SIX OF THE BEST: Gothridge Manor

As a Brit, I sometimes get uncomfortable singling people out for praise, but I have to say that Tim Shorts, writer of the Gothridge Manor blog, and his wife, Ivy, are good people. Over the years they have been incredibly kind and supportive to me - and Rachel - as we've bumbled through various situations that life has thrown in front of us. So, it didn't feel right to continue this feature without shining the spotlight on Gothridge Manor.

How long have you been blogging and how’d you get into it in the first place?

I'm going to guess the year, 2008 or something, my friend Rob Conley has his blog Bat in the Attic and he was pestering to start my own blog. I fought it off for a while, but slowly warmed to the idea. And with Rob's help I started Gothridge Manor. So I've been blogging since April of 2009.

What do you blog about and how frequently do you post?

Gaming and fun stuff strictly. No serious stuff is allowed on my blog, unless its serious fun. Mainly I blog about the games I'm in or things I'm working on. I'm always working on an adventure or zine or something gaming. I post about three to four times a week depending on my motivation and work schedule.

Tim publishes an irregular gaming 'zine called The Manor

How does your blog stand out from all the rest?

How does it stand out? Hmm, that would almost be for someone else to answer and that's assuming my blog does stand out. If I had to answer it myself, it goes along with the answer for question two.

I dedicate my blog to the fun of gaming, what gets me excited, what my friends and I bring to the table, real and virtual. I'm not going to address any real life situations, I'm not going to say this is right or wrong in gaming and I'm never going to diminish someone. I want it fun and lots of it.

What’s the best (and worst) thing about blogging?

Best thing about blogging is having a virtual home that folks can come to, kick back and poke around my gaming stuff. The worst thing about blogging is my inability to keep a schedule with posting.

Do you have any self-imposed rules (or guidelines) for your blog?

Again, goes to the above answers. The guidelines are to post about something enjoyable, something that gets me excited, gaming wise. Oh and I won't do negative reviews. While I don't mind getting them, it's just part of my personal policy of keeping Gothridge Manor a positive place.

Name one blog everyone should be reading (other than your own).

There are so many. I honestly can't give you one. I read many different blogs for different reasons. All have their own niche and I enjoy reading other blogs for opinions, content and gaming news.

Tim's book of Starter Adventures is available in both print and PDF