Dr. Shazaam
Nov 12, 2010 10:25:32 GMT -5
Post by OWC President on Nov 12, 2010 10:25:32 GMT -5
Dr. Shazaam
Former assistant to Boss Ice, this man served from the opening days of the RRWF and left right at the beginning of the transistion to the SCWF. He gave his time and gave his rping skills to help build the SCWF to the point where it is now. Had it not been for people like him then we may not have had some of the action we saw and some of the organization we had. He was my right hand man for over a year and helped me when I was down as President. He brought the most original rp style we ever saw to the fed and made us laugh and scratch our heads to understand. He is a true legend and an original, there will NEVER be another like him and this is to herald his dedication to the federation and recognize him as our first indcutee ever into our hall of Fame and let him know he is appreciated now and FOREVER more. Dr. Shazaam we thank you. Words cannot express our thanks for all you did for us. Retire in peace and long life. You will be missed.
(Titles held: RRWF World Title, RRWF Hardcore Title)
Dr. Shazaam
The last interview with Dr. Shazaam
This is a shoot interview to where we for the first time sat down with the man BEHIND the character and spoke OUT of character so that you could know more about this person and what it is he did and why. Thanks Matt for doing this...this is one on one with the man himself, Matt Ramsey....enjoy
You are the first inductee into the Hall of Fame..how does it feel?
It truly feels great. I mean, there's so many great guys out there. Some I think might be better than me. When I first heard about this...I was taken aback. I knew people had gotten a kick out of my RPs, but I didn't have that great a win/loss record. Hell I didn't think I deserved some tarnished metal dinner plate signed by the lead singer of LInkin park...But I guess it's more than just a record...it's what you do while you're there. So I'll accept it...but not as the first and most deserving, but just as the first of a few who deserve it just as much.
Let me ask you Matt, what got you into efedding?
It was a mix of two things.
1) I used to play this RPG game in chat rooms of AOL. Kind of like D&D with dice and inventing characters and what not. It was rather in-depth, and it was quite possibly the most fun I ever had on the internet. It was like writing an RP, only the other guy could reply on the spot...and writing a match, only you only wrote what you did...you get the gist. Only that crumbled. Guilds fell apart, rules changed for the worse, dice stopped being used, and it just stopped being fun.
2) My close friend mike did it. He was one of the first, not THE first, but he was doing it early on when it wasn't so prominent. So he had a good foothold, and he would tell me of all the guys he's faced, all the friends he's made, and the RP's (which I assure you are far better than mine...) hes done. It was just like my old AOL RPG...So he helped me out at the beginning, helped me design a character and what not...and there we were.
Where did you rp before you came to the RRWF or SCWF?
the RRWF was actually only my 3rd fed. I started out in PWInc (power wrestling Incorporated) I was the character "Prophet" Whom Mike and I created. He wasn't really mine...he was an evangelist...and frankly I wasn't all that sure how to be one. I didn't create him, he just didn't suit me. (besides the fact it changed owners to some guy I didn't like) So I left, There was an ad for the EFW on the message board for PWInc...so I thought, before I join Mike again...I'm gonna get rid of my training wheels...learn the ropes on my own. That's where Goth came in. I pretty much based him on myself. Goth being a really bad name because I'm not too good with names....I did well with goth. Not great not badly, he started out kind of serious, kind of silly...and that was no good That didn't work, so when it shut down because the boss was crappy, and YOU brought it back up (and up to it's imminent close and the opening of the RRWF) when I became the Dr.Shazaam e know and love.
What is it about roleplaying that made it an option for you?
I don't really know. What is it about anything that makes it an option? Fun, boredom, I always enjoyed writing, I remember back in 8th grade I started writing a story about a kid who killed a lot of people...I finished it in 9th grade...during school, i would sit there and write away at the story, finishing it. It's the same thing. it's the being in another world, being what I want to be, what I couldn't be, but also being myself, without the fear of being judged for being some dorky skinny pale white kid.
What did you like most about rping?
I like the freedom. There are no specific guidelines...and if there were, I said screw 'em...I guess it was a good idea. So heed that advice...if it does you good, do what you want kids!
Was it hard for you to ever get into it, ever asked yourself what you were doing and why?
Not at first...at first, I had so many ideas boiling in my head....and people loved them, I didn't care if I won or lost, because I was having fun (and winning...), and people enjoyed it, and above all I enjoyed it. But near the end...when I wanted to quit was when it happened. I was finding myself un-funny. I was not only losing, but I wasn't even having fun. I really needed a break...I needed to find myself, and what I wanted to be as an RP'er, I think I really matured, and my writing matured, and I just couldn't be the same silly shaz. Although when I came back, I think I kept to the silly shaz, and I think I was just wasted. I was dry, and I needed the time, to let my mind recharge...I also think in the meantime I my sense of humor got much much better
Some people get into rping because it really is a mental escape, was it ever that for you?
It was always that for me. I would put things in there That I wanted to deal with in real life...but maybe I couldn't, I would really let it let me say what I wanted to say, to the world to read, while still under the covers.
Has rping ever conflicted with real life for you? Was it ever an addiction?
Yeah, there were times I'd put my life on hold for the E-fed...and there were times I'd put the e-fed on hold for my life. I tried not to let it interfere all that much because it IS only a game, and I would rather hang out with my friends than sit in front of a monitor. But at the same time there were times I'd turn my away message on and just type for hours on end. It can truly be addicting when You have a good idea and you want to get it down...it plagues the mind
So how long have you been rping now?
Not as long as some, longer than others, I's day two years maybe? If not even that long...Time really isn't very good in my mind...with out writing it down, days can feel like hours sometimes...
Does it seem that long?
