This post has not been edited by the GamesBeat staff. Opinions by GamesBeat community writers do not necessarily reflect those of the staff.

For the first time ever, I questioned why I decided to take the leap from merely playing video games to also writing about them. Granted, it was only for a second, but it happened.

Yesterday, I experienced what several professional video-game journalists have experienced when asked what they do for a living. Some are proud, while others try to avoid a disappointing stare and its accompanying “oh” — which really means “why don’t you grow up” — by saying they work for their parent company, e.g., Fox.

I don’t write for a living, but I did get an article published in the latest issue of GamePro Magazine. (It's available on newsstands now!) My sister was proud enough to write about it on her Facebook wall. Soon after, one of her friends left the snide remark: “Published literature about games surely you jest."

I wanted to respond with a witty comeback, but I realized that his pretentiousness did it for me.

 

In my 28 years of existence, I have never been put down for my deep love of video games. It was daunting. Who is this guy? What does he do? What makes him an expert on what should be taken seriously? What kind of person thinks it’s okay to tell another that their interests are not important and a waste of time?

Although I’m not one to let a little name calling or difference of opinion bother me, all of those questions ran through my head. It felt like he verbally assaulted my wife and kids — a piece of my very being and something I was very proud to have accomplished. It’s unfortunate that not everyone has an open mind and is willing to learn about aspects of life that they are completely oblivious to — especially when one can find great writers in any subject.

I love video games — maybe a little too much. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I read a lot of content on the subject and appreciate all the work that goes in to writing about them, whether it’s from a seasoned professional or any one of the many community writers here on Bitmob. Everyone has a different perspective, and they deserve to have it told no matter whom they are or what they are writing about. Reading vastly different styles and perspectives can only be beneficial.

Writing can get personal; you are letting the readers inside your mind and heart. At the end of the day, I’ve learned not to concern myself with hateful comments. I do this because I love it, not for the approval of others.