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United States1871 Posts
I’ve spent a lot of time mulling over the fact that November marks my eighth anniversary as a writer at tl.net. I think about the articles I wrote and how they impacted those who read them. I think about the mentors who nurtured and encouraged me to improve and try new things. I think about the friends I met, especially the one that took part in LRSL all those years ago. I can’t help but think of the forum posters that have been around the entire time I’ve been here and wonder if their StarCraft II experience was altered at all by my writings—mine was by their commentary in some small way. Lastly, I think of the people I wronged. There are more than a few of them, to all of which, I say I’m sorry more than you know.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what happened in the past. When I first became a writer I was 27. I’m 35 now and those early months/years feel like an eternity ago. The constant is that this site changed my life forever.
Some people might object to some a little navelgazing, but I’m really happy with what I achieved at tl.net and the other websites at which I worked. I never expected to make much of myself in life given my rather debilitating mental illness, but I somehow carved out this little niche for myself in the scene. I surely would have done better if I was less combative and more flexible but, between my writing and my time helping with map contests I think I have made, by and large, a positive impact on StarCraft II and its community.
I haven’t felt the urge to write these past few months. I’ve been painting miniatures to sate my creative drive, but I’m sure I’ll get back into the swing of things once we know what’ll happen next year with StarCraft II.
I hope I do, at least. It comes and goes just like everything else in life.
There have been some melancholy notes so far, but it’s just because the uplifting, positive, rah rah story has been told so many times. I will say that I’m feeling better than I have at any point in the past decade or so. Some of the wonderful staff at tl.net were forced to endure some of my bad habits, but sadly it was part of the journey. I would never be where I am without the site, and I know for a fact I wouldn’t have met my fiancé. This site and the people who frequent it have shaped me—and not just staff, but the forum posters, balance whiners, delusional fans and Terran players.
A long time ago, I said that my goal when approaching a StarCraft article was to make the readers consider whatever I was writing about from a perspective they had yet to think of. I loved writing those overwrought meandering pieces over the years, but I also have to remind myself that I wrote the article when Rogue won BlizzCon and IEM. I wrote the article when soO finally won at IEM Katowice. I wrote about Maru over and over. I survived the fiasco that was the GOAT list and, most importantly, I got to write the article after Serral won BlizzCon. Some people might find this cheesy, but it was a real honor to pen that piece. I did get to write a ton of joke articles, but I was there when history happened. I’m proud of that.
When it comes to the past, I wouldn’t change anything. I submarined my “career” multiple times but, for the most part, I got to write what I wanted, when I wanted. I learned from incredible editors as well as my fellow writers—even though there was a lot of friction at times.
It’s a weird moment in the year because we don’t know what StarCraft will look like next year. But, as long as it's around, I’ll be there writing about it for the eighth year running. I hope to see everyone there.
 
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Netherlands4989 Posts
Congrats on fighting the never ending fight and getting shit done on the side.
It's always nice to read fellow sufferers reaching new heights, it gives hope and strength.
If SC2 ever stops to exist... BW rekindled after years of uncertainty and is still going strong IF that would interest you.
I'd say with LP, TL is still the hub for BW, but the majority of community stuff goes via Discord nowadays.
I believe WC3 is also still going strong, but it's basically non-existent on TL.
Maybe it's also worth checking out Stormgate & Battle Aces just in case. For your sake I hope SC2 lives on and doesn't go as deep underground as BW did for years.
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Congratulations!
If you ever come to BW, I d love your disaster piece series there too 
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Northern Ireland25283 Posts
On October 25 2024 08:44 Mizenhauer wrote:
I’ve spent a lot of time mulling over the fact that November marks my eighth anniversary as a writer at tl.net. I think about the articles I wrote and how they impacted those who read them. I think about the mentors who nurtured and encouraged me to improve and try new things. I think about the friends I met, especially the one that took part in LRSL all those years ago. I can’t help but think of the forum posters that have been around the entire time I’ve been here and wonder if their StarCraft II experience was altered at all by my writings—mine was by their commentary in some small way. Lastly, I think of the people I wronged. There are more than a few of them, to all of which, I say I’m sorry more than you know.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what happened in the past. When I first became a writer I was 27. I’m 35 now and those early months/years feel like an eternity ago. The constant is that this site changed my life forever.
