We recently turned one year old, which prompted a few staff members to post how they got here in the comments. So, we figured we’d compile them all into a nice post for you, because, they’re kind of interesting!
Here we go:
Chris Lock:
“Over one year ago Barry and I became quick friends when I impersonated a virtual-homophobic. Soon after I was writing stupid Pokemon stories that brought in about 4 clicks, and Barry Humored me. Now I bring in about 6 clicks and could not be happier. Thanks for having this site and tolerating all my ridiculousness Barry!”
Kenny Rioux:
“I remember a conversation [longtime LevelSave reader and fan] Tim and I had a while back and I had mentioned that I enjoy writing about games for fun. This led to exchanging e-mails with Barry and I’ll never forget the words,”We would like to invite you for a News Editor Position” appearing in my inbox. I always love waking up on days off to see an e-mail about what to post next and reviews are always a lovely challenge. This site has helped me develop as a writer and I do hope that it continues into the far-flung future. Would love to go to PAX and then meet up with all the staff before we go and host a LevelSave discussion panel someday. Thank you Barry and to Tim and to all the other guys that make LevelSave fun.”
Austin Griffith:
Last year, Adam Shear needed a third for a podcast he was on, there I met Snickelsox, who only kept me on the podcast because, to quote him, I was “a good jester for him.” I insulted him a lot and at some point met Barry, who’s site was hosting a giveaway for $50 in Microsoft Points or PSN Cash for the first member to get 5 approved articles on the site. (It originally was a public website where anyone could post.)
I immediately reposted every review i’d ever written on to LevelSave to try and scam some quick Microsoft Points, at which point Barry told me that wasn’t allowed. He liked what he read, and, when I jokingly asked for a position, he said I could do anything I want – a statement which I’ve taken full advantage of today.
Raven Poplar:
I was on one of my Pokemon kicks and I was watching the #pokemon hashtag on twitter, which is where i started talking to Chris about doing A Wild Trainer Appears with him. I did eventually get around to doing the podcast with him and I asked him how I could start writing on the site! He directed me to Barry who was suitably impressed with my samples, awed one might say. Now I stand around making awkward faces while actual writers and editors do the real work.
Amanda Lei
One day Austin asked me to write for Level Save because I was a woman and apparently that is reason enough. I sent some humorous samples about The Sims to Barry and away I went.
Adam Shear
For years, I have been writing for video game websites. Every few months, I would get started writing for a new website. A few months later, that website I started writing for would close down or I would leave sites due to sleazy webmasters who don’t pay the bills for their servers. By the beginning of 2012, I was not actually writing for a dedicated video game website, just a website about consumer electronics. I had known Barry, Chris, and Austin for almost one year before starting on LevelSave. I had podcasted with them for another site and we all kept in contact via Twitter. In January of 2012, I traveled to Las Vegas for CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics expo. Barry was also going to be there. We made plans to meet up on the show floor, and we did. Barry and I spent an entire afternoon hanging out at CES, meeting at the Sony booth where we played the PlayStation Vita before its release and working our way around most of the convention center. During our time together, he popped the question and asked me to write for LevelSave. I said that I would love to, and the rest is history.
One day Austin asked me to write for Level Save because I was a woman and apparently that is reason enough. I sent some humourous samples about The Sims to Barry and away I went.
I thought they came from their mothers.
You guys make it sound like you tripped and got stuck into this tar pit of a website. What is Barry’s origin story?
Er. Where did you prompt this? I’m totally just going to leave mine in the comments here.
I was on one of my Pokemon kicks and I was watching the #pokemon hashtag on twitter, which is where i started talking to Chris about doing A Wild Trainer Appears with him. I did eventually get around to doing the podcast with him and I asked him how I could start writing on the site! He directed me to Barry who was suitably impressed with my samples, awed one might say. Now I stand around making awkward faces while actual writers and editors do the real work. ^_^
You need to get purple dreads like in the picture.
That awkward moment when pixel art begins to define you.