I braced yourself for the possibility that half the audience can lose interest and walk away, and what kind of face I could make for posterity. It never happened. More came. Not one chair available. When it was all over everyone was absolutely wonderful and the feedback was much appreciated, but the thing that really stuck with me was unspoken.
People fucking stood.
We didn't have enough chairs and they stood there for the entire hour. They stood there for what we had to say! I can't even put the words together to express my gratitude for those guys especially.

I can gush on for how pleased I was at the turnout all night, but let's get to the meat of it. Our panel concept was ambitious: We attempted to tackle the entire breadth of challenges that face start-up bloggers and present it in a common-sense format that gave specific instructions on what to do, not just fill people with inspiration and generalizations. I think we've all been to panels that made us feel good but didn't offer any substance, so we aimed not to be anything like that. You can definitely use this stuff, whatever subject matter you're interested in pursuing.
Everything from content to running a business was touched on in 50 minutes -- and whatever we missed we'll hope to answer and dig deeper as we upload all of our materials. This post contains my segment on the importance of creating original content and a video game club twenty years in the making. Some stubborn little kids don't change.
I touched on specific articles that were valuable to other blogs during my first year of running Destructoid, how enthusiasm plays a part, and how ultimately you simply have to get up off your ass and make it happen. You'll also get a glimpse of something new we made: A "Mega Man Maker" illustrated by our own Jonathan Holmes with music by Dale North and my buggy programming.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy our presentation from home if you couldn't join us in person. The other parts will be online at a later post. Until then, I do believe there is a White Wolf party going on tonight...
ilu guys so much <3
Thank you so much for this. :) <3
LostCrichton confirmed for live action Strike Witches.
Well, Niero, I would've stood.
Hope you guys are having fun at PAX!
Thank you, Niero and crew. Is coo.
If I had been able to go to PAX I would have gladly stood to watch this panel. Nice presentation Niero and crew.
lol, Niero was shitting bricks at the start =D
Great panel, <3 <3 <3
sweet... did I win?
ok all the dtoid videos on the front page are playing for me. >_<
also the fix dose not work for me. Error comes and gose by them self.
also whos the guy in red undies?
Very nice video. I think I would have liked to be there. Here's a tip though, speak up.
nieros my hero
I've never been one to post much, but I think this an occasion to speak. Destructoid is always a great place for up to date news with an interesting and very talented writing staff. The first thing I do every morning before work is check here to see what I may have missed. Also, I am a faithful listener of all the podcasts! I just want to say thanks to everyone that works so hard to keep Destructoid the most enjoyable gaming site on the internet, and keep up the good work!
LOL White Wolf, what a coincidence. We played us some Mage tonight.
aww. hugs for everyone.
Droobies.... balls?!
<3<3<3
White Wolf party? Now I really wish I had been at PAX. NWoD or OWoD?
Much like what Grenator Bole said, I've been following this site for a long time, but only started commenting recently, but this is my favorite place on the internet to be. I come on before and after work and multiple times during the day, and try to read everything posted onto the main page, I also listen to all the podcasts. You guys are awesome and I really enjoyed watching part one of the panel. To me it'd the #1 reason to be at PAX this year, you get to play all those games eventually anyway.
Also can't wait for the Mega Man Maker, I'm gonna make me a new avatar!
Your club membership test looks hard :P
This story needs to be made into a movie.
I have to say that I love Destructoid! You guys are great and the community is great.
I can totally relate to you niero, my life feels just like what you went through without attempting to work at gamestop. I did think about doing it to try and get into e3.
I am currently going to school to get my AS and I have the chance to go to cali after. I don't know if I have the balls to take it. Not sure what exactly I would do out there, either finish school or try to start a career.
I have to say though that your little speech really sparked my interest on wtf I should be doing.
@ enfaw
lol, the story of Niero, from boy to man, in a lifetime original movie.
Any chance we can get the whole thing in a downloadable steady-cam video podcast?
oh! I just remembered that I wanted to make ContraMan my avatar but was too lazy to to make it. This is going to be of great help against my procrastination. First thing I'm doing when MM Maker launches!
P.S.
how did you get a 2600 pad to work on 360?
also will a Genesis controller work too?
P.P.S.S.
@Pedro Blandino
It's LostCrichton. Like I said, he was auditioning for the Strike Witches Movie.
You are an inspiration Niero.
heartwarming!
Its ok Niero... I too have shaky vision :D
Destructoid is by far the best gaming site I follow and have done so ever since I spotted the story about Niero getting to E3 and his initial plan with Destructoid succeeding. I'll be waiting for the rest of this panel material eagerly. :)
3======D
Needs MOAR PowerPoint!
Niero that pannel was amazing! An hour just wasn't enough time for all the awsome stuff that was talked about.
Yey for awesome Destructoid Panel
Boo for the fact I'm not at PAX
Niero is my hero!
Thanks for enabling us to see this panel!
I have to say that though I've been coming here for a year, Niero keeps himself pretty well hidden. I've always been frustrated to hear his name mentioned so much but never see a picture, hear a voice or even know who he is or what he's done. This video finally tells me and it's great :)
MONSTER SQUAD!
Needs moar Dtoid themed balls!
Other than that, fuck yeah!
Awesome presentation. What I love about Destructoid is no matter how many gaming sites I visit during the day to get caught up on the various gaming news, Destructoid always feels like home. It really feels like a site that's run by gamers, and not just a site run by journalists biding their time til they can get a "bigger" gig. Also, the community is amazing here. I've been here a little over 2 years, and I've seen the site and community grow by leaps and bounds, but it still has that friendly vibe. Thanks for the site Niero.
lol so it was "Reaprar" that somebody shouted out then. :D
just legendary
I LOVE YOU.
Niero = 360 Fanboy. Confirmed!!
Totally awesome sir!
Is it me or does Niero look fucking jacked? Are you sure you just didn't beat the E3 guy up to get in?
Excellent work guys. I'm glad to see that the passion has translated into rewarding success. From day one though, I knew that D-Toid will get huge.
And yeah, Niero...are you on the juice?
<3=======8
No need for rape this time. Amaztastic!
The day I leave destructoid is the day I die a little inside.
Thank you so much for that panel. I love all of you guys!!!
Except for Reaprar. He's a dick.
101% win! Good show, thanks for taping it :)
Dtoid 4 Life <3
kick ass man, wish i could've been there T_T
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