To say that 2010 was another challenging year for me on a personal level would be a gross understatement. I’ve had health problems, been working in an uncomfortable environment, and am in a position where I’m barely getting by financially. I know that I’m still better off than many since I’m employed– which I am thankful for– but adjusting to certain aspects of my new life out here in Arizona has been an adventure. 

One of the things that disappointed me the most this year was that I made lots of excuses for not being more active as a writer. I had a few opportunities to write or to take part in podcasts, but I allowed them all to fall through. Perhaps I was feeling overwhelmed or maybe I just wasn’t mentally ready to follow through on the notions and ideas that I’ve had swirling in my head… but I didn’t accomplish what I wanted to accomplish this year. I am grateful to those of you who have read what work I have put together; I’m sure that you can see that my passion for writing and for console gaming in general is still fiery and that won’t change. What I have to do is get away from saying “no” or “I can’t” and instead change my perspective on things. 

That happens in 2011… with a little help from my friends and colleagues, I hope. 

I have plans for Consoleation and beyond in the coming year. My goal is to contribute updates here at least 2-3 times per week. I’ve had ideas about themes, like PlayStation 2-sdays and at least a couple of reviews a month. Unfortunately, the PlayStation 2 just spun its last disc this past week, so that idea is on hold for now, but I’m working on other ideas. I plan to continue writing analysis posts about sales trends and infusing them with real-world observations. I can never be Michael Pachter, but I believe that I have strong opinions like he does and would love to someday have a voice somewhere as he does.

As you know, Consoleation is my own work, and while some content is graciously syndicated through my friends and colleagues at GameCritics, I’m hoping to branch out and begin writing for a gaming website. I won’t be actively looking until 2011 begins and my retail shifts get a little less hectic, but I think that the time has come to get my voice out there and work with a team of editors that can work with me to mold my work into something fantastic. This will be a difficult task, given my difficulty with maintaining focus at times, but the time for excuses is over. I’m going to be 39 years old in 2011, and 2011 marks a decade since I landed my first “official” reviewing gig. Life’s been hectic, and full of changes and challenges, but every year that I shy away from opportunities and possibilities is a year that I can’t get back. I see so many writers out there who publish piece after piece in spite of what life may throw at them, and I know that I can be among them. I believe that I’m talented enough and have what it takes to succeed– but I’ve been holding myself back for too long. 

I also want 2011 to be my first trip to E3. I’ve wanted to attend for years, but money, distance, and/or logistics always seemed to put up roadblocks. Now, I literally live one state to the east of California. Flights can’t possibly be as expensive as they were from my home in Massachusetts. The distance seems negotiable. I need to set up lodging and actually get in the door to some events, but I really think that this could be the year that I finally break my E3 drought and attend. It could be one of the most important events of my lifetime, and it’s been a dream of mine to be in the same building as so many influences and people that I genuinely look up to. I know it’s a whirlwind. I know you don’t sleep much and that it’s a wall-to-wall assault of the senses. I know that more than a few people don’t even enjoy it anymore. That’s not me. Sure, I may be tired afterwards– but to say that I actually got to go even once would be a tremendous honor in my eyes. So… attending E3 is a goal for me in 2011. 

I am excited for the next year. Every new year is like wiping the slate clean, and I am going to work my hardest to ensure that 2011 is one of the best years for me as a writer ever. My motivation comes from a few places, and those of you who have been reading Consoleation are certainly at the top of that list. We may agree or disagree on certain topics, but the fact that you take the time to click on a link and read what I have to say is something that I don’t take lightly. I know that some of you who read this blog are people that inspire me personally, and that’s a tremendous honor. Some of my followers on Twitter– many of whom are writers themselves– have been offering their support of my new-found commitment and my goals for 2011.To all of them, I offer my sincerest thanks and admiration. Without them, and the work they do, I might not have had the desire to make these decisions at all. 

I’m hoping to post at least once more before 2010 ends, if only to recap the year that was for me in gaming. I promise that I won’t make Kirby’s Epic Yarn a pick for Worst Game of the Year, just to get you to read. I will be giving credit where credit is due, and talking about some downloadable titles that renewed my faith in console gaming a bit… and that’s only a small part of what is on my mind. I don’t know if I’ll be doing any Game of the Year awards here, but that decision may depend on my available time to put the piece together. 

I wish all of you and your loved ones and friends the safest and happiest of holiday seasons. May 2011 rock like no other year before it.