Note from the Author (That’s me!)

First of all, I want to apologise for the recent lack of posts. I really appreciate that the viewing numbers have still been steadily increasing, far beyond my wildest expectations on first starting the blog. I’m not an expert in the area of demographics or website design, but seeing the site go to 1000 unique visitors a month and then even close to 500 in one single day has been an incredible morale boost. I started the site from a friend’s encouragement, so to see a user-base springing up in countries like South Korea, Japan and Lebanon is mind-blowing!

A few months ago, it began to really ache when I type. I figured it was an extension of the muscle pains I’ve experienced regularly for the last ten or so years; unpleasant but they tend to pass with time. Unfortunately, the pain increased incredibly dramatically, to the point that typing for half an hour leaves its mark with a few hours of very intense pain in my hands and joints. It’s taken a fair bit of time (and poking with needles!) to finally diagnose two forms of arthritis: rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It’s fairly unusual to have both, so I should probably consider myself lucky! Ash Ketchum would be proud.

It’s made keeping on top of the weekly roundups a very difficult task. With the nature of the task requiring constant checking and updating throughout the day, it really leaves its mark both physically and mentally. Playing games (something that I would say defines who I am) has become as punishing as it is pleasurable which obviously affects how quickly I can create reviews. I firmly believe in completing a game before covering it, which can make certain genres much tougher than others. I never considered how destructive the condition could be, until the day I woke up unable to unclench my hand for over an hour.

This isn’t a “woe is me” type post and I fully intend to keep sticking at this site. For all of you and for myself. I’m awaiting specialist treatment and that will hopefully include medicinal help as well as therapy that will make coping with this actually possible. Until then, I’m hoping this goes some way to explain why the site has run a little dry. I’ll never stop, I hope I can promise that much, and the comments recently have helped hugely so I really appreciate the kind support I’ve received from people that have no reason to do so.

Thank you, to everyone who reads this.
Pete Osborne