Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman: AVAILABLE NOW!

[Dire 51]

AVAILABLE NOW! http://memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net

The long awaited "definitive edition" of my 2008 book Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman is on track for a July 15th release! The manuscript is currently about 85% done (not only have I added new stories, but most of the stories I wrote for the original have had new material added to them), and the book will go into editing starting in May. It's currently more than twice the size of the original, and is loaded with pictures - and new stories from several new guest contributors, as well as two guest contributors returning from the original book.

Among those contributors are Sam Roberts of the Strider fansite The Light Sword Cypher Mainframe; Rondal Scott III of the pop-subculture website Strange Kids Club (http://www.strangekidsclub.com/); Earl Green, webmaster of TheLogbook.com (http://thelogbook.com) and author of the Doctor Who books VWORP!1 and VWORP!2; Rob O'Hara, author of the books Commodork and Invading Spaces; Brett Weiss, author of the Classic Home Video Games book series; Steven, of the retrogaming website RVG Fanatic (http://www.rvgfanatic.com/); Mike Plasket, contributing editor to the retrogaming website Hardcore Gaming 101 (http://hardcoregaming101.net); and many more. I've also included interviews with videogame industry veterans David Crane, Allan Findlay, Dan Tovar, Dave Wilkins, Yuzo Koshiro, and Kouichi "Isuke" Yotsui.

More information will be posted in the coming months, including the release date, full page count and price.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/virtualcaveman
Twitter: http://twitter.com/VirtualCaveman
Website: http://memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net


Old info, from 2008

Anyone interested in a book full of LORE-style stories?

Sometime over the next month, I plan to have a book that I've written, Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman, available for sale. It's approximately 60% stories written by me, 40% stories written by friends of mine.

The stories within are, as I said, LORE-style stories. I covered quite a bit in my stories, from the 2600 up through the PS1, as well as my early experiences with importing and more.

[Nimrodil]

Sounds fun. I am interested (if the price is ok:-)!

[rbudrick]

Maybe. I might have to see some excerpts first. Why didn't DP think of a book like this yet? ;)

-Rob

[Starwander]

Post some examples, if possible, as I might be interested.

[dlopez9069]

sounds great, but whats the price?

[Dire 51]

Examples, you say? A few of them are posted here. I've cleaned them up a bit for the book, but all of the entries I wrote for the 2007 LORE contest will be included.

Never Judge a Game By its Screenshots (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100188)
StubborNES (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100180)
The Duffel Bag (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100135)
Gradius II And Me (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=104561)

Anyone remember the lone LORE story of mine from the Advance Guide, "Gradius III And Me"? It's being included as well, although it's been edited a bit in light of events that happened after the Guide was published.

As far as the price... that's still being worked on, but I don't expect it to be any more than $10 before shipping. I'll post everything here once it's been finalized.

[rbudrick]

For ten bucks? Sure, why not. Can you autograph? Can the other writers?

-Rob

[Dire 51]

It's possible for at least myself and one or two other writers to autograph it, I think (I'll have to check to make sure), but the rest of them are scattered across the country.

[Dire 51]

I just thought I'd bump this with an update if anyone is still interested.

Currently we're in the final phase of editing. A lot has been trimmed out for several reasons, and I'm going to say that the final book will run roughly 100-110 pages, although that may not be the case (it may be more). The price is undetermined and will continue to be so until I have the final edit uploaded to Lulu.

This phase will most likely take another 30-40 days. Once it has reached final draft status and I have the cover, it's going up and will be available shortly thereafter.

Speaking of the cover, my original cover concept has been scrapped, due to circumstances beyond my control. However, a new cover is being worked on right now, and it's an original piece of art drawn by PrimeOp (some of you may be familiar with his excellent gaming site ScrollBoss - if you aren't, go here: http://scrollboss.illmosis.net ). For examples of his fantastic artwork, check out his site Illmosis: http://www.illmosis.net/ (and check out the pic of Rick Taylor he drew for West Mansion while you're there).

Once it hits, I'll let everyone know.

[Dire 51]

It's been a while, but it's almost done. I've set up the gateway to the official site, which features the cover art and some info on the book. The address may look familiar to some of you as well:

http://www.geocities.com/opcfg/

[Steven]

Good luck with it Rob. BTW I mentioned you in my one year retrospective on my website. It's toward the bottom of the article under the heading FEEDBACK ;)

[OldSchoolGamer]

Impressive, I think that is fucking cool!

:-D

[MrRoboto19XX]

I'm certainly interested, looks like a solid book!

