Introductions Are In (Numerical) Order
Welcome to the debut release of Content Permanence! I'm grateful and humbled that you've signed up. Each Wednesday I'll have an update about what's been happening in nerd world, whether that's online, in Melbourne or both. We'll laugh, we'll learn. There'll be more jokes than there are nuggets in the BTS meal¹.
"Content Permanence" refers to the fragility of online content, culture and communities, how the websites and technology we use affects how we engage with history. We're taught that things are "on the internet forever", which isn't always true. While excellent archival projects exist, it's also impossible to record everything, and a lot of ephemera is lost.
I'm excited to write silly articles about silly things I enjoy, and even more excited to share them. Think of it as a podcast in email form; if this week's wasn't your thing, hopefully I can surprise you next week with something you didn't know you needed. (That said, my feelings will not be hurt if you unsubscribe, or lovingly send each issue straight to the bin.)
If you see me use the same material later on Twitter, you can feel quietly smug that you're part of an elite club who saw it first. Also you get to enjoy my jokes twice! Lucky!
Okay so what's the go with the neon stuff up top
I'm so glad you asked! Since we're dealing with online culture, screen media and art, I figured I'd give a rough overview of some of my own vices. Let's get the party started with the most exciting writing format I know – an itemised list 💖😍
Game Boy Color – if you don't know what this is then this is only going to get more confusing from now on.
Taiko no Tatsujin drum – one of the characters from an arcade rhythm drumming game, which you play with an actual drum. The console versions can be a bit clunky, but the Switch version lets you play Megalovania, so it evens out.
Mischief Makers – I rented this from Blockbuster as a kid and got stuck before I had to return it. It's a puzzle/2D action sidescroller hybrid, a bit like Sonic except you're expected to physically harass the NPCs. God I wish whoever owns the rights would port it.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance – An isometric strategy RPG where the hero, Marche, "rescues" his friends and brother from living their dreams in the FF universe, even though it rules. One of my all-time favourites, with a phenomenal soundtrack remastered for the 3DS sequel.
Shirley Barber – I'm pretty sure I wanted to be this fairy when I was little. Most SB stories are gentle stuff about being nice to one another, and also being the prettiest and wearing magic jewellery.
Frog Detective – Possibly the second most well-known locally produced contemporary video game character behind a certain horrible goose. Charming games for all ages, which don't equate 'family-friendly' with 'stupid'.
Pokémon Yellow – This one's fake news because I only ever played Red, not Yellow, but the yellow one looks better in the montage. It's complementary! Colour theory 101!!
A*Mazing – The definitive, unrivalled children's-competition-show-sponsored-by-Nintendo of the 90s. What do 2000s kids look back on nostalgically in its place? Go Go Stop? Pick Your Face??
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Cucco – A chicken.
Fire Emblem – The first game I played multiple times (like, probably a dozen) to unlock every character conversation.
Edelgard – from Fire Emblem: Three Houses. I drew this before the game even released, as well as started working on a PAX Aus cosplay. Thankfully she's amazing.
Kirby 64 – The first game I ever owned, thanks to my aunty winning a Video Hits competition. Plays with Kirby's ability to copy enemies by letting you combine them for stronger and more bizarre powers. You can turn Kirby into a fridge.
BTS logo – partially hidden out of shame.
Mr Squiggle – I can probably blame this and Art Attack for every career decision I've ever made. If I ever got a tattoo it would be some abstract thin line design with Mr Squiggle at the bottom like he's the one drawing it.
Animal Crossing – The GameCube original is bit stranger and harsher than the Switch version with its "chill island getaway" concept. But it's also for small children, and the last thing anyone needs is an inconsolable eight-year-old heartbroken because everyone's favourite catboy moved away.
That's nice, but the 90s are over. What's next?
Next week I'll have a roundup of all the announcements from corporate gaming convention E3. How much sense it makes will be directly related to how much sleep I've had, and whether or not Nintendo announces new Fire Emblem.
For now, here's a lovely clip from the camera tests for The Muppet Movie:
That's all for now. See you next week!
¹ The BTS Meal has 10 nuggets, so only having 11 jokes would actually be pretty bad