One shot: Hudson

MMO community connection:

Hudson’s Hideout

Please take a minute and describe what your blog is about.

My blog is really just about my adventures in any MMO or game that I try. One week it may be about a particular MMO, the next it may be a wargame or single player RPG. I also cover comic books when the mood hits me and talk about movies and home entertainment. Most often I find myself discussing the TRENDS of players in online games and the personalities. I like to break down player types and blog about the moods and personalities I see. I usually avoid main blog-osphere drama and skip the big topics because sometimes I really just do not care and let the bigger boys and girls fight about that stuff.

What was your first MMO and what was that experience like?

My first MMO was Ultima Online, back in 1997 or 1998? I cannot remember. At any rate it was interesting to say the least. I really did not get what I was doing and between lag and the fact that I did not devote enough time to understanding how the game worked I eventually gravitated toward the more upscale 3D Everquest 1 when it launched. In fact I still have the original box that states a 3D video card is needed to play it. So even though UO was my first dip into the water, I consider Everquest 1 the true game that hooked me. I don’t count Diablo 1 or Diablo 2. I am 39 and have been gaming a while but get really addicted to MMO’s because they change and run 24 hours a day plus provide a social environment.

Can you recall that first MMO “Wow!” moment?

Landing on the shores of the newly released Ruins of Kunark expansion back in 2000.  Zoning into whatever zone that was connected to Qeynos Hills (West or East Karana) amazed me because that zone was so large and wide open and just stretched out forever in front of me.  It took me months to be bold enough to even stray off the road in that zone.

At your peak, how much time per week would you say you spent gaming? How about now?

At my peak, most likely during the EQ1 years and then when WoW launched, I was married and she gamed as well. Back then I was easily playing 25+ hours a week. Now, I would say that I am down to 8-12 a week if that. I spend a lot of time now finding things wrong with MMO’s or just finding them flat out boring.

Do you tend to supplement your MMO gaming with other PC, console, or tabletop games?

I sure do. I am into the XBOX 360 and used to be heavily into Warhammer 40k miniatures, Warhammer Fantasy, and Warmachine. I was a regular GenCon Indy attendee from 1995 to 2007. I also used to play Fantasy Flight boardgames like Decent and Tannhauser. Now however, many of my friends have moved or do not have time for face to face gaming so most of my time is spent on the PC or console.

When did you first start blogging?

I started blogging in June 2007 when my blog was Wife Agro. I later changed to my own domain and renamed it Hudson’s Hideout. I needed more flexibility and blogging options plus my blog had a name that was the same as a gaming podcast and I did not want to step on any toes. Before blogging I ran a gaming review site called Game Addict and also had several miniature gaming club sites I maintained.

Do you have a schedule or some sort of routine you try and follow when blogging?

Not at all. I write off the cuff and like it that way. Many times I just throw up whatever I am thinking about and let it ride, sometimes I even write the article on the fly. I always try to get at least one post a week in however, and always do something on Monday.

Would you say there is some grind involved in the process? If so, what is it and how do you cope with it?

Not really a grind, but if you are not careful you will end up blogging the SAME thing as another blog and will not find out until Google Reader parses those RSS feeds (I am lazy and go that route that check all the blogs). Several times last week for instance everything I wrote about popped up somewhere else or was covered on a podcast. I find there is grind more in defending your article from annoying commenters than actually posting one. Sometimes people just do not understand the point you are making.

By contrast, what do you find pleasurable about blogging?

Posting my adventures and my stories. Once you look back, and I have 2 years of history, you can really look at it as a diary of your life and gaming times.

Would you care to share a particularly memorable moment from your days of blogging?

My Guild Leadership 101 post blew up around the internet back in October of 2007. It was called “Waiter, there is drama in my guild…” and it lashed out at terrible guild leaders everywhere and was talked about on many sites. I enjoyed the feedback I got and even had some requests to put it into a PDF and give it out to people.

Have you ever considered branching into podcasting?

I would rather podcast than blog. I need a partner and someone that has time. I used to be on the radio as a DJ back in my college days and I would run a podcast that would probably really go after the MMO industry and definitely not be fanboyish.

Are you pleased with where your blog is in the MMO blogosphere?

Pretty much yes. I feel that for the most part I get my points out there before others but because I am a relatively unknown blogger I get glossed over. That is ok though since I really do not consider myself a sellout and I try to stay under the radar for the most part.

If you had a chance to do it all over again, would you do anything different?

I would not have changed my original domain.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to try their hand at blogging?

Blog everyday to start, or at least 3 times a week. I will not link a dead blog in my blogroll I like to see people active and putting up information. Twittering does not count. If you have time to Twitter, you can expand on that and blog. Do not try to force MMO topics, blog in your comfort zone.

Can you picture a future where you will hang up your keyboard and no longer blog?

Yes, if I had a monthly dedicated podcast co-host. Or if the industry continues to be as stagnant as it is.

You wake up to a world where you are the head of a company developing an MMO. You have unlimited funds and resources available to you. Please describe the kind of game you would make.

