Interview International Women's Day Special ft. Tanki's Ladies

[Flexoo 6,980]

Hello there, tankers. Have you already congratulated all the precious women and girls you know? In the end, this is their day, so go ahead and do so if you haven't already. In celebration of this special day, we bring you this interview with our fellow Tanki ladies who work for and help Tanki on daily basis. So, let's dive right into it and introduce them to the public. Ladies and gentlemen, these are the three ladies we will interview and introduce today.



Aleksandra_Nozhenko

Tanki Occupation: Lead Community Manager of Alternativa Games

Aleksandra is maybe not known that much in English community, but we all had a chance to learn about her a bit from the V-LOGs. She occupies a very important position in the company and definitely has a lot of experience behind her. Let's get to know her a bit better!

Flex: Hello Aleksandra. Let's start by introducing you to the English community. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Aleksandra: Hey all, my name is Aleksandra Nozhenko and I am the Lead CM in the Alternativa Games company. Sometimes you could see me in the v-logs ;) My duties are to inform all the CMs on time about news from devs, to control the organization of different events, solving different issues and many many other things. Most of my time I spend working :) As you know the community events, questions etc never stop, so I have to work hard to provide players with help and joy. In my free time, I like doing sport, I visit Zumba classes, yoga and pilates, that helps me not to get crazy :) and dream to learn bachata dance, still can not find time for it... I also like to travel, but unfortunately can't afford to do it much, as I am always worried to leave communities without my control. I know, it sounds weird maybe, but I am feeling so much responsible for all of you, so can not let myself leave you for a long time.

Flex: Second question. How did you learn about Tanki Online and became the community manager? Have you always pursued jobs in the gaming industry?

Aleksandra: That is a long and interesting story. It seems to be, that it was destiny for me to work in Alternativa Games. I had a friend working here and she told me a few times about vacant job opportunities, but I was always abroad when she wrote to me about that. That time I was working in Turkey as a guest relation and later as a sales and marketing executive in the 5*hotel and when the end of the season came I went back to Russia, to Perm and my friend wrote to me again. This time I thought I should come for a job interview and see what will happen. The interview went well and a few days later I have got an offer from the company and started working as a support specialist. I can speak German, English, basic Turkish and love helping people, so HR was happy to get me to the company's team. While working in CS I learnt so much about the game itself, players etc, and this knowledge still helps me in my job life. After about 1.5 years I felt like I want to try and learn something new and when I found out there is a vacant position of Russian CM, I thought I can not miss that chance, had a job interview again and got that position, 1.5 later I became the Lead of community manager department. I never thought of working in the game industry before, but I am glad that my destiny brought me here To be honest, :) it is not even a job for me anymore, it became an integral part of my life.

Flex: Lot of tankers consider Tanki Online a "boys" game and expect other players and employees to be solely males. Have you ever met someone who questioned you why you chose the gaming industry as a job?

Aleksandra: Actually, I have seen some comments and had some discussions about it, but I really believe, that gender does not mean anything in job performance. Everything depends on your professional and personal skills. Btw I think girls are more responsible, stress-resistant and organized than males, no offence, boys ;)

Flex: What is the thing you like the most about Tanki and your job?

Aleksandra: The most thing I love in my job is that I can play Tanki Online at work and nobody will take it as something wrong :D I also love working with people and I have it here more than enough. And one more thing, in CM's job there is a flexible work schedule. I like that I do not have to wake up very early every day. I feel happy when some event we prepare is loved by players, etc. There are many positive things, can't remember all of them right now.

Flex: What would be your advise to all the lady tankers playing this game?

Aleksandra: I want to give just one advise. Be yourself, even if somebody does not like you, it does not mean you are bad, please do not change yourself just because not everyone likes you like that. It is impossible to be loved by everyone. Do not lose your personality!
On one of the best holidays a year I would like to congratulate all the girls, women, mothers and grandmothers! Thank you for being the most beautiful and bright part of Tanki Online, for your smiles, for reminding our brutal male tankers on tenderness and love. Be happy and full of harmony :*




Momma_Bear

Tanki Occupation: Chat Moderator

I think we can all agree that Momma_Bear is a well-known English Tanki helper who is kind and spends a lot of her time to keep things clean, friendly and organized in the chat. In the end, she is not regularly on the list of best helpers for nothing.

