Phil W. Bayles
@philwbayles.com
Writer permanently stuck in the drafting stage; connoisseur of Dad jokes. Fervent hater of GenAI in all its forms.
If found, please return to the nearest multiplex.
(He/Him)
If found, please return to the nearest multiplex.
(He/Him)
Pinned
O Time Thy Pyramids — SillyGoosePress
For one brief, shining moment, as I pulled my fingers away from my typewriter, I thought I had a whole soliloquy. Then I read the first two lines. To be or not to be, that is the question;...
sillygoosepress.com
My latest short story is now available to read online at @sillygoosepress.bsky.social!
It's called "O Time Thy Pyramids" and it's about writer's block and struggling to live up to The Greats.
Also orangutans.
It's called "O Time Thy Pyramids" and it's about writer's block and struggling to live up to The Greats.
Also orangutans.
Reposted by Phil W. Bayles
Has anyone ever made a trilogy of films with such an impeccable hit ratio as Rian Johnson’s Benoit Blanc series?
Not Coppola’s Godfather. Not Lucas’ Star Wars. Not the Wachowski’s Matrix. Not Nolan’s Batman.
Not Coppola’s Godfather. Not Lucas’ Star Wars. Not the Wachowski’s Matrix. Not Nolan’s Batman.
November 28, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Has anyone ever made a trilogy of films with such an impeccable hit ratio as Rian Johnson’s Benoit Blanc series?
Not Coppola’s Godfather. Not Lucas’ Star Wars. Not the Wachowski’s Matrix. Not Nolan’s Batman.
Not Coppola’s Godfather. Not Lucas’ Star Wars. Not the Wachowski’s Matrix. Not Nolan’s Batman.
These folks really go online every day and just admit to being giant losers. Nobody makes them post stuff like this.
November 27, 2025 at 8:03 AM
These folks really go online every day and just admit to being giant losers. Nobody makes them post stuff like this.
#WakeUpDeadMan is every bit as brilliant as Knives Out and Glass Onion, just as I expected.
What I *didn't* expect was that it's also the most profoundly moving film about why people turn to God since Life of Pi.
I just want Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig to make a dozen more of these movies.
What I *didn't* expect was that it's also the most profoundly moving film about why people turn to God since Life of Pi.
I just want Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig to make a dozen more of these movies.
November 26, 2025 at 11:56 PM
#WakeUpDeadMan is every bit as brilliant as Knives Out and Glass Onion, just as I expected.
What I *didn't* expect was that it's also the most profoundly moving film about why people turn to God since Life of Pi.
I just want Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig to make a dozen more of these movies.
What I *didn't* expect was that it's also the most profoundly moving film about why people turn to God since Life of Pi.
I just want Rian Johnson and Daniel Craig to make a dozen more of these movies.
Every time in the last year I've thought about giving up writing I've given myself a mini existential crisis realising that if I don't write, I basically don't know who I am anymore.
I guarantee that nobody who uses AI slop to make art has ever once had that feeling.
I guarantee that nobody who uses AI slop to make art has ever once had that feeling.
We really need to talk more about the ' If I don't create I will literally die' brain disease required to be an artist. If you have the feeling like your skin is going to peel off if you're not creating youll MAKE it happen. Youll buy some cheap ass instrument second hand, you'll steal time at work
All AI music does is devalue the work done by human artists. It’s not accessibility, it’s exploitation. We need real protections for artists against AI!
BTW — even if you had access to this AI startup as a child, you still wouldn’t know how to make music.
BTW — even if you had access to this AI startup as a child, you still wouldn’t know how to make music.
November 26, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Every time in the last year I've thought about giving up writing I've given myself a mini existential crisis realising that if I don't write, I basically don't know who I am anymore.
I guarantee that nobody who uses AI slop to make art has ever once had that feeling.
I guarantee that nobody who uses AI slop to make art has ever once had that feeling.