For sure I would do a sci fi game on the vein of Warhammer 40k since it has a rich universe from its games to its literature. It would be very combat oriented much like Dungeons and Dragons Online and not feature too much hotbar spamming. Quests would be in the game but not the focal point. Exploration, scouting enemy movements, and taking part in AI raids that focused on mass battles would be the order of the day. Class nerfing driven by PVP whiners would not be in the game, and the factions would be at war constantly much like Warhammer Online. I woud love to see Planetside meets DDO but I know that lag and twitch factor have to be balanced. The entire thing would take years to develop and there would be a lengthy open beta period to make the changes the press and players complain about.

I would also like to implement a communications link quest system that provided RANDOM daily quests as the character was out and about and they would come in like a urgent communiqué. This keeps players out and about but allows them to divert what they are doing on the fly. Make it techy and make it slick.

Rivs

MMO community connection:

Way of the Chosen

Chapter1: Introduction

What is your name (your online persona/alter-ego, what have you)?

My Birthname is Christopher Cavelle.  My real life longest standing nickname is River, and most of my toons in the various games follow some sort of naming scheme that has River, or Rivs in it. My current toons are Rivs in WAR, and Rivzok in WoW. Most people just call me Rivs though and that’s just fine.

What is your connection to the gaming/blogging/podcasting community (your chance to plug yourself here)?

I run a website Way of the Chosen.  I also have a personal blog, Chaotic Ramblings.  I use to have a WoW blog but I shut that down.  I just felt like everyone else was doing a better job at saying what I had to say.

Please take a minute and describe what your blog/podcast is about.

On my gaming blog it concentrates on the Warhammer Online game, with special focus on Chosen, and that class.

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

Born and bred in Illinois. I grew up in Tinley Park, Illinois a south burb of Chicago.

Where do you live now? In the Town right next door to Tinley Park, called Orland Park, IL

Your level (age) is somewhere in the range of (pick one): 10-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, 81-90

I’m 36

What do you do for a living?

I’m a Network Administrator

If you could reroll your career, what would you be?

Poet-Warrior

List five random things most people don’t know about you.

• I really would like to make my own brand of whiskey.
• Some people just know me as River, they don’t know my real name.
• I use to bounce at bars for a living, I’m like Patrick Swayze just uglier.
• I’m the Ice Cream Eating Champion of Tinley Park. I won an eating contest.  I go to defend my title in July.
• There was a time in my life when I didn’t want anything to do with computers.

Feel free to discuss any family you have here.

I have a small family: mom, dad, one brother, several nieces, and nephews though.  My brother is a busy guy.

Chapter 2: Origins

What kind of games (if any) did you play as a child before you got into video gaming? Did you play with family, friends or was it more of a solo activity?

I remember playing Atari 2600, games like Combat with my brother and Pitfall. Then I moved to the Commodore 64 some of the biggest games I played were the Bards Tale and Gold Box Series.

What other hobbies and/or activities did you have as a child (sports, music, etc)?

Football, Wrestling, Track. I loved GIJOE and Transformers.

Were you ever exposed to pen and paper role playing games? What was that experience like?

Yes I played several D&D, Star Frontiers and Marvel Role Playing to name a few.

Did you read much as a child? If so, what did you like to read (books, comic books, etc?) Please list some favorite authors, titles, etc.

Yes I read religiously, too many titles to list.  JRR Tolkien was the king. RA Salvatore is one of my favs as well.

Would you say that any of these games or books had an effect on your later appreciation of computer gaming and ultimately MMOs? Please explain.

I think a lot of the RA Salvatore books and a lot of games. Also the Bards Tale and Gold Box series, or D&D computer games really influenced me to go into MMOs.

How were you fist introduced to video games? How old were you? What was the platform?

I remember I think I was 7 or 8 when I first saw Pong on the Atari 2600, and I was like Whoa.  The rest is history.

Did you ever play coin-op games at the arcade? What was that experience like?

Dear god yes, I remember just living in the arcade. But some of my fondest memories comes from Street Fighter 2, me and my friends would just go at it all day, and I loved it.

What was the first video game you can remember playing that really made an impression on you? Please explain.

So many for so many reasons. Bards Tale because it was like entering another world where I controlled these people and solved puzzles. Then Street Fighter, because I got to go toe to toe with people, and I am a bit of a competitor.

What gaming consoles have you owned in the past?

Atari 2600, Intellivision, Playstation, Xbox, Dreamcast. Sega Genesis.

Feel free to share a story related to your gaming experience as a child.

I remember ditching school, and playing Combat on my 2600 with my brother for hours.

Chapter 3: Online

Were you ever exposed to MUDs?

Nope

What was your first MMO experience?

2002 was the year. I was playing Aliens vs Predator 2 like crazy. I was part of a Clan called Hell’s Elite Legions. They were starting a new chapter for a game called Dark Ages of Camelot. Since I just recently got laid off, I had A LOT of time on my hands, so they needed healers and I decided to start a cleric.

If possible, list all the MMOs you’ve played extensively.

• Dark Ages of Camelot – Cleric 50
• World of Warcraft – Mage 80
• Warhammer Online – Chosen 40.

What is your current MMO of choice, or perhaps, what are your current MMOs of choice?

World of Warcraft and Warhammer Online

Which MMO have you spent the most time playing? How long would you say that has been?