[Dire 51]

Good luck with it Rob. BTW I mentioned you in my one year retrospective on my website. It's toward the bottom of the article under the heading FEEDBACK ;)
Thanks Steven. :) If I had actually relaunched the OPCFG as planned, yours would have been the first link I added.


Impressive, I think that is fucking cool!
Isn't it? James is one hell of an artist, and he loves to draw videogame characters. You should check out his sites if you get a chance.


I'm certainly interested, looks like a solid book!
Thanks!

[Sotenga]

As your friend and a contributor, I can say that I'm only all too eager for this book's release. :D :D :D

[Dire 51]

You don't have much longer to wait...

[8bitgamer]

That sounds like a neat book. The lore sections of the DP guides are always fun to read, and I imagine your book will be as well.

[Dire 51]

Thanks!

[Dire 51]

Yes, my long-awaited first book, Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman, is available for purchase now through Lulu.com! It weighs in at 153 pages, costs $14.95 + shipping and also features stories by RR semi-regular sotenga.

Visit the official site here: http://www.geocities.com/opcfg

Order here: http://www.lulu.com/content/1197308

I want to thank Flack for all the good advice he gave me during the course of writing it, and thanks in advance to those of you planning to order. I hope you enjoy it. :)

[Sotenga]

What an awesome journey it's been. But it pales in comparison to the destination. :D

I'll be getting mine ASAP, you can bet your laurels on that. ^_^

[raindog151]

Just ordered mine, really looking forward to it.

[Flack]

Cool Rob, congrats on your release! I stickied this post, I think we can leave it up there for a week or so. I just ordered my copy, looking forward to getting it!

[Dire 51]

What an awesome journey it's been. But it pales in comparison to the destination. :D

I'll be getting mine ASAP, you can bet your laurels on that. ^_^
Thanks Mike! And thanks again for contributing. :)


Just ordered mine, really looking forward to it.
Thanks raindog! I appreciate it! :)


Cool Rob, congrats on your release! I stickied this post, I think we can leave it up there for a week or so. I just ordered my copy, looking forward to getting it!
Thanks for everything Rob! It's very much appreciated! :)

[dlopez9069]

Just bought mine. I was going to post yesterday to see if it was nearly done, really been waiting for it. Did you ever come to a decisiion regarding the question about signed copies?

[Dire 51]

Yes, I did... at the moment, it's not feasible, but that may change in the future. If anyone wants an autograph but ordered before I started doing them (like yourself), we can work something out. ^_^

Thanks for ordering!

[HYB]

This book sounds like solid awesome. I'll definitely get this book a.s.a.p. and wolf it down.

[Dire 51]

Why thank you. :)

[rbudrick]

Wow! Great to see it finally released. Will it ever be available on other sites, like Amazon?

Congrats!

-Rob

[Dire 51]

Maybe, if I can scrape up the cash for an ISBN #. I'm not concerned about it at the moment, though.

Thanks!

[Dire 51]

Just a quick notice: I may be putting in an appearance at Momocon 4 in Atlanta next month to talk about the book... if anyone here plans to attend, I look forward to meeting you (and I'll be happy to sign your copy of the book should you have one).

Just don't look for it on the flyers and guest lists... it's already been printed, so you won't see me mentioned.

MomoCon 4: March 15-16, 2008
Anime/Gaming/Comics Convention
Free Admission*
Georgia Tech Student Center
http://www.MomoCon.Com
*Photo ID or that of an accompanying adult required at registration

[acey]

I got the book Saturday and finished it up Sunday after a few good reading sessions. Highly recommended. I really enjoyed all of it - it was even more interesting than I thought it would be reading about someone else's life and experiences with a hobby that I hold so dear. It even inspired me to try and compile some of my own gaming stories and lore! Well worth the cost...I think it's a neat addition to my gaming library. Congrats on the excellent book!

[Dire 51]

Thanks a lot! :) I'm really glad you enjoyed it.

[dlopez9069]

I got the book Saturday and finished it up Sunday after a few good reading sessions. Highly recommended. I really enjoyed all of it - it was even more interesting than I thought it would be reading about someone else's life and experiences with a hobby that I hold so dear. It even inspired me to try and compile some of my own gaming stories and lore! Well worth the cost...I think it's a neat addition to my gaming library. Congrats on the excellent book!

Yeah what he said. It is really good and I'm just about to read it again. Being one of those people who didn't grow up then and wanting to know the history, thanks for all the insightful knowledge.

