Learning how to make a game, even a simple one, was a fun and frustrating experience. When my husband tested it for me last night, I found myself pacing and constantly peeking over his shoulder, building a “can I change that?” list as he went. I couldn’t. I had reached the point where I had to stop – I had two links that just did not work. Fixed them, and then images stopped functioning. Fixed them and called it a day. I am glad I tried something new and well outside my comfort zone. I am also not sure I would do it again. I may do some clean up and experiment with color changes, or build out further (feedback dependent).

The experience was useful, as I had to do the research work, and instead of writing a full paper, had to think through how to present the information for a different audience and where to find balance. The challenge was how to discuss serious issues without making such a sobering game that the target audience would hate it. The balance between heavy subjects, neutral subjects and a little levity requires a fine touch that I am hoping I hit. Honestly, who could let the story of Ma slapping a bear go unrecognized and untold. The next iteration would have to find the same balance, even as it runs into a book the host of the podcast Wilder views as Stephen King on the prairie.

I rolled my eyes at the persona exercise before I started it – it coincided with a work discussion on creating our own personas. I did the readings, interviewed my potential target audience, and knew I was in way over my head and had to really delve into the idea to get this game plan straight. I appreciate having to think that through. I had a thesis advisor at the Command and General Staff College who always hit me with the ‘so what’ and forced me out of reading and writing for myself – I would have been perfectly happy with a project that was for my personal enrichment. LTC Bowie (related distantly to THAT Bowie is I recall) did not let me, and the development of personas ensured I avoided the trap of an overly clever argument that would be useless otherwise.

I am going to send the prototype to the women who helped me, and see what they think and if I hit the mark. More to follow on that.

I would change my podcast pitch though. I still like the idea I pitched to highlight all the great history within an hour’s drive. Another one I toss around mentally would complement this project, rereading historic fiction and breaking it down for parents and teachers.  Does  Johnny Tremaine or Caddy Woodlawn still hold up?  I understand the objections to Wilder’s work, but is it a discussion or a pull it problem – the way she describes what she sees, especially after she also becomes Mary’s eye is truly poetic, but Little House on the Prairie, yikes.

Thank you for sharing this wagon train with me.