& The Black Bar
Yep, I'm aware I'm late again. But this time I didn't forget! No, I'm not late because I forgot. Rather, I was waiting, watching how Certain Situation developed.
Okay, there's something serious to discuss. Not personal, but it's important to be aware of it.
Maybe you've already heard about what is going on involving big payment processors. And well, I can tell you now it ain't good. It isn't only about NSFW, it's never about that despite how much they try to package it as "protecting the children". And there is a lot of other stuff that has joined this vexatious situation, so there's a whole internet censhorship movement going on (again) (can they stop trying to do that) (people are trying to make a living let them be).
And you might think: "well does it affect YOU!!!".
And to that I say: I don't know?
No, The Trek doesn't contain any explicit content. But it is a queer work, because I am queer myself. I had planned to upload the finished product on itchio, something you could read on your browser (that's the cool thing about Twine, you can play it on your browser). But with all of this going on, now I remain unsure what to do.
Does this mean The Trek is cancelled? Absolutely not. I can always upload the thing on my website, albeit with plain html/css instead of using Twine, as a last resort. You’re gonna read about these monkeys or so help me.
That said, it does mean that development of The Trek has slowed down for the time being. Because admittedly, this whole situation has sort of… deflated my excitement. Slower, but I'm still going!
<And following the hypothetical case where I cancel it or put it on hold (which it isn't), I'd just talk about something else. It's a newsletter for original projects, not only for The Trek. I have a nice stash to go through, that's the good side of hoarding.>
But you know, a lot can happen in a month. It already did, and it's only been a few weeks at the time of sending this! So perhaps by next letter I can say "it's Treking™ time" and I start Treking™ all over the place. Hope must remain.
On a different note, August is the busiest at work, on account that this the time of the year when a lot of people take their Summer vacation (working in the hotel industry will do that to you, keep you busy). Also, I have a horrible knot in the back and I can't stay on my computer for too long, on account that my desk fucking sucks (being in your mid 20s will do that to you, make you complain about your joints and your furniture). And my irl job requires sitting down for many hours, on account that I use the computer for paperwork (being employed will do th--)
(↑ this is what they call in the industry A Bit™)
Yes I know, this sounds like a bunch of whining. I'm very sorry for it, and for how slow I am. Again, I'm not used to sharing my process of Developing A Thing, which leads to a lot of overthinking when I’m writing these. And a lot of repeating myself (oops). As I mentioned in the past, I'm still learning what to share and what not.
Because there's a lot of things I wanna share, but believe it or not, I'm trying to remain somewhat professional yet friendly. Professional friendly? Is this what people call business casual. You have to imagine I'm wearing a dress shirt and chino pants from now on. I'm going off-topic.
One more thing (← said like Columbo).
This is July's newsletter, even if I'm sending this extremely late. I know how excited y'all are every month to get these letters (this is what they call in the industry A Joke™), but y'know due to… all I talked about just know, I won't keep you on your toes for next one. Long story short, next letter will be sent at the end of September instead of August!
Let's hope for the best until then. Take care.