Our Three-Year Anniversary

On April 19, 2015April 19, 2015 By R. PettyIn Random Fun3 Comments

We’re happy to announce RevPub celebrated its three-year anniversary in March 2015! Thank you to everyone who has supported us through following, comments, or merchandise. Thank you to everyone who shares and relates to our sometimes crazy posts.

Revenant Publications — Your RevPub team!

I’ve been asked several times why I post to RevPub? I’ve had people ask, “if you don’t get paid for it, why bother?” And my answer is always the same: Because it’s fun, and to me, that is enough.

Why Do We Blog?

When James and I first started the site, it was to store our creative projects. And if you have followed us from the beginning, you know we have evolved to have hundreds of posts covering everything from lost pets to movies and personal art.

It eventually became a place where we could share our opinions, projects, reviews, and even our first digital comic book, created from a story James wrote when he was a teenager. We could have something happen that triggered a post idea, and there it was. Blogging is about being able to be yourself, and that’s what we do. We’re just us.

Another great thing about blogging is that you can go back and reminisce about the posts. I remember posting about our first comic con and International Tabletop Game Day. Blogging is similar to Facebook in the social aspect, but blogging really lets you express yourself, and it’s more intimate. I love talking with our readers, and reading what they post, too. It’s the one social platform I’m never annoyed with.

Our Start

James and I have been friends for 17 or so years. In 2011, when we first created the site, his first post was Remakes and Reboots – Part 1, where he discusses the perfect remake. It’s interesting his post three years later was Remakes and Reboots Redux: Part 1, when he was once again inspired by the film industry. My first post was a scarf I knitted for a friend’s mom. It’s still one of my favorites.

I remember being a little nervous about posting it and wondered if people would like it. And looking back, I had no idea what I was doing – the pic is tiny! (But you can click on it if you’d like to see the details.) Even though I was nervous, it felt good to get it out there. After a year hiatus, we picked it back up regularly, and that’s when it really became something. Everything became a post idea and still is. And neither of us are afraid to put something out there. We’ve come a long way.

I encourage anyone considering starting a blog to do so. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or work. It can and should always be fun. If you’re afraid to put it something out there, then just write a draft and publish when you’re ready. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just be you!

Thanks again to all our readers, and we look forward to another three years with you! We have much more coming, including top three posts, so watch out world!

Remakes and Reboots Redux: Part 1

On April 15, 2015April 14, 2015 By James CastroIn Movies, Opinions, ReviewsLeave a comment

Rise and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

In my very first series of posts on RevPub I detailed what I thought made a remake, reboot, or sequel successful. In the modern film environment it’s easy to see why that’s important. Over this past weekend I watched three films that made me want to go back and revisit this concept. The first two were excellent (one a reboot/prequel and its subsequent sequel) and the last one dreadful and all helped prove the point of what makes the “re-” genre work and what makes it fail. This week I’ll start with the successes: Rise and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

Few films are as iconic, not a word to be used lightly, as the 1968 Planet of the Apes. I’d say it’s up there with The Godfather and Scarface for quotability and nearly invented the modern shocker twist ending. It’s a product of its cold war time period, but many of the lessons it professes are still valid and it largely still holds up, even if many of the film making and special effects may seem dated.
There were a number of less-than-stellar sequels and even the Tim Burton remake from 2001, so when a new one was announced it felts like territory that had been over-traveled. The first film, Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a pleasant surprise…and an impressive film in its own right.
Part reboot, part prequel, it does everything a film in this kind of category should. It pays proper homage to the original, making small references, quoting, and even foreshadowing the previous film, and never NEVER once makes light of the original film or attempts to outdo or show up a film more than 40 years old.
Apes movies are in the “monster” genre I feel and in many ways the latter half of the first movie and the entire second film feel like a far more original extension of the zombie genre. These kinds of monster movies are only as effective as their human characters. In the first film the human cast, led by James Franco and supported by John Lithgow, Brian Cox, and Freida Pinto are compelling in their positive and negative qualities. Andy Serkis, of Gollum fame, is a show stealer as Caesar, the real star of the movie and the character in whose story we are invested. Like his role in the Lord of the Rings however his performance is lost in CGI, though I would wager echoes of his emotions shine through. This is very similar to the stories I remember hearing about how difficult it was for Roddy McDowell and Kim Hunter to emote behind layers of thick prosthetic make up.
The story itself is character-based, always pushed on my characters (mostly Caesar) responding to events and actively making choices and deciding, rather than having choices thrust upon him. Not only that but one actually feels far more attached to him than to the human characters, even those we like, because of how well he is portrayed, both in the writing and in the performance.
Furthermore it fills in plot holes from the original such as why the apes speak English, use human-style tools, and how they progressed so quickly. It also skillfully updates the setting from a cold war nuclear age to a 21st century biological age without detracting from the original purpose or even re-writing the events of the canon.
All in all it’s a terrific reset to a legendary film, and compelling to watch for fans of the original and just those seeking some great entertainment.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes succeeds where the sequels to the original film largely failed in that it is actually a good movie. Dawn picks up where Rise left off, telling the story of how the newly self-emancipated apes and the remnants of humanity come into conflict with each other, and how even in an idealized setting, one under perfect leadership and the best altruistic foundations, selfishness and violence can creep in. It’s a perfect extension of both the ideology and story of the first film and progresses us more and more toward the eventuality of the progenitor film. Again the human cast is effective led by Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke, and Keri Russell.
Yes this “reboot/prequel” franchise is a success. It succeeds because it takes what made the original film work, builds upon it, pays proper respect to it, and then tells its own narrative. Most of all these two moves are just well-made, well-designed, well-told stories. They know what they set out to do and do it. A rarity in modern film making…
Next week we go from the sublime to the ridiculous as we look at last year’s remake of another classic film…this one from the 1980s.

