Brilliant -- and it hits really close to home. I used to work for Woolworths as a teenager; it was my first gig. It's a real shame that the NZ Police couldn't do anything about this kind of thing. It's almost too crazy to believe.
In some sense, there's nothing more kiwi than Pak n' Save, eh?
Yeah, bizarre really. I guess in their only defence - there's generally barely any crime going on in Dunedin so when something does happen they're like, 'nahh cannot be so'. But a kid died.
Yep - and buying a 12 box of Speights and a steak and cheese pie from the bakery section.
It was a great read. You should publish more of these; well, if you have time… (I know they don’t get much engagement, but it really was a refreshing change of pace)
Yeah I have thought about creating a 'true stories' series of all my most gnarly stories, so it could become a sort of I-novel ... except it's all true. However, sharing the details of these stories could get me into trouble with professors training me to become a clinical psychologist - so I might hold off for a while.
Of course -- I promise I'm not just blowing smoke. I thought "I'll give this a go" and by a third of the way through I felt like I had to finish it. Having been around these kinds of people in these kinds of environments it was all just so easy to visualize.
It is gripping stuff, and it speaks to a lot of different themes that you didn't drill down on, which I appreciate. Sometimes when people inject a narrative into a story too much it just feels painful -- it doesn't even matter which side it's coming from; I'd prefer to draw my own conclusions from a story rather than have them spoon-fed to me.
On holding off: probably a good idea. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised that you put a picture of yourself out there considering the country you live in; you've got to have kahunas to do that.
I probably wouldn't ever reveal a picture of myself (I assume that's actually *you*), and I live in one of the most right wing countries in Europe. Still, working in the game's industry -- a den of lefties and progressives -- having my identity revealed could cost me my entire career.
Not that I work for a "woke company" now, you understand. But I have worked for a board game company which is very adversely affected by Trump's tariffs, and who tell their writers to write "non-binary characters" in their material -- I can't be too careful. Even having a slightly right wing opinion in this industry can completely destroy you, even if you've spent the majority of your life as a classical liberal.
There I go again, revealing a little too much. But not *too much* (I hope). (:
Yeah, it is in a style of 'fractal, short-scene, minimalism' that I was trying out. Aim is to tell the story and that's about it.
Mmm, the picture. It's a funny one. Personally, both online in my daily life, I really dislike having too much of a divided self - meaning a type of person that others see and another for my own thoughts. I want them to be one and the same, warts and all - what you see, wherever I am, is closeish - I hope - to what you get. I know it is never actually possible for them to be one and the same, however, and I understand what people need to do. It is a real shame that someone's politics can get them fired. Sounds like an awkward situation you are in. I hope there is a revolution in your industry - is it possible?
You're right and for the most part, I don't hold back. I certainly don't in my personal life. I pride myself on speaking the truth in all situations, actually!
But when it comes to working for companies that are involved in projects worth millions of Euros, well... I just let go of what I really think. I don't need to talk about it, and it's easier to shift the topic than challenge the other person unnecessarily.
I don't care *that* much. Not about politics or whatever. I care about *writing* above all else, as I think my piece about writing fiction made clear (I've unpublished it now, actually, but I saw you restacked it).
What matters to me more than anything is that I become known for the work I do in the industry, and I get brought on board for more prestigious projects. My father, a creative director in the advertising industry for 30+ years, did the same, and he prospered immensely. There's no need to bring your politics or "thoughts" to the table; a true professional doesn't engage in that stuff -- he focuses on the work and does the best job. That's how I see it.
Again, on a personal level -- face to face or in most conversations online and off -- I never lie. Because yes, that has an impact on you long term. It's a kind of entropy of the soul, I think.
Yeah - it was unfortunate so many people drunk the coolade. I suspect it had a large part to do with the false fear the governmental propagandists managed to instill in the populace.
Great writing. Catches you and draws you in.
Thank you for the kind words and reading!
Brilliant -- and it hits really close to home. I used to work for Woolworths as a teenager; it was my first gig. It's a real shame that the NZ Police couldn't do anything about this kind of thing. It's almost too crazy to believe.
In some sense, there's nothing more kiwi than Pak n' Save, eh?
Thanks for reading bro!
Yeah, bizarre really. I guess in their only defence - there's generally barely any crime going on in Dunedin so when something does happen they're like, 'nahh cannot be so'. But a kid died.
