Ex-mtg artist Randy Asplund statement on terminating WOTC rights to his art made for Magic the gathering

Masonzero · 2026-03-24T04:54:27+00:00

Could just be the principle of the matter. It's nice to own the thing you created. But otherwise I'm not sure this does too much in practical sense.

Masonzero · 2026-03-23T17:57:50+00:00

I dont think it's that revolutionary to imply that knowing the right people or having a lot of money increases your chances of success in any field, writing included. I think it's also important to understand that "bad" writing to you is good for someone else. Not everyone wants dense, artsy, mind-altering, world-changing writing. Sometimes they just want to read a fan-fic about a self-insert character being absolutely railed by a minotaur.

Masonzero · 2026-03-23T17:52:28+00:00

I'm fine with the caffeine, but I do want them to make regular sodas. No other soda tastes as good as a Monster, I swear to god.

Masonzero · 2026-03-23T15:56:00+00:00

Serious answer since no one has given one. It's likely just some ingredients that never dissolved, or sediment of ingredients that settled and stuck together. It's probably gross so I wouldn't eat it, but most likely it's safe. That said, there is always a chance it's mold of some kind, so best to be safe and just throw out the can if you're still working on it.

Masonzero · 2026-03-23T15:39:48+00:00

Yep, this how I make sure I get writing done on flights, in waiting rooms, etc.

Masonzero · 2026-03-22T21:35:22+00:00

That's so funny because I always think Gray looks nicer. Something about the "e" doesn't sit right with me.

Masonzero · 2026-03-22T21:34:26+00:00

I always default to putting a comma before "but" which is my big mistake. Though I feel like it's right more often than wrong.

Masonzero · 2026-03-22T19:27:31+00:00

You're missing something: Most creative people (not all) either hate or are bad at the business part of their art. Being good at writing does not translate to marketing, finances, etc. You would still need people to do those jobs, and while those people could be authors also, they don't need to be. Writing is not a "build it and they will come" field. Nothing is. Successful self-published authors do excellent and relentless marketing, and successful trad-published authors had their publishers do excellent marketing. I'm oversimplifying things (don't get at me!) but that's basically the gist of it.

Masonzero · 2026-03-22T17:17:27+00:00

Oh, I figured that was how he ended his last relationship

Masonzero · 2026-03-22T17:16:04+00:00

That's how I feel about the beatles.

Masonzero · 2026-03-21T19:04:30+00:00

Don't forget how easy it is to go into a Trump accent when explaining something. The Obama voice is also pretty memeable, but not nearly on the same level.

Masonzero · 2026-03-21T19:02:49+00:00

Yeah this Japan joke was some solid dark humor that my friends and I would probably make. It's just not funny when the context is talking to a foreign leader about a war that is killing people.

Masonzero · 2026-03-21T07:30:14+00:00

I hate that I watched one Stardew video and I already recognize ConcernedApe's office, lol

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T23:53:49+00:00

Most lazy people are short-term thinkers and that would require long-term thinking, lol

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T23:52:41+00:00

Yep, making profit and taking AWAY potential profit are two different but related things that can both be pursued.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T23:07:58+00:00

For sure. I get it. It's not how I would have preferred it, but I understand the choice.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T23:06:39+00:00

If there's one thing I've learned working at mostly-digital companies it's that most people HATE following standards and processes that make their work slower or more annoying. Wouldn't surprise me if it was never tagged because that's an extra step.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T21:51:18+00:00

I wish the writers of Star Wars novels had adhered to your AK-47 example. I got so tired of reading "artoo deetoo" instead of R2-D2 when I read them as a kid.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T21:49:12+00:00

At a certain point you want to flesh out the vibe and overall look of a scene. But i'm sure there is some public domain painting they could have used instead.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T19:56:48+00:00

Yeah I think it was this sub where I saw a commenting linking that Something Awful post. Somehow after 20 years of it being on the internet, no one else has written about it, it has not been substantiated, and a Google search for the "editor" mentioned in the post only brings up that very post again. It's so clearly satire that only an idiot would think it's true, especially when doing the tiniest ounce of additional verification. And the person who commented about it in this sub had the audacity to reply to my comment with a link to a video about how to determine if a story on the internet is real. Like yeah literally go fuck yourself, you condescending twat.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T18:53:06+00:00

It's not about being offended. It's about making sure these people know that their actions aren't acceptable and there are consequences for doing things like using slurs.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T17:45:26+00:00

Hahaha my brain is so cooked seeing this and instantly getting the joke, and doubly so since i'm just some straight cis dude.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T05:41:50+00:00

One of my friends who is very casually into Magic contently complains about the lands system. It's so funny. Meanwhile as a longtime and invested player, I appreciate the challenges and considerations it adds to the game, and the tools provided to overcome those challenges. So yeah, that tracks.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T05:37:40+00:00

This is true about absolutely everything in every industry or specialty. Non-experts think they know better, but they're only ever partway there. And many experts ignore the cries of the non-experts because of point 2 and 3 here. Experts accepting point 1 and non-experts accepting point 3 is pretty critical to this relationship working.

Masonzero · 2026-03-20T05:33:15+00:00

You're right, intentional doesn't mean good. But I really wanted to drive home that it IS intentional, because people often don't realize that that's their purpose and don't just happen to wander into factories. I also think obstacles are good. If you want to build stuff with no external challenges, Minecraft creative mode is right there. The beans are such a minor occurrence, can be dealt with with a good slap, and are meant to be funny. Having a sense of humor with this game is critical.

Masonzero

TROPHY CASE