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Who Writes Electron Dance?

This is the electronic holiday villa of Joel Goodwin, someone who expected to be a famous writer after reading himself drunk on Asimov in his childhood years but ended up getting a PhD in mathematics instead. He programs away his creativity on a trading desk in exchange for cash. Everyday he dreams the same dream.

He was born in the early 70s and raised on the Atari 2600. He graduated onto the Atari 800 and became a programmer, because he wanted to make games too. He did for a little while. He has two children of his own now and struggles to make time for his always hobby... but somehow he does.

Electron Dance is a site where he flexes his writing muscles in the domain of PC gaming.

HM is short for Harbour Master, Joel's alter-ego from a speed fiction writing site he maintained for three years called Hammerport which no one noticed. Web sites perish, avatars are immortal.

You can reach him through e-mail on hm at electrondance.com.

About This Site

Several pieces here have been noted in Rock Paper Shotgun as well as Critical Distance. I've also been published in the late Resolution Magazine. Electron Dance is most famous for bringing Marvel Brothel to the attention of the internet.

Here are some personal guidelines that have evolved since launching the site in April 2010.

• PC is king. Electron Dance steers clear of console or mobile game coverage (exception: Enslaved to the Rhythm).
• I’m averse to previews unless I can actually play the game (exception: Angry Young Men). I don't like to be part of the pre-game hype which makes you an accomplice in the post-game disappointment.
• Also averse to retro articles unless I can say something exciting (examples: The Devourer, Where We Came From).
• As Electron Dance is my voice, I don’t like to dilute it with guest posts (oh yes, there are exceptions- see the Special Guest Star articles).
• Whenever I try to write for other sites, I find it way too distracting. So I've come to the conclusion I prefer to write exclusively for Electron Dance with only a few dalliances away from the site. I am not a journalist and have no interest in becoming one. If I write elsewhere, I'll let you know.
• Electron Dance will not accept free copies of games from developers. Two reasons. The obvious one is to remain free of conflict of interest. The other one is practicality. My gaming time is limited and I’d rather spend it where I want rather than based on what arrives in my inbox – but feel free to send word if you think I might be interested in something you’re working on.

Stay Informed

Electron Dance publishes an article every Tuesday with occasional bonus posts on Friday. To get notified of new writing, follow via Twitter, Facebook, subscribe to the RSS feed or sign up for e-mail alerts.

Electron Dance 2010 Roundup

Electron Dance 2011 Roundup

Articles featured in Rock Paper Shotgun

Articles featured in Critical Distance