Some people might object to some a little navelgazing, but I’m really happy with what I achieved at tl.net and the other websites at which I worked. I never expected to make much of myself in life given my rather debilitating mental illness, but I somehow carved out this little niche for myself in the scene. I surely would have done better if I was less combative and more flexible, but between my writing and my time helping with map contests, I think I have made, by and large, a positive impact on StarCraft II and its community.
I haven’t felt the urge to write these past few months. I’ve been painting miniatures to sate my creative drive, but I’m sure I’ll get back into the swing of things once we know what’ll happen next year with StarCraft II.
I hope I do, at least. It comes and goes just like everything else in life.
There have been some melancholy notes so far, but it’s just because the uplifting, positive, rah rah story has been told so many times. I will say that I’m feeling better than I have at any point in the past decade or so. Some of the wonderful staff at tl.net were forced to endure some of my bad habits, but sadly it was part of the journey. I would never be where I am without the site, and I know for a fact I wouldn’t have met my fiancé. This site and the people who frequent it have shaped me—and not just staff, but the forum posters, balance whiners, delusional fans and Terran players.
A long time ago, I said that my goal when approaching a StarCraft article was to make the readers consider whatever I was writing about from a perspective they had yet to think of. I loved writing those overwrought meandering pieces over the years, but I also have to remind myself that I wrote the article when Rogue won BlizzCon and IEM. I wrote the article when soO finally won at IEM Katowice. I wrote about Maru over and over. I survived the fiasco that was the GOAT list and, most importantly, I got to write the article after Serral won BlizzCon. Some people might find this cheesy, but it was a real honor to pen that piece. I did get to write a ton of joke articles, but I was there when history happened. I’m proud of that.
When it comes to the past, I wouldn’t change anything. I submarined my “career” multiple times but, for the most part, I got to write what I wanted, when I wanted. I learned from incredible editors as well as my fellow writers—even though there was a lot of friction at times.
It’s a weird moment in the year because we don’t know what StarCraft will look like next year. But, as long as it's around, I’ll be there writing about it for the eighth year running. I hope to see everyone there.
Happy to hear you’re doing well, especially as someone who also has a pretty damn debilitating mental illness, and was 35 this week!
As per the bolded, not privy to behind the scenes stuff, I’d personally disagree in terms of your output and your engagement in defending your output
You wrote what you believed, that much has been clear. Some was controversial, but it never had that vibe of deliberate ragebait.
For me they stimulated a lot of interesting debate, in a way more milquetoast, safe articles just would not. I enjoyed taking part of many of said debates!
Take care man and looking forward to the next batch
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United States1871 Posts
On October 31 2024 01:27 WombaT wrote:Show nested quote +On October 25 2024 08:44 Mizenhauer wrote:
I’ve spent a lot of time mulling over the fact that November marks my eighth anniversary as a writer at tl.net. I think about the articles I wrote and how they impacted those who read them. I think about the mentors who nurtured and encouraged me to improve and try new things. I think about the friends I met, especially the one that took part in LRSL all those years ago. I can’t help but think of the forum posters that have been around the entire time I’ve been here and wonder if their StarCraft II experience was altered at all by my writings—mine was by their commentary in some small way. Lastly, I think of the people I wronged. There are more than a few of them, to all of which, I say I’m sorry more than you know.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what happened in the past. When I first became a writer I was 27. I’m 35 now and those early months/years feel like an eternity ago. The constant is that this site changed my life forever.
Some people might object to some a little navelgazing, but I’m really happy with what I achieved at tl.net and the other websites at which I worked. I never expected to make much of myself in life given my rather debilitating mental illness, but I somehow carved out this little niche for myself in the scene. I surely would have done better if I was less combative and more flexible, but between my writing and my time helping with map contests, I think I have made, by and large, a positive impact on StarCraft II and its community.
I haven’t felt the urge to write these past few months. I’ve been painting miniatures to sate my creative drive, but I’m sure I’ll get back into the swing of things once we know what’ll happen next year with StarCraft II.
