours). The coolest thing about working with the big cats (even though this one was sedated and the tiger was essentially a baby and used to human interaction) is that they are exactly like house cats. They are playful, vindictive, sweet, true hunters, and you really want to stay on their good side! The tongues of tiger and cougar felt just like one from a house cat. They are beautiful and dangerous animals. The slightly frightening part of this case was that the wildlife department at the university came in to transfer her to us and update us on her case also brought a dart gun that we were to use in case the cougar awoke unexpectedly. They explained how to use it, locked the syringe/darts in our controlled substance machine, and left us for the night. It went perfectly--what a cool experience!

I briefly assisted cleaning and medicating a great horned owl's wing injury. I applied the medication as the student gently restrained the owl. A deer was brought in by two young men after they saw her injured on the side of the road. They dropped her off with wildlife emergency and went back to look for her fawn while we examined her. Wildlife department requested help from ICU and I got to go down there to help sedate the doe and place an IV catheter. 

We had a wallaby hospitalized in ICU for a few days. That was really interesting as they were using canine plasma and several other infusions. He was pretty sick initially but when he was more aware he was just very shy. We had to do bloodwork on him frequently and monitor his vitals. He had surgery so we were trying to keep his temperature up which is why he is covered up with blankets and a warm air heater. 

Finally one of the most touching cases was a middle aged couple who were traveling through Florida saw a large young dog get hit by two different cars (who didn't bother to stop). They stopped and were able to carefully lift him and carry him to their car. He ended up at UF on emergency and had a fractured pelvis as well as a few other fractures in addition to head trauma. He needed thousands of dollars in surgery and care. The couple had fallen in love with the sweet pup and decided to pay for his treatment AND adopt him. Such a great ending to a sad beginning! 

It's cases like this one that makes my job so worth all the sad and frustrating times. 

On another note: we got back from Denver, CO last week and had SUCH an amazing time! I definitely want to go back (I'd love to move there!!) to visit--it was amazing to see all my close friends. <3 Next post I will share our trip to Colorado :)

#nerdsunite

<3 Lindsay 
twitter: @thecraftafarian
blog: craftafarian.blogspot.com
email: craftafarian at gmail d c

#NerdsUnite: Adventures in Randomness and Rock & Roll w @leah_cevoli (Gypsy Mode Update Month 10‏)

<editorsnote> Nerds, meet my buddy Leah. She's pretty rad and has an INCREDIBLY random life. Like, no - for reals ... did you know she has an obsession with vampires, psychics, and tarot card readers ... and she had more sex as a teenager than in her 30s ... anddddd she even had two ex boyfriends die violently - one from a heroin overdose, and the other was murdered. Holy moly roli poli oli - that shit be cray cray. Either way, she's now here to write about her life, love, and all things nerd. I only have one more thing left to say ... HIT IT LEAH!! </editorsnote>

#TalkNerdyToMeLover's @Leah_Cevoli

Wow…

Just a few weeks ago (Easter Sunday) marked the year anniversary of the day I put in my notice at my townhouse of 7 years in Studio City…Letting Go

10 months of #GypsyMode  

10 months of not having a physical address of my own.

10 months of having the majority of the little possessions I have left in storage.

Many people when they hear my story think it’s incredible and awesome, to have survived 11 months floating around the US from job to job, houses, apartments, hotels and such.  But more than likely, they typically end with something like, “I don’t know how you’re not exhausted.”

Truth is.. I am exhausted. Very much so. 

In my last update, Month 8, I had just arrived in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nashville, in one word was peaceful. 

In 2 words, was peaceful and amazing.

Me and my Kitty, moved into a beautiful room with the most comfortable bed ever, at my friend Marilyn’s beautiful house on an acre of land in Brentwood, Tennessee just outside of Nashville. I was there as temporary live-in child care, for her 3 sons age 2, 4, and 10, until their full-time au pair arrived.

I had such a nice time with her 3 sons during the weekdays, mostly dropping off and picking up from school, and spending time at the local play-bounce-climb-type houses with the little one.  It felt nice to have a routine, and on the nights and weekends I spent a lot of time at the YMCA, going to yoga and pilates classes.

I even met a Reiki Master/ Kundalini teacher and took her weekend Reiki Certification Level 1 & 2 Classes, and am now officially a certified Reiki practitioner.

