More than once I’ve been surprised while doing this series to learn of someone that enjoys exploration, whether on a main or alt character, seeking out new horizons or for treasure in the void like my next guest. Now, I’m not one that usually discusses money, politics, or religion among friends and rarer still on an open public forum, but I’m proud to say I voted for my next guest last year for CSM 9 and she definitely has my vote for reelection to CSM X this year. She’s proved to be one of the hardest working CSM representatives we have, Sugar Kyle.
So, how did an explorer like myself come to vote for a Low Sec representative? Simple, I’ve got a Stay Frosty Pirate alt, Yarr! 😉 Granted, I don’t take her out much, I’m really not a PvPer, lol, but I agreed with Rixx Javix and voted for her based on his recommendation that we needed a representative for Low Sec. Not only has she represented Low Sec as promised, she’s also taking time to listen, research, ask questions, and come to understand other areas of Eve Online with an open mind. That’s the kind of candidate I want.
Since this is one of those rare occasions I’m talking politics I’ll go on to say that I for one fully believe and support that you don’t have to be an “expert” in your area as long as you are willing to learn and offer a fresh perspective. Sometimes you can be too close to an issue, biased, stubborn, etc., and not see the bigger picture. How many times have you looked at an issue and couldn’t see the problem? Then someone comes up, looks over your shoulder, and points right at it. It was in front of you the whole time. I believe that’s the kind of perspective Sugar Kyle brings to the table.
The approved candidate list will be up tomorrow and voting begins on Wednesday, February 25th. Here’s a post about the details as well as a surprise this year from CCP. Also, Cap Stable Podcast has done, yet again, a fantastic job of doing candidate interviews and analysis shows. You can find them via this link. I just ask you to do your research and vote for those you’d like to represent you. (I promise and swear to you I didn’t time this interview with the elections. It just worked out that way and it’s a great way to bring attention to the upcoming CSM X!) Well, enough politics. You now know who’s at the top of my list. 🙂 (and if you do wish to know who else is on my list, just watch for Evoganda’s post tomorrow, it’s close to mine, just a slightly different order.)
Truth be told, I didn’t start following Sugar’s blog, Low Sec Lifestyle, until after the elections. So, it did come as a surprise while reading that I come to learn of her explorer’s ways. Well I’ll be…
What attracted you to EVE Online and how long have you played?
I started in November of 2011 and I’ve just passed my third birthday in the game. I found out about Eve from a cracked.com article about one of the Eve Bank scams and I thought it sounded amazing. A bit of looking into the game told me that it was an open world where other pilots could kill me to take my stuff. My first online game was a MUD that had open world like this and it sounded like it would be a great time.
What is your background as a pilot? Did you jump right into exploration, start in the military, hired by a corporation, or something else?
Exploration was one of the main ways that my corpmates made their ISK. This was pre-odyssey exploration where you had to scan the system to find out if there were signatures. I enjoyed the discovery aspect and then the hopeful hunt for treasure that followed after it.
What attracted you to explore New Eden? What is your goal and have you achieved it? If not, are you still working towards your goal, do plan to continue, or what are you currently doing?
I’m more a treasure hunter than one that seeks new horizons. I pillage and slink away to sell my goods on the market for whomever wants them. I’ve not had the time to go out in space and ply my wealth from the results of my scanner probes of late and I truly miss that activity.
Later, when I was elected to the CSM I started working to get some of the inconsistencies and broken bits fixed. It was a continuation of my campaign to bring low level DED complexes to low sec. This led to the rebalancing of escalations and anomalies which is something I am very proud to have been a part of.
But none of that beats spending my time slipping through space seeking what is hidden.
What is the name of your favorite ship that you enjoy flying the most while exploring? Why is it your favorite? Would you mind sharing your fit?
Legion
I settled on an exploration Legion in the end. I picked a T3 because I could nullify it. I often send my exploration character out to seek and seek until her cargo hold is full. She logs off in unknown systems and creeps, as unnoticed as possible, through the sovereign empires.
During your research and travels, what has been the most interesting fact, amazing sight, or other aspect of New Eden that surprised you?
Wormhole space relic and data sites have the most amazing structures. I’ve taken so many pictures of the shattered remains, oddly illuminated, cast in shadow and dust. They are beautiful monoliths and I understand why wormholes inspire their advocates. Wormhole space in general I have often found utterly enchanting due to the beauty and mystery. Just looking around Eve and taking pictures of nebula and planet can occupy hours and hours of my time.
What have you learned or what advice would you give to someone interested in exploring New Eden?
Take time to look at things and enjoy the scenery. One of the most gorgeous things I have ever seen was a lava planet in null. Read the descriptions and visit the monuments that you will find out in random systems.
For those who seek wealth, remember that it is not owed to you. You may seek but not find. Don’t be discouraged at a run of bad luck. You didn’t pick exploration for consistency but for that incredible payoff.
Do you have a favorite image that you wouldn’t mind me posting and sharing from your explorations?
