Time to celebrate another blogging birthday; this time with free stuff.
6 Years of Mostly
Over the last 6 years there have been a total of 159 posts on this Terrible Blog, that breaks down to about 2 post a month, which is not a great commitment when you think about it. Though my posts tend to be a little on the longer side as blog posts typically go. It's just the style I like. I'm in love with the sound of my own keyboard.
There has been a small variety of post topics / genres that have been discussed. I tend to focus on something for a few months at a time as I get all involved - obsessed with it, and then move on when it hits a conclusion. Which means there are periods where it's the same main topic over and over. Kinda like stages of development. Here is the Age of Sail phase. There is the Dark Ages phase. Great, now it's a pain in the ass Star Trek phase.
People do charts and stats in these summary posts. I'm no different.
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| This Pie Graph shows the distribution of past blog topics. |
As you can see, it's mostly just a big waste of time. Charts don't lie. Charts are not people.
Hopefully, it's been an amusing waste of time.
Blog Death
I wonder how blogs die. Obviously they die when the person dies, but lets not be that morbid. I think its more that people stop posting for some reason and that reason is some form of "effort not equaling reward."
I'm not sure what the reward of doing a free blog would be. I feel like I blog more out of habit now than anything. Obviously I crave admiration and recognition; but that's more to do with my incredibly long and flexible toes than my wargaming skills. Seriously, my toes should be famous.
I mostly like the online interaction of everyone taking turns doing show and tell. So thanks to everyone in this little online community for making it fun and keeping this blog of Terrible Loss rolling with your interest.
Free Stuff
Blogging has got me some free stuff over the years. I've done some trades ups, I've won the odd contest, Jon once just gave me some ACW Zouaves. BW once sent me a Medal.
So to celebrate 6 years of blogging and online community; it's time to host my own blog birthday give away! I'm rolling in cash right now after getting lucky at the Indian casinos; so the prize will be a $30 gift card to the miniature company of your choice. That should be enough for us historical gamers to get a box of plastic troops, and you OTHER gamers one miniature from Games Workshop.
RULES:
People can earn entries (like tickets) for doing the following and one entry will be drawn at random for the prize. (so more entries means higher chance of winning).
Congratulations, Stew! Reading your blog is not a waste of time. I came for the Wargaming but stayed for the humor.
ReplyDeleteFavorite post? Not one favorite but a series of favorites on your ACW (from you, I learned that ACW is the Best CW) scenario developments. With my current focus on ACW, I may give one or two a try.
Keep at it and maybe we will meet again across the remote table for a game.
Thanks Jon! I hope to do another remote game too sometime. Either ACW or something else wouldn’t matter. I still need to learn BI. My schedule is slammed of late and the wife just yesterday booked another weekend for me. 😀
DeleteYou have 4 entries.
Too bad your gaming schedule is packed with non-gaming activities. Yesterday’s first refight of Hood’s attack on Little Round Top was a humdinger.
DeleteOh you big tease. 😀
DeleteAnother nice entry that had me chuckling along Stew:). I really do like your dry humour, which due to being this side of the pond, I tend to read early morning after breakfast which is a great way to start the day!
ReplyDeleteFavourite posts eh? Well as someone who also loves to make my own terrain, I've enjoyed your hill making efforts of late for the Best CW (no song lyrics I'm afraid) as well as the Dark Ages saga of getting your figures all ready and then playing a big game with them.
So keep Blogging on (no reward other than online fellowship) and entertaining us with your humour as well as of course gaming related stuff too. I hope to see something more on your toes in a forthcoming post... :).
Thanks Steve. I’m happy that you’re enjoying this nonsense and I’m enjoying our online fellowship. 😀
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Stew, your blog comes up tops for humour AND content. Now that I’ve earned myself a handful of tickets I’ll just second Steve and ask for a toe-centric post. No pics though. No.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike. How would you do a toe centric post without pics? Nonsense that. But nah, there are plenty of other websites on the internet for adults that want to look at body parts. 😀
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Stew, your posts are always entertaining.
ReplyDeleteNow of course with your admission of possessing mutant freakishly long toes, the question is why don't you paint twice as many miniatures?☺
I'm sure a man of your talents is capable of painting with both hands and feet......☺
Neil
Thanks Neil. Who says I don’t already paint with both hands and feet? I’m just a slow painter. Now I’m imagining a Curious George episode where he gets into miniature gaming. 😀
DeleteI enjoy your comments.
You have 4 entries.
I always enjoy your blog posts, Stew, and find them entertaining even when about subjects that are not in my direct spheres of interest. Congratulations on the six years. If I'm lucky enough to win the $30, and given the current exchange rate between the Australian and US dollars, I'll use it to build a wargaming room extension to the house.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lawrence. I didn’t realize that the power of the almighty dollar had risen. I should check it against the pound. Might be time to order something from the UK.
DeleteYou have 4 entries. 😀
Congratulations on making it through six years of blogging Stewart, I've never read a single post from you that was a waste of time, but my favourites would have to be your foray into Star Trek ships ( Watching you create your fleets scratched that itch, and let me concentrate on the Star Wars ones ! LOL) and your recent posts on how you have approached and made your scenery, have been very informative.
