Interview
Swordroll
Q: What inspired you to create your website?
A: Looking back, I think I saw a lot of other websites, and thought I'd enjoy having my own. Besides that, I spent a lot of time here on Central posting various guides and threads. A website allowed me to share all of that and more. Having my own blog was and is a way to share opinions, news, and more.
Q: How did the name "Swordroll" become your site name?
A: Well, put simply, Swordroll's Blog became the name due to a lack of anything better. Now that I think about it, I'm glad that I chose the name - it covers Wizard101, Pirate101, and anything else I might need to talk about in the future. It also associated the website with my name. There are several websites where you have to search for the author.
The name Swordroll itself actually has a long and complicated history that stretches across multiple games.
Q: Do you enjoy creating new posts on your website, or has it become more of a chore?
A: Well, look at it this way - I'm not official in Wizard101 or Pirate101, I'm not paid or rewarded, etc. In fact, a lot of the community doesn't know that small blogs like mine exist. So I do it because I really, truly enjoy it. There's nothing like seeing a finished post all ready to go. Beyond that, I enjoy the design, marketing, and formatting aspects of a website as well. And I suppose I do get rewarded in a way - it's pretty awesome to see the appreciation some users have for small sites.
Q: What about the direction of the game? Do you like where it is headed with all of these updates?
A: I assume you're asking only about Wizard, here? Well, I think that the game is well-established and it's something that, as of now, is entirely unique. It's a family-friendly game that offers different challenges and levels of depth for all ages - I'll admit, it doesn't seem like something I'd initially be interested in. I'm sure glad I gave it a try. I think that PvP could use some real work, and I think that's a top priority, as that's one of those levels of depth for the most experience players.
I know that KingsIsle is a company and needs to make money, but I do hope that they'll consider their time spent on new bundles/hoards vs. content vs. fixing past updates. Not long ago, I had a good friend quit Wizard101 for Pirate, and they said that Wizard has simply become too overrun with hoards and begging. Before that moment, I figured the hoard complainers were just those that got unlucky with their purchases. Now I knew it was serious. She also noted that she'd probably leave Pirate101 for the next game once it became the same way. Woah, red flag, KI!
I think they've also got to worry that other companies are catching on. Wizard101 is going to need more systems like pets, gardening, and those activities. It's going to not just need new content, but new types of content. The worlds will eventually have to change in some way, either with more complex puzzles, or various possible quest courses, or something. Pirate101 has an advantage there because battles can be shaped to do just about anything.
Really, I think they're doing a good job. It's one or two things here or there that need looked at.
Q: I'm sure you are very busy, how do you manage to work on your website and do all of your real life needs?
A: Yeah, life isn't any too slow, and it sure doesn't wait on my blogging. I've actually said for a long time that I really like the idea of being the one mind behind all of Swordroll's Blog. I think that you sometimes don't realize the work that goes into a one-man website.
Managing both real life and the website is actually pretty tough, especially since just about everyone seems to prefer a higher quantity of posts over longer ones. I always shoot for quality, and, consequently, post less. That doesn't help the fact that I'm busy, but I find time for blogging - like I said, I really love it.
Q: Do you work alone on this site?
A: Whoops - answered this one already! Yep, it's just me. That being said, the success and functionality is largely due to the personal help of a variety of friends, but all of the content that you read, the design, the guides, etc. is all done by me. And if you ever see something on the website, it went through me first. Comments, posts, everything. That's one part that I really do like, because not everyone takes the time to check that out, and it's had some negative consequences for some big names.
Q: Do you have any messages for fans on upcoming events on your site?
A: Well, I have been hinting back and forth about various posts in the works, specifically my Mapping the Spiral endeavors, though I foresee those being completed sometime much later. If you're not familiar with the concept, I'll be attempting to make a physical map of the Spiral with one of the community's top artists, and working alongside a number of other people to get there. The series comes in two "seasons" of ten posts each, each one having its own distinct topic in the map creation. While the actual map of the positioning of every Wizard101 and Pirate101 world will be pretty neat, I think it'll almost be neater to see the process by which I go about doing it. Whew! That was a lot of talk for something that's as far from completion as this is!
What's actually happening now is a proposed annual event called Wizards vs. Pirates. Polls are open on three sites, and discussion is being facilitated in even more places. What's great is that it isn't called "Wizard101 vs. Pirate101" so it isn't necessarily the games themselves so much as the players commenting. The event is a pilot of sorts, so I'm seeing how it works out this March, and based on that, it may or may not return next year.
Beyond that, I've got my 300th post coming up. And by coming up, I mean that I'm at 299 right now. This'll be one that's longer than normal and deals with a major potential reference in Pirate101 - one that hasn't been explored too thoroughly. Whether or not it's an actual reference, I'm not sure, but you're going to think that it is after this post!
Thanks for the interview; it's as much an opportunity for me as for you!