[Sotenga]

This rules so very much! I'm glad you guys are enjoying Rob's awesomeness! :D

And hey, if you want to recommend the book to anyone else... please do so! We're hoping to spread this thing mostly by word of mouth, so any help that we can get to promote it will be much appreciated. ^_^

[Dire 51]

Yeah what he said. It is really good and I'm just about to read it again. Being one of those people who didn't grow up then and wanting to know the history, thanks for all the insightful knowledge.
You're welcome, and I'm glad you're enjoying it. :)

To echo Mike's post, word of mouth is pretty much the only way we have at the moment to promote this. I am working on a few other ideas, but nothing concrete at the moment.

[Dire 51]

Sadly, I will not be appearing at Momocon this month, due to yet another major upheaval in my life. In fact, I won't be online much for the remainder of the month either for the same reason. Or even in the state of Georgia much longer.

So, anyone know of any gaming events coming up in the New England area that I might be interested in attending?

BTW, thanks to all that have bought a copy of the book so far. I'd love to hear your feedback if you'd like to share it (thanks to those that already have, of course).

[PDorr3]

Any chance to get a sample story of lore on your website to read?

[Dire 51]

That's certainly not out of the question... I may have to implement that when I have time. In the meantime, you can check out a preview here (http://www.lulu.com/content/1197308), plus the roughs for a few of the stories are linked earlier in this thread.

[Dire 51]

Sadly, I will not be appearing at Momocon this month, due to yet another major upheaval in my life.
I refuse to make any more announcements like this one. If anyone here is going, I may very well see you there!

[Dire 51]

Been a few days, but I'm back.

Momocon was great. I really enjoyed it, and getting to be on the retrogaming panel was a great experience. Too bad most people wanted to ask questions about retro PC titles and (oddly) new stuff.

Hopefully I sold a few people on the book too. :D

[Windy Miller]

I got my copy a few weeks back (I'm in the UK) & I'm really enjoying it. :) Out of interest, are most of your orders for the US or is your book going worldwide?

[Dire 51]

I got my copy a few weeks back (I'm in the UK) & I'm really enjoying it. :) Out of interest, are most of your orders for the US or is your book going worldwide?
Glad you're enjoying it! :) As far as I know, most of my orders are coming from the US. I don't believe Lulu gives us stats like that to check, but I can look into it.

[Dire 51]

It's been a while, but I have news about Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman.

Very soon, MoaVC will be available for sale at the Digital Press store! If you haven't checked it out yet and live in the area, stop in sometime sometime in the next couple of weeks and ask Joe about it. And if you pick up a copy, feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you think.

Thanks!

[Dire 51]

This just in: MoaVC is available now at the DP store!

[darkmech]

Sorry posting on a dead thread, i just recently found about this book on the net, but its been a few years and it seems its not being sold anywhere anymore. is there any chance there will be any more copies of this book or a digital version made?

[Dire 51]

Sorry posting on a dead thread, i just recently found about this book on the net, but its been a few years and it seems its not being sold anywhere anymore. is there any chance there will be any more copies of this book or a digital version made?
Luckily I've been popping in and out of here recently, or I might have missed this.

I discontinued MoaVC almost two years ago, after the initial sales waned. I've been planning to do a revised edition for quite some time, but those plans have been on the back burner for a while. Perhaps I'll get to it this year, and release it in time for the 5th anniversary of the original release in 2013.

There's probably quite a few copies for sale at the Digital Press store, if you're able to get there. I have been unable to go, so I'm not sure how many copies Joe has left (although I'd be willing to bet he has most, if not all of them, still there).

[darkmech]

Luckily I've been popping in and out of here recently, or I might have missed this.

I discontinued MoaVC almost two years ago, after the initial sales waned. I've been planning to do a revised edition for quite some time, but those plans have been on the back burner for a while. Perhaps I'll get to it this year, and release it in time for the 5th anniversary of the original release in 2013.

There's probably quite a few copies for sale at the Digital Press store, if you're able to get there. I have been unable to go, so I'm not sure how many copies Joe has left (although I'd be willing to bet he has most, if not all of them, still there).

I contacted the store and there sold out, oh well, thanks for the response anyway, I look forward to the revised edition.

[otaku]

I would also be interested in a revised edition

[NerdXCrewWill]

Count me in as well!

[Dire 51]

I contacted the store and there sold out, oh well
Wait, what? Sold out? I'm... surprised, to say the least. I wonder how long it took, as Joe's had them since late '08.


thanks for the response anyway, I look forward to the revised edition.