Flex: Hello Momma_Bear. Good to have you here. Let's start with the obvious and introduce you to our tankers. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Momma_Bear: Hi Flexoo, nice to meet you! I’m someone who never expected to be answering questions here, that’s for sure. I’m a casual player who became a chat mod. I don’t share much personal info, but I can tell you about myself as a player. Playing Tanki at the end of the day after my kids went to sleep was a favorite indulgence for me! As new player I probably chatted too much in battle and had more fun meeting people than capping flags. Then I got bit by the rank up bug and couldn’t wait to reach Generalissimo, which at that time was the highest rank you could achieve. Along the way I made some friendships with other adults who played (and still play), and I looked out for a few favorite young players as best I could, living up to the meaning behind my nick. In short, I’m an adult who helps moderate as a hobby, something I do to give back to this game that has given me so many fun memories.

Flex: How did you learn about Tanki? Did someone introduce you to the game?

Momma_Bear: One of my sons and his friends were really into Tanki back in 2014. I remember hearing the sounds of flags being capped along with laughter and occasional yelling. I checked out what he was playing that day and reluctantly tried it. I remember I had just deleted Ninja Fishing, Clash of Clans, and Candy Crush from my phone, promising myself to be done with useless games, ha ha. Little did I know my real gaming adventure was just beginning.

Flex: I am sure many tankers will automatically assume you represent the gentle gender. Are tankers curious why you joined a game that people often assume is typically "boyish" when you perform your chat moderation job?

Momma_Bear: Yes, they are quite curious. In fact, some flat out refuse to believe I’m an adult female who loves the game. But the truth is that many adults play Tanki for the same reason I started- to see what their kids were up to and to play with them. I’m sure moms are in the minority among players, but we are out there, living out our competitive natures on the battle field.

Flex: What is the thing that persuaded you to keep on playing this game and stay active to this moment. In other words, what you like the most about Tanki?

Momma_Bear: As a helper, I don’t play nearly as much as I used to play, but I still love playing this game. I still feel the rush of adrenaline when I help my team win. I still feel the desire to play another game until I ‘end on a good note’ after my team loses. But the bottom line is, I’m sure I wouldn’t have stayed this many years if it weren’t for the relationships I’ve formed with other players and helpers. Tanki helpers give so much of their time and talents to help players have a better experience, and I’m honored to be a part of that team.

Flex: Who will in your opinion win the Gender War?

Momma_Bear: The average stars don’t lie- it’s looking really good for the women. :wub:

Flex: What would be your piece of advice to all the Tanki ladies who strive to achieve big things in Tanki?

Momma_Bear: My advice for women and girls who want to achieve big things in Tanki is to ignore the haters and be yourself. You may get some attention because of your gender, but none of that attention matters. If you’re a beast on the battlefield, enjoy your reputation as a strong player and encourage others along the way. If you’ve got an interesting perspective to share and have an understanding of the game, consider applying as a commentator. Tanki is a place where many talents can be displayed, so consider what you are good at and look for a way to contribute! And one safety tip for any player, male or female- remember to protect your reputation and your real identity online. (What kind of mom would I be if I didn’t throw in an online safety tip??)




CooperO

Tanki Occupation: Forum Administrator

Coop is one of the most active high-ranked administrators in our community and someone I personally bother work with a lot. She is always organized and ready to help with practically every matter you try to throw at her.

Flex: Hello Coop and thank you for accepting the invitation. For starters, please introduce yourself to the community and tell us a bit more about yourself.