I don't know...there are times when it seems SO long ago, and there were times it didn't. it goes on and off
Let me get down to the character stuff, how in the world did you dream UP Dr. Shazaam?
heh. I don't know. I tried to model hom after myself mostly. I have white pants, I had the shoes he wears (still do...I changed 'em 'cause I got new ones hee hee) I have a ninja turtle shirt (though it's red...not white...but it seems more of an outfit...) And I would like to have blue spiky hair...only it's only spiky (as of now..not really when I made him) And the name...well I can't remember where the name came from. I just thought it up..not even for the character, I was using it for user names on sites and things like that, so I was stuck for a name for him sinc Matt Ramsey was HARDLY a name for a wrestler, Dr.Shazaam stuck. And I guess it worked...it kinds just sounds a little silly...
So is he part of you or you or is Dr. Shazaam who you would like to be or what?
He is pretty much ALL me...I mean I write what he does don't I? True I'm not so stupid and incompetent...exactly the opposite, but he is my silly, inner-child
Now if Dr. Shazaam was sitting next to you at a bar what you would say to him?
Well I'd ask him why is friend who is fully visible is named mysterious voice...heh. I don't know... I'd probably just strike up a conversation with him, maybe comment on some stray remark he makes. That's how I usually do things. He's the kind of guy I'd like. He's funny, but not in an immature poop/fart kind of manner. I really respect that in people
How do you dream up the rps you do? They are totally crazy....
Well, it depends...some as you may notice are based on movies or TV shows, or books, something I may see/read, and it will give me some weird outlandish idea for an RP..or just a section of an RP..
What exactly is it you do though? Do you plan this out or do you just sit at the computer and just go for it?
Usually I don't plan them out. if I do, than it's just a basic story line. All the dialogue, and characters are all Me.
We believe that nobodoy has a style like yours, do you see your writing as an actual Style or just something you do?
Well isn't it just like writing a play? I mean it's comedic yes, but people write comedic plays all the time. I don't consider it a style really. Normal writing just with an odd kind of twist to it.
What has been your fondest memory in rping? What was the one thing that had you sit at the computer and just bust out laughing or just give you the warm fuzzies and make you all around happy?
Memories...Something I'm not all that good at. It would have to be with Big Bob. I love my feuds with Diablo and All. but my FIRST match with Big Bob. Boy How I ragged on him. I don't think I ever ragged on somebody as much as I did Big Bob. And that series went on for a LONG time, back and forth, every day, it was popular among the readers too. I just had a lot of fun doing it, adn I still laugh reading some of the things. (Shaz wearing a "big bob for prezident" t-shirt..hee hee)
Now your character, Dr. Shazaam..he is a good guy? If so why did you never make him a bad guy or vice versa?
I hate bad guys. I don't know. I guess it's hard for a funny guy to be taken seriously as a bad guy, I had the bumbling incompetence, I had the henchman, but I was just too fun-loving...and the girls loved me too...
Who is the toughest opponent in rping you have ever had, in ALL federations you have been in?
Toughest was probably Warlord. I faced him once, for the title belt I believe. And he just babled ON AND ONE, for pages, now I'm not knocking him. he does what he does, and he does it well. But it's hard for me, with my silly-ness, to counter 4 pages of smack talk. Sometimes, My stories jst aren't that long.
Now is there an actual science to what you do? Do you ever sit down and plan attacks for opponents or do you just not care how it comes out?
There is no science to what I do...noper, not at all. It's all pretty much improv. My mind floats around a lot during the day. especially with school, or plans for the weekend, or homework, or the newest video game, so If I have an idea I want to use while not at the comp, it's rare. I just sit down, and let things flow. If it doesn't flow, then I'll do something else, and then POW, there it comes. I love that feeling...when you just get hit with something
With Dr. Shazaam and the RRWF, how did the fiasco of you and Diablo having a legendary fued start? Who's idea was it to hook you two up?
I have no clue how it started. Well I think I may. I fought him as Goth in the EFW, and all of a sudden, my FIRST match in the RRWF, and it's Dr.Shazaam vs. Diablo...I wasn't even sure it was the same diablo, Hell, diablo is kinda common. But when I found out it was, I let him know I was Goth who beat him. I lost that match, I think that's why it started
Now did this fued happen by accident or was it played up?
yeah, like I said, accident. total
Now as far as Diablo goes, do you see him as your arch enemy in rping or what?
Yes, he is my MAJOR arch-enemy. No matter who I face, I think of Diablo, I think man, maybe if I do this, or say this, it could make Diablo say or do this, and while playing off my curret opponent, I can also rev up some hot blood for diablo, so I can you know, kind of piss everybody off. I always liked doing that.
So let me ask you what was the most stressful thing about rping you ever had to put up with?
The end. When I started sucking BIG anus. I dunno, it was as If some Big giant imaginary hand just switched my humor into the OFF position. It really hurt me...
Have you ever ran into any rpers that inspired you?
I think most RP'ers inspire me. Especially the ones around here. Diablo well, as any arch-enemy, inspired me to try my hardest. But there were others, Braak, Big Bob, Knux (even though we never really fought I don't think, but He was crazy with his long RP's), X, he always helped me out. I wonder what happened to him? And there were more, You boss, I can't forget you. You inspired me the most to keep going, to keep trying until the very last drop fell.
What made you stop rping? Was it time or what?
It had to be like I said it already. I just don't know what caused it. It's like that episode of saved by the bell, where Screech got hit by lightning, and he could read minds, no it was see into the future, ( i remember when he came back in from getting hit, he told zack to answer the phone...) And then just as it came it was gone...It felt like that.
Is it hard for you to retire? Do you ever get the yearning to just hit those keys again?
