I've been trying to work up the courage to go on that all weekend but I fear I'll never look as cool, so best not bother

This is glorious. I'm sad I won't see you, but very happy for you

My friend was actually kind enough to make this for me! I believe it is a cosplay friendship treasure hunt type of situation. You collect one from all of your friends but I got a special guest name tag 😊

Eat all of the sweet treats (play them all)!

You're so welcome!! 💗🥰

Anything really! You can do it on any of the Meta sites but Discord etc. could also apply here

Thank you! Someone gets it! I feel like everyone acts differently once it's in that setting so I prefer to talk to people individually. Even something like Bluesky is better because it doesn't have the element of being behind closed doors.

Absolutely right! I feel like coming back with an apology each time you have a gap in content just draws attention to it/could potentially become repetitive for the people seeing your stuff. Whereas they'll just be happy to see you again if you jump straight back into it instead!

I don't do the same type of content but can still relate. My best advice would be: all of those feelings are valid, take the break and then come back to it when you're ready. No need to acknowledge that gap with your audience. No one else is going to be as hung up on what you're doing as you are :)

Also, yes, I will hold your finger while you hold space for the local cinema

I do this a few times a year at minimum and I love it. No need to struggle with finding someone who's into a movie as much as you are, just go alone! Bonus points if you order snacks and eat them all.

That's cool! I didn't have a strong sense of who was reading submissions. Plus you get a free ticket to go hang out with peers if you're in Sydney or can travel!

That’s an interesting point. I don’t think I’ve been nominated for an award in any other context so I didn’t really think of that!

I don’t recommend the gremlins either but they demand a shoutout at times haha

Thank you so much!!

I agree about the system failing. I’m eternally grateful for everyone I’ve learned from, but can’t help but feel that I could have had more support if editors were treated fairly.

I submitted work last year and made it as a finalist, so I’ll try again with my very limited 2024 portfolio.

I didn’t know that for a while either! Last year was the first year I submitted something.

If it’s the journalism type of fluff, then maybe you should still consider trying?