in the 5 years since I found The Gauntlet and took over running it:
-I have been called “The new RPG Pundit”
-I have been referred to as “just like Anna Kreider” (I don’t consider that an insult, but it was intended to be one).
-I have been called a misogynist
-I have watched as no one in my community defended me while I was being called a misogynist.
-I have been called a harasser
-I have been called a bully
-I have been referred to as having “fascist tendencies”
-I have been called a “hardcore leftist”
-I have been called a SJW
-I have been the victim of several whisper campaigns
-I have been doxxed by a major convention organizer
-I have received six harassing phone calls
-I have been banned from being on panels at Metatopia
-I have been told I am “not what people are referring to when they say ‘queer’”
-I have been told I don’t count as a person of color because I’m half-white
-I have been told my experiences as a queer POC in the hobby are invalid because I am the leader of The Gauntlet (because being in a position of authority over something automatically invalidates your other experiences, I guess?)
-I have been accused of stealing someone’s intellectual property.
-I have been asked “Why do you have a problem with white men?”
-I have been asked “Why do I only see white men in The Gauntlet?”
-I have had to deal with the insinuation that I am personally greedy ever since we launched our Patreon (note: The Gauntlet pays my cell phone bill and I repaid myself for some big expenses incurred prior to the Patreon. I otherwise work 30-40 hours per week on Gauntlet stuff on a strictly volunteer basis).
-I have been told I am not Mexican enough to criticize another Mexican-American (who is now also not Mexican enough)
-i have been called “combative”
-I have been called “abusive”
-I have been called “opinionated”
-I have been called “tyrannical”
-I have been called “a joke” by a game designer I used to admire
-Just yesterday I was gaslighted by a particularly nasty individual who has been coming for me for months.
I could actually keep going and going.
Maybe I am garbage. There are definitely some days when I feel like it. All I have ever wanted to do is create and sustain community around tabletop roleplaying games. But I feel like I just keep getting things wrong or something. I don’t know.
I’m sorry all this has happened to you. You’ve been nothing but encouraging and positive in my experiences with you.
And in the Gauntlet I’ve seen more diversity than in a lot of other communities.
Also. As someone who has crossed paths with the pundit. No, not even close. He’s a toxin. You’re pretty much the opposite.
I’m sorry all this has happened to you. You’ve been nothing but encouraging and positive in my experiences with you.
And in the Gauntlet I’ve seen more diversity than in a lot of other communities.
Also. As someone who has crossed paths with the pundit. No, not even close. He’s a toxin. You’re pretty much the opposite.
Small people like to pull down people who accomplish things. It threatens them.
Small people like to pull down people who accomplish things. It threatens them.
I don’t think you’re getting things wrong, I think people would prefer you to be quieter and to their particular brand of professionalism that has only ever served very few people in the gaming space, all of them white, I’m sure.
One of the things I admire about you is your boldness and that you don’t allow your own personhood to be choked down because some people in the hobby are threatened by a PoC with a loud voice who is telling people things are pretty messed up around here. Rather than take a hard look at themselves they’d rather throw insults and blame at you and a community they really have no clue about.
I think that sometimes when I see this stuff I don’t engage with it because, in my head, I think it will just make it worse for you and I worry that I’ve let myself come to that decision by way of cowardice. The shit you go through is staggering and you’ve given so many people such support. People like me.
Especially after what I saw yesterday I hope to support you much more so you don’t have to take that bullshit on the chin by yourself anymore. Keep being you. You’re the best person I know and I’m lucky we’re friends.
I don’t think you’re getting things wrong, I think people would prefer you to be quieter and to their particular brand of professionalism that has only ever served very few people in the gaming space, all of them white, I’m sure.
One of the things I admire about you is your boldness and that you don’t allow your own personhood to be choked down because some people in the hobby are threatened by a PoC with a loud voice who is telling people things are pretty messed up around here. Rather than take a hard look at themselves they’d rather throw insults and blame at you and a community they really have no clue about.
