Updates on Videos, Arcade, X16, and maybe Autism?

How about adding something about crop circles to your UFO game?

BTW, the only, single time I was ever offended by something in your videos was the time that you said you and your friend put a "live fish" in the Blockbuster video return drop, because it seemed cruel to the fish. I did not understand that when you said "live fish", you meant dead fish. And that was regarding something you actually said, not body language or something I inferred. :P And I've been watching nearly every video you've released for over a decade.

David, I really appreciate you sharing your perspective with us all. I found out only a few years ago that I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in 1991ish (at 11 years old) and my father disagreed with the diagnosis (which I'm now convinced was correct), so my parents never told me. I discovered, as you have, that it is very easy for me to offend people because they add their own interpretations to what I say to them rather than just focusing on the words and their explicit or literal meaning. I've had to learn to try to do this extra analysis prior to speaking and filter my speech accordingly, which makes me appear even more socially withdrawn. I don't enjoy it, and it's been a constant struggle since my adolescent years, especially with family. But the alternative is to have people constantly getting offended or frustrated with me for no rational reason. I feel like I'm often only pretending to be human so the real humans don't notice. I want you to know that I think I understand your struggle and I support you, and thank you again for sharing!

Hello! Thank you for the update! My favorite youtuber of all! I feel like I missed something about arcade. I was sure that Time Rift Arcade was already opened and working. There is website with all the prices and stuff. But now I learn about construction process. Did I got a false impression about arcade being already open? Or is this the construction of second arcade?

As an autistic person myself, my biggest problem is that neurotypical people tend to interpret what I say, instead of taking me literally. I'm very literal, but neurotypicals tend to try to interpret some hidden meaning into every sentence, every statement, and even completely unrelated body movements. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. Apparently, that concept is foreign to neurotypicals. It's exhausting and extremely frustrating. You then learn to "mask" your neuro-diverseness and try to interpret how people could perceive you, and then you try to adapt. Often not as successful as you've hoped, because that indirect communication is alien to you.

Re: Autism I can only speak for myself, but so what if you do have autism? You make great content and that’s what I’m subscribed for. We all have our own little foibles. If one of yours is autism, so be it. If not, that’s cool too. It sounds like you have a great support structure regardless of the answer to the autism question, and that’s the most important thing. Long story short: You be you. I enjoy watching YOU.

Hey David, thanks for sharing these intimate details of your life. If some one like you is on the spectrum, I wonder what relevance this has. If no one notices and you need a specific test to figure this out, what benefit does it have to give this condition a label? Anyhow, would you mind sharing which test you took?

Well, would you come to Bochum and fix my IBM XT? I'll pay not in those funny dollars but in real Euro! 🤪😁 Jokes aside, stay as you are! ❤️

That UFO-game already looks funny, with the cliché flying saucer and abduction-beam 🤣. I'm actually very surprised to hear from you about the autistic spectrum, as I see (as far as I know you from the Patreon Updates and other YouTube Stuff) as somebody very active, undertaking stuff, with a nice social surrounding (friends, family, but also sharing your passions with people, inviting them to your place)... I would definitely not see a problem there, and I don't understand the people criticizing you for things you say in your videos. I just see an honest guy, being himself, which I know myself, is not always appreciated in society. As I am working on the Museum Tram in Zürich, I know a lot of people that are really in the autistic spectrum, they form a group that is almost always on our trams. We are not so happy with them, as they might scare away other guests with their appearance and "nerdy" talks. But it is unfortunately reality amongst railway fanatics, I guess also amongst computer nerds, maybe people are just narrow-minded and think we "nerds" are all alike? I hope you can just continue to make your videos as we like them, they're good! Real, and not the fake stuff you tend to see on TV... (who showed that part of that ridiculous TV-show about repairing an arcade machine with the "expert" who told that the high voltage cable was carrying the video signal?!?)

If you have ever stood before a mirror to practice smiling, there is a high chance that you are on the autism spectrum.

I also scored really high on the autism tests online. I think there's an older one and one that is supposed to be more selective; don't remember ... score high on any of them. If I am, I'm very "high-functioning" to put it archaically. I've also had close friends suggest I might be on-the-spectrum. I also don't have memory of "stimming" of any kind, ever, so I suspect the tests are detecting something else. I do tend to overshare my interests at times—"information dumping"—but I think I'm pretty good at detecting when someone is not interested. I suspect you may end up in a similar position of being in the ambivalent "maybe/maybe not" autistic. And I think like you are, I'm not looking for any particular special care, but I think help navigating people and their behaviors, and knowing what to do if I get overstimulated (and advising people I know closely about it) would be helpful. By the way, I tried to get a diagnosis and sought out an "adult autism" expert through a local mental-health advocacy group. He spent 5 minutes asking me 3 or 4 questions and said I wasn't autistic. I am frustrated by the disconnect between my experience and what I see online where people find supportive therapists who are willing to put in some extra effort.

