[Issue 58] [Interview] Meet The New Reporters!

[Flexoo 6,980]

 

This October appears as a month of turning points in the Newspaper and game itself. We bid farewell to several notable authors this month, but more importantly, we recruited three promising men of letter who will hopefully turn to new, supportive peers of the English Newspaper. Join me in this interview as we find out more about the Reporter newcomers.

 

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Bigtimerush_bry

 

A firm penman who's been writing all around the Tanki Online Forum for quite some time now. Bry possesses an enviable game knowledge in a relatively low rank which he effectively recasts into some absorbing articles. Throughout his relatively long writing career, he has managed to produce a couple of thought-provoking, informative articles, and has rightfully earned his place in the official English Newspaper. 

 

Flexoo: Hey Bigtimerugby! Let's start things up. Would you mind telling us a little bit about yourself?

 

Bry: Of course! I am a 17 year old junior in high school (obviously) and I live in a Suburb of Boston MA. I play the cello, been playing for about 8 years, and am in three separate orchestras. I just became and Eagle in the BSA and am very active in my church's youth group. 

 

Flexoo: The reporter's musical instrument group just gained another member. How did a guy producing a peaceful sound on cello come across Tanki's fierce battling environment?

 

Bry: Back in Freshman year, the school decided to give every student a Chromebook to use for "school purposes only". Naturally that failed, and somehow my classmates found TO. I saw them playing it in class, because at that point we had no web restrictions, and I said "huh, cool" then promptly opened up some random game. A week or two later, we had (thank God) a sub in math. So I decided to bite the bullet, "What game is that" and thus started my obsession with this game. My first account was Brendantr1, and then made a new account, this current one, using my initials BTR. So no, I am not a fan of the actual band, I prefer metal and punk rock.

 

Flexoo: Ah I see, your humble start in TO was a matter of very lucky coincidence. You mentioned you are obsessed with Tanki, but your current rank kind of contradicts your words. You must be the type of guy who rather hangs on the Forum. Still, I bet you enjoy some tanking action. What is your favorite thing about TO gameplay? Furthermore, what are your choices when it comes to equipment, maps and modes?

 

Bry: Well, I ranked up to Warrant 1 in about a month. I never really had crystal problems, so that wasn't why. Basically, I became too obsessed. Though recently I have taken up playing again, and plan to continue to do so. My favorite part about the gameplay though is definitely how varied each battle is from each other. You never know what you'll get when joining a battle. A team of nugs or pros, and the enormous amounts of combinations. My favorite piece of equipment is my lovely M2 XP (Jessie), though I have recently taken to Smoky. I plan on getting a Smoky kit in the next round of sales. As for modes, I'll play anything, so long as it is a good match; uneven games are just boring. For maps, I have a special love for Red Alert, Tribute, and Skylark, while always enjoying the ever present Polygon CPs and  Kungurs. I don't like Duel though, not a fun map.

 

 

Flexoo: You're missing a lot! There's nothing alike the dynamic Duel face-off! Speaking of gameplay, you sure have much to explore considering you're just Lieutenant Colonel right now. What's the reason behind your temporary suspension of gaming progress and increase of interest in Forum and writing itself? Please reveal more about your path from your first writing steps on the Forum till the moment you eventually joined the reporter team!

 

Bry: I initially stopped round Christmas of last year, because I noticed that I had played too much and other work was suffering because of it. So I made a goodbye topic and resolved to do better. And I did. I basically ignored the game for about a month or two, before popping back onto the forum.

 

I joined the forum because I wanted to read Kirby's piece on Railgun vs. Shaft, two turrets I couldn't decide between at the time, and looked for the newspaper for a few months, being the only forum of use. That was two years ago. I soon began to explore the wide expanses of the forum .