I would also be interested in a revised edition

Count me in as well!
I'd be happy to keep you all in the loop. Just drop me a line at gradiusoneATyahooDOTcom, or register over on my forum The Third Moon (http://z4.invisionfree.com/The_Third_Moon/). I always post what's going on there first.

[Dire 51]

Updated the first post with news.

Yes, it is coming back.

[Dire 51]

Now that the book's getting closer to release, I've set up websites for it. Feel free to check them out, "like" or follow them. Thanks!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/virtualcaveman
Twitter: http://twitter.com/VirtualCaveman
Website: http://opcfg.kontek.net/

[Dire 51]

There's now a brand new website for the book. There's a lot of new information there, might give you a little more of an idea of what I'm doing here. It's a work in progress, so expect changes as time goes on.

http://www.memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net/

[Steven]

There's now a brand new website for the book. There's a lot of new information there, might give you a little more of an idea of what I'm doing here. It's a work in progress, so expect changes as time goes on.

http://www.memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net/


Website looks really good, Rob. Bravo.

Really excited and can't wait to get my hands on a copy. I applaud your decision to go physical with the book versus opting for a strictly online PDF format. There's nothing like holding a real magazine or in this case a real book in your hands... to be able to read it in bed or outside on the front porch. An IPad or Kindle will never replicate the same feeling. I also feel like Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman fills a void in the world of video gaming-related books... it looks to me like the kind of book where I'll go "Yes, I needed one like this on my shelf all this time." I'm actually surprised there aren't more video gaming-related memoir books. It's definitely a niche genre, but one I think all retro gamers, especially those who appreciate a good story and a glimpse into the "glorious past" of this great hobby, should consider picking up when it hits sometime in June 2014.

[Dire 51]

Thanks, Steve. There actually are a few other vg memoir books out there: Rob O'Hara's Commodork and Jeff Spega's Tron and Robotron come to mind immediately, but what I'm doing here hasn't been attempted on this kind of scale before.

Also, I'm happy to announce some new interviews! Recently added are interviews with Allan Findlay, Howard Scott Warshaw and a never-before published interview with the legendary Game Doctor, Bill Kunkel.

http://www.memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net/interviews.html

[Dire 51]

8 Bit Evolution has posted an interview with me about Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman!

http://8bitevolution.com/8-bitter-james-interviews-virtualcaveman/

[Dire 51]

The book now has a release date: July 15. I had to push it back from June due to some unforeseen circumstances, but come July 15, it'll be here. Mark your calendars!

[Dire 51]

IT'S DONE! Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman has been completed! It's been uploaded to Lulu and I've ordered the first copy, which I should receive in about a week. It weighs in at 472 pages - not the biggest book I've ever done, but just over three times the size of the original - and will be available on the 15th. The price is still TBD, but figure on at least $20 per copy.

[Steven]

So last night I had the privilege to get a sneak peak at the book. In a word: amazing. The amount of passion and nostalgic goodness that bleeds from this massive group effort is clear from the very first second you start reading. From Gradius to Mega Man and a host of other classic games, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys the LORE-style stories of DP fame. Speaking of Digital Press, it gets mentioned several times in the first 10 pages. Definitely a book every retro gaming lover here should consider investing in :)

[Dire 51]

Thanks Steve!

Check it out: you could win a free autographed copy of Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman!

Details on Facebook. (https://www.facebook.com/virtualcaveman/photos/a.251036301770750.1073741828.229711543903226/255070808033966/?type=1&fref=nf)

[Steven]

Well folks, here we are on the EVE of the book's release.

The book will be available for purchase on lulu.com starting on July 15, 2014. Rob just received his copy and here she is, in all her glory:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsOQRi6CcAAEMj8.jpg:large

Oh yeah, you guys who are interested should enter the FB contest. It ends tomorrow night! You can win a FREE copy! Rob will even handle the shipping cost, coz he's a cool cat like that.

https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10486374_255070808033966_4114231965678582984_n.jpg

https://www.facebook.com/virtualcaveman/photos/a.251036301770750.1073741828.229711543903226/255070808033966/?type=1&fref=nf

[Dire 51]

The all-new illustrated second edition of Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman is available for purchase now through Lulu.com! It weighs in at 472 pages, costs $25 + shipping and features all sorts of stories and interviews! Go to the website and click on AVAILABLE NOW! to purchase your copy!

http://memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net

[Dire 51]

Curious about Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman, but can't find much info on it beyond what you've already seen on the website? Check out these new sample chapters, as well as praise for the previous edition.

http://www.memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net/what-s-inside.html

http://www.memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net/in-the-news.html

Also, an eBook is being strongly considered. If there's any interest in one, let me know here.