ReplyDeleteLong may you continue on your blogging journey you handsome devil !
Thanks Dave. I’ve really enjoyed our blogging friendship. When it comes time to commission a miniature of myself dressed as an ACW general I know who to contact. 😀
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It’s been a fantastic ride do so far Stew and always so incredibly entertaining. Like Jonathon I came for the wargaming and stayed for the humour. That won’t change.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite post? That’s hard. Yours is the only blog I quote to my wife when she asks what I’m laughing at whenever I’m scrolling in “iPad Wargames time”. It also helps demonstrate that I’m not a unique individual in the global wargaming community. That always makes me feel good. Safety in numbers and all that!
Thanks Carlo. I agree there is safety in numbers. We all can’t be crazy right?
DeleteAnd you should definitely quote me to the wife; especially when I say something stupid that will make you look better. 😀
You have 4 entries.
Oh God, not another one harping on about how long they have been blogging - just kidding - everyone! I know I can't offend Stew, but it's possible I could offend others if they don't know my form of so-called wit - and that certainly isn't my intention. So, to make this easy - 1 entry for this comment, 1 for the fact I always comment and another 1 for nominating THIS post - its the best blog post I have ever read on any wargaming blog that I could potentially get something free out of .....EVER! What was the other thing - oh yeah - Stew, you are amazing - particularly your world-famous toes - it is an honour to be able to leave this comment on your illustrious blog!
ReplyDeleteNow how much is US$30 in $NZ- about $50 at the moment I think - once upon a time it was only $35 or $40 but the world has gone to hell in a hand cart since then... mind you, could work out ok for me when I win the Prezzy Card - do I get extra to cover the exorbitant US postage rates??
Thanks Kieth. I know it’s hard and a risk to be funny on the internet; especially with sarcasm.
DeleteLet’s do the math; you got 4 entries for following the rules but I’ll minus 2 for taking a piss on them and minus another 1 because you didn’t mention your real favorite post of mine which is obviously something ACW ish but you get plus 3 for flattery; especially about my toes. So you have 4 entries. 😀
That’s good!
Delete6 years! That is a nice milestone. In Covid time that must be 10 years at least, because that is what it feels like.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the heck out of your Star Trek posts, even the ones that are not about me winning games that you very kindly invite me to play. (which reminds me, can you send me the Starmada spreadsheet so I can work out some stats for Cardassians?)
Thanks David. You’re invited to any game I’m hosting. Sorry we haven’t been able to set something up yet. Though I’ll make you a deal. You start playing the ACW and I’ll start playing 40k. 😀
DeleteI’ll send those spreadsheets along shortly. Their on my work computer.
You have 4 entries.
You are too polite to mention it, but technically I am supposed to host you next... just been a real summer of a summer. (and the 107/42 degree heat is just part of it)
DeleteIt’s cool. It’s understandable as summer has kicked into high drive in my family too. 😀
DeleteCongrats on 6 years my friend. :) Glad to heck I convinced you to start blogging in the first place. Yes, I take full credit for your blogging success, like any Jedi Master should when his padewan goes off to become the bestest Sith Lord.
ReplyDeleteMy fav posts you've done are the ones I feature in, because a dash of Dai makes anything better.
Keep your toes to yourself though please, feet are gross in general. (Except for babys' feet, which are cute and squishie.)
Lol thanks Dai. I was gonna say that my favorite posts of yours are the ones that feature a spread of Stew, but it doesn’t have the same ring. 😀
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Happy blogiversary! Interestingly enough, the 6 year anniversary traditional item is Iron. Seems fitting for a blog. I would agree with you, the pay off vs effort is certainly the key metric for blog death. I think a lot of them die (sometimes only temporarily) due to family changes (babies and small children I'm looking at you).
ReplyDeleteI really like having some curated history to look back (and search by tags!) for my own stuff. That is something that simply doesn't seem to exist with social media. Eye candy and cool figs are a bit draw on other blogs. Given my massive pile of the unpainted I should try to avoid getting tempted....but there is so much cool stuff out there.
I think I liked your 5 year bump post the most. I get a big 'payoff' when I blog and get comments, or have some back and forth chatter on comments [in my blog or others]. A lively blogosphere requires connections between bloggers. The 5 year bump ended up making quite a few of these connections. It was a good read too. Amazing that I've been following your blog for a whole year now......time flies.
Thanks Dave. Time does fly doesn’t it. I do have labels on my posts but you only see them in the web version not the default mobile one. I have just the broad categories.
DeleteI’ve enjoyed our interactions over the internet. Glad that the 5 year post made some connections that lasted. 😀
For sure babies and children make it hard for any hobby. That’s why I write my blog at work where I can relax.
You have 4 entries.
I'm a new reader, but I've enjoyed your humor, your terrain building and your Star Trek ships quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteHi Bill. Thanks for writing a comment. It’s nice to meet new folks (virtually). Hope to see you around more. 😀
DeleteYou have 3 entries.
