Interviews  

  Thump4  2004-03-03  
Here is an interview with Thump4 from Fired, the only American clan participating in this season of NQR. Despite their bad pings in Europe they're doing surprisingly well in division 2, having lost only one close game against NRU. They also seem like a really nice clan with great sportmanship and nice tactics. So I grabbed Thump4 at irc and had a chat with him.
 
1. First state your real name, age, location, occupation and what do you do on your spare time besides playing QW?
Jeff McShane; Age: 17 (born 4/10/86); Radnor, Pennsylvania (Philly suburbs), USA; Currently a high school senior (will attend New York Institute of Technology under a 4-year Air Force rotc scholarship); On my free time, I go out with my friends, compose music, play baseball + basketball, read, play chess, play cards, etc.
 
2. Where did you get your nickname from?
Thumper -> Thump3r -> Thumpa -> ThumpA -> Thump4. I used to love the movie Bambi (Disney) when I was a kid. Thumper (the foot-tapping rabbit) was my favorite character. See, Thumper and I have a lot in common: we both get twitterpated and we both like to tap. I'm also a drummer, and an awesome "mobile human drum machine".
 
3. For how long have you played QW, how did you get in touch with it and tell me a bit about your QW background (clans/projects etc)?
My brother Wast3d and his friend Fr3ud (LoD-M0nk3y) taught me how to play, and I began playing Quake when I was about 9 years old (took many long breaks since then). I have four close brothers, and we would always battle eachother on my Dad's little network (slowest machines ever). My entry into the Internet Gaming scene was through mPlayer. If anyone remembers mPlayer (www.mplayer.com), their used to be a heavy online scene where players could pay and play for ranks. I was originally known as UFD-6-Thump3r, then changed my name to Thump4 when I moved to QuakeWorld Clan Arena. Quite unfortunate, but not regrettable, is the fact that Clan Arena molded me as a gamer. Only two years ago did I enter the QWDM scene, so you could say I'm fresh off.
 
4. Do you play any other games besides QW?
Other computer games that I play include Diablo II and Quake 3. I'm not a big fan of Quake 3, because the movement engine needs work, and it's too simple. Chess is fun, because it's always a fair game, and a challenge. I'm a pretty big poker fan too.
 
5. What kind of music do you listen to, and which is your favourite movie? :)
If this isn't the question of the hour, I don't know what is. Music is my life. I eat, sleep, and breathe beats. Furthermore, I always choose to make music over listening to it, and listening to it plagues my ability to be 100% creative. However, I enjoy listening to bands like Alice in Chains, Disturbed, Limp Bizkit, Eminem, and Tupac. Music in general is a cool subject. My favorite movie is The Butterfly Effect.
 
6. What do you think about that Arnold was elected governator? Good or bad?
I think arnold is the MAN...GET OUT OF HEAH AYAYAYA. Nobody should put Mr. Schwarzenegger down by any means. He has invisioned the American Dream his whole life, and not too long ago did he live up to that dream. I spent about two years of my life living in California, and I know that one governing phase can't dramatically change the way the society functions. If it were him alone governing the (largest) state, it would be a mess, but his team is strong altogether, especially on education and law reform policy.
 
7. Let's talk about Fired, when and how was it founded? Also tell me something about the other members :)
Fired used to be called F--king Fired. It was founded by Bronx, Blakbeard, and Squeeze about three years ago (before the Genocide 5 tournament in USA). I joined when I was still hpb on dialup. As far as I've been concerned, the most important theme of the team is teamwork, and we're always yelling at eachother for little mistakes. Playing in europe helps, because it helps us focus on more important mistakes. About the members, well, they're all hella gay (except for Squeeze maybe). Bronx and Blakbeard hate me because I still CA sometimes. Bronx is good, but not that good (although he owned me the first day of the lan). Blakbeard is awesome at timing quads, but he chokes too much (on you know what). They're both awesome tp'ers. Squeeze is a bot, is also great at communication, and with his shitty computer, sometimes you just wonder how he gets the job done. Everyone is turning into some 4vs4 qwdm freak, although I like to keep it balanced between duels, 2vs2's, 4vs4's, etc.
 
