Interview with a vampire (Feature)

A one on one interview with the CEO and creator of ‘Jacmus Prime’ Matt Paulsen (Creator) and Sam Williams (Interviewer)

Sam:

So, Matt, since Jacmus went down to be replaced by Eden, many people have still stayed true to their origins. I suppose this is shown the most with you, being the one to finally put it together and re-build it. How hard has it been for you to do this?

Matt:

Well, in all actuality this wasn’t the idea from the start. I had previously retired from RP, and there was really little I hadn’t accomplished. I was in chat with a friend of mine one evening; Ross. We were reminiscing over past things and eventually got around to the topic of realm building. That’s where my inspiration started.

From there, I though about what things made RP . .fun, like it’s supposed to be? What could take me back to those older days I loved so much, when everyone wanted to RP frequently, and weren’t so caught up in exact rules?

I realise that Jacmus had all of this, because it was a loose-based system with really next-to-no rules, but merely followed guidelines, and was just generally more of a place for people to gather and let their imaginations run free.

From there, I nearly immediately devised a plan on how all this could be relived, and set to work on creating it. With a little help from my friends of course.

I suppose the hardest part about all of it is, people being skeptical about the whole thing, but I don’t let it bring me down. The role-play speaks volumes alone.

Sam:

Has there been much work for you to attend to while the realm is up and running? Or do you just try to relax and let things come to you as they do?

Matt:

Lately, I’ve been running myself ragged when I’m actually on here, helping people with plots and characters and questions about the realm, trying to draw in new RPers when I find the time, and writing up the content for the realm itself. It gets a bit hectic at times, but when times get rough I have a great staff and friends always ready to back me up with a bit of help.

Sam:

So, the RP seems to be going well enough. What are you views on it so far?

Matt:

The RP is awesome. The plotlines that have been running are some of the best I’ve seen/participated in so far, I like to believe that speaks volumes in itself. I hope to keep it up and keep people interesting in returning to play their characters. I’ve had many people come to me who just after RPing for their first time in the Realm; tell me how awesome the atmosphere and the stories are that are taking place.

Sam:

Some of the more skeptical players say that only the more ‘elite’ players from RP have been accepted into the Realm. What are your thoughts on this?

Matt:

Well, all players are accepted of course, though many of the current players are veterans we do have many younger players in our midst as well. I think these accusations are made my people who can’t let go of ‘elite, reg, veteran’ caste and realise that we’re all RPers…

One thing that surprises me is where the players come from, we have players on every level coming from nearly every realm to take place in Jacmus-Prime . .for the sake of the RP.

Sam:

Are you worried about the time when Jacmus-Prime may just become, once more, a fallen realm? What then?

Matt:

Of course the thought has crossed my mind more than once; I can’t deny that. Yet, I try not to dwell on such things, and rather work hard to keep it from happening. I don’t believe it will die so long as there is a want for role-play.

Sam:

And I don’t doubt there will always be want for it. On a personal note, how’re you coping with being the CEO of the realm? Any changes in lifestyle?

Matt:

As I said before I keep myself almost constantly busy when I’m around — which is perhaps more often than I used to be — helping other RPers with plot and character ideas, writing for the page, and playing my own characters as I’m just a roleplayer too. Even when I’m not online I’m continously devising new and better things. What takes perhaps the most time is motivating the players and keepign them interested, it takes all of what I said above and more… RP is a changed world over time, and a lot of people lost heart in it or do even now, and I try to keep that from happening and remind them why we’re here.

IRL lifestyle; much the same, I won’t get into specifics. . but I manage to run juggle both online and RL matters rather well and keep up with both of them.

Sam:

And do you expect to be able to keep on juggling these when the realm becomes bigger, and more hectic? If so, will you fall back on your friends in this time? Or do you know they’ll always be there to help you, as they’ve shown before?

Matt:

I expect to be able to keep up for the most part, as the way the realm is fasioned to where each player is the teller of their own story, they can decide who they want or don’t want to RP with, and if a player gets out of hand, surely they can be ignored or asked to tone it down a bit. Each player carries their own responsibility and often also look out for one another, so it’s almost self-running.. Beyond that, I have a highly talented staff and many friends ready to help in any way they can if they are needed, but oftentimes the players can sort out problems on their own..

Sam:

What do you think about some of the people in the realm who are just going around, trying to be supirior over other chatters? Do you think there will be many of these in JP?

Matt:

Surely it’s bound to happen anywhere, some people view this game and perhaps all games as a competition, and without realising what makes a good RPer often call themselves ‘better’ and attempt to descriminate against other Role-Players. However, I try to keep it to that the focus is on the RP, ’cause once you’re IC who you are OOC doesn’t really matter all that much.. From ‘elite’ to ‘newbie’ we’re all here for the same thing; I try to remind people of that fact.

Sam:

What problems have you run into so far while running the realm? Any serious ones we should, or shouldn’t know about?

Matt:

Well it’s been pretty problem free so far, the largest problem is probably that people keep wanting to believe there is a competition between the realms. If someone says something even near being considered bad about another realm, it immediately comes back to me. I don’t like the fact that people actually -look- for ways to start up this competition and can’t realise that Role-Play is Role-Play, no matter where it is.

Sam:

What do you have planned for the future of JP Role-Play? I hope you have some big things in line, ’cause we’re all looking forward to it.

Matt:

-Grins!- Wouldn’t -you- like to know? 😉

Sam:

*laughs* Matt, I bet we’d all like to know. Keeping it under tight wraps, then?

Matt:

Not necessarily . . word gets around enough as is. I like at least -some- people to be surprised.

Sam:

Well, Matt, it’s been a pleasure having you this evening, and I’m sure all JP’ers will be happy with this small insight into the life of Matt, and JP. Thanks again.

Matt:

You’re welcome. 😀