Yep - and buying a 12 box of Speights and a steak and cheese pie from the bakery section.
Speights? I spose it is the south!
It was a great read. You should publish more of these; well, if you have time… (I know they don’t get much engagement, but it really was a refreshing change of pace)
Thanks bro. Appreciate it.
Yeah I have thought about creating a 'true stories' series of all my most gnarly stories, so it could become a sort of I-novel ... except it's all true. However, sharing the details of these stories could get me into trouble with professors training me to become a clinical psychologist - so I might hold off for a while.
Of course -- I promise I'm not just blowing smoke. I thought "I'll give this a go" and by a third of the way through I felt like I had to finish it. Having been around these kinds of people in these kinds of environments it was all just so easy to visualize.
It is gripping stuff, and it speaks to a lot of different themes that you didn't drill down on, which I appreciate. Sometimes when people inject a narrative into a story too much it just feels painful -- it doesn't even matter which side it's coming from; I'd prefer to draw my own conclusions from a story rather than have them spoon-fed to me.
On holding off: probably a good idea. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised that you put a picture of yourself out there considering the country you live in; you've got to have kahunas to do that.
I probably wouldn't ever reveal a picture of myself (I assume that's actually *you*), and I live in one of the most right wing countries in Europe. Still, working in the game's industry -- a den of lefties and progressives -- having my identity revealed could cost me my entire career.
Not that I work for a "woke company" now, you understand. But I have worked for a board game company which is very adversely affected by Trump's tariffs, and who tell their writers to write "non-binary characters" in their material -- I can't be too careful. Even having a slightly right wing opinion in this industry can completely destroy you, even if you've spent the majority of your life as a classical liberal.
There I go again, revealing a little too much. But not *too much* (I hope). (:
Cheers man.
Yeah, it is in a style of 'fractal, short-scene, minimalism' that I was trying out. Aim is to tell the story and that's about it.
Mmm, the picture. It's a funny one. Personally, both online in my daily life, I really dislike having too much of a divided self - meaning a type of person that others see and another for my own thoughts. I want them to be one and the same, warts and all - what you see, wherever I am, is closeish - I hope - to what you get. I know it is never actually possible for them to be one and the same, however, and I understand what people need to do. It is a real shame that someone's politics can get them fired. Sounds like an awkward situation you are in. I hope there is a revolution in your industry - is it possible?
I've DM'd you by the way.
You're right and for the most part, I don't hold back. I certainly don't in my personal life. I pride myself on speaking the truth in all situations, actually!
But when it comes to working for companies that are involved in projects worth millions of Euros, well... I just let go of what I really think. I don't need to talk about it, and it's easier to shift the topic than challenge the other person unnecessarily.
I don't care *that* much. Not about politics or whatever. I care about *writing* above all else, as I think my piece about writing fiction made clear (I've unpublished it now, actually, but I saw you restacked it).
What matters to me more than anything is that I become known for the work I do in the industry, and I get brought on board for more prestigious projects. My father, a creative director in the advertising industry for 30+ years, did the same, and he prospered immensely. There's no need to bring your politics or "thoughts" to the table; a true professional doesn't engage in that stuff -- he focuses on the work and does the best job. That's how I see it.
Again, on a personal level -- face to face or in most conversations online and off -- I never lie. Because yes, that has an impact on you long term. It's a kind of entropy of the soul, I think.
I got your DM and responded. Cheers, bro. (:
Loved reading about NZ and Dunedin after moving to GC Australia a year and a bit ago.
Yes the Ardern years were that terrible.
It often felt like I was in a very small minority of people disregarding the messages of doom from the throne.
Nice to hear that were many of us, including yourself.
Yeah - it was unfortunate so many people drunk the coolade. I suspect it had a large part to do with the false fear the governmental propagandists managed to instill in the populace.
Enjoy the Gold Coast. Mind the sunburn.
Ugh. Psychopathic female bosses. Makes me want to post my own story. Well-done for getting out though.
Thank you! Go ahead, post it - why not?
I signed an NDA with the company I worked for. They probably can’t track me and wouldn’t care this many years later, but I’m still cautious.
Great stuff mate, enthralling read
Cheers mate. Just need to keep maintaining that fourth stump line