#RPGaDay2024 Postmortem
So, it’s over. #RPGaDay2024 has wrapped up, and I’m sitting here reflecting on the past month. I wrote some things that I think were pretty good. More than just getting words on a page, these posts helped solidify some ideas that had been swirling around in my head for a while. And, hopefully, I managed to communicate some of the Lightspress philosophy to readers along the way.
What Worked
Let’s start with what went well. There were a few posts that really hit the mark, both for me and, based on the feedback, for others too. Writing about topics like creating memorable supporting characters and the pitfalls of so-called “acclaimed advice” gave me the chance to dig into what I think makes roleplaying games special. These weren’t just posts; they were opportunities to share what Lightspress is all about—keeping things simple, focused, and meaningful.
The prompts gave me a structure, but the freedom to interpret them in my own way allowed me to explore topics that are important to me. I wasn’t just checking boxes or following trends; I was talking about things that matter to the kind of roleplaying experiences I want to create and promote. It felt good to put those thoughts into words, to share them with a wider audience, and to see that they resonated with some of you.
What Didn’t Work
Now, let’s talk about what didn’t work. To be honest, I didn’t have fun doing #RPGaDay2024. In fact, it felt more like a chore or an obligation than anything else, especially since there was no real engagement with any of the posts. When you’re putting in the effort day after day, it’s disheartening to feel like you’re shouting into the void. There were days when the prompt didn’t connect with what I wanted to say, and I found myself stretching to make it fit. Those posts felt forced, and I think it showed in the writing.
Then there’s the matter of time. Writing daily posts while juggling everything else isn’t easy. Some days, I felt like I was racing against the clock, just trying to get something out before the day ended. That pressure doesn’t always lead to the best work, and there were moments when I wondered if I was sacrificing quality for the sake of keeping up with the challenge. Without any meaningful feedback or interaction, it became harder to stay motivated, turning what should have been a creative exercise into a grind.
What I Learned
This month-long exercise wasn’t just about producing content; it was about learning and growing as a writer and a creator. One thing I learned is that I need to give myself more breathing room. It’s one thing to have ideas; it’s another to have the time to develop them properly. Going forward, I want to focus more on quality over quantity, even if that means fewer posts or longer gaps between them. I also realized that without engagement, it’s hard to find joy in the process. Writing in a vacuum just isn’t as rewarding, and it’s something I’ll keep in mind as I decide where to focus my efforts in the future.
I also learned the importance of sticking to my voice. There’s always a temptation to chase trends or tailor content to what I think people want to hear. But the posts that felt the most authentic, and that seemed to resonate the most, were the ones where I stuck to what I know and believe in. Lightspress has always been about simplicity, depth, and a focus on what really matters in roleplaying. Staying true to that, even when the prompt seemed to suggest otherwise, was key.
Moving Forward
So, what’s next? Well, the end of #RPGaDay2024 doesn’t mean the end of writing or sharing ideas. If anything, it’s a reminder that there’s always more to explore, more to say, and more ways to connect with others who share a love for roleplaying. I plan to take the ideas that worked well this month and expand on them, turning some of those posts into longer pieces or incorporating them into future Lightspress projects.
And for those posts that didn’t quite hit the mark? I’ll look at them as drafts, as starting points for something better. Just because something didn’t work once doesn’t mean it’s not worth revisiting. There’s value in the process, in trying things out, and in being willing to admit when something didn’t work as well as it could have.
Final Thoughts
#RPGaDay2024 was a challenge, but it was also an obligation that didn’t quite bring the fulfillment I was hoping for. It felt more like ticking boxes than engaging in a creative journey, especially when it seemed like no one was really paying attention. But that’s okay. It’s a reminder that not every project will be a roaring success, and that’s part of the process.
Going forward, I’ll be more selective about how I invest my time and energy. I’m looking forward to seeing how the ideas I’ve started to develop can grow into something more meaningful and rewarding. So, here’s to the next adventure, the next post, and the next chance to share what Lightspress is all about. Thanks for reading, for engaging when you did, and for being part of this journey. The best is yet to come—just maybe not in the form of daily posts next time.