It's extra hard to retire. Especially with so may new faces, and so may old ones. But It's just something That I have to do. I'm not saying it's forver...who KNows I might just pull a michael Jordan ~shrug~
Let me ask you, is it hard to stop? How do you see it from your point of view?
Yeah, it is hard to stop, especially after this last retirement match, I really had fun, and I think I'm getting better...but I still don't know yet. I still have other committments, things that come first right now, so It just has to wait for now.
Has rping helped you live a better life or just really been the healing factor for you?
Yes, it really has. It's like reading, it broadens your mind. People might be skeptic and say oh it's just a silly game. yeah, it's a game, but it makes you think, it helps your writing skills, it helps your people skills (both positive and negative skills, don't go call people you meet off the street a**-monkeys or something... but if you ever want to piss someone off, here is the place to learn how)
What would you do for fun had you not run into roleplaying?
I don't know...I think I would be pretty boring...I'd stare at the screen chewing on stale crackers, drinking full glasses of water one at a time.
As far as your time outside of rping what do you like to do?
It was funny, my friend was saying how he didn't have a life, adn I was like (kiddingly) I do...I do this and that and this and that...and his sister was like "my god, you DO have a life" and I realize, yeah I do. I spend a lot of time hanging out with my friends. They are the MOST important aspect of my life. They come before school, and fun, and family. No, screw that, they ARE my family. I don't like my immediate family all that much. but I love my friends, they're ALWAYS there for me...always...I love all of 'em. But I also play video games, I play on the comp, I go to concerts/shows, I go to the movies, I'm really just your normal kid. I eat and sleep and laugh.
You play sports?
NOpers, if it's not in gym, or not on a disc...I'm not too keen. (I play a mean badmitton though...)
Have you ever won any awards in real life for something you have done?
Nothing all that important...I took first in my cub scouts troop pine wood derby at least once...I've gotten a few participation awards from my bowling league in the 2nd grade, I've gotten an award for my programming class last year. That's the one I'm real proud of. I love the programming
Have you ever wrote something in rp that related to real life for you?
most likely...I really liked to use my RP's as an outlet. I put a lot of emotion into these things that many people didn't see, usually it tansformed into humor. "I'm a firm believer you can joke about anything" ~Ryan (from the movie "A better place")
Ever met an rper that actually scared you to the point to where you said..you know..I am NOT rping against that guy.
Well. No, but I have been accused of it. Not when I was Dr.Shazaam. But when I was another character. One whom nobody knew I was, one whom nobody would suspect. Hell I hate to say it, because Well, in trying to not be me both in and out of character, I ended up being kind of a thingy at times. BUt I guess I'll go ahead and tell the world. (Diablo already knows). I was Noxious. Yes the dark, extra-serious recluse we all knew and hated. My whole reason for making him was an experiment, I wanted to see if I could get HIM, to face Dr.Shazaam for the world title. I thought it would be the greatest joke..me vs. me, heh, nobody would know it but myself...it would rule. Only Shaz lost the title, and I never got a match. So I kept trying as Nox, being in matches Rp'ing as a serious character, and well, I think I was doing really well at it. I lost my first two matches, but once I retired as Dr.Shazaam, things seemed to go way uphill. I wrote really long Rp's (which I never saved..I truly regret that). They were really dark, and they were really evil, Noxious always messed with the other guy. Big Bob I faced once. That was a good one, we screwed each other left and right. SO anyways, now that the secrets out (feel free to gasp and ooh at your own leisure, I'm trying to type here!!) I was going up against Nightstalker, and I was going to lose my Hardcore title, in exchange for a chance to win the IC belt I think, I wanted the Hardcore...so I just gave in, it was stupid I know. But I wanted to keep the belt, and You boss accused me of being afraid of Nightstalker. I wasn't of course, but it did seem like it. I just wanted to clear the air, and apologize for that, had it been the REAL me, and not the Noxious OOC, I would have gone through with it...I still feel really bad for that whole thing...
What has been the one rper you hated rping against? Why?
I don't think I ever hated RP'ing against anyone...I find each one a new and refereshing experience, it's always fun to see somebody, and try to get on them, grate on them with Shaz, not everybody's the same, so it's kind of a learning experience
Do you like the hall of fame idea? How does it feel to be famous now?
I love the hall of fame Idea, I think that by being in it, I might inspire people to just be themselves, not to create this cliché character of evil and darkness (heh...if anybody has ever heard the secret phone call at the end of the mushroomhead CD...you'd know why I laugh). It's over done, people just have to lay back, relax, and worry about having fun, whether it be in a serious character, or a silly one, or in between. try anything, whatever works for you, who cares if you always lose, maybe it's more fun to lose than to win!
I bet you never thought we would dream something up like this?
No, I especially never thought I'd be in it..not in a million trillion years
If anybody else comes after you in the hall of fame what are YOUR criteria for getting in? You are the first...so whats your take?
I think we take those who have also made a BIG contribution to the fed. Maybe Dibalo, Maybe Braak, Maybe Mach ( I don't know the current state of affairs with any of these three...nothing for me to comment on...so I hope these guys aren't like banned for life or something and then we all hate matt for hitting some sour note)
What impact do you think you made on the efedding world?
I don't think I made one...I think I just gave people a reason to laugh, and with the amount of seriousness in fed's it's really needed. it's like c3po and r2d2...only I'm not gay.
You are in school at this point in your life..right? Or no?
Yeah, I'm a senior in High School. Filling out apps for college...well SHOULD be...am in the proccess of..
How do you feel about education?
Ilve education. If taught correctly. I have some teachers that are marvelou at what they do. And I've had some that suck. The teachers that teach well, and are also nice people, then they make learning fun, and easy. This year I pretty much have that, I only dislike one teacher (I don't think ANYBODY likes her). I also think you have to enjoy things to get it. If you hate a subject, you probably won't give it all it deserves. SO I go into a class liking it, and I usually keep on it
What is it in real life you wish you could change?