Reposted by Phil W. Bayles
We really need to talk more about the ' If I don't create I will literally die' brain disease required to be an artist. If you have the feeling like your skin is going to peel off if you're not creating youll MAKE it happen. Youll buy some cheap ass instrument second hand, you'll steal time at work
All AI music does is devalue the work done by human artists. It’s not accessibility, it’s exploitation. We need real protections for artists against AI!
BTW — even if you had access to this AI startup as a child, you still wouldn’t know how to make music.
BTW — even if you had access to this AI startup as a child, you still wouldn’t know how to make music.
November 26, 2025 at 4:34 PM
We really need to talk more about the ' If I don't create I will literally die' brain disease required to be an artist. If you have the feeling like your skin is going to peel off if you're not creating youll MAKE it happen. Youll buy some cheap ass instrument second hand, you'll steal time at work
I want a new game to sink my teeth into after finishing The Outer Worlds 2 this week, but nothing in my library is jumping out at me. Which means I'm probably just going to end up playing round after round of Balatro again.
If anyone has any recommendations for PS5 games, hit me up.
If anyone has any recommendations for PS5 games, hit me up.
November 23, 2025 at 9:49 PM
I want a new game to sink my teeth into after finishing The Outer Worlds 2 this week, but nothing in my library is jumping out at me. Which means I'm probably just going to end up playing round after round of Balatro again.
If anyone has any recommendations for PS5 games, hit me up.
If anyone has any recommendations for PS5 games, hit me up.
Stayed up late tonight to finish reading Project Hail Mary and I can't remember the last time a book drew me in so completely. Every time I think Andy Weir's about to lose me with the science talk he casually drops a great joke or a really touching character moment and pulls me right back in.
November 23, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Stayed up late tonight to finish reading Project Hail Mary and I can't remember the last time a book drew me in so completely. Every time I think Andy Weir's about to lose me with the science talk he casually drops a great joke or a really touching character moment and pulls me right back in.
I wanted to be able to write fiction, so I had to find a day job that paid enough and was *just* challenging enough to make me indispensable but not *so* challenging that it took up too much of my day.
Hopefully soon the fiction will become the career!
Hopefully soon the fiction will become the career!
November 22, 2025 at 10:00 PM
I wanted to be able to write fiction, so I had to find a day job that paid enough and was *just* challenging enough to make me indispensable but not *so* challenging that it took up too much of my day.
Hopefully soon the fiction will become the career!
Hopefully soon the fiction will become the career!
I have fond memories of playing Mario and Banjo-Kazooie on my uncle's N64 when I was a nipper, and I had GameBoys growing up, but the PS2 is definitely the point where the switch flipped for me.
What's your "Origin Console"?
Most gamers have many favorite systems, but there's always one that basically DEFINES you.
I'm talking about the console that flipped the switch in your mind and turned you into a life-long gamer.
So, which one is it for YOU? 💫
Most gamers have many favorite systems, but there's always one that basically DEFINES you.
I'm talking about the console that flipped the switch in your mind and turned you into a life-long gamer.
So, which one is it for YOU? 💫
November 21, 2025 at 1:27 PM
I have fond memories of playing Mario and Banjo-Kazooie on my uncle's N64 when I was a nipper, and I had GameBoys growing up, but the PS2 is definitely the point where the switch flipped for me.
My latest short story is now available to read online at @sillygoosepress.bsky.social!
It's called "O Time Thy Pyramids" and it's about writer's block and struggling to live up to The Greats.
Also orangutans.
It's called "O Time Thy Pyramids" and it's about writer's block and struggling to live up to The Greats.
Also orangutans.
O Time Thy Pyramids — SillyGoosePress
For one brief, shining moment, as I pulled my fingers away from my typewriter, I thought I had a whole soliloquy. Then I read the first two lines. To be or not to be, that is the question;...
sillygoosepress.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:29 AM
My latest short story is now available to read online at @sillygoosepress.bsky.social!