World of Warcraft since beta in 2004.

Have you reached level cap in any MMO? If so, which ones?

Yes DAOC, WoW, and WAR

Loki taps you on the shoulder one day to inform you that you have fallen victim to one of his elaborate pranks. The world you’ve been inhabiting of countless MMOs to choose from and play has merely been a dream. In reality only one MMO exists. After laughing at you for a bit he decides to take pity on you and allows you to choose which MMO will remain. Which one would you choose and why?

Hmmm. Tough question. I would like WAR to stay because I love the Lore, and the RvR aspect of it.

Are there any MMOs currently in development that you are particularly interested in? Please explain.

Star Trek Online – I want to be a Klingon, and Captain a Bird of Prey – KAPLAH!

And Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. – Evil Sith Lord…hello!

Feel free to share an interesting or amusing anecdote related to your MMO gaming experience.

So many, One of my personal favorites was after a raid in World of Warcraft where I was playing my Alliance Mage. Usually Mages open a portal to main city, usually Ironforge. Well players just assume Mages would teleport them where they want to go. So I worked things out with my Mage brethren. We opened our portals all to Darnassus. They all clicked on them. All the mages heard on vent was, “Damn Mages!” It was great…So the lesson here is always look before you click. Heck some of my guildies still look before they click one of my portals.

Chapter 4: Preferences

At your peak, how much time per week would you say you spent gaming? How about now?

During Peak I would say 40-50 hours a week, usually these days around 20 hours.

When during the week are your regular play times?

Sunday through Wednesday, weekends are hit and miss depending on my social calendar.

Generally speaking, are you more of a social creature in MMOs (grouping to quest, joining guilds, etc.) or something of a lone wolf?

More of a lone wolf, but I have made friends in the MMO community.

Have you made any lasting friendships through your MMO experience? Please explain.

Yes some of my old guildies who have been gaming with me since 2002 are good friends of mine now.

Before logging into a game, do you already have a course of action planned out in your head, or do you just sort of do whatever you feel like once in game?

I would say it’s more of a guideline. Ok I need to run this dungeon, or I need to get some of these type of points, or farm these crafting mats. If something pops up where I’m needed, or sounds like fun. I go.

When playing MMOs do you tend to just play one at a time or do you take more of the smorgasbord approach?

Usually one at a time, but now a days it seems like I’m playing two. So I don’t know how long I can keep that up.

Do you tend to supplement your MMO gaming with other PC, console or tabletop games?

Not really, I’m a dabbler in that regards, I may play something else for a little bit to check it out…but it’s always back to MMO’s

Are you something of an altoholic? No not really.

Use to be, unabashedly. Then I had all these mediocre toons running around, when others would have awesome toons. So I decided just to work one toon at a time.

Do you find yourself multitasking while gaming (perhaps watching TV, talking on the phone, out of game instant messaging, playing another game, or even listening to a podcast)?

No I wish I had that kind of brain power. LOL! But I do listen to my mp3 player when grinding.

Do you find yourself having much MMO discussion off-line, perhaps with friends or family?

All the time, I do write a blog ya know. But it’s great when people come up to me and go…”Oh you play that, or this.” Finding out people who are active in MMO’s that you never knew before. It’s exciting.

Have you ever felt that you game too much? If so, how did you cope with that?

Yes I feel I do game too much sometimes, then again I’m a single guy, no kids, a lot of free time. It’s better then being addicted to something else say crack…but crack is probably cheaper. I may have to reconsider….just kidding.

Since you started playing MMOs, have you ever taken a break from the genre? If so, please explain.

No, I love the genre.

Sister Frances

MMO community connection

No Prisoners No Mercy

Chapter 1: Introduction

What is your name (your online persona/alter-ego, what have you)?

My REAL name is Frances Kosac or Sr. Frances. I have a lvl 72 Warlock in WoW named “Feathana” she is Alliance. I have 2 Horde  characters, one a Troll priest named “Zaharia” lvl 63, and my VERY favorite lately is a Blood Elf Death Knight named “Vahlkyrie”. I have lots of characters I rolled up in Warhammer, but I accidentally let the subscription laps, and I just never renewed it. So, I don’t really play War any more.

What is your connection to the gaming/blogging/podcasting community (your chance to plug yourself here)?

Mostly, I got hooked on WoW from Sr. Julie. At first, I thought her “gaming” was silly, stupid, and kind of weird…but she was showing me her character in WoW and I was SO impressed with the graphics, that when she said to me to “roll up a character and try it for a while” I did, that was my warlock “Feathana”…it’s taken me about 2 years to get her to lvl 72, but by golly I got there. Then Sr. Julie wanted to do a Podcast, and I had done some Theatre in High School, and studied music in College, so I thought, “Why not? It could be fun!” And it turned out to be…lots of fun! : ) Then after we started podcasting, Warhammer came out, and we both were SO excited about it…but it has kind of turned out to be a disappointment.

Please take a minute and describe what your blog/podcast is about.

