SIX OF THE BEST: Tenkar's Tavern

Like any great drinking establishment, Tenkar's Tavern has become the focal point of a community. In this case, it's the old school gaming community. Today I chat with mine host Erik Tenkar about his blogging experiences.

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

Way too long! Although The Tavern shows a 2008 post, my true start in the world of blogging was in 2009. My wife Rachel (we were dating at the time) encouraged me to blog as I was unable to actively game at the time and she saw my passion for gaming.

(2) What do you blog about, and how frequently do you post?

I blog about RPGs. Mostly OSR releases, Kickstarters, some gaming content and whatever strikes my fancy that is related to gaming. How frequently? I think I missed one day of posting in the last three years and I average just over two posts a days now. I'm slowing down in my old age!

(3) How does your blog stand out from all the rest?

Honestly, that's like asking a parent what makes their child awesome. It's everything and nothing. It's everything to do with the gaming community that has formed around The Tavern and have very much made themselves a part of it. If it weren't for the community there would be very little reason for me to blog. Events like OSR Christmas might be hosted at The Tavern but they wouldn't exist without the generosity of the gaming community.

The 12 Days Of OSR Christmas is just one example of
the gaming community coming together at Tenkar's Tavern

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

The best thing about blogging is that it forces me to write, and write frequently. When I find the time to write productively (beyond the blog) the years I've spent blogging will serve me well. As for the worst thing about blogging? Writer's block. When you expect a post from yourself at least once a day, there are times it's almost painful. Still, it's all worth it!

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

Nothing written down but maybe I should do so. I tend to avoid stuff that offends me and what offends me is stuff that is highly sexual in nature. Listen, I'm 48. What I found amusing and entertaining at 16 no longer holds true. So, that's what I tend to avoid topic-wise. An unwritten rule is that I very lightly moderate the comments section over at The Tavern. I generally leave up stuff that is negative about myself, the blog, others. Personal attacks will get moderated. The rest? It is what it is and negativity often shines a better light on the one that writes it than anything anyone else could do.

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

Just one? I can't do just one! Gothridge Manor and Dyson's Dodecahedron. Go to them. Do not ask why. Just do and behold greatness.