I think that sometimes when I see this stuff I don’t engage with it because, in my head, I think it will just make it worse for you and I worry that I’ve let myself come to that decision by way of cowardice. The shit you go through is staggering and you’ve given so many people such support. People like me.
Especially after what I saw yesterday I hope to support you much more so you don’t have to take that bullshit on the chin by yourself anymore. Keep being you. You’re the best person I know and I’m lucky we’re friends.
I appreciate and support you Jason!! Thank you for being you
I appreciate and support you Jason!! Thank you for being you
Where did yesterday happen?
Where did yesterday happen?
Jason, I don’t know you other than from Fear of a Black Dragon (which I very much enjoy, so thank you for the entertainment) and occasional g+ posts, but from one human being to another…I’m sorry.
I’ve heard of harassment in the rpg scene (which I’m a relative newcomer to) but luckily never experienced it. But I’m a comics creator and have seem friends savaged (and driven from the business, and sued…) in nearly all the ways you described. None of them remotely deserved it, and I can’t imagine you do.
We are living in an incredibly toxic time where the intersection of politics, social media and internet anonymity has brought out the worst in many.
I wish I had some sage advice, but all I can say is please take care of yourself and know that you touch and are appreciated by more people than you know.
Jason, I don’t know you other than from Fear of a Black Dragon (which I very much enjoy, so thank you for the entertainment) and occasional g+ posts, but from one human being to another…I’m sorry.
I’ve heard of harassment in the rpg scene (which I’m a relative newcomer to) but luckily never experienced it. But I’m a comics creator and have seem friends savaged (and driven from the business, and sued…) in nearly all the ways you described. None of them remotely deserved it, and I can’t imagine you do.
We are living in an incredibly toxic time where the intersection of politics, social media and internet anonymity has brought out the worst in many.
I wish I had some sage advice, but all I can say is please take care of yourself and know that you touch and are appreciated by more people than you know.
Available for conversation.
Available for conversation.
We’ve been stuck in a car together for 12 hours and I found you perfectly delightful, which isn’t something I’d say after 12 hours stuck in a car with most people! 😻
We’ve been stuck in a car together for 12 hours and I found you perfectly delightful, which isn’t something I’d say after 12 hours stuck in a car with most people! 😻
Jason, The Gauntlet, in the exact way you make it run, was basically the only thing that got me through the last couple of months.
You are doing amazing, sweetie
Jason, The Gauntlet, in the exact way you make it run, was basically the only thing that got me through the last couple of months.
You are doing amazing, sweetie
I think The Gauntlet is a great reflection of you and the work you put into it; I can’t see how someone can look at that and call it doing it wrong, but I can absolutely see how it could be threatening to many.
I think that’s yet another sign you’re probably doing a lot right based on who is feeling threatened but it really sucks that it means you end up being dehumanized and being made a target of for all that crud.
I hope the days that The Gauntlet seems worth it begin to outnumber the days it doesn’t sooner than later. I really appreciate you and the community.
I think The Gauntlet is a great reflection of you and the work you put into it; I can’t see how someone can look at that and call it doing it wrong, but I can absolutely see how it could be threatening to many.
I think that’s yet another sign you’re probably doing a lot right based on who is feeling threatened but it really sucks that it means you end up being dehumanized and being made a target of for all that crud.
I hope the days that The Gauntlet seems worth it begin to outnumber the days it doesn’t sooner than later. I really appreciate you and the community.
1. No human being is garbage. If your feelings tell you otherwise, your feelings are mistaken. Feelings often are.
2. You have some really neat story gaming insights, and your willingness to be vulnerable on your podcast is endearing.
3. I’m pretty sure that getting criticized in opposite directions from “both sides” is a good indication that you haven’t lost your humanity.
1. No human being is garbage. If your feelings tell you otherwise, your feelings are mistaken. Feelings often are.
2. You have some really neat story gaming insights, and your willingness to be vulnerable on your podcast is endearing.
3. I’m pretty sure that getting criticized in opposite directions from “both sides” is a good indication that you haven’t lost your humanity.