Plagiarism: Just Don’t Do It

On April 12, 2015 By R. PettyIn Writing for Web and Tips1 Comment

plagiarism cartoon — Photo by: guides.library.vu.edu.au

Earlier this week I was surfing the Web and came across a fellow blogger who has been accused of plagiarism because guest bloggers on his site plagiarized content. After feeling defeated he said he would no longer blog, but thankfully has since changed his mind and is active again. More than 50,000 people follow this guy…

This infuriated me. This blogger who uses it to relieve stress and express himself was put in the position to give up something he loves because someone plagiarized – the fancy word for stealing someone else’s work.

So how does one plagiarize?

It’s really not that difficult to understand. If someone else said, wrote, painted, sang, created, etc…something, and you try to claim it as your own, you have plagiarized. If you used it in any way without permission from the creator, or if they allow permission, but you do not credit them, it’s plagiarism.

No Plagiarism — Photo by: http://www.rightblogtips.com

What’s the big deal?

Those who create things – writers, photographers, illustrators, designers, programmers, musicians, anyone considered an artist – work HARD to create things and usually pour their heart into it. It’s just wrong, and why would you steal from some random stranger who’s never done anything to you?

People can also get sued or in serious trouble, hence the copyright laws and usage. There’s a reason people put the © symbol on their creations. It’s a way of saying this is mine, and in my professional world, if you violate it, you’re gone. Do not pass go. You know where the door is.

It’s a violation and insulting. My biggest problem is that most people don’t think about it or care. If it’s on the Internet, it’s fair usage. Wrong. Other people are intentionally trying to cause harm, and karma will find those people one day.

How to avoid it:

Credit everything you use. Photos, quotes, copy, everything. If you did not create it, it belongs to someone else.
Don’t try it. Those of us who know what to look for, look for it. We know if it doesn’t sound right, and a quick Google search will confirm or deny it. It takes 5 seconds.
Respect the creator(s). Most of us don’t mind you using our stuff with credit. There’s a lot of awesome stuff out there, and it should be shared. However, respect the people who put in the time and hard work.
If you can’t create something, try harder. For example, maybe you think you’re terrible writer, so you decide to “borrow” someone else’s writing. Stop. It’s lazy. If you feel that way, do what’s necessary to make it better. Take a class, send it to a trusted proofreader or friend, read books on improving your writing, practice. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but by the end of it, you’ll be a better writer and have self-respect.
If you’re unsure if it’s plagiarism, it probably is. Better to be safe than sorry, so ask for permission and reread No. 1. There are also great sites that check for plagiarism, and there’s no shame in checking! Try: Grammarly’s.

Feel free to share your thoughts about plagiarism in the comments section below!

A Celebration of Color

On April 5, 2015April 4, 2015 By R. PettyIn Art3 Comments

It was a long, cold winter here in the South. We had an ice storm, snow, sleet, and I managed to survive being snowed in for a total of two weeks – one of which was my birthday week. I hate cold weather. I hate everything about it, and even though it’s necessary for the life cycle, I despise winter.

Winter 2015, Nashville — This was my view for most of February. As pretty as it was, the brown got old lol.

When spring came around this year, I was desperate for color, and I realized how important color is to our mood, energy level, and overall well-being. A simple addition can brighten up a room and make you feel better. So here’s a quick celebration of color, which also inspired me to paint (sneak peek)!

blue pillows — I started improving my mood by redecorating a little. Throw pillow covers and pillows, new rugs, and new placements. These immediately brightened things up!

Next came the flowers! Inside and out. I keep fresh flowers on my table at all times, but these were recent bouquets, and they were perfect because they always give me something pretty to look at!

spring time flowers — Last weekend I planted these beauties. Now that the grass is getting greener, they’re the perfect outside addition.

And last, the work in progress…This started as a green and black canvas I painted out of boredom. I was so inspired by color and my flowers, I decided to paint one of my favorites: the iris. I will post about the finished product once its complete, but there will be two paintings. I don’t claim to be an artist, but it goes to show that color can bring out the artist in anyone!

Feel free to share your springtime happiness in the comments section, and Happy Warmer Weather and Happy Easter to all those who celebrate this time of year!