8. It seemed NA had a pretty large QW community not so many years ago. What happened, did it die?
Games like Quake 3, Counter-Strike, and Unreal have taken over the scene here. Actually, gamers tend to treat games like fashion (go with what's in style). The common gamer thinks Quake 1 is old, and looks ridiculous. Also, intense gamers will tend to go after the money over the love of the game.
 
9. Are there any active clans left in NA for you to play, besides AG?
I see AG playing rarely on servers here. They're usually battling in pub games vs newbs, or vs eachother. Other than them, no one is left. Fired has pretty much evaded the NA scene because of this. In addition, the general skill level is much lower here (now). So it's best for us to stay with the european scene so we don't lose our skill.
 
10. Many people are amazed by your performances in NQR6 so far, having won 5 out of 6 games. What's the secret behind your success? :)
Well, I cheat, and I think Squeeze does too. No. Actually, it's the hard-work, dedication, communication, and most importantly, determination. About a year ago, I had no idea how to play in a 4vs4 tdm match. Since then, I've learned from my teammates in every aspect of the game. WE SHOULD HAVE WON GAME 6! Hehe
 
11. How does the ping affect the way you play? Does it force you to rely more on tactics than aim etc.?
Yes. Tactics are everything nowadays. Ping is just a factor that can be overcome both mentally and by means of practice. One can learn to aim well with 100+ pings. In my eyes, 100 ping is good, considering I've recently switched from dialup. I can see how sometimes people from Sweden and Finland complain about playing on UK servers. It just depends on perspective and where you're coming from.
 
12. After the game vs GTG, which you won, there was an argument regarding pings (other clans having to play on UK servers). What is your opinion on the matter and what is the solution? Should there be split divisions based on location on the globe (like in Smackdown) and are there even enough clans outside of Europe for this to be possible?
There are not enough clans for a league like Smackdown to exist. If we are forced to play with 200 avg pings, so be it...we'll duke it out (and we'll continue not to complain). Only makes us better players right? Ping isn't that big of a deal, and believe me, it's not worth whining over. My suggestion: Deal with it. Playing with 60 ping instead of 20 will help you adapt to different situations, and it will make you a better player in general.
 
13. What do you think about the development of clients like FuhQuake and QW in general?
I think it's amazing that people like fuh still dedicate time to the client making area of Quake 1. The features are great, and keep the game modernized. Keep up the good work.
 
14. What do you think about NQR and what can be improved in the future?
I think NQR is very organized, and the staff is extremely 'on the ball' with tasks. I just wish more American teams existed, but I guess some Europeans wish otherwise. Overall, NQR is good. My only suggestion would be to recruit Administrative personel that are dedicated fans, and are not part of current clans, for this prevents clan BIAS among various situations.
 
15. The NA scene is getting a small revival with the upcoming "ESReality Online 3" QW 1on1 invite tournament. What are your expectations on the event and who do you think will be in the final?
I'm quite enthusiastic about this. Although it's different playing on my home servers, I could get used to it for a little bit. Personally, I think Def will win. He's the most active dueler, and has been dominating the 1vs1 scene here for a while. Although I feel I will put up a good challenge, I'm not sure if I have what it takes to win yet.
 
16. Finally, who are your favourites to win NQR6?
I enjoy watching Firing Squad play. With smart players, such as Blitz and Reppie, they're always awesome to watch. In my eyes, they're the "underdogs of the top 3", and I hope they win div1. I hope Fired wins div2. :O
 
17. Last words, anyone you wanna say hi to?
I'll shout out to mah bro tRu-Kev (he's finally getting into the quake), and my brothers Justin and Ryan. Hollahs....and Death shall have no dominion.
 