Congrats on the 6 year anniversary - blogs are easier to read than to write, so thank you to all bloggers that keep this corner of the internet a fave place to waste time :-).
ReplyDeleteFave post was your Dark Ages fight with the two Viking ships.
Thanks Norm. Reading is easier but not as engaging. 😀
DeleteYou have 4 entries.
Well done with the 6 years blogging Stew! A great effort - 2 posts a month has always eluded me.
ReplyDeleteAnd they are all excellent posts as well. (did your wife help with the chart?)
Favourite post would be the Blog Bump one - it got me a few extra followers 😊
Long toes (like I have) just mean that our ancestors were the last ones down from the trees and we will be the first ones back come the apocalypse 😂
Thanks Ben. Maybe you oughta just try 1 a month. No my wife doesn’t help. She never reads these blogs. Living with me is probably enough of me.
DeleteMy index toe is especially long and bendy. Wonder what I am actually descendent from? 😀
You have 4 entries.
Isn't there a lovecraft short story that delves into questions like that?
DeleteIf not lovectaft than an edger Allen Poe
DeleteHappy sixth anniversary Stew...my favourite post is McPherson's Ridge Part 1, why? The American Civil War is my favourite civil war too and I like articles about terrain, especially when they are going to be flocked later on, and I liked your song...it had me tapping my toes and playing the spoons.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark. It’s is a good song isn’t it. 😀 and you sir, have excellent taste in CWs.
DeleteYou have 4 entries.
Six years worth of nonsense - man that’s some achievement! The best posts for me were all of the (derided by you) Star Trek stuff - which inspired me to finally finish my own ST project. I’ve said it before and I’ll repeat it again here in a shameless attempt to score another point…this is the funniest wargaming blog on the internet. It must be because….(kisses ass)….you’ve a fantastic sense of humour…(another point?). Lol.
ReplyDeleteLol thanks Mark. You and I must just have the same sense of humor. Your posts are quite witty as well. 😀
DeleteYou have 4 entries; bc 4 is the max. Otherwise I’ll be flooded with embarrassing compliments.
Well congrats to you on 6 years! I don't think there's any posts I've read that have been a waste of time, at least not anymore of a waste of time then adults playing with tiny plastic soldiers can be, although I do like your posts with the big epic Saga battles, they look suitably epic. And your humor is always fun.
ReplyDeleteHere's to another 6 years!
Thanks Space Dino. I do like a dark ages battle as much as the next guy. 😀
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We are still waiting for you to binge watch B5... C'mon you know you really want to
ReplyDeleteCongrats on six years - looking forward to six more!
Thanks Greg. I actually watched the first 10 mins of it before I decided I rather die in a fire.
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Ouch. Maybe you should watch the tv movie "In the beginning" as it was made later when they had really dialed in the effects and acting. It gives a good overview of the history and setting (and a lot of action and pew pew) Then if you like it, go back and watch the other five seasons and various specials.
DeleteCongratulations on the milestone, Stew. Doing anything for six years (other than maybe hard drugs) is something to be celebrated I would say. It shows commitment, fortitude, and dogged determination! I don't think your blog posts are ever a waste of time either because they're usually funny, if nothing else :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeff. It probably just shows that I don’t have much better uses for my time. 😀
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Congratulations on making it to six years! Always enjoy reading about what you get up to and I'm also interested in your idea about blog death. I hadn't thought about that before. I find that the less you think (or care) about whether or not anyone is paying any attention, the more the blogging just chugs along. Maybe that's the secret of keeping a blog alive...not to give a hoot but just blog for your own enjoyment and motivation?
ReplyDeleteHi Jim. Thanks for writing a comment. I would argue that anyone that writes a blog wants on some level for it to be read by others. Otherwise there are other means for record keeping that aren't as public. While I wouldn't say that I live or die by how well my blog is making the rounds, I do want it to be read and I enjoy the little online community. For myself, I know that the exchanging of comments with others is the thing that has kept my interest up, and without that it's too much like shouting into a void. That's where my enjoyment comes from the most I think. Though there is a balance between posting too much and too little and what content what one is posting about that matters in the interaction.
DeleteI also like the idea of doing something resourceful or cool and that it'll be found on the internet by others who will be helped by it. Either a scenario or terrain tutorial or whatever. 😀
you have 3 entries.
Contgrats on the 6 years blogging, looking forward to more!
ReplyDeletethanks Ray! Appreciate it. 😀
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Woo hoo!
DeleteWell done on six years, my favourite post is your casualty marker( filler) post, so good I copied it, I'm glad Dai convinced you to start blogging, he convinced me by asking why hadn't I posted anything anytime I commented on his blog, I think I started just do he would get off my back!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks Iain. I see that Dai has MUCH to answer for.😀
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I love reading your blog Stew, when I do! I'm horrible about keeping up though. I can go weeks, even months without posting on my blog, or reading anyone else's. So ashamed!
ReplyDeletethanks Vol. That probably means you have a more balanced and healthy life.
DeleteHaha, not likely! Uh, wait! The kids ARE out of the house now, so.......
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