Our Podcast started out, being about Age of Conan…we called it “Age of CoNuns” But AoC turned out to be such a disappointment after level 21 that we both just left the game, and the podcast, and focused our energies on No Prisoners No Mercy. The name came from Sr. Julie, and I recommended we use the audio clip from the movie “300″ where Leonitis screams it just before going into battle with the Persians….”No prisoners…no mercy!” I thought it was a good title, so we went with that. So, when it started out, it was just a Sr. Julie podcast…the first episode it JUST her, doing a whole show of “I’m mad as hell…”. Then she asked me to come on her show for the 2nd show, and I did, I had a pretty good time, and it just grew. Sr. Julie asked me if I wanted to be a “permanent” co-host, and I said “sure, why not?” and it started to grow. After those first few episodes, we were both SO completely SICK of WoW endgame…I even wrote that “rap” song about it, hoping War would bring some relief. Well, it did, for about a couple or three months, but then, wham…fell flat. Then Wrath of the Lich King came out…and Julie immediately had to try it out…and I got back into WoW because of it, and now we both love WoW again, because Blizzard actually FIXED almost everything about endgame that was broke…I sure wish Warhammer would do that!

So, with our podcast we are both always thinking of ways to make things entertaining, clever names/titles etc. She is a very good writer, and I do some writing myself, but mostly I’m the visual creative person. So, I’m the one who did our logo on Virgin Worlds with the two of us holding rulers…that was Julie’s idea, and I implemented it. So, I think we just work well together, whatever I don’t think of…she does, and whatever she doesn’t think of…I do. I think that’s why we are so appealing to people, it’s the interaction between the two of us. Even when I listen to our podcasts after they are done, I still laugh when I hear some things…like my laugh…always makes me laugh! Kind of silly…but it does!

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in Chicago, lived all my life in Des Plaines, minus the 5 years I lived in the city of Chicago because I worked downtown. I used to think Des Plaines, IL was a “no where” place…but now…I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else (except maybe somewhere a little warmer…I’m SOOO sick of winter)!

Where do you live now?

Des Plaines, Illinois – and the only way I’d leave is if I REALLY felt a “calling” to go somewhere else. And that somewhere else better be warm…is all I gotta say!

Your level (age) is somewhere in the range of (pick one): 10-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, 81-90

How old do I sound?

What do you do for a living?

I am a nun, a freelance web designer and graphic designer, and I volunteer for an organization called “True Life In God” or TLIG for short.

If you could reroll your career, what would you be?

I actually love being a web designer/graphic designer. I like doing visual creative things…but I also have a great desire to help people, which I may yet do in the future.

List five random things most people don’t know about you.

• I really like Bruce Willis as an actor, and if I were younger, thinner, and not a nun, I’d like to meet him.
• I’d like to learn how to be a massage therapist.
• I have a dream that one day I will actually compete in a triathalon.
• I’d love to help the whole entire world feel God the way I do (there is no comparison).
• I want to learn to speak Chinese.

Feel free to discuss any family you have here.

I have one blood brother, who lives in Atlanta, GA. I have lots, and lots of cousins. There were 8 brothers/sisters in my mom’s family, and 8 brothers/sisters in my dad’s family…that makes for A LOT of cousins! MY family is Sr. Julie, and our mission, which is The Sisters of Embracement.

Chapter 2: Origins

What kind of games (if any) did you play as a child before you got into video gaming? Did you play with family, friends or was it more of a solo activity?

I used to play paper dolls…where we would actually draw and cut out our own dolls and paper outfits to go on top of them. Some of them got really elaborate with glitter and sequins…it was fun. The other activity I did a lot was what I call “building things”. I used to take things apart and build other things with the parts. For instance, I took apart many pairs of those old metal roller skates, the kind you had to have a “key” to tighten onto your foot..I would take those apart, and make “scooters” with the wheels. My friend and I would play for just hours riding/sitting on our scooters, being pulled by a jump rope through the back end of a bike! It was pretty funny.

What other hobbies and/or activities did you have as a child (sports, music, etc)?

I used to play piano. I took lessons for like, 9 years. I still play occasionally. I like to write music and improvise it as well.

Were you ever exposed to pen and paper role playing games? What was that experience like?

The only “pen and Paper” games I ever played were the making of those little origami “fortune telling” things, you’d ask a question, and then do the origami thing so many times, and the answer was under the flap. The other game was drawing little pictures in the corners of note pads and flipping them to make the drawing “move”. But no “role” playing games, unless make believe or pretending counts.

Did you read much as a child? If so, what did you like to read (books, comic books, etc?) Please list some favorite authors, titles, etc.

I probably read one WHOLE book in my entire life. I do not believe that I’ve ever read an entire book. I like to read parts, get the general idea, and then move onto something else. I was a big “picture book” fan. My favorites were always National Geographic…great photos!

Would you say that any of these games or books had an effect on your later appreciation of computer gaming and ultimately MMOs? Please explain.

In my case I think it totally influenced my decision to minor in photography and to major in Graphic Design in college. My career then for the next 20 years was being a graphic designer, and in the last 10 years, a web designer. I think those years a grew to appreciate how things look…and it could also be why gaming did not interest me when it was still in it’s “crude” phase. Now, I’m just BLOWN AWAY at some of the graphics I see…like in Fallout 3…wow…and some of the temples and areas in WoW…just amazing.

How were you fist introduced to video games? How old were you? What was the platform?

