Over the past ten months, Bitmob has blossomed into a site full of creative game writers. I originally came to Bitmob to read articles submitted by EGM veterans and to post written opuses of my own, but surprisingly, I soon grew to appreciate the community pieces more than anything else.
Instead of dedicating this article to my favorite community writers, however, I wanted to give a shout out to two people essential to Bitmob's success that don't get the recognition they deserve. Who are these heroes of gaming? Lance Darnell -- the Chairman of the Bitmob Beard Club and Toby Davis -- the King of Discussion.
Lance may be known for his epic beard and irremovable shades, but he's also arguably the most motivational person on this site. Without Lance, I doubt that many of the original Bitmobbers would still be pumping out content. When some of us didn't believe in ourselves, Lance was always leaving nice, helpful comments on articles few other people took the time to read.
I've talked to Lance about his career plans before, and he has no interest in being a Community Manager or game journalist of any kind, but if he did, I'd definitely say he deserves a job. His jovial attitude and supportive comments could probably even hold together the U.S. Senate, so we're lucky to have him at Bitmob.
Forget Josephus -- Lance will be the next famous historian
I also enjoy reading Lance's articles, and wish that he'd write more. Unfortunately, Lance has other commitments now, so he doesn't have as much time to write Twitterviews and creative pieces involving history and games, but I hope that he'll consider doing those again when he isn't infiltrating Canadian igloos.
Now I may have mentioned Lance first, but I'd argue that Toby is equally important to Bitmob's success. Toby has been posting thought-provoking Discussion Topics on an almost daily basis, and he somehow still finds time to comment on more articles than probably anyone else on the site. He's also a very supportive, all-around nice guy who always has something interesting to say.
It also doesn't hurt that he has so many game industry connections. Likely due to his friendly, humble nature, Toby has established contact with several key players in the game industry, and the result has been a series of impressive, yet easily digestible interviews.
Next up for an interview: God
I don't know about everyone else on Bitmob, but Lance and Toby have been major reasons for me sticking around when times are tough. They're not the only Bitmobbers who've encouraged me to continue writing, but they've definitely made me keep things in perspective by reminding me that game writing should be fun. So thanks for all the great things you've done around here, Toby and Lance!
This article is by no means a comprehensive look at my favorite writers and Bitmob Community Members; it was merely meant to spotlight two OBs (Original Bitmobbers) who've done so much for this community in ways that go beyond writing.
Interested in stalking Bitmob royalty? Then follow Lance and Toby on Twitter (@The_Lancer and @ATC1982).
Awwww, Brian, you are so sweet! ;)
I had so much more time to give to Bitmob when the site first started. Now I feel like a crappy boyfriend just popping in and out for a quickie! Yet when I do have time to read the latest stuff on Bitmob what becomes clear is that the site has really, really grown. There are now half a dozen other Bitmobbers who comment on almost everything, most of the original Bitmobbers are now EDITORS and the site looks all pretty and high-tech. For about four or five months I commented on every single piece written on this site, until I realized that I could not keep it up for some days I was reading 20+ posts! And the posts on Bitmob are good. They require a good, thorough read (i.e. Jeffrey Sandlin, James DeRosa). And I felt I could not always give a certain post the time it deserved. Anyway! I will be over to pay you back for this later, Brian. I just need to pick up more cream!
Bitmob4Ever
Lance and Toby both encouraged me and made me feel welcome when I first started posting here.
Toby amazes me with the interviews he is able to do. I never thought it was possible for someone who is ostensibly outside of the video game industry to interview so many notable figures. I think this says a lot about his persistence and hard work.
Lance is, well, just too cool for words. If I was at all interested in men, I'd probably try to hit on him.
Lance and Toby don't have a mean bone in their bodies. It blows my mind how nice those two are, no matter what. Best guys ever.
Lance is a commenting machine.
Hehe, are you implying that Lance and Toby are the Luigis of Bitmob?
This article features three of my favorite Bitmobbers.
Toby is always there to start a good discussion or comment on people's posts.
Lance is one of the most encouraging Bitmobbers out there.
And Brain, you are by far the best writer on this site!
I feel honored to keep up with you guys through this site, even if it is just obliquely since I am pretty much a loner when it comes to playing games online. You guys really are the best, and this site would not be the same without you!
PS- I think some of the Bitmob staff hates me, so if you guys could put a good word in for me I would appreciate it!
Thank you Brian for your kind words. There are a lot of Original Bitmobbers here that I would put ahead of myself. I am glad to see nine people like this article and can't express what this means to read the words Brian.
Frank I don't hate you :)
I love those two hornballs!
Frank: Why would we hate you?
@Shoe- Maybe I just feel guilty that you even had to respond to my musings on Toby's 'too much Mass Effect 2?' post. I don't want you guys thinking I am the jerk questioning your actions. I respect you all so much that there is a good chance I might have read a few things wrong- for example a strongly worded post from Jason might have just been a off the cuff reaction without fully reading everything I wrote.
Between that and the Mass Effect thing... OK lets face it-- I am a big baby! ;)
... Plus there was a letter I wrote trying to explain and apologize for the Mass Effect 2 stuff that never got responded to.
I guess that could be buried under a pile of spam though.
@Frank I can't speak for the rest of the staff, but I don't hate you. I don't hate any of you! What I hate is bad pastrami. Life is too short for bad pastrami.