[Dire 51]

Been on the fence about the book? Not crazy about paper anymore? Well, the eBook edition of Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman is out! It's $8.99, should work on most eBook readers, and is available right now!

http://www.memoirsofavirtualcaveman.net/what-s-inside.html

[Dire 51]

You can now listen to an interview with me on Retro Domination's podcast, episode 52: "Retro Revival and a Virtual Caveman." (http://www.retrodomination.com/retro-domination-podcast-episode-52-retro-revival-and-a-virtual-caveman/) And in honor of my first-ever podcast interview, Memoirs is on sale for the next two weeks for the low price of $17.50! Get it here (http://www.lulu.com/shop/rob-strangman/memoirs-of-a-virtual-caveman/paperback/product-21760957.html).

[Dire 51]

If anyone's interested, I've extended the Cyber Monday sale through next Saturday! You can now get 2014's edition of Memoirs at 2008's price: $15!

http://www.lulu.com/shop/rob-strangman/memoirs-of-a-virtual-caveman/paperback/product-21760957.html

[Dire 51]

This is cool - thanks to Memoirs, I've been carded!

http://opcfg.kontek.net/CARD-FRONT-ROB-sm.jpg http://opcfg.kontek.net/CARD-FRONT-MEMOIRS-sm.jpg

[Dire 51]

Anyone going to Pensacon? I'll be co-chairing a panel with Memoirs contributor (and former Light Sword Cypher Mainframe webmaster) Sam Roberts entitled “Memoirs of the Virtual Cavemen: Fandom from Web 1.0 to Today” on Saturday, February 28 from 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm at the Bay Center. Hope to you there!

http://pensacon.com/

[Steven]

Anyone going to Pensacon? I'll be co-chairing a panel with Memoirs contributor (and former Light Sword Cypher Mainframe webmaster) Sam Roberts entitled “Memoirs of the Virtual Cavemen: Fandom from Web 1.0 to Today” on Saturday, February 28 from 3:15 pm to 4:00 pm at the Bay Center. Hope to you there!

http://pensacon.com/

Rob, for those of us unable to attend, will you be able to have someone record the footage and youtube that sucker? I'd love to see this talk! I know for example youtuber HappyConsoleGamer did a press conference once, recorded the whole thing and then uploaded it onto his YT channel.

It would be great to see, and the video could gain Memoirs additional exposure.

[Dire 51]

We're looking into that right now. Hopefully we'll be able to.

[Dire 51]

The schedule has officially been posted at http://pensacon.com/events/panels/

http://opcfg.kontek.net/t3m/pensacon_announcement.png

[celerystalker]

My copy from Amazon just came in this week. I'm about a third of the way in, and it's been a great read. I'd recommend it to anyone who's been playing since the'70s or '80s, as it's a vivid encapsulation of a unique and formative time that rings of honesty without agenda. I find it to be a great historical reference as well, as the goal is to relate stories and not speculate over why which company did what. Thanks for the great book, Rob, and all of the other contributors as well!

[Dire 51]

Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. :)

***

So you missed the "Memoirs of the Virtual Cavemen" panel at Pensacon last weekend, where Sam and I talk about the history of West Mansion, The Light Sword Cypher Mainframe and more? Don't worry, I have you covered: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2nXAp_1ycU

[Dire 51]

Time for a serious necro-bump.

Ten years ago, I published what at the time I considered to be the definitive edition of Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman. In the decade since, that's proved not to be the case.

This coming Tuesday, 9/17/24, I am launching a Kickstarter for the final edition of Memoirs, along with three brand new books!

Memoirs of a Virtual Caveman (Final Edition): Relive the golden age of gaming through Rob's personal journey.

Eating Candy in Outer Space: Discover Rob's experiences growing up in the '80s and '90s.

Tales from the Third Moon: Explore the early years of internet forums and online communities.

Digital Archaeology: Retrogaming Recollections: Join a global community of retro gamers as they share their stories.

AND a limited "ULTIMATE SPLATTER EDITION" slipcase!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dire51/tales-from-a-rob-dimension-books-about-gaming-humor-and-more

Please consider supporting the Kickstarter, I need as much help as I can to make it succeed.

Thanks!

[Dire 51]

As of 11 AM EST, the Kickstarter is LIVE!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dire51/tales-from-a-rob-dimension-books-about-gaming-humor-and-more