 

Writing, on the other hand, is not always something I enjoy doing. School basically left a sour taste in my mouth, but the possibility of crystal bonuses lead to my first entry in the second round of continue the story. I then put in a reporter application cause I wanted crystals, which was my motivation for the first few months and later joined TWG to gain more experience in writing. It turned out people actually like what I wrote, so I continued to write. I soon found out I enjoyed writing for TO and it became much more than just crystals. I left TWG before its fall and created my own writing topic about a month before AWC started. I decided to join AWC, and for a few months I watched friends become reporters. Fortunately, I was later accepted as a reporter.

 

Flexoo: That's one comprehensive reply! Now when you mentioned it, Amateur Writing Section (AWC)  is going strong for almost half year now and you were able to experience it from both sides - as an AWC writer and as the section's helper. What do you consider to be the best thing about the AWC for you? Why did you sign for the job of the AWC assistant? Do you have any plans for projects or ideas for the section as whole?

 

Bry: The best part about AWC, for me at least, was it was the first time people actually criticized and edited my work. In the past it had just been whatever you wrote would be published, and AWC really pushed me to get better and better, and the ability to work with actual reporters is a huge a plus. NS actually knew what she was doing, and Gold just multed around. so while it was somewhat annoying to see some AWC friends make it before me, it was an overall good experience.

 

I became and AWC assistant because I wanted to help out the section that helped me out a lot as a whole. It feels good to give back, but it also makes my life hard cause there always seems to be some articles in awaiting approval. I actually have no idea where to go with AWC, I'm still getting used to it and it has been a bit of the changing of the guard this month.

 

Flexoo: You have time to figure something for the AWC gang. Now that you become reporter what articles can we expect to see from your virtual pen?

 

Bry: I've never been good at fiction articles, so expect mostly guides, reviews, and opinion pieces because that is all I can write with any success. If you've read my articles in the past, you'd know that I tend to have polarizing opinions, which I plan to continue, along with my "Under the Dust and Cobwebs" series. I will basically just write what I feel like writing.

 

Flexoo: We look forward to read more news from your repertory. Since we cleared the major questions off the table, let's lighten this interview with a dash of quick 'n' easy questions. How would you describe yourself in one simple sentence?

 

Bry: I am a sinner.

 

Flexoo: Wow, that's really descriptive! Maybe a filmography theme will loosen your tongue. What is your favorite movie and actor/actress?

 

Bry: To be honest, I have absolutely no idea. I've seen too many enjoyable movies and there are quite a few actors I like. It is impossible for me to decide. I know it is a bit of a cop-out, but I have absolutely no idea :P.

 

Flexoo: You're certainly not giving much information out Mr. Mystery Man! But I have one final question. You went through a lot of obstacles and let-downs before joining the team. What would be your words of advice to all the potential candidates out there?

 

Bry: Being a reporter is more than just crystals and entertainment, it is a nice community (excluding remult) and it does take a lot of work to get here. But it is manageable, so listen to feedback, always edit your work and never, ever, do anything less than your best. As long as you keep improving, you will have a better and better shot at making it here.

 

Flexoo: Well put formulation! Thank you for your time Bry. All the best in your new community work!

 

Bry: Thanks for having me!

 

 

DestroyerPdox

 

Pdox supplied the Forum with lengthy, but sophisticated articles. His map guides and reviews especially caught many a reader's eyes and made us closely watch for this potential Reporter. Later, he joined the Newspaper's Amateur Writing Club and continued in his established trend of producing a well-structured masterpieces that received heaps of positive views. Based on this, we believe he's a fitting new addition to the Newspaper team.

 

Flexoo: Hello Pdox, nice having you here. Can you start by providing some details about you?

 

Pdox: Hi Flex! I'm DestroyerPdox. My real name is Abdullah Wasi and I am 17 years old. I live in Islamabad, Pakistan. I like to no-life in Tanki, as well as some intense football matches. You will probably see me going after those shiny lil' boxes, but that's how I roll.

 

Flexoo: Interesting to find out you play football just like I did few years back. But more importantly, how did you get to learn about your second obsession - Tanki Online?

 

Pdox: It was a stormy night in late 2014, when I was merely flying my Boeing 747 in Microsoft Flight Simulator X, until one of my brothers' friend knocked on the door. Once I opened it, I went back to my rig. After a few minutes, I spotted them on my laptop, engaged in an intense tank game. One look on the screen was just about enough to pull me into this Tankiverse!

