Dave Arneson & following your dreams

[Kevin]

Dave Arneson & following your dreams

I wrote this for The Rifter® #46 today and thought it was worth repeating here.

Sad news: David Arneson, co-creator
of Dungeons and Dragons passed away

It was reported on Wednesday, April 8, 2009, that Dave Arneson passed away after a long illness. I met Dave Arneson a few times over the years. He was a nice fellow, very witty and always made time for his fans. I never had the privilege of gaming with the man, but heard he was an outstanding Game Master.

I had the singular honor and privilege of accepting Erick Wujcik's Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 ENnies last summer just after Dave Arneson gave his acceptance speech for his own Lifetime Acheivement Award. (Gary Gygax, David Arneson and Erick Wujcik were the three recipiants.) Even pale, weak and in a wheelchair, Mr. Arneson was friendly, witty and charming. He made the entire room roar with laughter and engaged us with lighthearted words of appreciation and encouragement for people to follow their dreams. It was a wonderful speech, and Mr. Arneson received a standing ovation as he came up to the podium and as he left. I felt honored to have been there for that moment and to be the person to follow this legendary figure on Erick Wujcik’s behalf. I will never forget it.

Follow your dreams

All the important people in my life, starting with my Mom and Dad to Erick Wujcik and Dave Arneson, gave me those words of encouragement. I have. I have followed my dream for decades now and to incredible heights. I’ve enjoyed tremedous success and faced many challenges and disappointments. It can be scary, at times, when you follow your dreams, but let me assure you, there is nothing like it. When Gygax and Arneson followed their dream, they not only gave us a great game that brought joy to hundreds of millions of people, but they gave birth to the entire role-playing game industry.

I encourage each and every one of you to follow your dreams. Your endeavors, whether a success or failure, large or small, will bring you fond memories and shape your life in ways you cannot imagine. Do not let the naysayers, hardships and worries of these trying economic times scare you into paralysis or to hide under your covers. These are times to be proactive and bold! Maybe the time is right for you start that business you’ve been thinking about for years. Or maybe your dream starts with a smaller step, like submitting an article, adventure or 20 pages of source material to The Rifter®. Whatever it is, believe in yourself, and take that first frightening step. Walk in the footsteps of the legends before you and live your dream. You’ll never regret it.

Sincerely,
Kevin Siembieda
Publisher, Writer, Game Designer & Gamer

© Copyright April 14, 2009 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.

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