I’ve been franchised, baby.

Today I begin writing for Adrenaline Vault where I am featured in today’s post covering the Most Anticipated Games of 2008. You can find my piece on Page 3.

Yup, today marks the first day that my inane ramblings have burst forth from The Ed Zone and have found purchase on another plot of web-based real estate. If you Constant Readers get the chance, scamper on over to Adrenaline Vault (or Avault) and you can spy yours’ truly in print on a site that sees a much more robust readership than my own private haven of scum and villainy typically attracts. That’s right, your little boy is all grown up now.

For those wondering what the hell I’m talking about, I’ll break it down in more simplistic terms. It seems I have got myself a little freelance gig on another corner of the Internet. Here’s a little background for ya’.

A couple of weeks ago, I was perusing some of the sites I frequent when I stopped in at Adrenaline Vault for my daily fix. Avault is an independent site that caters towards gaming – with previews, reviews and feature articles covering all facets of this gaming hobby occupying the lion share of their mission statement. They’ve been in operation since the mid-90’s and I’ve been checking them out since around ’99 or so. What I have enjoyed about their site is the clean, professional appearance coupled with the well-written and thoughtful reviews and features. There are so many gaming sites out there that simply offer up a barrage of imagery and sidebars and pop-ups and scrimp on the content. Avault has a nice, uncluttered appearance and is staffed by an expert cadre of reviewers who really dig into the games and let you know what makes them tick and if they’re worth your scratch.

Anyway, on this particular day, I noticed they had hung the Help Wanted sign out – looking for volunteer contributors who could pick up the reigns and write some video game reviews. The rules were generous – 3 weeks to play and review a game. Easy – I could nail it in two. Anyone interested in applying was advised to submit a sample review.

I’ve seen similar solicitations on sites before and never really gave it a moment’s thought. I think I always chased those nagging notions away with the old crutch – “They’ll never pick me.” This time, I knocked that crutch out from underneath me and decided to stand on my own two feet. You never win if you don’t try, right. So I raided the archives, dusted off my The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker review and sent that off to Avault with links to some additional pieces – should they be so inclined to investigate further.

A day later, I opened my E-Mail and got a big surprise. “Welcome Aboard”, the subject line screamed. There’s the lesson, kids. Ya’ gotta’ trust in yourself and get out there and make things happen, captain.

Anyway – the site is in the midst of refilling their staffers so I’m currently in a holding pattern awaiting my first official review assignment. I’ll be tasked with Wii and XBox 360 games. While the Editor-in-Chief has asked for my personal Wish List, honestly, I’ll take anything short of the Bratz Extreme Dating Simulator. Anything to keep these critical chops exercised.

Regardless, despite the wait, today marks my first publication. As I am now on the staff distribution list, I recently intercepted a reminder call for submissions to a big feature article the site was prepping. The subject concerned the Most Anticipated Games of 2008. While this e-mail was simply a reminder to people to get their submissions in, I decided to take the bull by the horns and inscribe my own two cents. I shot off a few paragraphs to the editor and lo and behold, I’ve made my debut in today’s edition. I’ve linked to the article (my piece can be found on Page 3 but you really should read the whole thing and if you are so inclined, leave a comment or two with your picks for anticipated games of 2008).

Anyway, the EIC has also extended an offer for me to have my own Blog on the site as well. I’m definitely planning on doing that and will cater that Blog to be more pop-culture themed (thoughts on gaming, movies, TV, etc). Where appropriate, I will dual post my Blog entries so wherever you go (whether here or there), there I’ll be.

Anyway, that’s my big news. I’ll keep you posted as my reviews land. I hope you enjoy them.