Commodore Babel
How did you come into the position of SC/DSC?
I was helping out Admin - I was the project manager - and a DSC slot came open. Teekay chose me. When Teeks took over Alder Hill I moved up to ST SC.
What was something you were hoping to accomplish in accepting the position, and did you accomplish it?
I wanted to keep the chats fun, to help make the chat a good place for people to visit and to try out new ideas to freshen things up. I think I achieved all of that, yes. During my tenure we brought in the Vision plan which changed OTF, mainly for the better. We maintained a good atmosphere and I think I was able to do some good.
What would you most like to see happen in the future of OTF?
I would like to see OTF maintain its core values and ideals - the things that made it into such an enduring success story - but continue to look for innovative ideas to take us into our second decade. It's a challenge, but one the OTF community is more than up to!
Has being "brass" changed your opinions regarding the site from your younger OTF years? For better or for worse?
Not at all. I was into my thirties when I joined OTF, so I was hardly likely to change my opinions much, really!
If you had one super power, what would it be and how would you use it in OTF?
I do have what you would term 'super powers'. I'm a Time Lord. And I have used my powers in OTF - you lot just don't know about it!
Why do you do what you do? ie, what drives you in your OTF career?
Well, now I'm the Senior Manager of the Guilds, I've had a 'second coming' as it were - my motivations are to better the OTF community. It helped keep me afloat through some very difficult times and I value that, I value what the community is worth. I want to help keep OTF strong and together, I want to help people gain confidence and self-worth. I want them to express themselves and for these reasons the Guilds have always been important to me - even when I was in Sector Command.
OTF sees people come and people go but the community always remains. It endures and it msut continue to be the case. It's the responsibility of us all to make sure this happens, but I feel people like myself, who've been around a long time and are fairly respected (no sniggering at the back) members of the community, have an additional responsibility. I've worked in many capacities for OTF, but I've gained far more than I've ever put in - and this will, I'm sure, continue to be the case.
What's one thing the general OTF populace doesn't know about you and would never suspect in a million years?
H'mm. Okay, here's one: In 'Wrath of Khan', when David tells Kirk he's very proud to be his son, and they embrace, I cry every single time. It just gets to me. The people that know me well will know why.
Do or did you enjoy your work as SC/DSC? What's the best/worst things about the position?
I did, thoroughly. the best part was surprising people and making them smile, whether it was with special avatars, or live in-chat promotions. the worst aspect? The whining and moaning from people wanting promotions!
If you could ask one thing from chatters, what would you ask?
This applies to me, too - it's just to put yourself in the shoes of those making decisions. See things from the other perspective. It helps.
Which OTF member inspired you to greatness and why?
Oh, I don't know I can answer that question. Certainly there have been important people, but to list them would be unfair.
What is your dream rank and avatar?
I've had them - dream rank, 'Renegade Time Lord' which I had for a long period of time. Dream avatar is, of course, my spinning TARDIS (it's not a portaloo!)
If you could smooch CT without incurring the wrath of JJ, would you?
How do you know I haven't already? One toss of my auburn curls and he's mine! All mine! *cackles* Er ... JJ isn't reading this, is she?
If you could have any position on the site regardless of your abilities or skills, which one would it be?
The position I would most like, and for which I possess abundant skills and exprience, is sat at the bar!
Do YOU know what a goober is?
Er... a twit? A fool? Someone who's a bit head-the-ball? (There, you throw some vernacular at me, I throw some back!)
What do you like most about OTF?
As I talked about above, the community itself, the way people accept you and talk to you, the way we all look out for one another. I've seen so many instances of acts of generosity of spirit, of friendship and in practical terms . . . OTF is special because the people make it special.
What do you like most about Polson?
The way she staples my eyelids to the bar with such STYLE. No one can match her!