 

Flexoo: I really do relate to your story, my relative also drew me to the addictive world of Tanki Online. As a player, you did very well and managed to conquer all the ranks. What's it like to be a 'Gizmo' and what the game looks on this level. Please acquaint us with your gameplay preferences! What equipment you like to wield and what maps we can find you play in?

 

Pdox: It has been a long journey to Generalissimo really - I mean, I can still find myself thinking about the times when I was still a M0 newbie.... Ahh, the days! The gameplay is amazing. People are really cooperative, especially in XP/BP battles, which also turns out to be my specialty. Over the years, I have changed equipment a lot, but mainly focused on Railgun and Hornet. After getting over 500 hours under the belt in this format, I don't even dare looking back. But of course, there are times when I like to snatch a few Gold boxes using the in-built hax of Dictator.

 

 

I always had a decent gaming computer, which provided me good graphics all along. I was able to enjoy 60 FPS and almost no lag at all throughout my journey to Gissimo. I know this is irrelevant, but this improved my gameplay a lot! It kinda dwelt me into this Game. As for my equipment, I mainly use Hornet and Railgun. I might try out the new DR format, since it literally puts one into bumps, hits, trolls, flips and everything-ending-on-s possible! My favorite maps are Sandbox, Red Alert, Polygon, Bridges, Barda and Zone, but I wont mind a quick little game of Rio, Iran, Noise and Silence either.

 

Flexoo: Classy! One could say that being a reporter comes hand in hand with a natural love for XP. It seems most of us share the passion for this format. I am sure this rich gameplay experience provided a lot of material for your really comprehensive articles. What was the reason behind your start-up as community writer. What were your writing and TO Forum beginnings?

 

Pdox: Hmm, I don't really know... I think it was Issue 44 which got me started into this thing. It was a Describe This In 100 Words' contest, and apparently, I won first place. I then decided to make this my hobby and that is where I got into writing. I had already participated in a lot of school debates and stuff, winning first and second places throughout the years - like in 8th and 9th grade. That gave me a lot of experience as a writer. Plus, the fact that I have gathered so much experience in this game opens up a whole new world for me to write about.

I discovered the Forum quite a long time ago - around the start-mid of 2015. I immediately started to explore its contents and sooner than later, discovered the 'Helpers' section. This was another big thing that really got me into writing. I joined TWG quite a while back and posted my first ever guide - It's Time To Excel In: Serpuhov'. It got a lot of positive votes and even your very evil dictator encouraged me to join the Reporters' in the comments. After the opening of the AWC, I saw another golden opportunity. After posting a lot of quality articles, I stand here now - replying to you as a Reporter.

 

Flexoo: Impressive number of personal achievements. You provoke my envy :P. But back on the topic. As an insider I can already confirm you have decent number of ideas for articles. However what are your plans for future? Do you have a specific writing genre that suits you best? What can we expect from you as a reporter?

 

Pdox: Well, I have a lot of experience in the game, and my rank and profile reflects that statement. As such, the readers can definitely expect a lot of map guides and reviews. I have a lot of popular maps in my mind right now, like literally. On the other hand, I am willing to explore more and more of the game, which will further help me write quality guides and reviews about new updates hitting the game anytime soon. So, In a sentence, the readers can expect a lot of map guides, reviews about certain combinations and equipment as well as some interviews, special articles and last but not least, very interesting contests - which happen to be completely unique from the others. Stay tuned!

 

Flexoo: Well rounded answer. I think we can move to final set of quick questions. If you could only use one simple sentence which words would you choose to describe yourself?

 

Pdox: I can dodge your shots people!

 

Flexoo: Ok, that sounds like a challenge to fight everyone! Do you have some sort of superpower or you're just that good? This also brings up the question what superpower would you like to possess? (thnx hog!)