Jason, you created the most wholesome and supportive ttrpg community that I have seen in twenty years.
I see you seeing attacked by so many sides because you stand for everyone, because you create a space where empathy, understanding are the rule and not the exception.
Your achievements speak for themselves. I hope they give you strength to keep being awesome.
Jason, you created the most wholesome and supportive ttrpg community that I have seen in twenty years.
I see you seeing attacked by so many sides because you stand for everyone, because you create a space where empathy, understanding are the rule and not the exception.
Your achievements speak for themselves. I hope they give you strength to keep being awesome.
Don’t let the bastards grind you down. It helps if you can pity them: they must have awful lives if recreational hatred is an attractive option for them.
Don’t let the bastards grind you down. It helps if you can pity them: they must have awful lives if recreational hatred is an attractive option for them.
You’re successful. That’s what gets to some people. Keep up what you’re doing. Relax a bit though, your schedule seems really full – after the Kickstarter 🙂
You’re successful. That’s what gets to some people. Keep up what you’re doing. Relax a bit though, your schedule seems really full – after the Kickstarter 🙂
I’m new to the Gauntlet community, and we haven’t interacted personally, but from what I know of you through the podcasts and through slack you seem smart, funny and genuine. But above all else someone who cares, both about the hobby but more so the people who play it. And sure, I guess that could all be an act. I find that difficult to believe, though, when so much of that seems reflected in the community itself. It’s a great, friendly, welcoming little corner of the internet, and I’ve had some of the best roleplaying in the few weeks I’ve been playing with you. So big thanks to you and everyone else who works hard to make it what it is.
I’m new to the Gauntlet community, and we haven’t interacted personally, but from what I know of you through the podcasts and through slack you seem smart, funny and genuine. But above all else someone who cares, both about the hobby but more so the people who play it. And sure, I guess that could all be an act. I find that difficult to believe, though, when so much of that seems reflected in the community itself. It’s a great, friendly, welcoming little corner of the internet, and I’ve had some of the best roleplaying in the few weeks I’ve been playing with you. So big thanks to you and everyone else who works hard to make it what it is.
Has anyone called you amazing yet? I’ll fill that quota
Has anyone called you amazing yet? I’ll fill that quota
Hey Jason, you’re not quiet and you’re not meek. And that is absolutely fine and something I’ve come to appreciate.
You are not a misogynist. Quite the contrary – I have never felt so unworried about sexism than in the Gauntlet, and I think you can take some of the credit for that!
Hey Jason, you’re not quiet and you’re not meek. And that is absolutely fine and something I’ve come to appreciate.
You are not a misogynist. Quite the contrary – I have never felt so unworried about sexism than in the Gauntlet, and I think you can take some of the credit for that!
I’m a relative newcomer to The Gauntlet community (and from the UK). I can honestly say that the Discern Realities podcast is the best podcast (on any subject) that I have had the pleasure of listening to for several years, possibly ever. I laugh spontaneously but mostly I just love hearing stuff that is really relevant to me at the table. Before that I was listening to the milk-white putrescence actual play and Jason Cordova, you’re easily the best GM I’ve come across, in any game. I find what you do at the table awe-inspiring (and I’m a GM of nearly 30 years myself). I often find it scary too – I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to improvise like that.
The way I see it, everyone is different and nobody really fits a mould. Yeah, you are opinionated – so what, we all have opinions and at least you’re honest about them!? I love the angle you bring to your games, that you share that with us and that it helps me consider how I run my games in a fresh light. So fuck the naysayers.
I’m a relative newcomer to The Gauntlet community (and from the UK). I can honestly say that the Discern Realities podcast is the best podcast (on any subject) that I have had the pleasure of listening to for several years, possibly ever. I laugh spontaneously but mostly I just love hearing stuff that is really relevant to me at the table. Before that I was listening to the milk-white putrescence actual play and Jason Cordova, you’re easily the best GM I’ve come across, in any game. I find what you do at the table awe-inspiring (and I’m a GM of nearly 30 years myself). I often find it scary too – I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to improvise like that.