Coop: Hey Flex, thank you for the invitation! I go by the nickname CooperO and I've been playing TO for about 7 years now (time flies huh). Despite that fact, I'm not your typical gamer. TO is one of the few PC games I play and pretty much the only online game.
Apart from playing the occasional battle, I enjoy a number of different sports such as cycling, horse riding, volleyball, yoga and snowboarding. Recently I discovered bouldering, which is a form of rock climbing where you do not use any ropes. That may sound dangerous, but the boulders don't go higher than 4.5 meters and there are thick mats to catch you when you fall. I like the challenge that it gives me and the fact that I have to put my creativity to good use. Speaking of which, I also like to get creative with wood, mostly to make functional objects.

Flex: How did you find out about Tanki Online and what you liked about it that persuaded you to stay to this moment?

Coop: I discovered Tanki after I saw my brother play the game. It looked pretty straightforward and fun, so I decided to create an account of my own. In the beginning we played together a lot and after some months I discovered the forum. I enjoyed reading the topics and partaking in various discussions, probably more so than actually playing the game. Then after about a year I joined a clan, which kept me active in-game due to clan trainings and tournaments, but also because it was fun messing around and playing with my clan mates. A few years ago, I became part of the forum moderation team, which was yet another thing that has kept me around to this day.

Flex: Most players probably consider Tanki, and games in general, as something that only guys play. Do you or did you get into some funny or strange situations when people learn/t that you are a representative of the gentle sex?

Coop: Strange no, but quite funny still. The general response from players that find out I'm a woman is full of surprise, up to the point where they make it sound like it's impossible for females to play an online game.

Flex: Can tankers still find you playing the game? Who do you think will win the Gender war?

Coop: Yes, they definitely can, but regularly I can't find the time to play for a few weeks in a row. And it probably shouldn't come as a surprise that I can more often be found on the forum. As for who's going to win the War, it may seem like the Ladies are going to win, but the gap between the Gentlemen and Ladies is small and the War has only just begun. I'm rooting for the Ladies though, because that's the paint I bought.

Flex: What would be your message or advise to all the lady tankers out there?

Coop: Looking for some cheesy aphorism, but nothing comes to mind. So I'll just end with: Make sure to have fun and try to treat the others tankers the way you'd like to be treated.



And so, there you have it guys. Did you like learning more about our three Tanki's ladies? Is there anything you would like to ask them? Share your thoughts and comments below!

[Darkest 158]

I thought Cooper0 was a guy.

[Person_Random 4,991]

I thought Cooper0 was a guy.

Same reaction.

[Positive 1,136]

good job

[Adab 2,896]

Very well made interview, enjoyed it!

 

 

Never knew CooperO was a female... :ph34r: 

 

[Defender 1,337]

Nice article, good job :)

[Person_Random 4,991]

Excelent Cover Tiypo!  Lol, i can't actually see it but then i saw it through the tanki chat.

[Shami 103]

Loved the article :)
thanks @Momma_Bear for the last tip :')

Edited March 8, 2019 by Shami

[OKDad70 862]

Props to the ladies. The sound advice is to treat everyone the way you want to be treated, like you actually care about them (and yourself).

 

Momma_Bear, I will no longer be participating in the forums, and Discord is too counterintative for me. With the bullying, I gave up. Not worth trying.

[potatofy 5]

cheers , Coop is one of my fav .
Flex God Dammiit.

Aleksandra_Nozhenko

http://prntscr.com/mvdfsi 
''Btw I think girls are more responsible, stress-resistant and organized than males, no offence, boys  ;)'' 
Me : Are you sure about that? 
Oh strike , Interesting also are you girls water-resistant?? i'd like to buy one LOL bruh we're just celebrating Women's day doesn't means you should strike Gentelmens with such meanie opinion , Keep your Opinion for yourself XD 
we're the one that has 'Gentle in their adjective Not you 'Ladies' 

Momma_Bear; For an adult that is controlling chat i don't think you're harmonizing the chat community since the majority of the players are teenagers/childrens not adults , So try to learn new technics helps you to make more friends than haters , Your behaviour is the one that you get judged by .

[ZivOfficial 290]

Screw you, I knew Cooper was a girl. :D

 

But wait what Momma_Bear is a girl? That's something I didn't know. xD

[Momma_Bear 149]

Props to the ladies. The sound advice is to treat everyone the way you want to be treated, like you actually care about them (and yourself).

