Happy 3-year anniversary to the axe badger!

Welp, we’ve managed it for another year. Somehow, despite all of the factually-inaccurate posts, absurd drivel and syrupy earnestness over a sport where we throw things at wood, we’ve managed to hit another anniversary. As is my right, I’m going to use this occasion to talk about how this blog has made it so far (3 years isn’t a lot but you gotta admire the effort), what’s happening now and where it’s going. So buckle in, dear reader, it’s gonna get reflective.

After 3 years, I am very aware it takes a village

I feel very lucky to have guest writers on this blog. Granted, neither RYODHAI, C-Man or Niffler are like, on assignment and required to submit a certain amount of posts every month (or even every year), but it’s nice-as-hell to get different perspectives and ideas every once and again.

That being said, the amount of support I get from the community is IMMENSE. People making suggestions, doing interviews, just sharing how much the blog entertains them (and, sometimes, how much it means to them) really keeps it all going. I think if this were just me shouting into the void, with no readership at all, it may have lasted a year. But I’m a Millennial, and as such, I demand the dopamine of engagement–and dear reader, I get it every week.

As it turns out, I’ve held to a truth this whole time, too: this blog, as much as it can be a one-little-guy show, belongs to the community. I really feel that way. And because I feel that way, it means I tend to make decisions based off of what’s beneficial to all of us. As dumb as it may seem, I really feel like I’m doing this because it makes people happy — and that works for me in a big way. I like shining a light on throwers and talking about stuff (important or not) that brings clarity, reassurance, or just a laugh. Anyway, I’m bordering on becoming weepy, so I’ll leave it at that.

I’ve reopened the store

I know you’ve all been just dying to spend more money, what with the economy being so good and all of us having plenty of disposable income for absolute nonsense. That’s why I’ve re-opened the Axe Badger store!

As I rounded year three, I had more than a handful of people tell me they’d like to wear axe badger merch or just be able to get some swag – and I’ve finally gotten around to figuring out a solution (again).

So far I don’t have a lot of things up for sale (well, I have few designs but lots of variations of things you can buy, from shirts to hats to mugs and whatever else the Print On Demand service has on offer). Take a look and see what strikes you! I’ll be adding stuff as it comes to me, but if you just can’t wait to rep this blog at your next tourney, I have you covered. Plus, you’d be helping fund this whole ding-dang thing, which I’m getting better at, but boy-howdy I haven’t cracked the code, yet.

Not a lot has changed, and everything has changed

Because I’m a sentimental sap of a badger, I went back and looked at a few original posts when considering what a 3 year anniversary means. Unsurprisingly, some things have shifted, and some things have stayed the same. I’m still writing absolute nonsense more often than not, balanced by sincere advice and very brief, fun interviews.

But I realize I’ve also, over the course of this year, started really seeing myself as part of axe throwing as a whole. Like, I feel like I have a spot at the table. And no, not like in a “I’m a good thrower, now” kinda way, but in a “people like when I’m here” sort of way. It’s nice. I think when I started the blog, I did it because I felt like an outsider trying to make sense of this sport, and creating my own understanding of what community meant. Now, though, I feel as if I’m…I dunno…welcome in it (more or less, MORE OR LESS. I also know some folks are absolutely sick of my shit. And that’s okay. I get sick of my shit, too).

So this past year has, absolutely, been a bigger exploration of how I can help other people in the community, either in a very visible way or in private, as, I guess, a personality in the sport. It’s been really rewarding. Even moreso when people ask if I could promote/talk about stuff that they need help with. Man, that’s like being handed a free hot dog. Like angels are looking out for me, you know? Hot dog angels.

And if any of the above is true, it means I get to hide behind a mask I’ve designed when interacting with people. The badger mask. And man that’s worth so much. Because people are horrifying. What with their talking and moving around and such.

The blog feels like a really good job to have, and I’m hoping to go at least another 3 years

The Axe Badger is a lot of work. a dozen hours a week, really, plus 8+ hour days whenever I’m popping off to a tourney or somesuch. And I love it, I really do. It feels like a gift to be responsible for keeping it alive, as much as it does feel like the people who read it and enjoy it keep it going. I feel lucky. I’m not crying right now.

The thing that strikes me the most is simply this: I don’t at all feel exhausted by it. Two articles a week (almost always), lots of goofball ideas, silly products, pictures and videos and what not — it all feels like…hmm…it feels like even though I’m spending so much time making it happen, that I’m the one who’s getting the better end of the bargain. Well I guess maybe that’s not a surprise; I don’t have to read the things I write. You poor suckers do. But even so, if every week a few hundred people find some joy in what I’m doing here, that’s such a rare, delightful thing. I feel so lucky, and I don’t see that enjoyment ending anytime soon.

I guess what I’m trying to say is thanks

If it weren’t for you, dear reader, I don’t think I would have stuck with the blog as long as I have, nor the sport, potentially. I mean it when I write it: this community means the world to me, and I am so appreciative of every person who tells me they like the blog, or just reads what I write. I don’t have a huge ego about it (yet), so every single time someone brings up this work, I’m very honestly surprised and delighted.

So here’s to 3 years of writing (~240k words, according to stats), and to at least 3 more. It’s been an adventure so far, and I’m so excited for what might come next.

Oh, and thanks for reading this. I know the self-reflective posts aren’t a favorite, but I just gotta share milestones like this. Okay bye bye.