Intangibles will return, since there are always intangibles. So, consider this an evolution of Intangibles. We will call it "Boil It Down". Consider it a small monograph (I just realized that "Audio For Games" is a monograph actually!) on subjects previously intangible.
Today we will look at what is worthwhile. Just what IS worthwhile? An easy subject to answer on the surface, a complex one to answer in more detail. Family, selflessness, fun. All these things are worthwhile. But I had a realization today. In order to examine just what is worthwhile, you need to ask yourself simple questions. Without those simple questions continually being asked, your brain turns to mush as you get older, and you begin taking interest in less and less things. This is a phenomenon I have found in most adults, myself included.
Simple question #1: What is worthwhile?
Answer #1: Music (listening, singing, playing, and writing)
Simple question #2: Why?
Answer #2: It creates a series of emotions on its own, or enhances existing emotions, or brings back memories (mostly pleasant). Outside my own reasons it is the most unique form of expression for any living thing. It relates to language as well as the manipulation of sound, and at its root, sound when used in various ways creates the emotions mentioned earlier.
Answer #3: Music used to be a way of competing against other composers. In the MOD scene, on IRC, one would "release" a song and have other composers judge that song. Even fans would show up on the channel and weigh in with their opinions. That is something I wished I could have again.
Simple question #3: How would you go about having this competitive group again?
Answer #4: Create a means of distributing songs amongst a select few such as game composers. Should these pieces be intended for commercial release, songs would only be streamed rather than downloaded.
Answer #5: There are already forums (GANG, VGM, etc..) where this could take place in some way, and in addition, old game music could be reviewed and re-enjoyed, even analyzed by the people that wrote it.
There. I just took a section of my swirling mind and organized it in a neat and tidy package, if only a small package that will be a part of a large warehouse of packages. I highly recommend you do the same if you experience confusion along the lines of something you may or may not consider "worthwhile".
As an update, the family has gone through a lot of weirdness lately. We almost moved, but didn't thanks to a wonderfully generous previous landlord. I also went through two crunchy milestones at work. So utterly no music writing for the next album. Sorry chaps. I believe May was my deadline, but that is once again going to have to be extended. I really don't want to turn into the Duke Nukem Forever of album releases, but just like 3DRealms, the next album will be "done when it's done", and only when it'll be utterly satisfying for its listeners.
Peace,
-Alex