I deal with a lot of autistic people with my work, so if you are autistic I'd say it's pretty minor. The UFO game looks awesome and I'm super excited to see more As for negativity in videos, it's an emotional delivery aspect that you probably don't notice. You're expressing "ehhh this annoys me" or "why is this like that, I don't like it" or "I wish this was different," but it's ALL in the tone of your voice. Thing is you're just being honest so it doesn't bother me that much xD If you become unthankful, THAT is where it can get obnoxious. "ehhh I'm expressing annoyance that this person sent me this really cool and rare electronic, because I don't have space for it right now and I'm bothered." Examples like that are just missing an additional thankful emotional tone Anyway, hope that's helpful. I think we're all blind to certain things we do, and need the help of others to point them out. And, to be clear, most of your videos you're just fine, it's the minority that have this issue (in my opinion). Can't wait for the next videos!!

Your videos are so well made David - I go back to old videos regularly because of how well they are made that I feel a connection to you in those videos. I am autistic myself, and have sort of seen those traits in you but weather those are confirmations of autism or not doesn't make any difference to me and I can understand why you won't want to go through those assessments. I do feel it's worth it, just so you know and gives you a bit of clarity. Regardless, it doesn't make a difference as you're married, have children, a lovely house and you're able to work for a job you know and love.

So the negativity thing is something I actually get a lot myself, where someone will think I'm being overly negative when all I'm actually doing is running through facts and trying to determine a logical solution/outcome, with the people who know me best knowing that despite that highly logical approach I take to life I'm actually a lot more optimistic than most people they know. Plus, with regards to "filling in the gaps", if it looks as though someone is insinuating things from what I've said one of the first things I'll come back with is, "Don't read between the lines; I choose my words carefully, I only mean exactly what I say, and any hidden meanings behind those words which you may be picking up on are entirely unintentional because I don't even know they're there!" Sometimes the best way to combat miscommunication is to actually interact with some of these commenters, not the really hateful ones but the ones who don't want to be rude but have clearly gotten the wrong idea, explaining yourself better to them, and seeing what the response is, as those responses may help you understand what the miscommunications actually are! :B

I think a lot of people are actually on the spectrum, and we would do better to try and be kind to people and accept that not everyone thinks the same way, and also, to not take offence so easily. I am also on the spectrum btw, but only found out later in life, so made virtually no difference to my day to day living. Anyway, enjoyed the update, X16 looks great! UFO looks amusing! I'm a bit far to order pizzas from your establishment, but maybe some day I can pop over.

Hi David, some thoughts came to mind after watching your video: Audience Composition: Remember that your audience, being interested in retro computing, likely has a higher percentage of neurodivergent individuals (including those on the autism spectrum) compared to the general public. This could contribute to the communication gaps you experience, as different perspectives and communication styles might be at play. Worldview Consistency: Humans are naturally driven to maintain a consistent worldview. We often prioritize information that aligns with our existing beliefs, even if it means downplaying or dismissing objective truth. This isn't necessarily malicious; it's a way to conserve mental energy and avoid cognitive dissonance. When your videos challenge viewers' worldviews, some feel compelled to reach out, either to defend their perspective or seek reassurance that you acknowledge it. Tone in "Changes coming for 2024": Regarding your "Changes coming for 2024" video from six months ago, I also noticed a slightly more resigned tone compared to your usual style. While your overall message seemed optimistic (or at least neutral), the delivery felt a bit different that time. Perhaps you were having an off day, which can happen to all of us! Just some food for thought. Keep up the great work!

You can't make everybody happy.

David I’ve always enjoyed your videos and probably always will. I still rewatch old episodes regularly because they’re so well made. Whether you’re autistic or not makes no difference for me and probability the majority of your viewers. I do recognize the hate you get and that your way of dealing with that differs from other creators. It’s really up to you if you think this needs further investigation or not. And as for the arcade: as soon as it’s open I plan to visit it with my son. It does require some light intercontinental travel so I’d want to make sure it’s actually open but as soon as it is; I will plan my visit!!

First of welcome to the family, I have been autism (for most of my life - in my mid 30's). I'm on the "lower end" of ASD, I have enjoyed the retro repairs, docos and of the course the solar video. I have found that yes, im different and yes I may offend people from time to time with traits, for me at least. Love the video :)

I'm not sure autism is anything to do with the comments. To me you have never come across in any other way than you yourself think you're coming across. I think the reason for the consternation is the way the channel is changing. People still want you to do (insert here their favorite video), and it's clear you want to do different things. That's causing friction. But you need to follow your passion, and if people like it, great, but if not then never mind.