The way I see it, everyone is different and nobody really fits a mould. Yeah, you are opinionated – so what, we all have opinions and at least you’re honest about them!? I love the angle you bring to your games, that you share that with us and that it helps me consider how I run my games in a fresh light. So fuck the naysayers.
I think something like “Long time listener, first time caller” is supposed to go here. I started following this group because I was looking for RPG communities on G+ and found it. I haven’t played with you guys yet or listened to the podcast, but I’ve found some good stuff in your blog.
Someone I used to work for looked to say that everything is gas powered: Give A S***. It is very, very obvious that you do, both from the amount of work you put into this and the simple fact that some of the things listed above bother you – they wouldn’t if you didn’t care.
The statements of the others who have commented here tell me that not only does this community mean something to you, it means something to them. They’re getting something valuable out of this place. You did that.
Caring makes the world go ’round. Keep caring. You’re doing good things.
I think something like “Long time listener, first time caller” is supposed to go here. I started following this group because I was looking for RPG communities on G+ and found it. I haven’t played with you guys yet or listened to the podcast, but I’ve found some good stuff in your blog.
Someone I used to work for looked to say that everything is gas powered: Give A S***. It is very, very obvious that you do, both from the amount of work you put into this and the simple fact that some of the things listed above bother you – they wouldn’t if you didn’t care.
The statements of the others who have commented here tell me that not only does this community mean something to you, it means something to them. They’re getting something valuable out of this place. You did that.
Caring makes the world go ’round. Keep caring. You’re doing good things.
I can’t change what other people have said or done…but I can say you have given me a community I care about, and that I support and love you. You should never feel that you have to fight alone!
I can’t change what other people have said or done…but I can say you have given me a community I care about, and that I support and love you. You should never feel that you have to fight alone!
It seems if you express any kind of opinion these days, someone is going to attack you, and/or bizarrely say you’re not entitled to have that view. Sadly, it seems like a fact of life these days. Ignore the f*ckers. Measure your worth by all the people who enjoy your work and follow you. Personally, I think you have some very interesting views about gaming and I enjoy learning stuff from you. PEACE!
It seems if you express any kind of opinion these days, someone is going to attack you, and/or bizarrely say you’re not entitled to have that view. Sadly, it seems like a fact of life these days. Ignore the f*ckers. Measure your worth by all the people who enjoy your work and follow you. Personally, I think you have some very interesting views about gaming and I enjoy learning stuff from you. PEACE!
You’re a hell of a leader who’s doing something Good. You make a space that’s unwelcome to bad actors in a hobby that is lousy with them. You make room in it for writers who haven’t published, voices that haven’t been heard, stories that haven’t been told. The work you do makes TTRPG better.
You’re a hell of a leader who’s doing something Good. You make a space that’s unwelcome to bad actors in a hobby that is lousy with them. You make room in it for writers who haven’t published, voices that haven’t been heard, stories that haven’t been told. The work you do makes TTRPG better.
I’m sorry that you had to put up with that kind of b.s. because you used your voice to try and improve a hobby that you cared about. This community has been an amazing place to be, and seems to get better every time I check in. You started this and built something awesome. Some people hate the idea that you were able to do that, and the only thing they know how to do is try to tear things down. We’re glad you are here, even in the face of all the crap some people want to throw at you. Please remember that you’re not alone.
I’m sorry that you had to put up with that kind of b.s. because you used your voice to try and improve a hobby that you cared about. This community has been an amazing place to be, and seems to get better every time I check in. You started this and built something awesome. Some people hate the idea that you were able to do that, and the only thing they know how to do is try to tear things down. We’re glad you are here, even in the face of all the crap some people want to throw at you. Please remember that you’re not alone.
Thanks again for creating this space Jason. It means a lot to all of us, I respect your work a ton, and you’re definitely not a joke.
