So in terms of blog post cadence, we see why I don’t have a newsletter. Whoopsy.
I suspect, without evidence, that as my practice has been refining, the simple (obvious) constraints formed themselves: I don’t have much to say, writing-wise, that I’m not pouring into my actual writing, i.e. not this blog. (Or, into pithy and therefore useless text-packets on BlueSky, or tipsy mini-rants on TikTok.)
Calling the blog not “actual” writing is also, certainly, part of the problem; but also, it ain’t. This is not the sort of creative work I’m pursuing right now, having pursued it intermittently (and with periods of deep, heightened fervour) for the better part of a quarter-century.
But hey: I finished my second book! Finished finished, for the third time, but yeah, she done.
I aim to complete a more fulsome site update (and consequent post update) next week to outline a bit more about that. In the meantime, here’s some random shit across my grid:
Jenny Nicholson v. Disney
The four-hour review of the (late) Galactic Starcruiser experience at Disney World has been posted, and it is magnificent. And you guys know me: I am a fan of the Galaxy’s Edge. I had, I think, a perfect experience with it last summer, so perfect that I’d probably best be advised never to return. (Which, given the dollar cost, would be an appealing choice for a number of reasons.)
I never did the Starcruiser, and thank goodness I did not, because whooooooof.
Look, the video’s four hours long. That takes a while. And it’s not, in my estimation anyway, particularly good for “background viewing,” because there’s enough visual info intercut with the talking head, which rounds out the sense of what the experience of going to the Starcruiser is actually like, that I do have to recommend actually watching the video.
It’s easy (and probably, intended) to read the video as a stirring takedown of how badly Late Capitalism In General has fucked up fan-brand management; but on a narrower beam, this video is worth watching if you have a job anywhere even close to product or event management, because the decision-by-decision failures captured within are a lesson for the ages. Seriously: if Bob Iger were even marginally serious about doing his job well (and I know, dear reader, that he is not), he should watch this entire thing with his senior staff and then do a two-day debrief.
I’ll facilitate, Bob!
Me v. Toy Collectors
On the subject of Star Wars and late capitalism, a reminder that if you pulse in on any conversation regarding The Acolyte or (yes) its toy lines and say that the show is “too woke,” what you are actually saying — out loud with your whole face on Al Gore’s internet — is that you are racist, misogynist, queerphobic, or a combination of all three.
Calling these people out in online forums is of course useless (if your intended “use” is to change their minds) but also useful (if your intended “use” is to remind other passers-by that hate is not tolerated in fan spaces). Plus, for a conflict-averse privileged person like myself, it’s useful exposure therapy, if nothing else.
On an unrelated note, I am optimistic that The Acolyte will be worth our time.
Me v. Furiosa
Oh shit they made that movie! That movie I sorta, definitely, didn’t think they should make!
I’m seeing it Monday. I feel kind of weird about it. I guess we’ll see how I feel after it. Pace Fury Road, I haven’t watched any trailers or read any reviews, although unlike Fury Road (nine long years ago!) not seeing glimpses of it all around me all the time is proving a lot more challening this time around.
If you’re one of the four people reading this blog who hasn’t bought my first book, The Cinema of Survival: Mad Max Fury Road, there are still some copies left at $20 a head, which you can get by emailing me. I’ll even sign it!