What is it about snark that people find so appealing? Throughout the year, writing this column has been a rewarding and frustrating experience. It started out with a clear theme that I deviated from as the issues went by: try out something that ìthe kidsî like, and see whether or not Iíd dig it as well.

Well, after bashing Lilí Wayne, ìJersey Shore,î video game sequels and whatnot, I got sick of being so negative. However, I stuck with it after getting so many positive reactions from readers. The fact that people actually read the thing already blew my mind. But I began to wonder: Who am I to criticize works of art that I will never be able to produce? Why canít I be positive for once? Why canít I get some good vibes up in here man?

In a perfect world, random, unqualified people wouldnít be able to draw an audience by criticizing things that they have no idea how to make. Only musicians would criticize music, only filmmakers would criticize movies, and only video game developers would criticize video games. Unfortunately, itís really fun and easy to take a dump on someoneís parade. And as horrible as that sounds, many people enjoy watching it happen if you can make it funny. But in my mind there was some perfect ratio of snark to praise that, if followed, would make you a good critic. I felt guilty for not following that ratio.

But get this. People donít like reading praise. The only time people ever came up to me about my column was when I vented my utter hatred for something, and I kind of resented that. But hey, at least people were coming up to me (dear God, Iím lonely). As long as I could incite a reaction in people, my work was done. I decided it was time to go negative again, and go hard.

So when I began writing this column I wondered, What can I hopelessly destroy and mock for both my readersí and my own amusement? Cop shows came to mind (SERIOUSLY. THEY ARE ALL THE SAME. I WANT TO FIREBOMB CBS.) but I had already written several TV articles this year. I looked at new music being released, but nothing piqued my interest. Being grounded also tends to get in the way of going to the movie theaters and playing video games.

I was in trouble. I had to think. Not my strongest suit. Iím more of a … not-thinker. A think-not.

So what did I decide to make this column about? What resulted was a retrospective look into the life of this column. I published my guilt as to why you guys like anything I do. Iím not quite sure if itís good to be honest, but I hope you enjoyed my word-puke as much as I did. Itís been a great ó well itís been a good ó well itís been a year.

Thanks for reading.