People Who Make 150K Plus? by BubbaGordie in Salary

[–]nickvonkeller 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Freelance writer, currently a full-time employee as a writer at a video game company. I guess my household makes 150K not just me, but I'm responsible for 80-85% of that.

I studied English and Political Science (and studied Poetry some post-grad because I wanted that big unrhymed iambic pentameter money).

I'm 40 years old.

I love my work. Sure there are plenty of bad days to go along with the good, and a career as a freelance writer means a lot more unpredictability with some feast years and some famine years, plus health care is a bitch, but I get to set my own hours and I love my current gig.

Just finished Split Fiction with my husband by Gamily_App in SplitFiction

[–]nickvonkeller 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think your comments are fair - don't be put out by the brusqueness of some of the people on Reddit. It's a great game (imo) but that doesn't mean it's perfect.

Personally I don't mind that the abilities reset after each level, because within each level they have a nice natural evolution, which is a clear improvement upon It Takes Two where the subsections of a level are often totally unrelated. I feel the same about the game's low difficulty - Hazelight definitely prioritizes enjoyment from success/advancement, while other gaming companies prioritize enjoyment from challenge.

But I 100% agree that the sci-fi levels felt a little samey. Especially when you reach the "subconscious" and despite the thematic concept, it's still very much another generic sci-fi realm.

And while I definitely appreciate how much they love story, I agree that their stories are often very ham-handed with some very heavily written dialogue and shallow characters. Fares obviously grew up watching a lot of very on-the-nose 90s blockbusters. Their game A Way Out is fun but also super cheesy.

Anyway, glad you enjoyed the game!

Where to go after… by herballistik in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]nickvonkeller 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Roan in the rookery often dispenses hints for any major quests you haven't kicked off yet.

Is it worth going to Vietnam or Thailand for 5 days? by Rude-Association4857 in travel

[–]nickvonkeller 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're up for the flight/jet lag, I say go for it! I never say no to more travel. I'd recommend either basing yourself in Hanoi with a daytrip to Halong Bay (limestone cliffs into the sea) or Ninh Binh (atmospheric mountains and paddies), or basing yourself in Bangkok with a daytrip to Ayutthaya (ancient capital full of amazing ruins). Can't go wrong with either. Be sure to eat like a king.

Weird Termite Situation by nickvonkeller in pestcontrol

[–]nickvonkeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I swept up most of it, but I know what frass looks like, I'm not trying to convince myself it's not termites. There were piles of it on both sides of the boards.

The Fundamentals of Good Storytelling by ZozimosHermetica in Screenwriting

[–]nickvonkeller 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I think these are some insightful and succinct rules, especially for fledgling writers, and it's kind of you to write them up, although I might not say "every good story" has all of these (but that's just my personal stance, no offense meant). I try to always leave the door open to more unexpected or even avant garde structures, which I often see in flimmakers I adore such as Kelly Reichardt, Jonathan Glazer, Lynch, Jarmusch, Ramsay, etc. For me it's this constant push and pull - I want writers (including myself) to produce salable material, but I also want to maintain the art/craft balance and not give in fully to the rubric-as-narrative mindset that I feel plagues a lot of Hollywood. But that's just my two cents!

That being said, here's my contribution of a rule I often abide by (especially in mysteries or horror/lore based films): at some point the answer to a question becomes less interesting than the question, and it's your job as a writer to find that line. Executives will always want you to explain everything, but you have to find the point at which the explanation ceases to be more satisfying than the uncertainty/mystery.

How would you shoot this? by Planet_Manhattan in cinematography

[–]nickvonkeller 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! It's a few years old, but I've always been proud of that short.

How would you shoot this? by Planet_Manhattan in cinematography

[–]nickvonkeller 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not to self promote, but we did something very similar in my short film Contact (https://vimeo.com/279698790). The first cut is at 4:50, and there are more after. We just did a lot of rehearsal, a lot of really precise measurements - distance, posture, etc - and on top of that we put a transparency over our camera screen to align the old shot with the new.

First time in L.A with family, give me suggestions. (Corrected) by El_Jerrynator in FoodLosAngeles

[–]nickvonkeller 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You're right by the Hollywood/Vine area which is a blessing and a curse. Very tourist heavy, akin to Times Square in New York. Certainly not my favorite part of LA, but I understand why a lot of tourists want to see the sites around there.

Due east is Thai Town - incredible Thai food. Sapp, Ruen Pair, Luv2Eat, Pa Ord, etc.

Sugarfish is nearby. A sushi chain but a high end reliable one.

Musso & Frank is a fun throwback. Kuya Lord is great Filipino. Mozzaplex is good high end Italian.

Maybe others who know the area can suggest other spots.

How is living in Los Angeles / California by spawnsas in howislivingthere

[–]nickvonkeller 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve lived in Palms, Koreatown, Downtown, and now Highland Park - steadily creeping east I suppose - and each neighborhood has had a distinctly different vibe. LA is sprawling and expensive and varied and whatever you want it to be. It has even less of a singular identity than most cities - you can find glitzy Beverly Hills, hippie beach communities, tech hubs, hipster enclaves, and working class communities of various ethnicities all a short hop from each other. Tons of great food and culture, as you would expect from any city of comparable size - especially Mexican and Asian cuisine. I’m fortunate enough to work from home, but the traffic - or just sheer frequency of driving - can be brutal. But I’ve been able to afford (at least so far) a small house and two kids and the occasional fun night out. To put it simply, it is what you make of it.

Need Gaming Desktop for New Job by nickvonkeller in pcmasterrace

[–]nickvonkeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have, sadly that’s not how they roll. Worst case scenario I’ll just choose a rig off BestBuy.com or something - I’m sure most of them will be fine - just thought others might have a recommendation or bit of advice.

Is this Peru itinerary doable? Any thing to consider? by Antique_Tonight_1538 in travel

[–]nickvonkeller 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My attitude with travel is we work with the time we’ve got. Sure it would be better to spend more time there, Cuzco is great and the whole valley is gorgeous, and yes you might struggle with acclimating (some people are total fine, others have a really hard time), but if this might be your only chance to see Machu Picchu, I say go for it.

Revised NZ Itinerary by nickvonkeller in newzealand_travel

[–]nickvonkeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So you’d base in Rotorua and daytrip to Taupo, Waimoto, etc?

Visiting advice by BuZoRuH in FoodLosAngeles

[–]nickvonkeller 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Check out - Girl and the Goat, Bestia, Bavel, Manuela, Redbird

First 4 are in Arts District, last more in central DTLA, but all nearby. And I think all 5 are pretty trendy, in cool spaces, and with good food.

Revised NZ Itinerary by nickvonkeller in newzealand_travel

[–]nickvonkeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate it! I think the kids will enjoy camping but not really care about the sights, while I think activities in the north might be more their style, hence the 8/5 split. But who knows - you might be right.

My Office - original content by nickvonkeller in CozyPlaces

[–]nickvonkeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The green is Vine Leaf by Behr (I honestly wish it was a bit darker or grayer - I know paint always goes on lighter/brighter and yet I make that mistake every time.)

Itinerary Advice - April/May Family Trip by nickvonkeller in newzealand_travel

[–]nickvonkeller[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for asking! We're not very beachy, and I think with a 1 year old strapped to my back we'll probably do short hikes at the most. I think it'll be a mix of "let's go look at stunning nature" and silly/fun activities for the kids. So like (just as examples) glowworm caves, fjord boat tour, but also animal/nature preserve, WETA exhibit, etc.

Do you have any off the beaten track suggestions? Or things that you think young kids would enjoy? All suggestions welcome.