I don't know. Nothing really. I think everything that happens is a lesson. I think I wouldn't be the perosn today if not for some of the things, both bad and good, that have happened to me. BUT if i HAD to choose, I'd go back and beat diablo every time I faced him...
Are you a political person? Do you care much about the things going on in the world, i mean..hey..do you actually WATCH the news?
No, I only know from what I see on the Commercials, on the front page of newspapers, talk of others, or the comics (which I don't really read either) it's not that I don't WANT to know...I just don't like all the things the newspaper talks about...death, war, crime...not my cup of tea.
I got to ask you, if you were president what would be the first thing you would do?
Heh. This is a toughie. I mean, The president can only do so much I'd probably take my BIG secret service guys, go up to someone I hated, and tell them how much they suck. ( I don't hate many people too....but those I do dislike..oh there's a mighty good reason)
Are you active in your own community where you live?
Not at all. My community isn't really the best one. It's overpopulated, filled with gangs, and crime, and drugs, and alcohol, the things I don't like...I wouldn't even really know HOW to help teh community, There isn't much in my neighborhood
I know most rpers always rp about their family being gone but are you a real life family person?
No, not really. I'm not 100% fond of my family...every member of my immediate family can really get on my nerves at times...a lot. I don't even have a large family, I have a mother, a father, two sisters, an uncle, an aunt, and a grandmother, it's more than others have...but still, it's not much (especially I haven't seen the aunt or uncle in a few years)
Are there any spectator sports you really love outside of any you may play?
Nope, as I said, I was never relaly a sports person, but Badmitton...still good at the badmitton....I like it, but only if I have a good partner
Describe you as a person? What is your personality like?
Heh, myself. I wouldn't know where to begin...I love to have fun. I can have tons of fun without getting drunk or high or any of that crap...Just hanging out, and being stupid...I'm good at my kind of shaz-stupid. I'm also intellectual though. I love reading...Having honors/AP english has gotten me into classics, and my job at the library introduces me to some good books. I'm a good friend...I'm there to lend a hand if it's needed, I can be a loner...I'm not the greatest at making friends...I take a bit to get used to the person...I need to work myself in a bit. Especially with girls...but that's a side of me I don't want to get into ...~blushes~
Ok foods you cant get enough of?
Mashed potatoes with butter & saltMy mothers stuffingE.L. Fudge Double Stuff cookies (White cooke with chocolatye creme ONLY) Ok foods you wouldn't touch!SquashSpinachasaparagusOtherwise, I'm pretty open to try whateer you lay in front of me
If you were a movie star what actress would you like to play in a scene with?
Well it really depends on what kind of movie I'm in wouldn't it? If I were in a comedy, I might like to work with Drew Barrymore (not That I do...just an example)...But I dont really know who I would work with, maybe Patricia Arquette, maybe Sandra Bullock, I don't have a favourite actress, there are a lot of good ones out there though
For some strange reason I can see you driving a car like Vin in the Fast and the Furious..whats your favorite car?
ah cars, probably one of the biggest things the kids in my town do, besides drugs and getting drunk and sex and stuff...But alas, I know NOTHING about them...nothing that's not common knowledge. I always liked the Dodge Viper though...they're pretty
Are you a gamer? What is your favorite game?
Yes, a big gamer, I've been playing since I was a young'un on my atari computer, yes COMPUTER...man it ruled...not THAT old..but pretty d**n old anyways.my Favourite game would be any in the tony hawk series...I always rule at them, no not rule, OWN....Or Final Fantasy Tactics. That will always and forever be my all time favourite, "this-is-the-greatest-game-ever-you-gotta-play-it" game
What made you come to the RRWF?
How well you did with the EFW. How you took it from crap, to what we did have, a frequent card that DIDN'T take forever, a boss we could actually talk to (The vice-prez job helped too...) But is was your dedication to us that really brought me there.
Did you ever think the fed would have made it this far?
I was never sure. There were times when we were hard up on members, there were times when we had enough members and we wee rocking. I thought it was last..that I did. I knew YOU wouldn't give up on us, or this fed.
When you were world champion what did you like most about it?
I liked how everybody wanted a piece of me. I always like being envied...what a great feeling, eh? Hate most?
Losing it...that always sucks...
What do you think builds a great federation?
Closeness. Not necessarliy between a boss and the wrestlers, but between everybody. If you don't talk to anybody, and all everybody does is RP, then it just gets boring, and it's all professional, where's the fun in that?
Let me ask you what do you think kept this fed afloat?
Your dedication, our dedication, dedication in general. Definitely that.
Now that you have retired do you feel old?
Not really. With all the new faces here, I do a little, I think Man, look at this. But I look around and see the old, and the new, and I realize there is no age here...it's just be. You can be as old or as young as you want, you're only as young as you feel...well now it's you're only as young as you type you are in your BIO
Matt, I want to say thanks for everything you did and its really been fun working with you man...what if anything can you say as final great words for Dr Shazaam and for you?
Thanks. This fed has provided me with so many experiences, with so much fun, and life, that I would not consider this a waste of my time, but an investement. I would probably have sat at the comp, downloading music, being bored for hours on end without this place. it has taught me so much, and it has just helped me as a person, and as a writer, and as anything I could ever imagine. I could not have thought of a better fed to join, and better people to work with..ever. Hell, I doubt they exist
Thanks man...for real!
No...I won't be thanked. I won't accept it. Shaz will..the arrogant basturd. But I shall be the one Thanking. now and forever. You boss, have done more than I, more than anybody here has, and I know I can speak for all of us when I say thanks, when I say we love you man, and that we'd be nothing without you ..
end...