Thanks again for creating this space Jason. It means a lot to all of us, I respect your work a ton, and you’re definitely not a joke.
“Maybe I am garbage. There are definitely some days when I feel like it.”
That’s part of being human. If you didn’t feel like that occasionally then I’d be worried.
“Maybe I am garbage. There are definitely some days when I feel like it.”
That’s part of being human. If you didn’t feel like that occasionally then I’d be worried.
I don’t know you from anything other than the Fear of the Black Dragon podcast, but you seem like a good person to me. Don’t let them get you down. You obviously have a lot more people that think you are a good person than not. Keep your chin up.
“Haters gonna hate, playa.”
I don’t know you from anything other than the Fear of the Black Dragon podcast, but you seem like a good person to me. Don’t let them get you down. You obviously have a lot more people that think you are a good person than not. Keep your chin up.
“Haters gonna hate, playa.”
I don’t know you personally, but from my interactions with you here I’d say those accusations are laughable. As for calling you the new RPGPundit and at the same time an SJW, well, if we were following the laws of Hollywood Physics pertaining to matter and anti-matter you’d have exploded by now.
I don’t know you personally, but from my interactions with you here I’d say those accusations are laughable. As for calling you the new RPGPundit and at the same time an SJW, well, if we were following the laws of Hollywood Physics pertaining to matter and anti-matter you’d have exploded by now.
hugs
hugs
You seem fine.
You seem fine.
Do not ever believe you are garbage. That is a label others put on you because they fear your success. They feel that your achievements undermine theirs and they try to make you feel as “small” as they feel. Fuck that noise
You are a treasure to the TTRPG community. You are appreciated. You are loved. Thank you for all have created and nurtured.
Do not ever believe you are garbage. That is a label others put on you because they fear your success. They feel that your achievements undermine theirs and they try to make you feel as “small” as they feel. Fuck that noise
You are a treasure to the TTRPG community. You are appreciated. You are loved. Thank you for all have created and nurtured.
I don’t know if it’s possible to have a real, visible impact on the world without painting a target on oneself, but I appreciate that you put so much energy into making that impact. It matters, and we owe you for it.
I don’t know if it’s possible to have a real, visible impact on the world without painting a target on oneself, but I appreciate that you put so much energy into making that impact. It matters, and we owe you for it.
dude, you’ve been the reason I got back into gaming, and kept me from sliding further into depression. People are always gonna find a reason to exclude you because they need some justification, but don’t mistake their faulty ideas as truth.
dude, you’ve been the reason I got back into gaming, and kept me from sliding further into depression. People are always gonna find a reason to exclude you because they need some justification, but don’t mistake their faulty ideas as truth.
I think most of that is racism, with much of the rest homophobia. A small percentage is probably just the random background hate of society. None of that sounds like something that you deserved.
I think most of that is racism, with much of the rest homophobia. A small percentage is probably just the random background hate of society. None of that sounds like something that you deserved.
I’m sorry to hear that. The hobby has more than its share of regressive trolls. Thank you for the hard work carving a space out for the rest of us.
I’m sorry to hear that. The hobby has more than its share of regressive trolls. Thank you for the hard work carving a space out for the rest of us.
Jason, you have done and continue to do a tremendous job with all aspects of this community. You mean a great deal to me, both as a leader and exemplar in the hobby, and personally as a friend and inspiration. Thank you for everything.
Jason, you have done and continue to do a tremendous job with all aspects of this community. You mean a great deal to me, both as a leader and exemplar in the hobby, and personally as a friend and inspiration. Thank you for everything.
I don’t think folks always realize how much you take it on the chin for use and insulate the community from some seriously shitty stuff.
I don’t think folks always realize how much you take it on the chin for use and insulate the community from some seriously shitty stuff.