 

Momma_Bear, I will no longer be participating in the forums, and Discord is too counterintative for me. With the bullying, I gave up. Not worth trying.

Thanks for the props!  Hopefully I'll see you in the chat from time to time!

[Guest]

But wait what Momma_Bear is a girl? That's something I didn't know. xD

When you're a Momma (mother) it's usually a pretty strong indication that you're a girl.

[Pyre 3,485]

cheers , Coop is one of my fav .

Flex God Dammiit.

Aleksandra_Nozhenko

http://prntscr.com/mvdfsi 

''Btw I think girls are more responsible, stress-resistant and organized than males, no offence, boys  ;)'' 

Me : Are you sure about that? 

Oh strike , Interesting also are you girls water-resistant?? i'd like to buy one LOL bruh we're just celebrating Women's day doesn't means you should strike Gentelmens with such meanie opinion , Keep your Opinion for yourself XD 

we're the one that has 'Gentle in their adjective Not you 'Ladies' 

Momma_Bear; For an adult that is controlling chat i don't think you're harmonizing the chat community since the majority of the players are teenagers/childrens not adults , So try to learn new technics helps you to make more friends than haters , Your behaviour is the one that you get judged by .

Dude, what? You say keep your opinion to yourself, then a few sentences later tell Momma (One of the most respected chat mods from what Ive heard) that she is doing her job wrong. Just for the record, I agree with Aleksandra. Males are typically stronger physically, women are often stronger mentally, or at least that how I see it. Thats not to say there are no exceptions, of course.

Edited March 10, 2019 by Pyre

[Person_Random 4,991]

cheers , Coop is one of my fav .

Flex God Dammiit.

Aleksandra_Nozhenko

http://prntscr.com/mvdfsi 

''Btw I think girls are more responsible, stress-resistant and organized than males, no offence, boys  ;)'' 

Me : Are you sure about that? 

Oh strike , Interesting also are you girls water-resistant?? i'd like to buy one LOL bruh we're just celebrating Women's day doesn't means you should strike Gentelmens with such meanie opinion , Keep your Opinion for yourself XD 

we're the one that has 'Gentle in their adjective Not you 'Ladies' 

Momma_Bear; For an adult that is controlling chat i don't think you're harmonizing the chat community since the majority of the players are teenagers/childrens not adults , So try to learn new technics helps you to make more friends than haters , Your behaviour is the one that you get judged by .

Man, I wish there was a dislike button so I could downvote this.

[Aleksandra_Nozhenko 34]

Me : Are you sure about that? 
Oh strike , Interesting also are you girls water-resistant?? i'd like to buy one LOL bruh we're just celebrating Women's day doesn't means you should strike Gentelmens with such meanie opinion , Keep your Opinion for yourself XD 
we're the one that has 'Gentle in their adjective Not you 'Ladies' 

 

If you do not agree with that statement, it doesn't mean, this opinion should not be expressed ;) I was talking about my personal experience and I did not mean to offend anyone  :mellow:  Common, that was such a great and special day, when the article was posted, and a good reason to underline, that girls bring many nice things to life. It does not mean that it underestimates boys, just it was Women's day, not men's, otherwise, boys would read many good words too  :wub:  

[iMoneyMaker 4,500]

Enjoyed it! :D

[Groonter 89]

Flex: What is the thing you like the most about Tanki and your job?

 

Aleksandra: The most thing I love in my job is that I can play Tanki Online at work and nobody will take it as something wrong :D

Wow the dream job, but without having dreamed it before? Interesting!

 

You seem to be a very nice person, maybe you make your own luck :), because having reached such an exciting job without pointed there before is something great and does not happen a lot.

[LyT 222]

Very well made interview, enjoyed it!

 

 

Never knew CooperO was a female... :ph34r: 

 

Yeah! :3

[Venerable 2,967]

@Flexoo so you got to interview all the pro ladies, huh — stonks!

Fascinating interview ngl...