It's called "O Time Thy Pyramids" and it's about writer's block and struggling to live up to The Greats.
Also orangutans.
It's called "O Time Thy Pyramids" and it's about writer's block and struggling to live up to The Greats.
Also orangutans.
Reposted by Phil W. Bayles
See ya tmrw! 🫶🏻🤩🪿
November 19, 2025 at 8:46 PM
See ya tmrw! 🫶🏻🤩🪿
The secret is out: I'm going to be in the next issue of @sillygoosepress.bsky.social!
My story is all about writer's block and includes at least one orangutan; I am very proud of it.
My story is all about writer's block and includes at least one orangutan; I am very proud of it.
November 19, 2025 at 12:54 AM
The secret is out: I'm going to be in the next issue of @sillygoosepress.bsky.social!
My story is all about writer's block and includes at least one orangutan; I am very proud of it.
My story is all about writer's block and includes at least one orangutan; I am very proud of it.
I bloody love the Flaw system in #TheOuterWorlds2. My character now has Bad Knees which make a horrible crunching noise every time he crouches, and I don't think I've ever felt more seen by a video game.
November 18, 2025 at 7:44 PM
I bloody love the Flaw system in #TheOuterWorlds2. My character now has Bad Knees which make a horrible crunching noise every time he crouches, and I don't think I've ever felt more seen by a video game.
Reposted by Phil W. Bayles
I see the nominees for The Sweaty Oscars have been announced
November 17, 2025 at 7:47 PM
I see the nominees for The Sweaty Oscars have been announced
If this bozo is going to name his stupid slop company Prometheus, then he should also be chained to a rock and have his liver pecked out by eagles.
Jeff Bezos will be co-CEO of AI startup Project Prometheus
Jeff Bezos will be co-CEO of AI startup Project Prometheus
Jeff Bezos has a new job.
buff.ly
November 17, 2025 at 6:08 PM
If this bozo is going to name his stupid slop company Prometheus, then he should also be chained to a rock and have his liver pecked out by eagles.
Reposted by Phil W. Bayles
omg if you live next to a field of horses they're literally neighbours
November 17, 2025 at 10:07 AM
omg if you live next to a field of horses they're literally neighbours
Ultra-wealth needs to be classified as a mental disorder.
Not only is it one of the most extreme forms of hoarding imaginable, but it completely detaches you from reality and primes you to believe all sorts of nonsensical (and often dangerous) things.
Luckily, the treatment is very simple.
Not only is it one of the most extreme forms of hoarding imaginable, but it completely detaches you from reality and primes you to believe all sorts of nonsensical (and often dangerous) things.
Luckily, the treatment is very simple.
"my least woke opinion is---"
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
November 17, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Ultra-wealth needs to be classified as a mental disorder.
Not only is it one of the most extreme forms of hoarding imaginable, but it completely detaches you from reality and primes you to believe all sorts of nonsensical (and often dangerous) things.
Luckily, the treatment is very simple.
Not only is it one of the most extreme forms of hoarding imaginable, but it completely detaches you from reality and primes you to believe all sorts of nonsensical (and often dangerous) things.
Luckily, the treatment is very simple.
"Totoro" by Phil W. Bayles (aged 32 ½).
November 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM
"Totoro" by Phil W. Bayles (aged 32 ½).
I've always been a PlayStation man, but now that the consoles are essentially just prefabricated gaming PCs I've been considering making the jump to Steam for a while now. A device like the Steam Machine, that lets me do that without the faff of building a PC, might just be the thing that sways me.
Steam Machine
Your games on the big screen
store.steampowered.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:23 PM
I've always been a PlayStation man, but now that the consoles are essentially just prefabricated gaming PCs I've been considering making the jump to Steam for a while now. A device like the Steam Machine, that lets me do that without the faff of building a PC, might just be the thing that sways me.