I hope I do, at least. It comes and goes just like everything else in life.
There have been some melancholy notes so far, but it’s just because the uplifting, positive, rah rah story has been told so many times. I will say that I’m feeling better than I have at any point in the past decade or so. Some of the wonderful staff at tl.net were forced to endure some of my bad habits, but sadly it was part of the journey. I would never be where I am without the site, and I know for a fact I wouldn’t have met my fiancé. This site and the people who frequent it have shaped me—and not just staff, but the forum posters, balance whiners, delusional fans and Terran players.
A long time ago, I said that my goal when approaching a StarCraft article was to make the readers consider whatever I was writing about from a perspective they had yet to think of. I loved writing those overwrought meandering pieces over the years, but I also have to remind myself that I wrote the article when Rogue won BlizzCon and IEM. I wrote the article when soO finally won at IEM Katowice. I wrote about Maru over and over. I survived the fiasco that was the GOAT list and, most importantly, I got to write the article after Serral won BlizzCon. Some people might find this cheesy, but it was a real honor to pen that piece. I did get to write a ton of joke articles, but I was there when history happened. I’m proud of that.
When it comes to the past, I wouldn’t change anything. I submarined my “career” multiple times but, for the most part, I got to write what I wanted, when I wanted. I learned from incredible editors as well as my fellow writers—even though there was a lot of friction at times.
It’s a weird moment in the year because we don’t know what StarCraft will look like next year. But, as long as it's around, I’ll be there writing about it for the eighth year running. I hope to see everyone there.
For me they stimulated a lot of interesting debate, in a way more milquetoast, safe articles just would not. I enjoyed taking part of many of said debates!
This paragraph pretty much nailed my intentions when it came to my larger projects. I have strong opinions and some were controversial, but I think I was, by and large, fair over the years.
It's a bit of a bummer that no one sees blog, but I'm glad you found your way over here.
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Northern Ireland25283 Posts
On November 01 2024 04:18 Mizenhauer wrote:Show nested quote +On October 31 2024 01:27 WombaT wrote:On October 25 2024 08:44 Mizenhauer wrote:
I’ve spent a lot of time mulling over the fact that November marks my eighth anniversary as a writer at tl.net. I think about the articles I wrote and how they impacted those who read them. I think about the mentors who nurtured and encouraged me to improve and try new things. I think about the friends I met, especially the one that took part in LRSL all those years ago. I can’t help but think of the forum posters that have been around the entire time I’ve been here and wonder if their StarCraft II experience was altered at all by my writings—mine was by their commentary in some small way. Lastly, I think of the people I wronged. There are more than a few of them, to all of which, I say I’m sorry more than you know.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what happened in the past. When I first became a writer I was 27. I’m 35 now and those early months/years feel like an eternity ago. The constant is that this site changed my life forever.
Some people might object to some a little navelgazing, but I’m really happy with what I achieved at tl.net and the other websites at which I worked. I never expected to make much of myself in life given my rather debilitating mental illness, but I somehow carved out this little niche for myself in the scene. I surely would have done better if I was less combative and more flexible, but between my writing and my time helping with map contests, I think I have made, by and large, a positive impact on StarCraft II and its community.
I haven’t felt the urge to write these past few months. I’ve been painting miniatures to sate my creative drive, but I’m sure I’ll get back into the swing of things once we know what’ll happen next year with StarCraft II.
I hope I do, at least. It comes and goes just like everything else in life.
There have been some melancholy notes so far, but it’s just because the uplifting, positive, rah rah story has been told so many times. I will say that I’m feeling better than I have at any point in the past decade or so. Some of the wonderful staff at tl.net were forced to endure some of my bad habits, but sadly it was part of the journey. I would never be where I am without the site, and I know for a fact I wouldn’t have met my fiancé. This site and the people who frequent it have shaped me—and not just staff, but the forum posters, balance whiners, delusional fans and Terran players.