Former assistant to Boss Ice, this man served from the opening days of the RRWF and left right at the beginning of the transistion to the SCWF. He gave his time and gave his rping skills to help build the SCWF to the point where it is now. Had it not been for people like him then we may not have had some of the action we saw and some of the organization we had. He was my right hand man for over a year and helped me when I was down as President. He brought the most original rp style we ever saw to the fed and made us laugh and scratch our heads to understand. He is a true legend and an original, there will NEVER be another like him and this is to herald his dedication to the federation and recognize him as our first indcutee ever into our hall of Fame and let him know he is appreciated now and FOREVER more. Dr. Shazaam we thank you. Words cannot express our thanks for all you did for us. Retire in peace and long life. You will be missed.
(Titles held: RRWF World Title, RRWF Hardcore Title)
Dr. Shazaam
The last interview with Dr. Shazaam
This is a shoot interview to where we for the first time sat down with the man BEHIND the character and spoke OUT of character so that you could know more about this person and what it is he did and why. Thanks Matt for doing this...this is one on one with the man himself, Matt Ramsey....enjoy
You are the first inductee into the Hall of Fame..how does it feel?
It truly feels great. I mean, there's so many great guys out there. Some I think might be better than me. When I first heard about this...I was taken aback. I knew people had gotten a kick out of my RPs, but I didn't have that great a win/loss record. Hell I didn't think I deserved some tarnished metal dinner plate signed by the lead singer of LInkin park...But I guess it's more than just a record...it's what you do while you're there. So I'll accept it...but not as the first and most deserving, but just as the first of a few who deserve it just as much.
Let me ask you Matt, what got you into efedding?
It was a mix of two things.
1) I used to play this RPG game in chat rooms of AOL. Kind of like D&D with dice and inventing characters and what not. It was rather in-depth, and it was quite possibly the most fun I ever had on the internet. It was like writing an RP, only the other guy could reply on the spot...and writing a match, only you only wrote what you did...you get the gist. Only that crumbled. Guilds fell apart, rules changed for the worse, dice stopped being used, and it just stopped being fun.
2) My close friend mike did it. He was one of the first, not THE first, but he was doing it early on when it wasn't so prominent. So he had a good foothold, and he would tell me of all the guys he's faced, all the friends he's made, and the RP's (which I assure you are far better than mine...) hes done. It was just like my old AOL RPG...So he helped me out at the beginning, helped me design a character and what not...and there we were.
Where did you rp before you came to the RRWF or SCWF?
the RRWF was actually only my 3rd fed. I started out in PWInc (power wrestling Incorporated) I was the character "Prophet" Whom Mike and I created. He wasn't really mine...he was an evangelist...and frankly I wasn't all that sure how to be one. I didn't create him, he just didn't suit me. (besides the fact it changed owners to some guy I didn't like) So I left, There was an ad for the EFW on the message board for PWInc...so I thought, before I join Mike again...I'm gonna get rid of my training wheels...learn the ropes on my own. That's where Goth came in. I pretty much based him on myself. Goth being a really bad name because I'm not too good with names....I did well with goth. Not great not badly, he started out kind of serious, kind of silly...and that was no good That didn't work, so when it shut down because the boss was crappy, and YOU brought it back up (and up to it's imminent close and the opening of the RRWF) when I became the Dr.Shazaam e know and love.
What is it about roleplaying that made it an option for you?
I don't really know. What is it about anything that makes it an option? Fun, boredom, I always enjoyed writing, I remember back in 8th grade I started writing a story about a kid who killed a lot of people...I finished it in 9th grade...during school, i would sit there and write away at the story, finishing it. It's the same thing. it's the being in another world, being what I want to be, what I couldn't be, but also being myself, without the fear of being judged for being some dorky skinny pale white kid.
What did you like most about rping?
I like the freedom. There are no specific guidelines...and if there were, I said screw 'em...I guess it was a good idea. So heed that advice...if it does you good, do what you want kids!
Was it hard for you to ever get into it, ever asked yourself what you were doing and why?
Not at first...at first, I had so many ideas boiling in my head....and people loved them, I didn't care if I won or lost, because I was having fun (and winning...), and people enjoyed it, and above all I enjoyed it. But near the end...when I wanted to quit was when it happened. I was finding myself un-funny. I was not only losing, but I wasn't even having fun. I really needed a break...I needed to find myself, and what I wanted to be as an RP'er, I think I really matured, and my writing matured, and I just couldn't be the same silly shaz. Although when I came back, I think I kept to the silly shaz, and I think I was just wasted. I was dry, and I needed the time, to let my mind recharge...I also think in the meantime I my sense of humor got much much better
Some people get into rping because it really is a mental escape, was it ever that for you?
It was always that for me. I would put things in there That I wanted to deal with in real life...but maybe I couldn't, I would really let it let me say what I wanted to say, to the world to read, while still under the covers.
Has rping ever conflicted with real life for you? Was it ever an addiction?
Yeah, there were times I'd put my life on hold for the E-fed...and there were times I'd put the e-fed on hold for my life. I tried not to let it interfere all that much because it IS only a game, and I would rather hang out with my friends than sit in front of a monitor. But at the same time there were times I'd turn my away message on and just type for hours on end. It can truly be addicting when You have a good idea and you want to get it down...it plagues the mind
So how long have you been rping now?
Not as long as some, longer than others, I's day two years maybe? If not even that long...Time really isn't very good in my mind...with out writing it down, days can feel like hours sometimes...
Does it seem that long?
