Commander X16 Team Change Update

Dear Supporters

I wanted you to be among the first to know that I have decided to take a little step back from the Commander X16 project now that much of my work is completed, so I can focus more on YouTube and Patreon things.

Here's the post for the X16 Forum:

We've always been open with you about the Commander X16 project's progress, and today I'm sharing my decision to take a little step back from the project.

When David kindly invited me on board, I accepted on the basis that approximately a 1 year prototype development process was envisioned for a cased computer, after which I would refocus on my own projects. However, of course I understand these things often do become much more complex, and so I have been happy to give an additional 1½ years to such a cool project.

Over those 30 months I've been honoured to be able to give my time overseeing parts of the jigsaw puzzle including the "X16" name, logos, keyboards, manuals, box & cover art (I hope one day you will see it!), social media, factory negotiations, draft crowdfunding video, 3D renders, X16P and X16C case designs, and of course the website & software library ecosystem for the project to hopefully someday flourish within. I’ve greatly enjoyed working with some very talented contributors in some of those areas - thank you so much Anders Enger Jensen, Charles Paek, Gaz Marshall, John McDermott, Lorin Millsap, Matt Grandis, Mat Recardo, Trevor Storey, and more.

However during that time my little YouTube channel has continued to grow beyond expectations, associated writing for ZZAP! 64 has increased, I've started projects of my own such as the forthcoming PETSCIIBOARD™, and have found my available time for prolonged outside projects reduce.

Then, sadly my mother passed away very recently, which is now absorbing an unanticipated amount of my time and emotional energies, and I am needing to focus more intently on family matters. I always wish to do my best for everyone, be it fellow X16 fans, supporters, or family, and by spreading myself too thin for too long, I can't be my best for you guys.

So, with much of my X16 work recently completed, now feels like the right time to pass the baton.

David and I remain friends, and I have wished him the very best of luck with whatever shape the X16 takes post-Peri! He and the team have my agreement to continue to use as much or little of my contributions as he chooses including the case designs (should that be "the case" ahaha), and I remain available to hand over and tie up loose ends. I will continue to follow the X16's progress as a fan alongside you all, and I am sure the project will endure. Thanks for reading my new novel here, and for your understanding with a difficult decision. Long live the Chickenlips 16! Peace out and cheerio!

Between you and I, David has indicated that he may be making some key changes to the X16, including selling it as a kit only for Phase 1. That would unfortunately rule out it having a case, because he's unsure he'd be able to sell enough to cover the case factory minimum quantities. That was part of the deciding factor for me. To be part of something, I need to go all in as I always give my all, and removing the case unplugs a large part of my connection to the project moving forward, and a large part of my work so far.

And this is David's project, so even though I firmly believe in the vision of a full computer in a glossy box, I must respect decisions he makes, and not try to pull in the other direction for too long.

I think it's fair to say that every project like this faces the challenges of remote team communication and these kind of moving goalposts. But naturally, they can become stressful over some 30 months. This project was no exception.

As I said above, I am sure the project will endure, and David and I had a very productive and friendly chat about all this by phone yesterday. It is indeed simply time for me to pass the baton.

I am extremely excited about the path ahead and being able to double down on channel related things. Thanks for reading this, for your understanding, and for your ongoing support.

Your friend in retro, Perifractic 

P.S. New Quick Bytes video coming within the next 24 hours or so about the mysterious split level Commodore 64. Ooooohh...