I feel like half of the worthwhile stuff I’m working on right now is stuff I either got to do because of you, stuff I learned to do from you, or stuff I got the courage to do because you were doing it and I fucking admire the hell out of you. On top of all the other bullshit people are throwing at you, it’s really frustrating that people want you to do the work of running a large community, producing an amazing fucking zine (that fucking pays for content), and are working on multiple awesome fucking podcasts, but think it’s somehow wrong or greedy of you to get any compensation for all of that work. That’s some serious, deep bullshit. I think you’re fucking incredible, and I’m seriously sorry I don’t say it more loudly and more often.
I feel like half of the worthwhile stuff I’m working on right now is stuff I either got to do because of you, stuff I learned to do from you, or stuff I got the courage to do because you were doing it and I fucking admire the hell out of you. On top of all the other bullshit people are throwing at you, it’s really frustrating that people want you to do the work of running a large community, producing an amazing fucking zine (that fucking pays for content), and are working on multiple awesome fucking podcasts, but think it’s somehow wrong or greedy of you to get any compensation for all of that work. That’s some serious, deep bullshit. I think you’re fucking incredible, and I’m seriously sorry I don’t say it more loudly and more often.
You saved my life, so you’re a hero to me
You saved my life, so you’re a hero to me
You know you’ve got me and a ton of folks in your corner! Folks will say all sorts of terrible things from the safety of a keyboard, and in our increasingly politically polarized country, people are taking more extreme responses when they think somehow politics are involved in decision making. You are the decision maker around here by and large, so you are their target. Its not fair. But at least we can see the fruits of your labor. I think your actions, and the realities of the situation reveal how empty their words are. Without you, none of the following would have happened. In the last five years, the Gauntlet:
-has grown from a few dozen to a few hundred regular players.
-has become an international gaming group.
-has increased in diversity dramatically.
-has put money in pockets of new diverse game designers.
-has put money in pockets of diverse artists.
-has created a culture of inclusivity.
-has created a culture of safe play.
-has produced hundreds of episodes of content, all available for free.
-has produced dozens of high quality written works with full art.
-has helped dozens if not hundreds of people find a place where they can play games when they would have given up on the hobby otherwise.
These are just some of the facts of what has been achieved. No amount of name calling can undue these facts. Don’t let unfounded criticism drag you down and second guess the good work that you have sparked.
You know you’ve got me and a ton of folks in your corner! Folks will say all sorts of terrible things from the safety of a keyboard, and in our increasingly politically polarized country, people are taking more extreme responses when they think somehow politics are involved in decision making. You are the decision maker around here by and large, so you are their target. Its not fair. But at least we can see the fruits of your labor. I think your actions, and the realities of the situation reveal how empty their words are. Without you, none of the following would have happened. In the last five years, the Gauntlet:
-has grown from a few dozen to a few hundred regular players.
-has become an international gaming group.
-has increased in diversity dramatically.
-has put money in pockets of new diverse game designers.
-has put money in pockets of diverse artists.
-has created a culture of inclusivity.
-has created a culture of safe play.
-has produced hundreds of episodes of content, all available for free.
-has produced dozens of high quality written works with full art.
-has helped dozens if not hundreds of people find a place where they can play games when they would have given up on the hobby otherwise.
These are just some of the facts of what has been achieved. No amount of name calling can undue these facts. Don’t let unfounded criticism drag you down and second guess the good work that you have sparked.
If I’m remembering correctly, in one of the first DR episodes, you said Forceful & Messy was your favorite tag.
The closer you get to the center of the labyrinth, the more difficult the encounters become.
You’re doing something special here, and we see it.
If I’m remembering correctly, in one of the first DR episodes, you said Forceful & Messy was your favorite tag.
The closer you get to the center of the labyrinth, the more difficult the encounters become.
You’re doing something special here, and we see it.
Long time Gauntlet lurker here, and I have to say that Jason and the people he has brought onto the Gauntlet podcasts have enriched my gaming and personal lives. It is unfortunate math that the more people you reach, the more toxic people you will reach, and they are usually the most forceful and vocal.
Jason, never doubt that you are a positive influence on this world.