I got to spend quality time with Marilyn, as well as my friend Michelle who just moved from LA, and quality time with my friend Kendra, who moved from LA a few years back. 

I felt grounded and stable and peaceful.

I met with an agent there who is interested in repping me for TV and film work in Nashville and the South East part of the country, and I even went out on a date or two.

I made a new friend, Laura, at the reiki workshop, and the two of us took a 24 hour trip to Atlanta for a Kirtan event with Krishna Das.

It was a pretty awesome month. 

So why am I back in LA?

Good question.

Mainly because the panel I had pitched to Wonder Con was accepted, and happened on March 30^th, and also because, my car, my other kitty, and all of my belongings are here, and a friend just happened to be going to Australia, and invited me to stay at her gorgeous apt in Westwood, CA and pet sit for her, during the exact time-frame I was planning on being here… and because… I’m not sure where else to go.

But yet, I feel like I’m just doing the same things over and over.

I still have dreams of being a successful working film actress, both on-camera and voice over, and I still know in my heart, that I’m an amazing host/interviewer and belong on our music related show or something inspirational a la Oprah style…so back to LA it is… but… 

I have to be honest, outside of the Wonder Con Panel, which was freakin’ incredible, scary, exhilarating, and inspiring Read More Here, LA hasn’t been so kind to me this month. 

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve gone roller-skating with friends, I’ve attended the red carpet for Ladies & Gents, and I’ve spent time with the Ms. In The Biz Contributors

But yet, I’m feeling the same old pangs of loneliness. Not having a best-friend here, or a romantic interest, or a business partner to spend time with, or someone to bounce ideas off and create things with…  

Friends that you thought you’d spend time with, but now, don’t have time for you.  Projects that you thought we’re close to happening, but once again are delayed.

I feel isolated. I feel out of the loop.  I feel like I’m back in that hamster wheel, spinning my wheels and getting nowhere.

A month in LA, and my bank account has been wiped dry..

Just a few hours ago, I was 10 minutes late getting back to my car from a nice leisurely walk to a business lunch, and just as I rounded the bend, I spotted my car on a tow truck about to be towed away. It cost me $232 to get my car released, and they still left a $93 ticket on the window.    

That $300 walk, just wiped me out, with no paychecks in sight for 3 weeks.

And speaking of paychecks, I’m managing a promo gig on the weekends this month, and I’m just not feeling it.  It’s hard work. It’s below my intelligence level and it’s not in the entertainment industry.

I’ve struggled and fought so hard to live this non-traditional 9-5 lifestyle so that I could enjoy my life, and live a creative life in the entertainment industry. Right now, I’m not doing either. 

This has been an incredible year of growth.  It really is amazing that I’ve spent 10 months “on the road” and have only paid rent once, in my month in Manhattan (www.adventuresinnewyork.tumblr.com) but now what?

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

I’m excited to be writing for Helenna’s fantastic new online mag/blog, I’m excited for a few projects on the horizon, one having to do with vampires, and one being an animated cartoon!

… but…

I want more than this for my life. There has to be more. 

I want to feel stable. I want to have my own home again.

I want to unpack my suitcases for more than a few weeks at a time.
I want to get my cherished memories out of storage.

And most importantly, I want to be able to sustain a $300 fine/ticket, without it wiping me out. 

My birthday is in a few weeks.

My birthday last year, was the day I moved out of my townhouse and gave it up to the universe…. 

What I want more than anything for my birthday, the last one in my 30’s is to stop running so much, to stop working so hard with nothing to show for it… to truly feel like I belong, and have a nice, spacious, sunshiney place of my own to call home for me and my kitties.

A sexy, productive, passionate, man by my side would be the icing on the cake. 

I want to WORK in my chosen field. I want to act in films. I want to voice amazing cartoon characters for animated shows and films. I want to be a host and a public speaker. 

And I want to make a difference in this world.. something bigger than just me.

It has been a blessing to be able to just let go of it all, and travel where the wind takes me like Mary Poppins, but I want more. I am capable of so much more, so much love, so much creativity, so much to give back.  

How, what, where, why…where do we go now?

 “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” 

― Anaïs Nin

Live Love. Love Life.

#xoxo

click here to follow Leah on twitter!