First video game was Pong! ( you have to be pretty old to remember that one!) THAT was my first experience! LOL . then I remember looking at that one where you blast the meteors as they come at you…you are a pixel space ship…and other space ships come by and blast you too…then the next one was in video arcades playing a dinosaur version of “mortal combat” I thought it was called “Diablo” but I think diablo was the name of one of the dinosaurs you could pick…which I ALWAYS picked and always won with! : ) Then it was play station…my favorite was one called “killing time” wow…that one was cool and interesting. Then of course, Tomb Raider 4…I like the whole solving a puzzle/riddle thing as well as kicking butt. Something they don’t have too much in WoW or any of the other MMOs’ that are out there.

Did you ever play coin-op games at the arcade? What was that experience like?

See above.

What was the first video game you can remember playing that really made an impression on you? Please explain.

See above (Killing time & then Tomb Raider).

What gaming consoles have you owned in the past?

Play station, 3DO, and Mac computer games like Myst (I REALLY got into that one!!)

Feel free to share a story related to your gaming experience as a child.

Actually when I was a kid I mostly did dolls, paper dolls, and the scooter thing, outdoor games…like baseball and rollerskating, I didn’t actually start playing video games till I was in my late 20s.

Chapter 3: Online

Were you ever exposed to MUDs?

Sorry, no dungeon games…my friends played D&D, but I never did.

What was your first MMO experience?

My VERY first MMO was World of Warcraft…about 3 or 4 years ago. My sister Julie had started playing it, and I was watching her over her shoulder, and I couldn’t keep watching…finally I wanted to play so bad I rolled up a couple of toons. I still have one of them…a warlock named Feathana, which I enjoyed playing until endgame before WotLK became so incredibly painful…people dissing other ppl, kicking you out for not being “keyed” or “geared” it SUCKED! So that is when I went to Warhammer, then WotLK came out, and I went back to WoW.

If possible, list all the MMOs you’ve played extensively.

Well, as I stated above, my FIRST MMO was WoW, my character is still there, she’s a level 73 or 74 Warlock human named Feathana, on the Earthen Ring server, but I’m thinking of moving her to another server so that my sister and I can have an Alliance Arena Team. Then in Warhammer, I rolled up a High Elf Warrior? the one with the sword and sheild…and the “cone head” looking helmets!! But after the first 3 tiers I got so tired of it, I left and never went back.

What is your current MMO of choice, or perhaps, what are your current MMOs of choice?

It has to be WoW. I have played a little bit of EQ2, LOTRO, and Warhammer, but I just didn’t like them as much as I like WoW…it just seems to hold my attention, even at endgame, now that they’ve gotten rid of the “keying Process”!

Which MMO have you spent the most time playing? How long would you say that has been?

It would have to be WoW. I’ve been playing it almost for as long as it’s been out…maybe a year less than it’s been out, so like I said, 3-4 years.

Have you reached level cap in any MMO? If so, which ones?

I reached the level cap with Feathana the warlock when 70 was the cap, but then when WotLK came out with Death Knights…I just HAD to have one! Despite the fact that I HATED that initial quest where you had to kill innocent villagers…that one bothered me, but since then my DK is level 80, she’s a Blood Elf named Vahlkyrie on Proudmoore server. I really enjoy playing her…that is when I dont’ get criticized for not having good enough gear!

Loki taps you on the shoulder one day to inform you that you have fallen victim to one of his elaborate pranks. The world you’ve been inhabiting of countless MMOs to choose from and play has merely been a dream. In reality only one MMO exists. After laughing at you for a bit he decides to take pity on you and allows you to choose which MMO will remain. Which one would you choose and why?

Wow, because it actually holds my interest.

Are there any MMOs currently in development that you are particularly interested in? Please explain.

STAR TREK ONLINE!!! Can’t wait!

Feel free to share an interesting or amusing anecdote related to your MMO gaming experience.

The “horror” story I tell is when I was playing one of my alt toons, a warrior Dreinai. She’s level 45 and in that instance that is in the Tenaris desert…Zul Faruk I guess…and I do a PUG, and one of the players in the group starts picking on me….saying I “don’t have enough hit points” and what not. You know…I was the TANK, tanks don’t have HIT points, they TAKE DAMAGE…anyway, just after the first 2 or 3 mobs are killed this chick says, “I don’t think this group has enough POLISH!” and she hearths out!!! I was FURIOUS…it took like 3 hours to get a group together, and this chick just up and quits…Sr. Julie and I immortalized her in our podcast with the song, “hip hop hell”, I think it’s in show 5 or 6. The words I wrote after doing that sucky instance, Sr. Julie had to sing it because I have white woman rhythm! (it’s a genetic defect!

Chapter 4: Preferences

At your peak, how much time per week would you say you spent gaming? How about now?

I used to play about 20 hours a week. Now I think I’m down to about 7 or 8 hours a week…it depends. Some weeks I spend way more than others because of the weather. If it’s nice out, I’m going to be in the garden/yard, if it’s horrible out, I’ll be inside gaming.

When during the week are your regular play times?

I play mostly at night, after Sr. Julie gets home. I just feel like that is my “relax” time.