 

Pdox: Hmm. Nice question! I would definitely choose invisibility. I think this best suits me since I am a detective-type person. You blink once and whoosh - I'm gone. But in reality, I'm standing right in front of you, staring you in the eyes. Spooky, ain't I?

 

Flexoo: Yes, indeedy! You chose the popular classic, but fair enough. It's time to wrap this interview up and I stashed one intriguing question for the end. You are in the age where lot of people decide what direction their life will go. Did you already consider which job would be suitable for you?

 

Pdox: Although I haven't taken the ultimate decision, I think I might either join the Pakistan Army and become an officer, or do Chartered Accountancy. Both of them sound really good to me, but I can't help leaving one thing for the other.

 

Flexoo: Notable pursuits mate! I am sure you will sort out this dilemma to your best interest. You still have time to think it through. Thank you for your willingness Pdox, it was great to learn more about your person. All the best with new reporter job!

 

Pdox: Thanks for having me. See ya!

 

 

Almulty

 

Almulty is another freshman in the EN Newspaper team, and a rather shadowy figure we still do not know too much about. This community member stirred the waters of our interest with a distinguished application which ensured him a spot in the reporter gang. We outbid to uncover more about Almulty with this consequent interview.  

 

Flexoo: Hey there Almulty, and welcome! For a start, let's introduce you to our readers!

 

Almulty: Pleased to speak with you, Flexoo. Well, let's see how to start. I am a teenage boy currently living in the Caribbean on an island known as Trinidad. I am also in Form 4, preparing for IGCSEs in future and also manage a competitive sport life.

 

Flexoo: Wow! I bet there aren't many tankers that hail from Trinidad! How did you find about this specific game living in such tropical destination?

 

Almulty: Ah, good question. Around 2-3 years ago,  I was playing an online strategy game known as GoodGame Empire and one of my good friends told me to check out the game. So, I logged in to the game through my 6 year old desktop and surprisingly, fell in love with it, particularly due to it's dynamics and engaging game-play. Now of course I got myself a new laptop, and yes, the internet here is quite good to play Tanki on.

 

Flexoo: It seems tankers really do spread the word! Your friend would probably never imagine you would get this far in your TO journey. As a full-fledged Generalissimo, you must have passed through a lot of passages which refined your playing style. Tell us more about your road to Generalissimo and your preferences as a player! Are you the typical XP veteran? What equipment you enjoy to play with and what maps and modes you favor?

 

Almulty: Ok. When I started really getting into the game around the rank of First Lieutenant, I decided to join a clan which required me to become an XP player. At the time I had no idea about this game mode, having spent all my time on EN1-EN3 servers. However, I did have a lot of experience with Railgun because it was always my weapon of preference since WO1. I went to guides in the Newspaper as well as the Wiki which helped me gather and improve my skills with it, but I learned most importantly from experience.

 

Later on at the rank of Brigadier I began using Railgun with Wasp instead of Hornet, and it turned out to be stellar! I much preferred BP over XP as I could get through the map faster, there was less drift present and I loved the idea of dodging my opponents' shots. From there, I played as a BP player in many EN clans and still worked on fine tuning my skills. No, I am probably not the XP veteran or BP veteran but I just would like to say that BP and I...have gone a long way :P. My favorite maps to play XP/BP on would have to be Bridges, Tribute and Barda; I have always been more of a CTF guy, though CP is really fun to play on large maps.

 

 

Flexoo: High five mate! We are on the same page when it comes to picking between XP and BP. Despite being relatively successful player, I somehow feel you haven't been much active around Forum judging by the number of your posts. When did you come over to Forum and what motivated you to crank up a writing career?

 

Almulty: Hah, partially true. I first got into the forum only about 3 months after I began playing Tanki. However, I used the forum more as a resource than as a social platform, mostly looking at development/eSports news, viewing different clans, and of course, the Press. I didn't begin to post much until I joined a clan and frequented the forum daily. As for the inspiration to become a reporter, there were many things. The reporters are a unique and humble, yet proficient Tanki group of Helpers that I wanted to see if I could be a part of. I had already taken a lot from them, now I would like to return the favor.