Long time Gauntlet lurker here, and I have to say that Jason and the people he has brought onto the Gauntlet podcasts have enriched my gaming and personal lives. It is unfortunate math that the more people you reach, the more toxic people you will reach, and they are usually the most forceful and vocal.
Jason, never doubt that you are a positive influence on this world.
I am so frustrated seeing the little that I’ve seen, and not being as plugged into the business. I dipped my toe into trying to shine a light on how someone’s words come across a certain way and was basically ignored and refuted. So I can only imagine how you feel.
When you’re passionate and opinionated about things, it’s going to rub other people the wrong way. But you have a community of people, that you helped build, who love you and hopefully that can override the negativity from other people. That’s easy to say, I know my brain is wired to obsess over the negative and mistakes.
I’ve got your back. I for one will be more vocal. I’ll probably make a whole bunch of mistakes doing so, but I want to stand up to bullshit. I’ll make amends when I mess up and overcome dumb anxiety.
I am so frustrated seeing the little that I’ve seen, and not being as plugged into the business. I dipped my toe into trying to shine a light on how someone’s words come across a certain way and was basically ignored and refuted. So I can only imagine how you feel.
When you’re passionate and opinionated about things, it’s going to rub other people the wrong way. But you have a community of people, that you helped build, who love you and hopefully that can override the negativity from other people. That’s easy to say, I know my brain is wired to obsess over the negative and mistakes.
I’ve got your back. I for one will be more vocal. I’ll probably make a whole bunch of mistakes doing so, but I want to stand up to bullshit. I’ll make amends when I mess up and overcome dumb anxiety.
I was going to write an analysis of these, but honestly, these things are so ill-informed, it’d be a waste of time.
You paint a target on your back by being visible, caring, and awesome in (and by changing) a toxic environment.
(Isn’t it nice that they throw in a few compliments like “just like Anna”, “SJW”, and “hardcore leftist”?)
I was going to write an analysis of these, but honestly, these things are so ill-informed, it’d be a waste of time.
You paint a target on your back by being visible, caring, and awesome in (and by changing) a toxic environment.
(Isn’t it nice that they throw in a few compliments like “just like Anna”, “SJW”, and “hardcore leftist”?)
What Slade Stolar said
What Slade Stolar said
I have to thank you for so much in the last two years, actually most importantly all these many people and the most satisfying definition of community I have ever seen in our hobby. Not to forget, the >100 hours we played together will always remain a treasure for me. We are not just players when we play, we are also human beings in an intense social exchange.
You will always have my back.
I have to thank you for so much in the last two years, actually most importantly all these many people and the most satisfying definition of community I have ever seen in our hobby. Not to forget, the >100 hours we played together will always remain a treasure for me. We are not just players when we play, we are also human beings in an intense social exchange.
You will always have my back.
It sounds as if you’ve “run the gauntlet” in every sense! David LaFreniere already said what I would have wanted to say. You are taking a huge risk by pushing into new territory. What you are doing is new and frightening for a lot of people.
You have a ton of love and support from the community. Give yourself permission to be upset, make mistakes, feel tired, lean on others, and ask for specific help.
It sounds as if you’ve “run the gauntlet” in every sense! David LaFreniere already said what I would have wanted to say. You are taking a huge risk by pushing into new territory. What you are doing is new and frightening for a lot of people.
You have a ton of love and support from the community. Give yourself permission to be upset, make mistakes, feel tired, lean on others, and ask for specific help.
Jason, you’re a superhero. And you can quote me on that!
Jason, you’re a superhero. And you can quote me on that!
If doing what you are doing makes you garbage, I’d rather be garbage. Just sayin’.
If doing what you are doing makes you garbage, I’d rather be garbage. Just sayin’.
Hell, i’m constantly going “I wish I was more like Jason” when I look at the current Houston Gauntlet. you have an energy and passion that is matchless
Hell, i’m constantly going “I wish I was more like Jason” when I look at the current Houston Gauntlet. you have an energy and passion that is matchless
Jason, I’m grateful for what you do and for who you are. I’m sorry to hear how much shit you’re being given.