Generally speaking, are you more of a social creature in MMOs (grouping to quest, joining guilds, etc.) or something of a lone wolf?

I do a little of both. When I was leveling up Feathana, it was 95% alone. Once I discovered instances, then I became much more social. I joined a WHOLE bunch of guilds with dismal failure (another topic of our early podcasts). But now I’m in a guild I like, and they seem to like me. I’m more social now than I used to be.

Have you made any lasting friendships through your MMO experience? Please explain.

Just with Sister Julie! She’s the only one who has lasted the whole 4-5 years!!

Before logging into a game, do you already have a course of action planned out in your head, or do you just sort of do whatever you feel like once in game?

I mostly just do what I feel like once I’m in game. I might see in guild chat for instance, that someone is looking for Group for an instance, and if it’s one that I want to do, I’ll group up with them and do that. I’ve found though, that I get ignored a lot if I’m the one asking…I must have B.O.! lol

When playing MMOs do you tend to just play one at a time or do you take more of the smorgasbord approach?

I like sticking to one game…that is until I get so incredibly bored with the one game that I go to others. It’s sort of happening now with WoW…I’m getting bored.

Do you tend to supplement your MMO gaming with other PC, console or tabletop games?

I don’t have the time. One game is more than I can handle in terms of time committment.

Are you something of an altoholic?

LOL…in Warhammer, I had like 20 toons!! so, yes, there you could say Im an “alt” aholic!!! (and to comment re Sr. Julies comment below…no SHE is most definitely NOT an altaholic!!! she does ONE toon…till the bitter end!!!)

Do you find yourself multitasking while gaming (perhaps watching TV, talking on the phone, out of game instant messaging, playing another game, or even listening to a podcast)?

I used to play paper dolls…where we would actually draw and cut out our own dolls and paper outfits to go on top of them. Some of them got really elaborate with glitter and sequins…it was fun. The other activity I did a lot was what I call “building things”. I used to take things apart and build other things with the parts. For instance, I took apart many pairs of those old metal roller skates, the kind you had to have a “key” to tighten onto your foot..I would take those apart, and make “scooters” with the wheels. My friend and I would play for just hours riding/sitting on our scooters, being pulled by a jumprope through the back end of a bike! It was pretty funny.

Do you find yourself having much MMO discussion off-line, perhaps with friends or family?

Well, because we do a podcast about gaming…yes I do! Sometimes we talk for just a few minutes about it, to hours….it depends on what’s going on.

Have you ever felt that you game too much? If so, how did you cope with that?

Sure. When I was first playing WoW…and playing 20 hours a week or more…that was WAY too much! But at the time, I was caring for my sick, elderly mom, and I had NO outlet other than that, so that’s how I coped. When I got tired of getting treated bad, I’d go sit and watch endless hours of TV with mom, when I got sick of TV I’d go play endless hours of WoW…it was a vicious cycle!

Since you started playing MMOs, have you ever taken a break from the genre? If so, please explain.

I do take breaks when the people online get insane, like they did at level 70 endgame. They are starting to get that bad again at level 80! So, like I said earlier…CAN’T WAIT FOR STAR TREK ONLINE!!!

Sister Julie

MMO community connection:

No Prisoners No Mercy

Chapter 1: Introduction

What is your name (your online persona/alter-ego, what have you)?

On occasion I get asked “Why do you write under the name ‘Julie Whitefeather’?” The reply is simply because that’s my name – I don’t use a “nom de plume” of any sort. I don’t believe in hiding behind an ‘online’ personality. The person you hear on the podcast and read in the column is who I am. Now if considering names I have been CALLED before, that’s different. Names like “Heretic” come to mind.

What is your connection to the gaming/blogging/podcasting community (your chance to plug yourself here)?

I started out writing for sources other than gaming; such as the book that my convent asked me to write. I began writing about gaming fiction featured on places like battleclinic.com. I have written regular columns about videogames and the videogame industry for WoW Chronicles and Online Gaming Radio. Currently I write for virginworlds.com where my column and the No Prisoners, No Mercy Podcast are hosted. My fiction is currently hosted as a guest author on lorewriter.com which is owned and authored by R.W. Harper from Gorilla Systems – an independent game developer whose name I EXPECT to see here (hint, hint). The audio version of my fiction is currently part of the Gamers Fiction Podcast hosted by Saylah.

Please take a minute and describe what your blog/podcast is about.

We constantly get letters saying include more or less of particular games. The podcast originally started out as “Age of Conuns” as some of our listeners are aware. When it became “No Prisoners, No Mercy” and part of (and proudly so) the Virgin Worlds Collective it began to reflect the direction of my column for Brent – in other words it is not about any one particular game. We tend to concentrate on games that interest us most at the time. Beyond that it is a matter of what we consider it interesting to talk about, and Warhammer always provides some delightful material.

Such is the case with the personalized email Fran recently received from Mythic not only begging her to come back but saying your guildies (which it went on to list) are still in the game; the whole thing sound like boyfriend who had been dumped begging to be taken back.

Like the name of the podcast suggest, it is a “no holds barred” type of podcast – nothing is sacred (at least nothing in the gaming industry). This is true of my column as well. On occasion I am compared to a “shock jock” but that is only rarely and I was not the first one to make the comparison.

