What’s all this about?
This is my blog — nay, my information nexus. Welcome to it.
And you are?
Dan Amrich. Hi. I used to be a games reviewer; I worked at OXM and GamesRadar and GamePro (I was Dan Elektro) and World of Warcraft: Official Magazine and a lot of other magazines and online sites you probably haven’t heard of. After 16 years of being in the media, I hopped the fence and now I’m sitting at a cubicle inside Activision. I finally have a front row seat for seeing what’s really going on at this company.
So…
So that means I can keep doing the media-type things I’ve always done, but I now I get my info straight from the source. I’m going to be interviewing developers, making podcasts, shooting videos, and generally finding out whatever you want me to find out for you.
Aren’t you just PR?
Nope — I do nothing that the PR team does, nor do I have the skills. I mean, I’m talking on Twitter, posting blogs, hosting podasts, that’s all about communicating to the masses. I am paid by Activision to relate to the public, but I am given a lot of editorial freedom, and there major differences between the content I generate and what a PR person does. Sometimes they do a better job of communicating stuff, and sometimes our messages are the same — “hey, here’s something new and you should know about it” — but my approach is far more editorial and I often express personal opinions. I’ve never taken PR lessons and most of what I write is written on instinct, for better or worse. Nobody approves or edits my articles before I post them. That’s part of why I took the job.
What does the name “One Of Swords” mean?
For one, it sounds cool. Swords are noble, romantic weapons, and as any gamer you meet in a multiplayer lobby will tell you, being number one never sucks. What’s not to like?
But really, it’s a tarot card reference. I’ve always been interested in all things mysterious and I used to read tarot back in college. Poke around and you’ll see various different interpretations of the One (or Ace) of Swords, all of which apply: Honesty & truthfulness, a new perspective on old ideas, success in a new career (yes please), using intellect to temper emotion (i.e. “no fanboyism”),” and more than anything, clarity. That seemed the perfect fit for what I want this project to be, as well as the things that are personally important to me. Throughout my journalistic career I’ve been obsessed with being as clear as I possibly can, and that hasn’t changed. I really want this site to be a place people can come for straight answers. Hearing rumors? Assuming the worst? Tired of blindly following the torch-and-pitchfork crowd? Hopefully, OneOfSwords can clear things up. And because I’m really right here at the source, I might have a different stance that you won’t necessarily hear anywhere else.
Plus, like I said, “One of Swords” just sounds cool. I have taken it as my online identity, Gamertag, you name it. If it’s out on the web, look for “OneOfSwords” and it’s probably me.
What’s your Gamertag/PlayStation Network ID/Steam ID?
Like I just said, “OneOfSwords.”
Where’s the podcast?
Hit that Podcast tab up at the top of the page to see the individual entries and listen in your browser, or subscribe through iTunes, Zune Marketplace, or via RSS with Feedburner.
How do I contact you? How do I write in to the podcast?
General emails: dan@oneofswords.com
Podcast Free Stuff Contests: freestuff@oneofswords.com
Podcast Megamailbag Hotline Fun Zone: megamailbag@oneofswords.com (feel free to record yourself and send an MP3 to be played on the podcast)
How do your contests work?
That’s a big question, so they have their own FAQ.
What is the deal with your eye?
As many viewers of my YouTube videos have, um, bluntly noted, I have a lazy eye. I don’t blame anybody for being curious or surprised about it, but I can usually tell the age and maturity of the person asking by how they ask. Weak muscles put the eyeball in the corner pocket unless I consciously force it to stay in play. I’ve had it since birth and the surgery to correct it is far from a sure thing, so I’ve just accepted it and moved on. Unlike many people with this problem, I can pull them into alignment for photos, but it’s impossible to keep them aligned if I need to shift my focus around, like I do in a video.
I can’t see stereograms and I don’t find watching 3D movies enjoyable — but otherwise, I see fine. My sense of humor about it is well-honed and my gaming has never suffered. Also, I can see through time.
Why isn’t [Activision Game X] working right?
Believe me when I tell you I have no idea. I do not work in customer support; I not have the information, training, or patience. However, I know the folks who have all of the above, and I do want you to be a happy gamer. You can get help with Activision games through any number of channels (including Twitter and Facebook), all of which are detailed here.
What about…?
If you have other questions, ask away. I’ll update the FAQ as we go.