 

Flexoo: You made it here on the first shot, but your writing style is still wrapped in mystery. What genre you are exceptional at and what articles can we look forward to read?

 

Almulty: I generally prefer writing guides, but I try to make some pieces as original as possible and add some creativity to it, though I am not too artistic. I also enjoy typing up informative pieces, opinion columns, and reviews on in game events such as a new update of some kind. I have a list of articles planned (but of course not fully written- or even started- yet) on my laptop and they mostly consist of these aspects. Fictional/story writing is not my type of thing though.

 

Flexoo: I see some healthy competition in this department! With that being answered, let's move to the few last questions, shall we. The first thing that caught my eye was your nickname. What inspired you to choose this alias?

 

Almulty: I should have seen this question coming, hah! Well actually, this isn't my first nickname. My first nickname was AstroGuardian (moment of revelation) and I chose this because I am keen on Astronomy and the word "Guardian" just appeals to me. I chose to switch to my current nickname mostly because I was tired of my old one but also because I wanted something short and unique. So one day I decided I would combine two totally contrary terms, Almighty and Mult, to create a nickname that has a nice ring to it. Them bam, Almulty happened.

 

Flexoo: Disappointing a bit, I expected a multing confession from your dark past :ph34r: ! How would you depict yourself in one simple sentence then?

 

Almulty: My dark past shall remain in the dark... *cough* All right I'll do in three words: "Think it through". This basically means that I try not to rush into things or make hasty decisions most of the time, I like to think/plan things out.

 

Flexoo: Aha! So you indeed have a dark past! My curiosity arouses. Let's conclude the interview with one final question. You are already Generalissimo and recently made it to the reporter team. Is there anything else you strive to achieve in TO?

 

Almulty: Indeed, that is to have as much fun as possible. I accomplished mostly everything that I have desired to do but maybe in future I could join a clan with a good timezone to participate in a major eSports competition which has always been a fantasy of mine since I began Tanki. But for now, I am just as happy on the reporter crew and thoroughly look forward to writing with you guys.

 

Flexoo: Oh, we feel the same ;) . Thank you for your contribution Almulty. We wish you everything best with your new role in the Newspaper!

 

Almulty: Thank you Flexoo, I appreciate you havin' me here!

 

 

Once again, congratulations to all new Reporter candidates on joining the Newspaper team. I hope you will hearty welcome them and check the articles they prepared for you in this Issue.

 

Ultimately, if you can write awesome guides, reviews, stories or other articles and think you got what it takes, you can give it a shot and apply for the Reporter!

 

Lastly, do not forget to leave suggestions for articles in Newspaper Requests. We look forward to hearing more from you!

 

[TTK_229 1,080]

Great article! I still wonder why BTRB didn't get reporter earlier...and BTW I was in that poly DM picture, I remember that battle well. lol btrb is such a nuba I kilt him so many times Lola

 

Never heard of you, Almulty. Hope some good articles come soon...

[Homs 1,287]

Great and Awesome

[tweezers 1,034]

Have fun, all three of you. I'll catch y'all around in a while, when I make a dramatic return  :ph34r:

[TTK_229 1,080]

Have fun, all three of you. I'll catch y'all around in a while, when I make a dramatic return :ph34r:

all hail the mighty Pliers :ph34r:

yes finally I did it I did that emoji I so pro axaxaxa

Edited November 8, 2016 by TTK_229

[Blackdrakon30 2,943]

:ph34r: The way BTRB was introduced to Tanki sounds almost exactly like the way I found out about Tanki, even the Chromebook part. Sp00ky scary

[MSI 1,926]

Interesting :D

[Lewis.Hamilton 1,110]

Good luck to all of the new reporters :)

[Mr.Cashier 1,622]

Good to see name on the list :D

[Hex 11,520]

^  :lol:

[Vikingsrallentando 3,058]

Bry: I am a sinner.

"Don't corner me. Don't lecture me. Raise your hand's, you're a sinner."

[Hate 5,582]

^ Nailed it.