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

Where was I born? Which time?  Home, as they say, is where the heart is. However I have lived in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Seoul, Korea.

Where do you live now?

Des Plaines, Illinois – and if you intend to come and “get” me for some part of my column or podcast remember…we have dogs.

Your level (age) is somewhere in the range of (pick one): 10-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71-80, 81-90

Asking a lady her age? Is that exactly polite? How’s this for an answer: “old enough to have been around the block and wise enough not to go around again.”

What do you do for a living?

I am a nun, a writer and a project manager – in that order.

If you could reroll your career, what would you be?

They say a job is what you do with your time and a career is what you do with your life. I like my careers just fine – writing and being a nun. The job part I would drop if I could. I wouldn’t change part of the career I would just add to it, but that will come in time.

List five random things most people don’t know about you.

• I am related to Herbert Hoover
• I have a degree in theater and have acted professionally (albeit briefly).
• I am a Buddhist AND Christian nun (that’s where the “heretic” name sometimes comes in).
• I have written a book about my life (for the convent).
• I have had relationships three out of the four possible ways.

Feel free to discuss any family you have here.

My convent is my family.

Chapter 2: Origins

What kind of games (if any) did you play as a child before you got into video gaming? Did you play with family, friends or was it more of a solo activity?

I will spare your readers the story of my long, and somewhat less than idyllic (and at times torturous) childhood – suffice it to say I had friends. I will point out that when I was a child even the videogame “Pong” was a far flung dream, yet to be conceived in the imagination of its creators. If you wanted to use a computer you punched cards and fed them into a reader.

What other hobbies and/or activities did you have as a child (sports, music, etc)?

I played a mean “Sax” for awhile. Beyond that my plans for winning an Oscar and world domination seem to have fallen by the wayside.

Were you ever exposed to pen and paper role playing games? What was that experience like?

I have been “exposed to” before but that was on a train in Chicago and I told the gentlemen in question to “put the silly thing away.”

Did you read much as a child? If so, what did you like to read (books, comic books, etc?) Please list some favorite authors, titles, etc.

As a child I read a lot of the back of cereal boxes – I think my favorite authors included Cheerios, Wheaties and Sugar Pops. Favorite authors are a think of adult hood (or at least as much of an adult I can approximate) and as you will find in later questions includes David Webber, William Gibson, Terese of Avila, Therese Martin, The current Dalai Lama, and some selected works of the Apostle Paul.

Would you say that any of these games or books had an effect on your later appreciation of computer gaming and ultimately MMOs? Please explain.

This assumes that I appreciate video games. I am, however, looking forward to Star Trek Online. The best influence there would be Gene Roddenberry – without him Star Trek would not have existed. It’s hard to match that kind of influence on an mmo.

How were you fist introduced to video games? How old were you? What was the platform?

You want to know how old I was when I was introduced to video games? Hells Bells I can’t remember how old I am now. In fact I have managed to block it out of my mind on purpose – I once went as long as a year that way until my mother, God rest her soul, inadvertently reminded me (she was wrong).

Did you ever play coin-op games at the arcade? What was that experience like?

I have indeed played coin op games at arcades, commissaries and other places. What was the experience like? – Expensive.

What was the first video game you can remember playing that really made an impression on you? Please explain.

The active phrase here (at least semantically speaking) is “made an impression you” – I am still waiting for a videogame to make an impression on me. Hence, the title of one of my recent articles for Virginworlds.com… “In space no one can hear you yawn.”

What gaming consoles have you owned in the past?

Play station, Nintendo, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, Panasonic 3do

Feel free to share a story related to your gaming experience as a child.

I try hard to forget my childhood…let’s not share any memories from it.

Chapter 3: Online

Were you ever exposed to MUDs?

The last time I was exposed to MUD was a long time ago when someone threw it at me. I grabbed them by the collar…it went on from there. I did, however, play a text based game called “Zork” as well as a space based 2-d game on the large computers at a particular university which, as they say, “shall remain nameless”. It was always late at night – back when the only screens where “amber” screens and there was no such thing as a Playstation.

What was your first MMO experience?

Again with the year questions – the only reason I remember my own name is that my cohost shouts it at me all day long. I do remember the first mmo I ever played, however. That game was called “Ultima Online”. There were many interesting aspects that set Ultima Online apart from any other game, not the least of which was that player housing was not instanced. The result was a virtual megalopolis necessitating dodging between the allies and avenues created by player housing as one tried to traverse the landscape.

If possible, list all the MMOs you’ve played extensively.

List my main by class and level for each game? You have got to be kidding – is this a questionnaire or a memory test? Do I get graded afterwards? Some of the games I have played are Everquest 1, Everquest 2, Ultima Online, World of Warcraft, Age of Conan, Voyage Century, Warhammer Online, and Lord of the Rings Online – there may be others but at the moment my mind is still reeling from the “by class and level” part of the question…I think I need coffee now.

What is your current MMO of choice, or perhaps, what are your current MMOs of choice?