Reposted by Phil W. Bayles
Finished Dispatch, since the last two episodes were released today. Gosh, how fun was THAT? The actual dispatch sim gameplay was the best part, I think, and I want more. Reactivity, too, but... yeah, I can see how that could get really expensive *really* quickly. As it was: solid season.
November 13, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Finished Dispatch, since the last two episodes were released today. Gosh, how fun was THAT? The actual dispatch sim gameplay was the best part, I think, and I want more. Reactivity, too, but... yeah, I can see how that could get really expensive *really* quickly. As it was: solid season.
I was always a big fan of the "James Bond is a codename that's assigned to Agent 007" theory that used to go around online. Maybe this would be a good way to make that official; you get to spin it as a tribute to Daniel Craig and basically turn the franchise into "Doctor Who but spies."
Remember when Rex Reed was confused and thought THE DARK KNIGHT was a prequel to Tim Burton’s BATMAN
radaronline.com/p/james-bond...
radaronline.com/p/james-bond...
EXCLUSIVE: James Bond Writers Reveal Twist That Has Left New Creators With 'Huge Headache' When It Comes to Resurrecting the Super-Spy for Amazon
Bond writers are now racking their brain, trying to move forward with the franchise after the last film's wild twist.
radaronline.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:03 PM
I was always a big fan of the "James Bond is a codename that's assigned to Agent 007" theory that used to go around online. Maybe this would be a good way to make that official; you get to spin it as a tribute to Daniel Craig and basically turn the franchise into "Doctor Who but spies."
Glad I went to see #Frankenstein in the cinema even if I was a little disappointed by it.
It feels (ironically) like many of del Toro's other movies stitched together. It's never more than the sum of its parts, but those parts still have more artistry in them than some directors' entire oeuvres.
It feels (ironically) like many of del Toro's other movies stitched together. It's never more than the sum of its parts, but those parts still have more artistry in them than some directors' entire oeuvres.
November 10, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Glad I went to see #Frankenstein in the cinema even if I was a little disappointed by it.
It feels (ironically) like many of del Toro's other movies stitched together. It's never more than the sum of its parts, but those parts still have more artistry in them than some directors' entire oeuvres.
It feels (ironically) like many of del Toro's other movies stitched together. It's never more than the sum of its parts, but those parts still have more artistry in them than some directors' entire oeuvres.
I know this is absolutely not the point, but the Earth is a sphere. The "middle" would be its fiery molten core, which coincidentally is exactly where I think Mr Beast should put his theme park.
very funny for Mr Beast to go 'no its not the Saudi blood money that made me choose there for my theme park, its because its roughly the middle of a world map'
November 7, 2025 at 7:53 PM
I know this is absolutely not the point, but the Earth is a sphere. The "middle" would be its fiery molten core, which coincidentally is exactly where I think Mr Beast should put his theme park.
For the past month or so I've been really struggling mentally. This morning I talked to a very lovely GP who listened and agreed to increase my dose of antidepressants to see if it can help buoy me up again. Even just hearing her say that nearly made me weep.
The placebo effect's a hell of a thing.
The placebo effect's a hell of a thing.
November 7, 2025 at 11:02 AM
For the past month or so I've been really struggling mentally. This morning I talked to a very lovely GP who listened and agreed to increase my dose of antidepressants to see if it can help buoy me up again. Even just hearing her say that nearly made me weep.
The placebo effect's a hell of a thing.
The placebo effect's a hell of a thing.
I really didn't think I was going to bother with Dispatch and now it's becoming one of my favourite games of 2025. Here's hoping the last two episodes stick the landing...
Episodes 5 & 6 of Dispatch firmly cemented how much I love these characters, so naturally that's when the heartbreak kicks in.
November 6, 2025 at 12:15 AM
I really didn't think I was going to bother with Dispatch and now it's becoming one of my favourite games of 2025. Here's hoping the last two episodes stick the landing...