Twelve years ago, I started The Game of Nerds from my hospital bed. What began as a small outlet for my nerdy thoughts quickly grew into something bigger than I ever imagined. I didn’t expect people to want to join me, to contribute their own voices, and to help create a space where nerd culture could be celebrated from so many different perspectives.

Now, twelve years later, TGON has published over 15,000 articles by more than 200 authors around the world. We’ve shared stories from nearly every continent—still waiting on Antarctica, but one day we’ll find those nerdy penguins (an inside joke that has carried us through the years).

But the real heart of TGON has always been the people. This site isn’t just my story—it’s the story of every writer who has joined us, every reader who has supported us, and every fan who has seen themselves in what we create.

As Brandi, one of our long-time writers, shared:

“Starting this October, I will have been writing and researching for TGON for THREE SOLID YEARS, and I hope to be on the TGON team for many, many more years to come! It has truly brought me so much joy, so many enriching experiences, helped me make great connections in the entertainment industry, and has overall built my confidence as a writer, artist, and innovator! Thank you Shannon Parola! Thank you for always being so kind and supportive whenever I needed you, and thanks for helping me bring back my inner child from a dark place and embrace what I truly love in life!”

Her words remind me why TGON exists—to give writers a space to grow, explore, and reconnect with what they love.

Finding Our Voice

From the very beginning, TGON has been about freedom of creativity. We never wanted to box ourselves into one fandom, one format, or one perspective. The nerd world is too vast and too colorful for that.

Michelle, one of our newer writers, expressed it perfectly:

“I have been writing for TGON for almost two months, and even though it has been a short time, I have loved every minute of it. TGON has given me the freedom to write about things that I love, and it has helped me become a better writer in the process. Shannon Parola and everyone who works behind the scenes to keep TGON going– I appreciate you all and thank you for allowing me to join such an amazing team! 🙂 I am excited to keep writing and growing with all of you!”

It doesn’t matter if someone has been here for years or just a few weeks—every voice matters. That mix of experience and fresh perspective is what keeps TGON alive and ever-changing.

Adventures in Nerdom

TGON has opened doors for so many of us—press passes, interviews, early screenings, and access to events we once only dreamed of attending. Watching our writers step into those opportunities is one of the greatest joys of running this site.

As Tara shared:

“I have been writing since COVID days, ahhh! Shannon and I chatted for the podcast, my first passion and then she mentioned looking for writers which was my secret passion. Since 2020, I was able to attend film festivals, comic cons in Chicago, NYC, Tribeca Film Festival, and so much more by applying for a press pass using TGON, getting early access to some films, shows, some great things that have not been able to get distribution, and get my name out there as a writer! It has been such a great time, and I am forever grateful! Off to New York Comic Con next week to cover it for TGON:)”

Moments like these remind me how far we’ve come from those early hospital bed posts. TGON isn’t just a website—it’s a ticket to new experiences, connections, and memories.

A Platform for Creativity

At its core, TGON has always been about one simple thing: letting people share their passions. Whether it’s diving deep into a fandom, reviewing the latest show, or reflecting on the cultural impact of nerdom, every article contributes to a larger tapestry.

Sheila captured that spirit beautifully when she wrote:

“Thank you for choosing me as a staff writer here. I’m grateful that I can write freely with my creativity, without boundaries for ideas, even though I’ve only been writing for 3 months. Happy 12th Anniversary to TGON, Shannon Parola and everyone! Let’s keep sharing our ideas with TGON and delivering our content to others 🎊🎊”

That’s exactly what TGON is meant to be—a place where creativity has no boundaries.

Staying Independent

Twelve years is no small feat in the blogging world. Many nerd sites have come and gone. Some sold out to corporations, others lost their way, and many simply faded away. TGON has stayed independent through it all.

It hasn’t always been easy. Independence means late nights, juggling SEO headaches, and learning everything the hard way. But it also means freedom. Freedom to decide what stories matter, whose voices to amplify, and how to keep nerd culture at the center of everything we do.

That freedom is worth it. It’s what makes TGON ours.

A Final Thank You

To my writers, past and present: thank you. You are the lifeblood of TGON, and your creativity, passion, and time have made this site what it is today.

To our readers: thank you. You’ve clicked, commented, shared, and cheered us on for twelve years. You’ve turned this from a personal project into a true community.

To my family: thank you. My husband has been my biggest supporter since day one, encouraging me through every up and down. My kids have grown up alongside TGON—my oldest already claims she’ll take over when I retire. And the fact that my daughter and TGON share a birthday makes this milestone even more meaningful. Seeing the nerd world through their eyes has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

And finally, to every nerd out there who has found joy in what we do: thank you. This space is for you.

Here’s to twelve years of storytelling, fandom, and community—and to many more ahead.

Happy Birthday, TGON.