I don't know...there are times when it seems SO long ago, and there were times it didn't. it goes on and off
Let me get down to the character stuff, how in the world did you dream UP Dr. Shazaam?
heh. I don't know. I tried to model hom after myself mostly. I have white pants, I had the shoes he wears (still do...I changed 'em 'cause I got new ones hee hee) I have a ninja turtle shirt (though it's red...not white...but it seems more of an outfit...) And I would like to have blue spiky hair...only it's only spiky (as of now..not really when I made him) And the name...well I can't remember where the name came from. I just thought it up..not even for the character, I was using it for user names on sites and things like that, so I was stuck for a name for him sinc Matt Ramsey was HARDLY a name for a wrestler, Dr.Shazaam stuck. And I guess it worked...it kinds just sounds a little silly...
So is he part of you or you or is Dr. Shazaam who you would like to be or what?
He is pretty much ALL me...I mean I write what he does don't I? True I'm not so stupid and incompetent...exactly the opposite, but he is my silly, inner-child
Now if Dr. Shazaam was sitting next to you at a bar what you would say to him?
Well I'd ask him why is friend who is fully visible is named mysterious voice...heh. I don't know... I'd probably just strike up a conversation with him, maybe comment on some stray remark he makes. That's how I usually do things. He's the kind of guy I'd like. He's funny, but not in an immature poop/fart kind of manner. I really respect that in people
How do you dream up the rps you do? They are totally crazy....
Well, it depends...some as you may notice are based on movies or TV shows, or books, something I may see/read, and it will give me some weird outlandish idea for an RP..or just a section of an RP..
What exactly is it you do though? Do you plan this out or do you just sit at the computer and just go for it?
Usually I don't plan them out. if I do, than it's just a basic story line. All the dialogue, and characters are all Me.
We believe that nobodoy has a style like yours, do you see your writing as an actual Style or just something you do?
Well isn't it just like writing a play? I mean it's comedic yes, but people write comedic plays all the time. I don't consider it a style really. Normal writing just with an odd kind of twist to it.
What has been your fondest memory in rping? What was the one thing that had you sit at the computer and just bust out laughing or just give you the warm fuzzies and make you all around happy?
Memories...Something I'm not all that good at. It would have to be with Big Bob. I love my feuds with Diablo and All. but my FIRST match with Big Bob. Boy How I ragged on him. I don't think I ever ragged on somebody as much as I did Big Bob. And that series went on for a LONG time, back and forth, every day, it was popular among the readers too. I just had a lot of fun doing it, adn I still laugh reading some of the things. (Shaz wearing a "big bob for prezident" t-shirt..hee hee)
Now your character, Dr. Shazaam..he is a good guy? If so why did you never make him a bad guy or vice versa?
I hate bad guys. I don't know. I guess it's hard for a funny guy to be taken seriously as a bad guy, I had the bumbling incompetence, I had the henchman, but I was just too fun-loving...and the girls loved me too...
Who is the toughest opponent in rping you have ever had, in ALL federations you have been in?
Toughest was probably Warlord. I faced him once, for the title belt I believe. And he just babled ON AND ONE, for pages, now I'm not knocking him. he does what he does, and he does it well. But it's hard for me, with my silly-ness, to counter 4 pages of smack talk. Sometimes, My stories jst aren't that long.
Now is there an actual science to what you do? Do you ever sit down and plan attacks for opponents or do you just not care how it comes out?
There is no science to what I do...noper, not at all. It's all pretty much improv. My mind floats around a lot during the day. especially with school, or plans for the weekend, or homework, or the newest video game, so If I have an idea I want to use while not at the comp, it's rare. I just sit down, and let things flow. If it doesn't flow, then I'll do something else, and then POW, there it comes. I love that feeling...when you just get hit with something
With Dr. Shazaam and the RRWF, how did the fiasco of you and Diablo having a legendary fued start? Who's idea was it to hook you two up?
I have no clue how it started. Well I think I may. I fought him as Goth in the EFW, and all of a sudden, my FIRST match in the RRWF, and it's Dr.Shazaam vs. Diablo...I wasn't even sure it was the same diablo, Hell, diablo is kinda common. But when I found out it was, I let him know I was Goth who beat him. I lost that match, I think that's why it started
Now did this fued happen by accident or was it played up?
yeah, like I said, accident. total
Now as far as Diablo goes, do you see him as your arch enemy in rping or what?
Yes, he is my MAJOR arch-enemy. No matter who I face, I think of Diablo, I think man, maybe if I do this, or say this, it could make Diablo say or do this, and while playing off my curret opponent, I can also rev up some hot blood for diablo, so I can you know, kind of piss everybody off. I always liked doing that.
So let me ask you what was the most stressful thing about rping you ever had to put up with?
The end. When I started sucking BIG anus. I dunno, it was as If some Big giant imaginary hand just switched my humor into the OFF position. It really hurt me...
Have you ever ran into any rpers that inspired you?
I think most RP'ers inspire me. Especially the ones around here. Diablo well, as any arch-enemy, inspired me to try my hardest. But there were others, Braak, Big Bob, Knux (even though we never really fought I don't think, but He was crazy with his long RP's), X, he always helped me out. I wonder what happened to him? And there were more, You boss, I can't forget you. You inspired me the most to keep going, to keep trying until the very last drop fell.
What made you stop rping? Was it time or what?
It had to be like I said it already. I just don't know what caused it. It's like that episode of saved by the bell, where Screech got hit by lightning, and he could read minds, no it was see into the future, ( i remember when he came back in from getting hit, he told zack to answer the phone...) And then just as it came it was gone...It felt like that.
Is it hard for you to retire? Do you ever get the yearning to just hit those keys again?
It's extra hard to retire. Especially with so may new faces, and so may old ones. But It's just something That I have to do. I'm not saying it's forver...who KNows I might just pull a michael Jordan ~shrug~
Let me ask you, is it hard to stop? How do you see it from your point of view?
