Sunday, March 22nd, 2009
Issue: 118   Editor: Mikamon


The Making and Shaping of the Buzz iSmurf
The Buzz was first published on December 17th, 2006. The Buzz has, since then, delivered a fascinating and informative read every week, no matter what. The dedicated writers have, and will continue to, do all they can to gather the facts and deliver the news to you in the most exciting and revealing way possible. Much-wanted questions answered and tutorials are placed inside this, “Very professional” feature.

The Buzz has been around for two and a half years now, a long time, yet it is still a strong and popular feature. The Buzz Editor, Nyxxie, told us a little bit about when the Buzz first became available to the players, “The Buzz' first publish date was December 17th, 2006, which was a couple months after the reset began. There was a lot of controversy over the fact that Air chose me as his co-editor, but since when is there not a splash of drama anywhere Nyxxie is involved?” Yet, Nyxxie has proved to be one of the reasons the Buzz has excelled to what it is today, as she comments, “I remember a couple months before the Buzz began this reset, Air and I went to BSF2000 in a AIM Chatroom and discussed all we wanted to be incorporated into the Buzz before the first publish. That was when some of the greatest features of all were implemented.” One of the Buzz Writers, vTarquiNv, agreed with this, as he told us, “it is a brilliant thing. It brings the news to those who are too lazy to look at the forums or watch the statistics/states page every now and then. I don't think the Buzz needs to be changed in the slightest. It's perfect the ay it is.”

We asked Nyxxie what she thought of the Buzz as a whole, what it has progressed into and how it stands now. “I love how the Buzz has progressed over the last two and a half years, as well as the past resets. I think the Buzz is a very well-put together history book of the events on Bootleggers and a lot of people use it to catch up, reminisce or just gets the facts straight.” The Head Buzz Writer, IAmAldarion also commented, “Well, I don't want to brag, but I genuinely think it's organised in a professional way. Even though I reckon we still need to improve, I feel it's getting better every week. There are some minor things that could be improved, but for the moment I don't really have anything I'd want to change.”

However, we did contact a couple of players, to see what their view was on the Buzz and if there was anything they’d like to see changed or added to it. ProfessorOak replied, “Well I've always liked it, it keeps people informed about what's happening in the game.” Although, he then added, “I think there's too little news about things happening outside of Bootleggers, but that's just me.” We also contacted Chlorine, to find out what he though of the Buzz feature, “Yes its a good feature! As I always read buzz when I sign in to see whats the game uo to! what new crews and action happened recently! what new featured took place in the game! whats the comments and stuff! Its nice to be updated about the game.” He then added that he, “just like it this way!”

The Buzz writers are a group of normal players, except that we are dedicated to bringing you the news, in the best way that we can. The dedicated Buzz Writers are Nyxxie’s favourite part of the Buzz, as she said, “we have some wonderful writers who put their time into the Buzz week in and out, free of charge. They are dedicated and very intelligent and I am glad to have them aboard.” Although, she then went on to comment on the features of the Buzz, “As far as features, I love the freelance article section. I thought of this a couple weeks before the Buzz was published and I was happy to see BSF implement it for us. It keeps the Buzz from limits. Anyone can write an article about anything game-related, despite if they feel they have the writing skills it takes or the devoted time it takes to become a full-fledged writer. I just wish people would use it more often.” IAmAldarion shared Nyxxie’s views on writing for the Buzz, “it may seem as if we're just looking for professional writers, which is not the case. People that would like to be part of the Buzz shouldn't be worried if their article isn't perfect as that's almost impossible for the first time. As long as the article is up to a certain standard you are most likely to be accepted. I'd say: just give it a shot if you like writing!”

One of the best things about being a Buzz Writer, vTarquiNv told us, is that, “you are at the forefront of all news.” IAmAldarion also added, “It pretty hard to point out one best thing, although I'd probably pick the writing as that's why I'm part of the Buzz. However, I think it's the combination that makes it good fun. The writers are all sort off mad, so we're having good fun on one side, but work as a proper team on the other.”

There you have it, the Buzz has become a truly fantastic feature in the last two and a half years, the writers and editors are only a small part to its success. You, the players are what make the gripping read every week; you provide the news and excitement to which the Buzz Writers and Editors simply deliver. There’s a lot going on behind the doors to the Buzz, which has transformed and shaped the feature you read today.