an unusual comparison

[hengest]

I have always (okay, since the 90s) been a sucker for that "old D&D materials feel." The AD&D DM guide. The LBBs, which I only got to see much later in life. All that stuff. I associate it with the feel of the early internet. Just a bunch of text, but a lot behind the text. Read the text and use your imagination. 

There's a site I've visited off and on for years that has nothing to do with this hobby, but has some of that same vibe. It's Messybeast, a not-for-profit site about cats run by one woman, Sarah Hartwell. This lady means business when it comes to cats, which seem to be her main hobby and main interest in life. This is not a site dedicated to cats memes or anything like that. The design is simple and transparent. Take a look. And there is a ton of information, real information, that she tries to present in plain language. Check it out: Basic Cat Genetics, Shelters-Hoarders-Ferals, Memorial Page (for her own cats), A Bus she maintains.

Messybeast has that vibe to me. A spirit of DIY learning, compiling, sharing, and genuine focused enthusiasm that is really rare today.

To my knowledge, Sarah Hartwell has no interest in RPGs. But, I think we would be lucky to have her if she did.

[The Perilous Dreamer]

Aug 7, 2023 21:01:40 GMT -5 hengest said:

I have always (okay, since the 90s) been a sucker for that "old D&D materials feel." The AD&D DM guide. The LBBs, which I only got to see much later in life. All that stuff. I associate it with the feel of the early internet. Just a bunch of text, but a lot behind the text. Read the text and use your imagination. 

There's a site I've visited off and on for years that has nothing to do with this hobby, but has some of that same vibe. It's Messybeast, a not-for-profit site about cats run by one woman, Sarah Hartwell. This lady means business when it comes to cats, which seem to be her main hobby and main interest in life. This is not a site dedicated to cats memes or anything like that. The design is simple and transparent. Take a look. And there is a ton of information, real information, that she tries to present in plain language. Check it out: Basic Cat Genetics, Shelters-Hoarders-Ferals, Memorial Page (for her own cats), A Bus she maintains.

Messybeast has that vibe to me. A spirit of DIY learning, compiling, sharing, and genuine focused enthusiasm that is really rare today.

To my knowledge, Sarah Hartwell has no interest in RPGs. But, I think we would be lucky to have her if she did.

Here is the part I want to read messybeast.com/genetics/hybrid-cats.htm

[The Semi-Retired Gamer]

I like cats so this site is pretty cool! I'll have to devote some time to really digging into it.  From a quick random viewing I can see your observation.  If she was into RPGs she would most likely have a similar game related site.

hengest I'm with you on the "old D&D material feel".  The first time I picked up the 1st Edition DMG I was hooked.  Flipping through that book felt like something forbidden to an 8-year-ol boy...like a young apprentice flipping through a teacher's advanced journals instead of the beginner notes he should be paying attention to.  

[simrion]

This is great, have an Exalt! Had lots of pets as a kid and in early adulthood. Lots of memories about some really amazing and quirky felines. Hesitant these days to have any for a few reasons including too many people living in my house (and no one but myself willing to clean up) and the fact that in my region there are no emergency pet services closer than an hour away. Not willing to take on that potential liability regardless of how much I'd love to have a furry companion. Not fair to them and heartbreaking for me. As an aside she does have a link on the site titled "Dragonqueen..."

[muddywater]

That is an amazing website.