What Has Bob Done?
Over the years Bob has been a part of many projects, some of which are ongoing.
Set on Professor MAR Barker's fictional planet of Tékumel, "Empire of the Petal Throne" was the first role-playing game setting, created for Advanced Dungeons and Dragons in 1974 and published by TSR in 1975. From 1987 until 2009 Bob was fortunate enough to play Tékumel as part of Professor Barker's 'Thursday Night Group.' When Professor Barker was reaching the end of his life he established the Tékumel Foundation to serve as executor of Barker's literary IP related to Tékumel. Bob served as Treasurer of the Tékumel Foundation for the organization's first ten years. The Foundation's work continues, reprinting the works of MAR Barker and promoting his game at conventions around the country.
Adopted at the age of 10 days, Bob searched for his birthparents from 1980 until late 1992, before the Internet and genetic testing simplified the process (which is still not simple). Many people from the Internet, particularly Jeff Hartung's Adoptees Mailing list, assisted with his search, and in 1996 Bob joined them in founding Bastard Nation which advocates for the civil and human rights of adult citizens who were adopted as children.
Bastard Nation works state-by-state to open up all governmental adoption records and is absolutely uncompromising in its approach. While that means progress is slow, it is also absolutely solid. Bastard Nation has collaborated with state organizations in Alabama, Alaska, Connecticut, Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont to make governmental adoption records available to adult citizens! That's 16 states! Just 34 to go! Join the effort!
In 2013 Bob joined other Twin Cities area creators in forming Fearless Comedy Productions, promoting courageous and inclusive comedy theater. In 2025 the flourishing organization renamed itself Fearless Theatrical Creations in order to expand beyond its comedy roots.