A long time ago, I said that my goal when approaching a StarCraft article was to make the readers consider whatever I was writing about from a perspective they had yet to think of. I loved writing those overwrought meandering pieces over the years, but I also have to remind myself that I wrote the article when Rogue won BlizzCon and IEM. I wrote the article when soO finally won at IEM Katowice. I wrote about Maru over and over. I survived the fiasco that was the GOAT list and, most importantly, I got to write the article after Serral won BlizzCon. Some people might find this cheesy, but it was a real honor to pen that piece. I did get to write a ton of joke articles, but I was there when history happened. I’m proud of that.
When it comes to the past, I wouldn’t change anything. I submarined my “career” multiple times but, for the most part, I got to write what I wanted, when I wanted. I learned from incredible editors as well as my fellow writers—even though there was a lot of friction at times.
It’s a weird moment in the year because we don’t know what StarCraft will look like next year. But, as long as it's around, I’ll be there writing about it for the eighth year running. I hope to see everyone there.
For me they stimulated a lot of interesting debate, in a way more milquetoast, safe articles just would not. I enjoyed taking part of many of said debates! This paragraph pretty much nailed my intentions when it came to my larger projects. I have strong opinions and some were controversial, but I think I was, by and large, fair over the years. It's a bit of a bummer that no one sees blog, but I'm glad you found your way over here.
Yeah from my brief forays into this space it doesn’t feel an area where that many delve into, which is a pity as there’s good stuff to be found!
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The TL Map Contests are great. Thanks for contributing to them!
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United States1871 Posts
On November 03 2024 21:00 JimmyJRaynor wrote:
The TL Map Contests are great. Thanks for contributing to them!
I've been playing 2s/3s/4s since launch, so it's an incredible honor to provide, what I think, is a superior experience for people that play team games.
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Bisutopia19237 Posts
Sorry I'm late on this, but happy 8th! Thank you for all your hard work and love for this community/game. <3
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United States1871 Posts
On November 06 2024 00:56 BisuDagger wrote:
Sorry I'm late on this, but happy 8th! Thank you for all your hard work and love for this community/game. <3
Right back at you.
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United States1871 Posts
On October 29 2024 00:26 WGT-Baal wrote:Congratulations! If you ever come to BW, I d love your disaster piece series there too
I'm glad you enjoy those, they are really fun to write.
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Congratulations! I may have only been around for the last few years, but I hold you (and the other tl.net writers) in high regard for your love of the game and the thankless work some of you take on.
It's a bit of a bummer that no one sees blog, but I'm glad you found your way over here.
Yeah it's quite unfortunate I've opened this site hundreds of times since this was posted and this is my first time noticing, albeit a lot of the time I open from muscle memory, and don't check that deeply.
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United States1871 Posts
On December 03 2024 03:23 uselless wrote:Congratulations! I may have only been around for the last few years, but I hold you (and the other tl.net writers) in high regard for your love of the game and the thankless work some of you take on. Show nested quote +It's a bit of a bummer that no one sees blog, but I'm glad you found your way over here. Yeah it's quite unfortunate I've opened this site hundreds of times since this was posted and this is my first time noticing, albeit a lot of the time I open from muscle memory, and don't check that deeply.
Thanks for the support. I'm glad you've enjoyed everyone's hard work.
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thanks for all your love!!!
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Happy 8th anniversary!
I have enjoyed many of your articles, but also felt that others were over-provocative (if that's a real word...) without need. This is probably the result of comparing my own biases vs yours, tbh.
Thank you for your hard work, I hope you continue writing with the same passion.
PS: Who wrote the article when Clem won the EWC?
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Also first time making my way to blogs (thank you Tl.net spotlight!), and congratulations! What an epic writing career.
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United States10155 Posts
I'm late. Happy 8th! I think I'm celebrating my 8th/9th as well for the Brood War side. Amazing how time flies. Hope to see you continue to write!
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Grats on 8 years to the legendary founder of the Phred Fan Club.
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Nice blog, but even more importantly, what miniatures are you painting?
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United States1871 Posts
On January 14 2025 16:26 Tal wrote:
Nice blog, but even more importantly, what miniatures are you painting?
Sorry for the super belated response. Mini pics are here https://www.instagram.com/mizenhauer/
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EPT
