You must be registered to see the links
As many know by now, the Adult Visual Novel world lost what I like to think as, one of the "Original Bigs". Guys who I feel helped pioneer VN's in more western orientation vs the traditional and very popular eastern ones(Europe and American style vs Japanese). Those "Bigs" are the likes of Mr. Dots, Dark Cookie, and the late Palmer.
Some know that Palmer and I had a falling out about a year and a half ago. I'm not going into the story nor will I answer any questions. Simply put I had my issues and parting ways was the best option at the time.
I did harbor anger for some time, and up until about 4pm CST yesterday, thought I still did. But when I got the news, it threw me for one hell of a loop. I had stuff I had to get done that afternoon and evening, but as soon as I was finished, it started to sink in again, AVN's had lost a pioneer and I had lost a friend. Now, while we did not part as friends, I still spent a lot of time over a year talking, laughing, crying, gaming, and just basic day to day hanging out with Palmer.
Palmer and I disagreed a lot on many things, but we accepted to agree to disagree. From Politics to Religion we discussed the gamut.
When I first was introduced to VN's it was to a game called "Lab Rats". After completing it and loving it, I started to search for more games and ended up finding DFD Chapter 8 on fapnation. I saw the patreon and joined that as well as the discord. I started chatting with the active people, Palmer among them, made a few mistakes to which Lonecanuck corrected me and within a day was given the honorary role showcasing I was an active member. My wife eventually joined due to growing curiosity of this discord I was so active on and she herself got to know Palmer as well. And while Palmer could sometimes be a bit weird or uncouth, he was never outright mean or blatantly rude to us.
After being asked to become a mod, it really solidified my friendship with Palmer. He trusted me enough to help moderate his server. Not to say we didn't butt heads on occasion about how best to do certain things, in the end, I learned a thing or two. It was also this that got me close to lonecanuck who I still consider a very dear friend.
Palmer would often invite me to games, e.g. Pogo Monopoly or similar and I would have him join me on my Youtube channel and play "Gold with Friends". Lots of swearing, raging, and Palmer trying to cheat or Z calling himself names I would later have to censor in editing.
Around this time I started trying to make my own VN. Palmer graciously offered up his Engine. I was flabbergasted. They had been asked by multiple people if they could use their Engine and they would be denied. I never even asked and Palmer offered it up for us to use. There is a much longer story here that is not relevant, but due to circumstances, we did not end up using his Engine. The thought however still remains and was an extremely kind gesture.
Few know that I had a cat before Jarvis, named Thor. We lost him when I was still very active on Palmers discord and he offered a lot of support and suggested I post a memorial message into his announcements as many on the server knew Thor and would also mourn his passing. I did just that and Palmer was very supportive and helpful during that time. When Palmer had to part ways with his beloved German Shepherd myself and the mods were there for him to help ease the pain.
Palmer was not a perfect man. However, none of us are, least of all me. He had his flaws and I think mixed with my own is what caused our ended friendship. In grieving you focus on the good, often not the things that may have bothered you about a person. I find myself doing that now. I remember the good times I had with Palmer and laugh at myself for falling out as looking back it seems very silly why we did.
My heart and those of the rest of Thunderline Studios goes out to his friends, family, team, and his fans. This man who was to many, larger than life, has passed on and they will feel the hole as we all will for a time to come. I do not know if Palmer's shoes can ever be filled. But maybe that is the point. Like a Jersey, you simply retire it. Those shoes don't need to be filled. What needs to be done is honor the fallen and use his legacy that he created for us. Palmer was one who helped carve the way for VN's as we know them today. Many of us probably wouldn't be here were it not for him or those he came up with. Whether you loved Palmer or hated him, you cannot deny his charisma and the fact that he helped pioneer, whether on purpose or accident, the western stylized VN market.
Due to complications, Palmer's company "Love Joint" has had to make changes because Palmer was in sole control of the patreon. Love Joint has set up a new one and is asking anyone subbing the old one to drop it. A refund is unlikely due to how patreon handles them, but if you feel like supporting the new patreon or hopping on their discord to say hi, link
You must be registered to see the links
to their announcement of Palmer's passing which contains links to their discord and an explanation of the current situation. Their discord also has a channel for remembering Palmer.
Love Joint plans to continue to move forward and if you are already a sub and love their work, please understand one very important thing: Palmer was part of a team. That team knows what they are doing. If you loved their stuff before, it isn't going to change. Don't fear that the stories will be different, or the art won't be the same, it will. Love Joint wants to continue this for Palmer, so don't be afraid to continue support. Show them love just like you have if/when you can. They are good people and are hurting just as much if not more.
I think I have gone on long enough. I hope this finds everyone well, and if you are a fan of Palmer, make sure to show the Love Joint team some love if you can. Again, we wish his family, friends, team, and fans the best in these tough times.
My best to everyone,
Xor
