The Art of Warfare Blogs: TAW Blogs

In-The-Scope: QuinoaAOC

TAW Media recently sat down with its SDO to discuss the TAW Newsletter and to find out what makes the Editor-In-Chief of FromTheBattlefield tick.

1.You been running the TAW newsletter since January of 2012 (longer than the previous STLs before you), what are some of the things
you like about being the Editor-in-Chief.

While I do dip into my DND channel and zone out for a few hours writing and working on lay outs and such from time to time, thus avoiding any drama or other such distractions that come with being in a gaming community, the best part overall is getting to interact on a personal level with every single division in TAW regardless of whether or not I have the game. To really hang around and get to know someone in say, CH, you kind of need to have Company of Heroes. Not because you can't go hang out in another channel, as we all know you can, but because you often find yourself as kind of a third wheel when you aren't involved in the activities of that channel. Because of my duties with media, I always have a purpose when I join a channel so I don't feel like I'm just that annoying voice trying to converse while you game.  

2.What are some of the plans you have in store for 2013's TAW Newsletter?

Nothing really big as far as the articles are concerned though I would like to see a few more unique pieces like Shadowmage's Indie Game Corner crop up. Mainly I hope to see TAWcast revived to replace the video spotlight segment and an increased presence of TAW shop deals to drive up traffic for both of those ventures.

3.Where does the name QuinoaAOC originate from?

My main character in Age of Conan was Quinoa. I was recruited by TAW and the DC screwed up my first application so I had to re-apply to TAW. because my callsign was now taken, I tacked AOC on the end for Age of Conan,

4.Out of all of the medals and badges you have earned, which one do you cherish the most? Also, how have you managed to move up the ranks without a Gump medal. What's your secret Q?

Tough to say. I'm proud of my PVP badge mainly because TAW was never a commanding PVP presence in AOC yet a handful of us still managed to carve out a reputation on the server. Being recognized for PVP in AOC is kind of a big deal. I'm also partial to my Medal of Resilience. I went through a lot of nonsense and had more than a few run-ins with the dreaded drama trolls before I established myself in media and rose above it. As for the no Gump thing...I try to minimize my mistakes and I don't mouth off in forums about not having a Gump. However...I kind of feel like I just stepped on a landmine...  

5.Outside of TAW, what are some of your hobbies?

I was, once upon a time, a professional kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and trainer. Injuries took that career but I still train and I run a mixed martial arts website with my girlfriend. (shameless plug warning) www.mmagospel.com 

Also, I'm a crack shot with a single action .45. If it's a handgun, I can put them all in the ten ring.

6.Which of the games in TAW do you enjoy playing?

Another tough one. As an old school Unreal Tournament nut, I like the more pure FPSs like Black Ops but Age of Conan brought me here and World of Warplanes is my current addiction though it isn't even out of closed beta yet.

7.What's the number #1 thing on your Christmas list this year.

Haven't really thought about it too much...breakfast is always on up there though. I come from a foodie family and Christmas breakfast was the highlight of my year when Momma was alive.

8. How would someone interested in joining the newsletter team apply? What makes a good candidate.

To apply, email me or find me in TS. A good candidate is real easy. You either A) Can use Google and know how to find and copy paste links to articles that are relevant to TAW or B) are a half-way literate writer who has an idea for a column related to TAW, I can edit most anything to come out decent as long as it isn't complete gibberish. Regardless, you need to be willing to do a little work and have the ability to keep a deadline.

9. Why did you join TAW? What is it about TAW that makes a member go above the call of duty and contribute your time and talent to the community?

I joined TAW when I returned to AoC to find my old guild was extinct. I tried to rebuild it at first with some success but ended up abandoning it altogether. I was running around a PVP zone when I teamed up with Woodnwag and a few others and the extended the offer to join TAW. I knew TAW was good because I competed against them when my guild was thriving, so I accepted.

For me, it's a matter of community. I am in TAW not because of the games as much as the companionship. I have built so lasting friendships in TAW that don't disappear when Game X shuts down its servers. The least I can do is add a few more articles to the list I already write for my website to held promote the solidarity of the community across all divisions. 

10. Do you have anything you would like to share?

To any of our new members, don't take for granted that TAW is like any other clan you've ever been in. We have our rules and practices and other policies that may seem a little more serious than expected for a bunch of gamers, but those are the things that make TAW a place where you can play every game you ever load into you computer and still have a group of good guys and gals to team up with.

To our old members, don't take for granted that TAW being TAW is enough to keep that statement true. Take the time to reach out and spend some time with those other divisions and keep TAW strong and unified.