If you DO turn your channel to the solar channel, might I suggest "The 8 Watt Guy"?

Solar panel videos are very interesting & also an important subject. (I guess even more so in Texas, that is not connected other grids, right?)

To hell with vegan pizza.

UFO game looks great. I don’t if you are looking for input, my daughter would love to play it but might be a little afraid of the alien character looking like that. Could consider something for cartoony. Also autism, I have a teacher friend that was diagnosed with it. I would not know she’s has that. She extremely smart, patient and lovely. So you just never know. I am sure we all have some spectrum of it. Anyways keep up the good work!

I doubt you're autistic David. I'm also a nerd who sometimes has difficulty communicating with/understanding others and am actually diagnosed NON-autistic. We exist. Society and the internet just likes to pathologize nerdiness.

I’ve been diagnosed with autism and I find your issues relatable and they can be very frustrating, I’ve had multiple people tell me I’m not “normal”, it’s very irritating to see people who aren’t autistic try to relate to my autism or change my mannerisms. I’ve been told multiple times to just “tune out” negativity (or in your case, hate e-mails), but I find it extremely hard to do and I end up spiraling down this path of “oh my god this person is such an idiot why would they do that it wasn’t necessary to do that”. So don’t ignore it, internalize them as all the obscene words you want, then respond as formally or informally as you’d like. And the funny part is, if you tell a neurotypical person that you think you’re autistic, they will almost always respond with some kind of response of “being special”, but if you tell a person with autism that you think you’re autistic, they like “Yeah, I know”.

Thank you Dave for the update. Ideas: - You can do a future Arcade solar video so we solar lovers will adore and the haters hate even more :-) - About the game, I wish you'd release with box and art but I know you're over that phase already, seeing all the troubles you've got to go through, but good idea for a game - About autism, I feel the same as you do sometimes, maybe I should get it checked too - Waiting for the Arcade build video :-) Good update, keep it up and hope it all goes well.

As someone who's autistic and who has studied it casually over the years, I'm pretty good at spotting it in others. I've always thought you were on the spectrum, so it's interesting to see you reach the same conclusion. In some people it's very hard to see, but in others there are certain behaviours and language cues that give hints. This could mean many things for you. You certainly seem to be aware of it and how it's affecting your interactions, and that's a really good position to be in. There are certain elements of it that can give you big advantages, and others that will hinder you. Now you're aware of it I'm sure you'll start figuring out how it affects you personally. Try not to see it as a bad thing though; at your level, there are a lot of positives!

Thanks for the update, mate. In regard to your consideration to being on the spectrum I think your experience sounds a lot like David Plumber's. When he asked those around him their thoughts expecting a "no way, not you" but got more "well, there might be something to that". As a long time viewer of yours and somewhat in tune to people's differences, it seems very clear to me (for whatever that is worth). I'm sure the challenge to understanding the perception issues is actually apart of what has you on the spectrum. Meaning there isn't an easy way to fill in the blanks. Your last update video came across terribly negative to me, not because of words or content and emotional delivery to those ideas. You seemed to not be genuinely enthusiastic about the topics at hand, to someone who is used to interpreting meaning behind communication. Again, that may be a challenge for you to see if it's not apart of how you typically operate. Good luck with learning more and trying new things with this information. Always looking forward to the work you put out!

I have a 19 year old son who is autistic. When I met you a couple years ago at your house I thought you may have been. I think a lot of people are and just don't know it. You were respectful and showed me around with grace and appreciation. You are awesome and your contribution is also awesome! Thank you for sharing such a personal experience in your life.

I was going to ask if you would drive your electric car to my house in Tennessee and repair my TRS-80 while I test drive your car. I'll pay you $1.99. LOL Seriously, I appreciate all that you do and have enjoyed your videos for a long time. Don't let the freaks bring you down. You keep doing you.

I think you come across as a pretty normal person in all your videos. I wouldn’t lose sleep over it. I think I am abnormal bc I routinely run your videos in the background just to get the vibe, lol. I Can’t even explain that, it just puts me in a little better mood. I don’t even really know anything about computers 🤷🏼‍♂️

Great update, Dave, plenty to sort through. I definitely love your solar projects (I’m hoping to get my own panels this year). Once you mentioned that your arcade (barcade?) will serve food and alcohol, that makes a lot of sense on all of the extra red tape. And for the mysterious Amiga game? Hmmmm….the Amiga port of King’s Quest 6? 😉 Haha. Actually, I’d prefer Space Quest 3.