Sacred Symbols+, Episode 238 | Microcommunity Means Power (Patreon)

What's a so-called microcommunity? Well, Last Stand Media is a good example: A new kind of outlet that doesn't rely on volume, but rather a dedicated core of engaged customers. Sorta like a country diner; nothing too splashy, not a lot of growth for the NASDAQ types... but sustainable, useful, and meaningful, with really good omelettes and crispy bacon each and every time you go. Writer Nick Calandra runs a similar sort of outlet, one far older than Last Stand, one that's gone through a few metamorphoses of its own: The Escapist. And while Nick has been on Sacred+ in the past, he actually pitched today's episode to us, and we were happy to oblige. Together, we talk about our experiences navigating the modern gaming landscape with two rogue media companies, ones reliant on hardcore users who love the content and would rather be off the beaten path. From managing and hiring philosophies and pay structures to coordinating relationships with developers and publishers and earning money outside of subscriptions, it's a real grind to 'make it,' and we share notes with each other -- and the audience! -- about where we think this whole thing is going in the future.