Homebrew is not the best name to label and help identify new NES games on cartridge for the original Nintendo Entertainment System. I think we can start there and mostly all agree on that.

I am not saying I have a better name that I am willing to disclose at this time, but I just don't believe the label of "homebrew" does the industry justice.

From a guy that has seen his share of conventions, I have had way too many interactions with congoers involving the explanation of the difference between homebrew and hack.

It still astounds me how many people think they are the same or lump them in together.

This is where a serious problem in the NES "homebrew" industry lurks and provides a daily battle in the war of making video gamers aware of what we actually do.

Go ahead, do an eBay search for "homebrew hack." Currently there are 24 live auctions with those words in the titles. Some of those games being sold are a Super Mario Bros. 3 Remix and an Earthbound NES cart.

I think it is fair to say that those games are not homebrews and have no business using the word homebrew to lure customers into their den of deceit.

As the industry grows I do not see improvements in the identification of actual new NES games.

This is a big topic and I wanted to open up this can of worms now and return to it from time to time.

I would love to know your thoughts.

IBtiM