My current mmo of choice, if Cryptic ever finishes with it (thank goodness it was resurrected) is Star Trek Online. I would love to try Aion but alas neither I nor my co-host were invited to the beta. There are a few mmos that seem to follow me around like a lost puppy: World of Warcraft, Eve Online (yawn), Warhammer Online, and Lord of the Rings Online.

Which MMO have you spent the most time playing? How long would you say that has been?

Ah here you must be more specific – the most time playing when actual months or years the subscription remains active is concerned? The most time actually playing the game? That one would be difficult as I would have had to keep a log of the playing time.

Have you reached level cap in any MMO? If so, which ones?

Again with the memory questions – you really do believe in taxing this middle aged broad’s memory don’t you? I seem to recall reaching the level cap a few times in several games but the problem with mmos is they keep moving the damn things. It’s so hard to keep up. I like the concept of Eve Online…no level cap. How about Ultima Online? That doesn’t even have a levels.

Loki taps you on the shoulder one day to inform you that you have fallen victim to one of his elaborate pranks. The world you’ve been inhabiting of countless MMOs to choose from and play has merely been a dream. In reality only one MMO exists. After laughing at you for a bit he decides to take pity on you and allows you to choose which MMO will remain. Which one would you choose and why?

My first reaction would be to wonder who had slipped what hallucinogenic drug into my food since I am, supposedly, conversing with a mythological being. Beyond that, I recall the furor that Richard Bartle caused when he said that if he had the ability he would get rid of World of Warcraft. That being the case I would tell Loki to get rid of whatever game Richard Bartle is currently playing – that will teach him.

Are there any MMOs currently in development that you are particularly interested in? Please explain.

I am very interested in Star Trek Online. Why? Hells bells man, that’s simple – IT’S STAR TREK!!!

Feel free to share an interesting or amusing anecdote related to your MMO gaming experience.

There is no antidote to gaming…once you have played an mmo you’re hooked.

Chapter 4: Preferences

At your peak, how much time per week would you say you spent gaming? How about now?

Well, where I live now it’s about 300 feet above sea level, and that’s not much of a peak. I traveled through the continental divide once, but I didn’t have a game with me even though that was a very high peak. But then, again that wasn’t really “MY” peak…it was in Yellowstone National park, so really that particular peak belongs to the State of Wyoming. That presents an interesting point…how do you ask a state how much time it spends gaming? Can a state game at all? After all the State of Nevada has a lot of gaming.

When during the week are your regular play times?

I have never had a problem with regularity – on those rare occasions when I do I usually make sure I get a lot of fiber in my diet. Did I get that question right? When will the grades be passed out?

Generally speaking, are you more of a social creature in MMOs (grouping to quest, joining guilds, etc.) or something of a lone wolf?

The only creature I have ever played in an mmo would be a tauren and that isn’t really a creature is it? It’s more of a creature/being. I have been some nice people in mmos and because of the writing and podcasting I do about it. MMOs are part of what Marshall McLuhan called “The Global Village”. Getting around the global village has allowed me to meet people I never would have otherwise. But every mmo has people who treat others around them badly. Those people are creatures – jackasses.

Have you made any lasting friendships through your MMO experience? Please explain.

This assumes, of course, that I have had lasting friendships. I have had lasting friendships, of course, but they had nothing to do with gaming – Unless you count the friendship with my sister, cohost and mother superior. I have a lifelong friendship with her but the mmo came after the friendship. Does that even count? I mean we met the first time because of Star Trek and a Star Trek Online game is coming out but I guess you can’t say we met because of Star Trek Online, even though it is Star Trek…or can you. I think I derailed my train of thought here.

Before logging into a game, do you already have a course of action planned out in your head, or do you just sort of do whatever you feel like once in game?

I guess it depends very much on what I am logging on to the game for – but “course of action” makes it sound too much like a battle plan…it’s a game, not a strategy for the D-Day Invasion.

When playing MMOs do you tend to just play one at a time or do you take more of the smorgasbord approach?

A smorgasbord approach? Are we talking about food or video games here…I think you have me confused.

Do you tend to supplement your MMO gaming with other PC, console or tabletop games?

I like supplements – they’re good for you. I make my mmos take vitamin C.

Are you something of an altoholic?

Never…I only rarely have a beer and even then only with pizza.

Do you find yourself multitasking while gaming (perhaps watching TV, talking on the phone, out of game instant messaging, playing another game, or even listening to a podcast)?

I drink coffee while I game – does that count as multitasking? If so than I do A LOT of multitasking because I drink A LOT OF COFFEE.

Do you find yourself having much MMO discussion off-line, perhaps with friends or family?

Oh I hope so…otherwise my column would simply be a blank page and the podcast I co-host at Virginworlds.com would be nothing but dead airspace – which is fine, I suppose if you are reviewing a zombie game but it would still be a bit boring.

Have you ever felt that you game too much? If so, how did you cope with that?

Too much by who’s standards? By my standard? Those change. What about someone else’s standards? My co-hosts standards? She’s my sister and I care about that. By anyone else’s standards? Who cares what they think about how much I game. As far as coping is concerned, a little apathy about the issue goes a long way. If you don’t care how much you game there is nothing to cope with.

Since you started playing MMOs, have you ever taken a break from the genre? If so, please explain.

I take breaks from gaming all the time – coffee breaks.