Story of the Month: April Fooled

On April 1, 2015April 4, 2015 By James CastroIn Random Fun, Short Stories, Story of the MonthLeave a comment

On this April Fool’s day I thought a story of how I was fooled by no one in particular and how it was the most fooled I’ve been in ages..

I have a lil Russian Blue cat named Rasputin (Raz or Raz-cat for short). Raz is a weird little animal and he plays with everything, but one of his favorite toys is the springy doorstops that stop doorknobs from crashing through dry wall. He’s crazy but he’s soft and sweet and likes to sleep on the pillow next to my head.

One night a few weeks ago I was asleep around midnight when I heard the sproy-yo-yo-yoing of one of the doorstops. I sat up and thought “what is that little maniac doing…” when I noticed Raz sitting bolt upright next to me. Then my sleep-addled brain caught up with the situation; if Raz was here…what hit the doorstop?

I turned on the light and looked at my bedroom door, which was propped open. I have a few wooden swords leaned up behind it but both were still standing. Then I slowly looked up and realized it must have been the door in the game room across the hall. The door was closed. I live on the second floor and that room is the only window accessible from the outside. The rest of my windows are all two stories up and unless you’re Spiderman you’d have trouble breaking in through them.

I immediately started thinking of what I could use as a weapon, and it occurred to me that all of the most useful stuff was in the living room…not wanting to cross in front of the door in question I looked around my room and the only weapon I could find was a replica Danish War axe leaning against my book shelf. It’s not a convenient indoor weapon, about 42 inches long with a 7-pound axe head at the business end. A quote from Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels went through my head, “I don’t want to blow the arsehole out of the world, but I don’t want nobody blowing a raspberry at me either…” It’s kind of a ridiculous weapon in a CQC situation, but it was all I had.

Still I picked it up and headed toward the door. Raz was sitting in the bed looking at me and the game room door with an expression that read, “Was it in there? You’re not going in there are you?”

I leaned against the wall next to the door and listened. I didn’t hear anything in there. I decided not to be an idiot and yell out “hello?” and resolved when I opened the door I’d slam it open to go with the shock and awe tactic. I silently braced my shoulder against the door, took a deep breath (looked back at Raz who looked like he was saying “don’t do it…don’t open the door!”) and barged into the door.

To my shock something was pushing back. The door wouldn’t open as if someone was leaning on the other side or had their foot on the bottom of the door to keep me from opening it.

I pushed harder and went in, axe handle first (I decided I didn’t want to swing that thing and get it caught on the door jamb…). The door finally opened and I flipped the light on. I didn’t find any medieval intruders…I found my rolled up Frontline game mat, which I keep standing behind the game room door, had fallen across the doorway and hit the door stop. I actually fell to me knees and laughed. Raz looked at me like I was nuts.

I’m paranoid, so I still searched the rest of my house before calming down and going to bed.

I learned a couple of good lessons from this incident. First: It never hurts to be cautious but don’t always assume the worst. Second, and maybe more importantly, Danish War Axes are not ideal for home defence.

How the Internet Destroyed the Chain Letter

On March 29, 2015 By R. PettyIn OpinionsLeave a comment

Chain letters had a noble start in 1888 – a letter sent to a person requesting a church donation and to send the letter to three people asking them to do the same. However, over the years, the chain letter evolved into warnings of bad luck, promises of good fortune, and in the 2000s became “this Nigerian prince needs your credit card info” without the mysticism (to quote my RevPub partner).

I remember the chain letters I grew up with. They were passed around school, and I even received a few in the mail. Remember, this was a time people actually mailed things to each other; it wasn’t just junk mail and postcards.

They looked similar to this:

If you’re reading this, then you’ve already started the chain reaction and there’s no going back. The events I am about to warn you about will definitely unfold, even if you close this email now. The best thing you can do now is read on and carefully follow my instructions.

I remember at 10-12 years old believing something terrible would happen to my friends and family after reading this, so of course I made copies and mailed them out. It was scary but cool at the same time. I’d call my best friend to gossip about all the horrible things that could happen if I didn’t respond. (She was probably the one who sent it to me, although she’d never admitted it.)

So what happened to them? The Internet.

By the late ’90s, the Internet took the world by storm, and not only could you send things to people in a matter of seconds, you could email chain letters. And people did. I received hundreds, maybe thousands, of these, and they were no longer just scary. Some promised money, fame, true love. Or they served as a way to “show” people you cared about someone or something.

The problem was too many people sent too many of them. Email took off, and people were reading things they cared about: emails from friends, links to things on the Web, or they stopped checking their email all together. No one took chain letters seriously. Then the wonderful spam settings were established, and you never had to see them. Chain letters became spam, junk mail.

I feel this is a sad loss in our culture because many kids and teenagers have no idea what a chain letter is. There was a sense of urgency about them, a suspense receiving one created – especially if you were superstitious. They were fun and felt a little dangerous, and as a kid, made you feel special because you received it. Most people used to love receiving letters after all.

I don’t recommend bringing them back, but let’s not forget where we came from – even Spam has a cool back story!
And if you feel the need to bring them back, here’s a how to start a chain letter. Be careful!