So today marks 2 weeks into the kickstarter and I can't really put into words how the last 14 days of my life have been.  Ever since I started this blog I have felt a sense of relief not only because the future of Super Arcade seems brighter, but because I have been able to share some moments in life that I normally wouldn't.  It might surprise some of you that a person with such a loud mouth and a strong opinion is actually really quiet and keeps his personal life....... well, personal.  But the years and years of build up finally caught up with me and I felt that if I can change maybe things would be for the better.  In the past few months the arcade has actually been doing better.  On one hand I am very happy to see people care enough to make an effort and actually enjoy our establishment, but on the other hand it does kind of suck that it took me having to expose my personal life and in a sense shame myself into getting customers.  But then again, there was self gain in sharing my stories and experiences so it isn't all that bad.  I know change is a very slow process, but also I think explaining all that has gone on around me has allowed me realize and rethink what was right and what was wrong.  Also exposing myself to judgement has given me the opportunity to force myself to break bad habits in terms of everyday language and attitude in general.  If any of you out there have something that might be haunting you or something you regret doing or not doing, find someone to share it with.  The weight of these things can honestly tear you down and before you know it, life is over and you may have missed out on all that could have been.  Anyways, I want to thank all my critics and people who spent time to offer both kind words and criticism.  You guys make me stronger and give me reason to fight the good fight for what i care about.

So now let's get back to talking about the kickstarter.  We are currently at 90% funded and I am finally realizing that this thing is becoming a reality.  I have spent so many hours just imagining how the arcade would look if I just had the funds to remodel and turn everything around.  Sometimes in life you kind of get to a point where you are just dragging your feet and just doing what it takes to live.  You have that same repetitive routine of forcing yourself to get out of bed, go to school or work, come home watch some tv or mess with your computer, go back to sleep, then rinse and repeat.  Well for me it was almost the same on many days, except for the fact I didn't get much sleep and I was lucky that my job was doing something I genuinely like.  So anyways, before I keep dragging on, I guess my point is that I took a leap of faith and I worked really hard to get where I'm at.  2 weeks ago I was headed towards ultimate failure and facing the cold hard fact that Super Arcade might be shutting down for good.  I haven't faced too much failure in life, aside from trying to block these stupid vortex traps and avoid this unblockable nonsense from this damn engine the ever so lovely game of Street Fighter 4 brings!  But in all seriousness, anything that I have put so much effort into has always come out alright, up until the arcade.  This time things were not in my control and it was no longer something I could do on my own.  Most kickstarters campaigns run for 30 days, but in fear of not being funded I set it for 45 days because at that point I was truly worried we would not succeed and just dragging things out.  So now where things sit, yes it looks like our project is going to be funded, but until it reaches 100% there is still a ton of work to be done.

I was questioned by many right at the start of our kickstarter project as to why I didn't have stretch goals.  Well, for starters I think it's a very bold and cocky statement to add anything without even reaching your goals yet.  Just because we started off so strong does not mean we are guaranteed of anything.  Hell, even at 90% I am not totally convinced we will hit our goal and might even have to run some special tournaments to get over the hump.  But regardless, with the request from our backers and input from some kickstarter professionals, I am releasing our first and probably only stretch goal.  Since the inside of the arcade is going to be completely remodeled, the next logical step would be to change the exterior sign.  Little did I know how much something like this would cost.  But to include all the design, installation, licensing, and so on and so forth, we are looking at close to $8,000.

The current sign needs to be replaced soon due to rain damage and electrical issues so this is sort of a necessity.  Only other real needs after the remodel will be a new fridge and some labor on the entry way doors.  Aside from that, if there is any leftover money it will all go directly into getting more games and all go towards the arcade.  Thanks again for all of your support as its completely obvious that without all your funding and effort, this place would not be given a chance and I really would be packing it in to become a family man.  All I ask now is that you guys please keep spreading the word and help us reach our goal.  Talk to you all again soon and hope to see you at the arcade or stream monstering it up!