Jason, I’m grateful for what you do and for who you are. I’m sorry to hear how much shit you’re being given.
Wow. That’s a lot of shit to have to put up with. Thank you for tolerating it. The Gauntlet community is one of my favorite things about the hobby. I don’t know you personally but I appreciate what you do.
Wow. That’s a lot of shit to have to put up with. Thank you for tolerating it. The Gauntlet community is one of my favorite things about the hobby. I don’t know you personally but I appreciate what you do.
I’ve discovered Discern Realities this week and have burned through over 40 episodes already.
(yay boring nightshifts!)
You’re definitely doing something right.
I’ve discovered Discern Realities this week and have burned through over 40 episodes already.
(yay boring nightshifts!)
You’re definitely doing something right.
Add me to choir of voices singing how amazing you are, Jason Cordova! I couldn’t thank you enough, but thank you for your hard work keeping the Gauntlet what it is. You and the Gauntlet mean more to me than mere words can express.
Add me to choir of voices singing how amazing you are, Jason Cordova! I couldn’t thank you enough, but thank you for your hard work keeping the Gauntlet what it is. You and the Gauntlet mean more to me than mere words can express.
Jason: You and the rest of the Gauntlet are anything BUT garbage. We appreciate your ideas, your enthusiasm, your hard work, your dedication. You’ve created one of the (if not THE) best gaming communities I’ve ever seen. It’s active, it’s vibrant, it’s alive, and we all know your the spark that ignited that fire. I’m truly grateful to have run into you guys, to have played with you and to continue to listen to all your podcasts. And hey, if the Mexicans don’t want you, we the Puertorricans will gladly adopt you! 😛 😁 Take heart. You’ve got our support.
Jason: You and the rest of the Gauntlet are anything BUT garbage. We appreciate your ideas, your enthusiasm, your hard work, your dedication. You’ve created one of the (if not THE) best gaming communities I’ve ever seen. It’s active, it’s vibrant, it’s alive, and we all know your the spark that ignited that fire. I’m truly grateful to have run into you guys, to have played with you and to continue to listen to all your podcasts. And hey, if the Mexicans don’t want you, we the Puertorricans will gladly adopt you! 😛 😁 Take heart. You’ve got our support.
At the risk of sounding trite, just be yourself Jason. Some people will love you for it and understand what you are trying to do. Others won’t. Such is the nature of the world.
You are creating something really unique here. That makes you the target for people who have their own issues to deal with and want to make you into something that you’re not, something they can attack.
At the risk of sounding trite, just be yourself Jason. Some people will love you for it and understand what you are trying to do. Others won’t. Such is the nature of the world.
You are creating something really unique here. That makes you the target for people who have their own issues to deal with and want to make you into something that you’re not, something they can attack.
Thanks for the kind words here, everyone. The night I wrote this post was a really bad one. I have been discovering in the last few weeks and months that there are some people in the ttrpg industry who simply are not my friends and who will always paint a target on my back if they can. This is a particularly bitter pill to swallow when you pour so much of yourself into something that has the very simple goal of bringing people together. Like, in the world of harmless endeavors, The Gauntlet has got to be way up there, but for whatever reason, we inspire this jealousy that translates into fear and reprisal from certain people. That has always been the case to some degree, but it has felt very acute in the last year or so. Anyway, I appreciate everyone here. It helps me a lot to know I am not alone in this.
Thanks for the kind words here, everyone. The night I wrote this post was a really bad one. I have been discovering in the last few weeks and months that there are some people in the ttrpg industry who simply are not my friends and who will always paint a target on my back if they can. This is a particularly bitter pill to swallow when you pour so much of yourself into something that has the very simple goal of bringing people together. Like, in the world of harmless endeavors, The Gauntlet has got to be way up there, but for whatever reason, we inspire this jealousy that translates into fear and reprisal from certain people. That has always been the case to some degree, but it has felt very acute in the last year or so. Anyway, I appreciate everyone here. It helps me a lot to know I am not alone in this.