Yeah, it is hard to stop, especially after this last retirement match, I really had fun, and I think I'm getting better...but I still don't know yet. I still have other committments, things that come first right now, so It just has to wait for now.
Has rping helped you live a better life or just really been the healing factor for you?
Yes, it really has. It's like reading, it broadens your mind. People might be skeptic and say oh it's just a silly game. yeah, it's a game, but it makes you think, it helps your writing skills, it helps your people skills (both positive and negative skills, don't go call people you meet off the street a**-monkeys or something... but if you ever want to piss someone off, here is the place to learn how)
What would you do for fun had you not run into roleplaying?
I don't know...I think I would be pretty boring...I'd stare at the screen chewing on stale crackers, drinking full glasses of water one at a time.
As far as your time outside of rping what do you like to do?
It was funny, my friend was saying how he didn't have a life, adn I was like (kiddingly) I do...I do this and that and this and that...and his sister was like "my god, you DO have a life" and I realize, yeah I do. I spend a lot of time hanging out with my friends. They are the MOST important aspect of my life. They come before school, and fun, and family. No, screw that, they ARE my family. I don't like my immediate family all that much. but I love my friends, they're ALWAYS there for me...always...I love all of 'em. But I also play video games, I play on the comp, I go to concerts/shows, I go to the movies, I'm really just your normal kid. I eat and sleep and laugh.
You play sports?
NOpers, if it's not in gym, or not on a disc...I'm not too keen. (I play a mean badmitton though...)
Have you ever won any awards in real life for something you have done?
Nothing all that important...I took first in my cub scouts troop pine wood derby at least once...I've gotten a few participation awards from my bowling league in the 2nd grade, I've gotten an award for my programming class last year. That's the one I'm real proud of. I love the programming
Have you ever wrote something in rp that related to real life for you?
most likely...I really liked to use my RP's as an outlet. I put a lot of emotion into these things that many people didn't see, usually it tansformed into humor. "I'm a firm believer you can joke about anything" ~Ryan (from the movie "A better place")
Ever met an rper that actually scared you to the point to where you said..you know..I am NOT rping against that guy.
Well. No, but I have been accused of it. Not when I was Dr.Shazaam. But when I was another character. One whom nobody knew I was, one whom nobody would suspect. Hell I hate to say it, because Well, in trying to not be me both in and out of character, I ended up being kind of a thingy at times. BUt I guess I'll go ahead and tell the world. (Diablo already knows). I was Noxious. Yes the dark, extra-serious recluse we all knew and hated. My whole reason for making him was an experiment, I wanted to see if I could get HIM, to face Dr.Shazaam for the world title. I thought it would be the greatest joke..me vs. me, heh, nobody would know it but myself...it would rule. Only Shaz lost the title, and I never got a match. So I kept trying as Nox, being in matches Rp'ing as a serious character, and well, I think I was doing really well at it. I lost my first two matches, but once I retired as Dr.Shazaam, things seemed to go way uphill. I wrote really long Rp's (which I never saved..I truly regret that). They were really dark, and they were really evil, Noxious always messed with the other guy. Big Bob I faced once. That was a good one, we screwed each other left and right. SO anyways, now that the secrets out (feel free to gasp and ooh at your own leisure, I'm trying to type here!!) I was going up against Nightstalker, and I was going to lose my Hardcore title, in exchange for a chance to win the IC belt I think, I wanted the Hardcore...so I just gave in, it was stupid I know. But I wanted to keep the belt, and You boss accused me of being afraid of Nightstalker. I wasn't of course, but it did seem like it. I just wanted to clear the air, and apologize for that, had it been the REAL me, and not the Noxious OOC, I would have gone through with it...I still feel really bad for that whole thing...
What has been the one rper you hated rping against? Why?
I don't think I ever hated RP'ing against anyone...I find each one a new and refereshing experience, it's always fun to see somebody, and try to get on them, grate on them with Shaz, not everybody's the same, so it's kind of a learning experience
Do you like the hall of fame idea? How does it feel to be famous now?
I love the hall of fame Idea, I think that by being in it, I might inspire people to just be themselves, not to create this cliché character of evil and darkness (heh...if anybody has ever heard the secret phone call at the end of the mushroomhead CD...you'd know why I laugh). It's over done, people just have to lay back, relax, and worry about having fun, whether it be in a serious character, or a silly one, or in between. try anything, whatever works for you, who cares if you always lose, maybe it's more fun to lose than to win!
I bet you never thought we would dream something up like this?
No, I especially never thought I'd be in it..not in a million trillion years
If anybody else comes after you in the hall of fame what are YOUR criteria for getting in? You are the first...so whats your take?
I think we take those who have also made a BIG contribution to the fed. Maybe Dibalo, Maybe Braak, Maybe Mach ( I don't know the current state of affairs with any of these three...nothing for me to comment on...so I hope these guys aren't like banned for life or something and then we all hate matt for hitting some sour note)
What impact do you think you made on the efedding world?
I don't think I made one...I think I just gave people a reason to laugh, and with the amount of seriousness in fed's it's really needed. it's like c3po and r2d2...only I'm not gay.
You are in school at this point in your life..right? Or no?
Yeah, I'm a senior in High School. Filling out apps for college...well SHOULD be...am in the proccess of..
How do you feel about education?
Ilve education. If taught correctly. I have some teachers that are marvelou at what they do. And I've had some that suck. The teachers that teach well, and are also nice people, then they make learning fun, and easy. This year I pretty much have that, I only dislike one teacher (I don't think ANYBODY likes her). I also think you have to enjoy things to get it. If you hate a subject, you probably won't give it all it deserves. SO I go into a class liking it, and I usually keep on it
What is it in real life you wish you could change?
