Writer, Agilist, Elder Geek
Ever encountered the idea that the internet and online technologies will somehow destroy the barrier between professionals and amateurs, leading us to a horrible world without the glorious quality media we're used to? That's a joke of course, between fears of Harlequin self-publishing to the "Cult of the Amateur" balderdash, we're all familiar with it.
I've recently found yet another reason this fear is a total load of hamster leavings beyond the many I've stated before.
If you're a fan, geek, otaku, what have you there's a good chance you're into SOMETHING that has a well defined world. It could be the World of Warcraft, it could be the Trekverse, Middle-Earth, what have you. You could have several properties you like.
You may even work on them. Perhaps you write fiction, make MMO's, etc. You may be crafting the setting for a multi-part RPG right now, or designing the starships for a futuristic combat game with a detailed timeline.
Worldbuilding is very important to us geeks, and even more important to the fictions and worlds we build.
Ever wonder why?
Almost anything we progeeks are into can be considered a form of publishing. Knowing this is important to our careers.
That may sound strange when your interest doesn't come out as a book or a magazine, so stick with me here as I take a look at just what publishing is.