BLOCK LEADER INTERVIEW Block Leader: HolodocDR BL/Spatial Anomalies/Virtual Worlds
By: KarinBR
1- Doc, what are the attributes you consider indispensable in a BL?
The Block Leader is a highly underestimated position. BL's have their fingers on the pulse of the Cybertown community. We are the liaison between the citizen and governing bodies. We're closest to the residents and are aware of any concerns or general change in climate. We're the ones who present residential concerns to upper management.
2- What are the things a BL can do for his/her block beside the inherent job duties?
Keep it active. The report we fill out is for the Neighborhood official's benefit, but there's more to the job. A BL should make their block appealing enough for people to settle there, give them a reason to. If your block has a theme, remember that a prospective resident is often attracted to the theme first. Do theme-related activities to keep the board active and the residents interested. We throw a lot of parties, and I try to make them a little more involved than just standing around and staring at each other's avatars.
3-I know you take the utmost pride in your job and in your BL title. Would you tell why?
Together with my BD's we do all right! We were only a minute handful when we started in CT, and the "family" has grown. I offer residents an opportunity to win spending money with trivia contests, which means that they can earn something along the block's theme rather than lure someone not interested in it who just wants a CA job. I've seen too many people hired to run blocks, or what amounts to bribing someone with a menial job to add to the block's head count. Often they have no interest, and that doesn't make them happy or contribute to a block's morale and from there the hood. It's just great to have been able to hold a stable block and attract the occasional settler because they like the subject and like us.
4-I visited your awesome pages online , and I could see the devotion you have for the series. What do you think is the contribution of " Star Trek " in the forming of characters and reinforcement of good qualities?
Thank you :) Star Trek comprises several series, I tend to focus on one of them. However Star Trek the Legacy has influenced science and technology for the past few decades, and figures into any vision where the improved quality of life and living includes everyone. No doubt this is why most of our colonies have at least one Star Trek block, and Sci-Fi itself has at least one in each other mentioned hood, It is about a time when people of all races and species coexist with mutual respect for one another, and benefit from each others' revelations to form a single, enlightened society. Take a look at a citywide meeting in 3D sometime. Tell me you don't see the diversity of how we see ourselves, yet share the same concerns.
Many of my sites focus on the Doctor, a sentient holographic projection. I've enjoyed delving into the depths of his character. As he is so popular among Trek fans, I'm just surprised that there are so few sites devoted to him beyond my own.
5-Where do you research for the wonderful material in your webline work and also the frequent trivia contests you promote ?
I've studied the Doctor, and combine that with what knowledge I have of his character with the nature of computer programs (which is what he is) to write his part in fiction and role play. As for the illustrations, I've been an artist since I was about four, and never stopped drawing.
The Trek Trivia Time contests I hold on my block's message board are taken in part from my head and usually researched further. I try to run a set of questions with a common theme across various eras to involve fans of all ages. We have met a lot of like-minded friends along the way, and have now opened the trivia up to include anyone in CT. I've helped a lot of newbies get some nice furniture for their new homes. I remember how it was when I started, and it's satisfying to see them all happy that they won a few thousand cc's.
6-What is the importance HolodocDR has in your life?
The Doctor is an artificial intelligence with brilliant abilities but poor social skills. He gradually evolved into a fully realized individual. Despite his initial traits - and any human faults he acquired along the way - the Doctor upheld his ethics. Within a few years, he became the epitome of bedside manner and a member of his crew's "family." I'd like to think that despite my similarly blunt and hopelessly cynical nature, I will never lose my integrity and obligation to my residents. Like a healer who has taken an oath, I am committed to help people in any way I can.
7-How many hours a day you do spend in your computer, and how do you administrate this time?
I live online. LOL. I work for a website, so I'm always on the net for my job. Since most of my friends moved away from this area, I have relied more and more on the Internet to remain in touch with them. Some live with me in CT :) As a New Yorker, I walk a lot, and there are some friends left to meet after work on occasion, so I'm still physically active off the PC.
8-I know that you are a loyal and reliable friend , how do you cope with your Cybertown friends, when they are your BDs?
Surprisingly enough, one doesn't impact the other. When I was first a BD, I set up a list of residents in Excel to take the info down from house to house. It's very easy to do the house checking by this method, and some BL and ND acquaintances have since adopted this technique. I give each BD a specific thing to check in all homes. This way they become familiar with an aspect of the block as a whole. They have Excel too, so the work is easy and they simply Email me their updated file. We'll go over any notable entries (an upcoming experience milestone, a house nearing the 30-day mark, etc), and I refer to the reports throughout the week as situations develop. They also help out with trivia contests and the like; we host them together, with me as the outspoken MC. ;)
9-Have you read the code of ethics regarding to Cybertown Leaders (in which you, as Block Leader , are included), created by Mayor Flyby?
I did indeed. Admittedly, I didn't see it when I first took on a BD job, and on occasion I might have been a touch too acidic when I was young and oh, so green. But I read it and realized that even on the BD level, we set an example for our block, hood, colony, and city. Our conduct as city servants will be even more integral come January. We must never forget our priorities, and that a title is nothing if you cannot contribute to the comfort and enjoyment of your residents. If status and money is why you signed up, then you're in the wrong line of work.
10-This is a free space which I ask you to fill with something you would like to see in this interview.
This is not a CDROM game and we are not pre-programmed characters. We are all real on the other side of our connections. The nature of the place is irrelevant, the people are. Some are here because things are so distressing in their home lives or region, and we've given them hope that there are others who share their beliefs and interests. Some have medical disabilities, and here they may cast off their physical burdens and be entities who can dance and fly. Some have methodical work all day long, and come to Cybertown to get away from the stress of their daily ratrace. Some may have been victims of crimes and have withdrawn psychologically; the family atmosphere and surreal environment of Cybertown eases them out of their shells and back into society. We all have a story, and we all must respect this of each other. The vast majority of people come to CT for a better time than what they otherwise would have, and this must not be taken from them.