I don't know. Nothing really. I think everything that happens is a lesson. I think I wouldn't be the perosn today if not for some of the things, both bad and good, that have happened to me. BUT if i HAD to choose, I'd go back and beat diablo every time I faced him...
Are you a political person? Do you care much about the things going on in the world, i mean..hey..do you actually WATCH the news?
No, I only know from what I see on the Commercials, on the front page of newspapers, talk of others, or the comics (which I don't really read either) it's not that I don't WANT to know...I just don't like all the things the newspaper talks about...death, war, crime...not my cup of tea.
I got to ask you, if you were president what would be the first thing you would do?
Heh. This is a toughie. I mean, The president can only do so much I'd probably take my BIG secret service guys, go up to someone I hated, and tell them how much they suck. ( I don't hate many people too....but those I do dislike..oh there's a mighty good reason)
Are you active in your own community where you live?
Not at all. My community isn't really the best one. It's overpopulated, filled with gangs, and crime, and drugs, and alcohol, the things I don't like...I wouldn't even really know HOW to help teh community, There isn't much in my neighborhood
I know most rpers always rp about their family being gone but are you a real life family person?
No, not really. I'm not 100% fond of my family...every member of my immediate family can really get on my nerves at times...a lot. I don't even have a large family, I have a mother, a father, two sisters, an uncle, an aunt, and a grandmother, it's more than others have...but still, it's not much (especially I haven't seen the aunt or uncle in a few years)
Are there any spectator sports you really love outside of any you may play?
Nope, as I said, I was never relaly a sports person, but Badmitton...still good at the badmitton....I like it, but only if I have a good partner
Describe you as a person? What is your personality like?
Heh, myself. I wouldn't know where to begin...I love to have fun. I can have tons of fun without getting drunk or high or any of that crap...Just hanging out, and being stupid...I'm good at my kind of shaz-stupid. I'm also intellectual though. I love reading...Having honors/AP english has gotten me into classics, and my job at the library introduces me to some good books. I'm a good friend...I'm there to lend a hand if it's needed, I can be a loner...I'm not the greatest at making friends...I take a bit to get used to the person...I need to work myself in a bit. Especially with girls...but that's a side of me I don't want to get into ...~blushes~
Ok foods you cant get enough of?
Mashed potatoes with butter & saltMy mothers stuffingE.L. Fudge Double Stuff cookies (White cooke with chocolatye creme ONLY) Ok foods you wouldn't touch!SquashSpinachasaparagusOtherwise, I'm pretty open to try whateer you lay in front of me
If you were a movie star what actress would you like to play in a scene with?
Well it really depends on what kind of movie I'm in wouldn't it? If I were in a comedy, I might like to work with Drew Barrymore (not That I do...just an example)...But I dont really know who I would work with, maybe Patricia Arquette, maybe Sandra Bullock, I don't have a favourite actress, there are a lot of good ones out there though
For some strange reason I can see you driving a car like Vin in the Fast and the Furious..whats your favorite car?
ah cars, probably one of the biggest things the kids in my town do, besides drugs and getting drunk and sex and stuff...But alas, I know NOTHING about them...nothing that's not common knowledge. I always liked the Dodge Viper though...they're pretty
Are you a gamer? What is your favorite game?
Yes, a big gamer, I've been playing since I was a young'un on my atari computer, yes COMPUTER...man it ruled...not THAT old..but pretty d**n old anyways.my Favourite game would be any in the tony hawk series...I always rule at them, no not rule, OWN....Or Final Fantasy Tactics. That will always and forever be my all time favourite, "this-is-the-greatest-game-ever-you-gotta-play-it" game
What made you come to the RRWF?
How well you did with the EFW. How you took it from crap, to what we did have, a frequent card that DIDN'T take forever, a boss we could actually talk to (The vice-prez job helped too...) But is was your dedication to us that really brought me there.
Did you ever think the fed would have made it this far?
I was never sure. There were times when we were hard up on members, there were times when we had enough members and we wee rocking. I thought it was last..that I did. I knew YOU wouldn't give up on us, or this fed.
When you were world champion what did you like most about it?
I liked how everybody wanted a piece of me. I always like being envied...what a great feeling, eh? Hate most?
Losing it...that always sucks...
What do you think builds a great federation?
Closeness. Not necessarliy between a boss and the wrestlers, but between everybody. If you don't talk to anybody, and all everybody does is RP, then it just gets boring, and it's all professional, where's the fun in that?
Let me ask you what do you think kept this fed afloat?
Your dedication, our dedication, dedication in general. Definitely that.
Now that you have retired do you feel old?
Not really. With all the new faces here, I do a little, I think Man, look at this. But I look around and see the old, and the new, and I realize there is no age here...it's just be. You can be as old or as young as you want, you're only as young as you feel...well now it's you're only as young as you type you are in your BIO
Matt, I want to say thanks for everything you did and its really been fun working with you man...what if anything can you say as final great words for Dr Shazaam and for you?
Thanks. This fed has provided me with so many experiences, with so much fun, and life, that I would not consider this a waste of my time, but an investement. I would probably have sat at the comp, downloading music, being bored for hours on end without this place. it has taught me so much, and it has just helped me as a person, and as a writer, and as anything I could ever imagine. I could not have thought of a better fed to join, and better people to work with..ever. Hell, I doubt they exist
Thanks man...for real!
No...I won't be thanked. I won't accept it. Shaz will..the arrogant basturd. But I shall be the one Thanking. now and forever. You boss, have done more than I, more than anybody here has, and I know I can speak for all of us when I say thanks, when I say we love you man, and that we'd be nothing without you ..
end...