This story is so frustrating to read. It reminds me of that other guy that composed audio for a Doom game and failed to get properly paid for it.

The frustrating part is the self-sabotage. Each story starts out with work done as an act of love, exploration, friendship. Typical for artists and in many ways charming.

Then, reality keeps telling them that this is not how it works. Reality tells them that artists need to settle on contracts before handing over output. That any contractual gap is to be resolved soon, and to not let it linger for years. And to not have a weak opening bid like: what do *you* think I should get paid?

All these points are admitted as personal shortcomings, and then still not acted upon despite endless opportunities to do so. Even to the point of not being able to feed your family.

Even when everybody else is snorting coke in some Beverly Hills mansion does crude reality not set in: that he never was a core team member nor was there friendship. It's crushing to read, like telling a kid that Santa isn't real.

Still, I respect the consistency. This is a proper artist in every way.