Stratics Continues Under New Management
In 1997 Ryan Findley founded what would eventually become Stratics in connection with Ultima Online as a source for information and interaction with a community of players and the developers of UO.
In the following years, Stratics continued to grow along with the community eventually expanding to other games and stands today, almost 13 years later, as a communication source and guide for news and information on your favorite MMO.
In January 2010, Justin Hall took over as General Manager with the goal of positive forward momentum for all gaming, old and new. While Ryan Den Dragon will always be referred to as Stratic's founder, we look forward to testing the waters with JHall at its helm.
We asked Justin to answer a few questions for us to become familiar with our new GM and the experience he hopes to bring to Stratics Central.
Can you start by telling us a bit about your past experiences in gaming and fan sites that lend towards leading this site at the start of a new decade?
First of all, let me thank you for this opportunity to sit down with the community, I appreciate you're time and the time of all of our staff members!
I've been playing UO since beta, and I've played every major MMO, and more or less every major game title, that's been released in the last 15 years. Gaming is in my blood, and I understand the wants and needs of gamers. Moving forward we're going to design and operate Stratics in a way that will cater to these needs by offering the most in-depth, news, guides, walk-throughs, and editorial available.
What made you decide Stratics was the right venue for you?
It's been a website I've read every few days for 13 years, I've known Den for a long time, and I've always had an overwhelming desire to make things succeed.
What are your short and long term goals for Stratics Central?
In the short term: There's lots to learn. I need to meet with the CM's (Community Managers) for every section of the site and focus on getting the sections updated. I'm going to be updating some of the
systems the site uses to make it easier for people to use and navigate, and I'm going to involve myself a little more in the community - possibly with some good giveaways and bringing more volunteers on board to manage some of our currently non-updated sections.
Are there plans to host more contests for gamers and if so could you name a few ideas?
Excellent lead in! Yes, the plan is to spice things up a bit with a few contests and things to get people using and enjoying the site more. Contest goodies will range from gaming monitors, mice, keyboards, and headsets to any number of different game gear items. It'll all fall under the "cool stuff only" rule.
While many volunteers offer their experience and time to Stratics, there is always room for more help as the evolution of the site continues. What type of incentives do you hope to offer anyone ready to hop aboard?
Well something I've always believed in is rewarding kindness. Taking on a volunteer position to post editorial and educate people about the more difficult areas of a game is a pretty awesome thing to do. I'd like to reward people with exclusive staff only contests, and exclusive game gear we'll get from our relationship with developers.
Keeping in mind that Ultima Online became the start of Stratics Central, specifically what are your feelings towards UO and the community that has stuck by these forums for almost 13 yrs now?
I still play constantly, I've always been a fan and I think it's safe to say...You and I...we're in the same boat. forward, forward, back one, back one, drop anchor.
We look forward to testing out our new GM and the goals he has for staff and community improvements at the start of this New Year. Thank you, Justin for taking the time to let us get to know you a bit.
Interview by AirmidCecht
More...
In 1997 Ryan Findley founded what would eventually become Stratics in connection with Ultima Online as a source for information and interaction with a community of players and the developers of UO.
In the following years, Stratics continued to grow along with the community eventually expanding to other games and stands today, almost 13 years later, as a communication source and guide for news and information on your favorite MMO.
In January 2010, Justin Hall took over as General Manager with the goal of positive forward momentum for all gaming, old and new. While Ryan Den Dragon will always be referred to as Stratic's founder, we look forward to testing the waters with JHall at its helm.
We asked Justin to answer a few questions for us to become familiar with our new GM and the experience he hopes to bring to Stratics Central.
Can you start by telling us a bit about your past experiences in gaming and fan sites that lend towards leading this site at the start of a new decade?
First of all, let me thank you for this opportunity to sit down with the community, I appreciate you're time and the time of all of our staff members!
I've been playing UO since beta, and I've played every major MMO, and more or less every major game title, that's been released in the last 15 years. Gaming is in my blood, and I understand the wants and needs of gamers. Moving forward we're going to design and operate Stratics in a way that will cater to these needs by offering the most in-depth, news, guides, walk-throughs, and editorial available.
What made you decide Stratics was the right venue for you?
It's been a website I've read every few days for 13 years, I've known Den for a long time, and I've always had an overwhelming desire to make things succeed.
What are your short and long term goals for Stratics Central?
In the short term: There's lots to learn. I need to meet with the CM's (Community Managers) for every section of the site and focus on getting the sections updated. I'm going to be updating some of the
systems the site uses to make it easier for people to use and navigate, and I'm going to involve myself a little more in the community - possibly with some good giveaways and bringing more volunteers on board to manage some of our currently non-updated sections.
Are there plans to host more contests for gamers and if so could you name a few ideas?
Excellent lead in! Yes, the plan is to spice things up a bit with a few contests and things to get people using and enjoying the site more. Contest goodies will range from gaming monitors, mice, keyboards, and headsets to any number of different game gear items. It'll all fall under the "cool stuff only" rule.
While many volunteers offer their experience and time to Stratics, there is always room for more help as the evolution of the site continues. What type of incentives do you hope to offer anyone ready to hop aboard?
Well something I've always believed in is rewarding kindness. Taking on a volunteer position to post editorial and educate people about the more difficult areas of a game is a pretty awesome thing to do. I'd like to reward people with exclusive staff only contests, and exclusive game gear we'll get from our relationship with developers.
Keeping in mind that Ultima Online became the start of Stratics Central, specifically what are your feelings towards UO and the community that has stuck by these forums for almost 13 yrs now?
I still play constantly, I've always been a fan and I think it's safe to say...You and I...we're in the same boat. forward, forward, back one, back one, drop anchor.
We look forward to testing out our new GM and the goals he has for staff and community improvements at the start of this New Year. Thank you, Justin for taking the time to let us get to know you a bit.
Interview by AirmidCecht
More...