18. Thanks for letting me abuse your time, and best of luck the rest of the season!
It was an honor. Thanks.
 
Comments
 
Goljat - 80.221.43.154 2004-03-03 18:22:35
la onda!
     
moris - 146.102.89.69 2004-03-03 19:15:03
nice interview. we europeans should learn from F how not-to-whine. hf/gl in future games
     
Hagge - 217.210.145.76 2004-03-03 19:36:58
"I enjoy watching Firing Squad play. With smart players, such as Blitz and Reppie, they're always awesome to watch." lol thump4.. blitz haven?t been active for like over a year B> maybe u mean blixem? well over to more important things! the interview was really nice.. and you should all watch fired play because they rock.. I was kinda amazed by thump4s aim with the 100 ms :[] gj!
     
Thump4 - 147.31.4.3 2004-03-03 19:59:55
Heh. I always thought that blixem and blitz were the same person. Apparently not. They're both excellent players though.
     
clox - 194.236.143.10 2004-03-03 20:08:35
Thump4, what is Air Force rotc scholarship?
     
xhrl - 142.22.16.54 2004-03-03 22:16:26
excellent interview. very well thought out questions and answers... all strength and honour to fired!
     
Legio! - 81.224.220.25 2004-03-03 22:39:54
Nice and interresting interview :)!
     
Hagge - 217.210.145.76 2004-03-04 00:07:51
hehe well it can?t be easy to know when blixem is changing nick 24/7 :[
     
apokalypze - 213.114.8.4 2004-03-04 00:28:53
nede slugfest-interview!
     
manu - 130.235.174.146 2004-03-04 01:11:21
Yeah Fired guys are some great guys :> with some solid teamplay!
     
menth0l - 82.181.5.243 2004-03-04 03:48:52
Fired are the kind of clan i'd like to see more of on the scene. Great teamplay and great attitudes. Nice interview too :}
     
c5 - 24.157.56.147 2004-03-04 05:18:09
<3 where's my shoutout?
     
error - 213.114.96.121 2004-03-04 10:42:45
omg, I knew they cheated.
     
Bronx - 128.119.128.137 2004-03-04 16:34:50
f|thump4 = most unhittable player in qw :), nice interview jeff.
     
Thump4 - 147.31.4.3 2004-03-04 18:28:41
clox Wrote " Thump4, what is Air Force rotc scholarship? " Because of the amount of siblings I have, I have been forced to find the most efficient means of paying for school. Other than full four year academic or athletic scholarships, there is something called Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC). This means, instead of taking the rocky and inefficient road of going through the military right out of high school, one can remain on track by taking college first. During their initial 4-year college 'career', the student must take a course each semester pertaining to military training in the required branch, whether it be Army, Air Force, or Navy. Additionally, the student must wake up at 4:00 in the morning on various days to perform PT (physical training) with the squad. Furthermore, after the sophomore year of college, there are summer trips that the squads attend, which are renowned for being extremely fun. After the four years of school is completed, the student will then go on duty as an Officer in training in their respective field. The Training stage lasts for about two years, but then you're an officer from then on. This is much better than just going into the workforce right after school, because it's a guaranteed job...guaranteed profit...and guaranteed responsibility (not to mention the prestige of being an Officer.) Evidently, these four year rotc scholarships are hard to come by, for they are very competitive. It may even be beneficial for students to take ROTC without scholarships. Air Force happens to be perfect for me because they are more involved with technology, have better equipment than the Army.
     
forsberg - 80.161.86.188 2004-03-05 15:53:50
Nice stuff, good to hear something from over there :)
     
muff - 68.41.75.121 2004-05-03 16:30:02
"Air Force happens to be perfect for me because they are more involved with technology, have better equipment than the Army." And they treat you like an actual human being. Unlike other branches of our military.
     
 
 
 

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