In the Scope: Synmetric

Thinking back, what drew you to TAW?

I had operated with a small guild of friends in WoW.  We barely had five people for dungeons, but five wasn't enough for raids or the occasional battleground.  While searching for a Planetside 2 outfit, I was attracted to large, organized, established groups looking for quality members.  I also needed someplace that my wife would be enthusiastically welcomed.  TAW turned out to be a great fit!

Do you have any special hobbies or activities outside of online gaming/TAW?

I have interests in guns, martial arts, esports, and church, but most of my time is spent on video games.

Did you admire a famous person? What made them admirable?

George S. Patton gained my attention after watching the opening speech in his movie.  I liked his no-nonsense way of speaking, his dismissal of political correctness, and his expectation of success.  I generally choose to be more diplomatic, but I still admire Patton speaking his mind.

What are some favorites?  color, food, ice cream, book, movie, song, sport, etc

Color: blue

Food:  sushi rolls

Ice Cream:  Mint Chocolate Chip

Book:  No favorite.  Enjoying the Wheel of Time series now.

Movie:  Star Wars V, VI, and Duel of the Fates

Song:  Flextone Junkie  Wily be thy Name.  

Sport:  DOTA 2

 

What are the goals you are still working toward?

Personal discipline.  I'm not looking for a diet or workout routine, but simply maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and being early for scheduled events.  I'm also trying to show more discipline in my daily attire.

Tell me how you first got involved in with TAW . . .

While new to the organization, I was invited to be a drill instructor.  I was a bit intimidated to introduce people to TAW when I barely understood how our organization functioned.  Thankfully, I had plenty of support and I am pleased many of my recruits advanced to PFCs.

What was your first impression of TAW?

My first impression was on the PS2 outfit recruiting forum.  The pitch was good, but a little intimidating.  The website made me think of an elitist shooter clan where I would be dead weight.  To my surprise, my application was approved and (thankfully) gameplay and teamspeak provided a much different environment than those first impressions.

What's your first memory of something related to TAW?

My earliest memory was of GundamMKII teaching me basic flight controls in the Indar warp gate (before VR), then taking a liberator on a bombing run so I could practice circle-strafing a base.

What has surprised you most about working with TAW?

How many people find TAW's code of ethics to be a barrier for entry or a good time.  Perhaps it speaks to my (generally) clean upbringing, but I see the merit of these policies.  When I watch gameplay of other clans and I hear them cursing and belittling fellow gamers, I pity them.  Thinking positive isn't just a catchphrase - it works!  I will be the first to admit its easier to be positive when you're winning, but so long as the attitudes are kept light-hearted, losing can be fun, too.

What do you find most challenging about TAW?

I love to talk about politics and religion.  I understand why these are banned from discussion, but I still find myself frustrated with various news bits that I cannot discuss with my friends.

Tell me about someone who has influenced your decision to work with TAW?

Risari is my constant guide.  When looking into Planetside 2 outfits, I found a large and experienced group.  Like I said before, I was a bit nervous to join a large clan, but I saw then need for a lot of allies in Planetside.  Risari was displeased about that other group, and it turns out she was right...  a few weeks after I joined TAW, the other clan was identified as sexists, racists, and xenophobes.  Thank you, Love!

The interest in TAW seems to be growing/waning. Why do you think that is?

Given the discussion of formally incorporating TAW, I would have to say interest is growing.  I find TAW appealing because we aspire to take the moral high ground.  Like many other organizations, we gather because we have fun.  By holding each other to higher standards than society demands, we create a gaming environment that anyone can join.

What do you think will change about TAW over the next five years?

TAW will adjust to match the gaming environment.  So long as people continue to support the annual BF and CoD franchise, TAW will maintain their support of those franchises.  I predict TAW will see its largest growth through MMOs and we will have to adjust our structures to meet the varied gameplay environments..  Planetside 2 will be going strong with at least seven continents, new gameplay mechanics, more vehicles, more class abilities, and amazing cosmetics.

What do you do when you aren't working, volunteering?

I love action-comedies like Farscape, Firefly (Jayne!), and Lethal Weapon, but its my wife, Risari, that makes life worth living.

 

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