Interview
Handle: Dr. Outtasight (Homepage)
How did you come up with your alias ?
When I did my military service, back when the Crusaders were known as the IFF (International Fart Federation) I managed to get a lot of time off (shore leave). In fact so much that some officers reffered to me as Out Of Sight. A friend of mine who worked at the accounting office then started to write Outtasight on my paycheckes.
City / Country:
Currently I'm living in Wakefield, England. I moved here in 1995 to start work for Team17 Software. I'm born near Oslo, Norway.
Born year:
1967
What was your first computer, and when did you get it?
My first computer was actually a small RCA Microtutor with 8 bit toggle switches for a keyboard :-) The monitor was two hex seven segment LEDs. My brother, who worked for a company that sold RCA components gave it to me when I was nine years old. Since then I've always had at least one computer.
How did you get into the scene and what groups have you been a member of ?
I started off together with Dr. Awesome and Dr. M.D. Cub in the International Fart Federation or The Toilet Team. I can't remember which came first. After that we brought on some other guys and formed the Crusaders of which I've been a member ever since.
What was the proudest moment in your career ?
There are two proud moments that stand out from the rest. The first was when I discovered that someone actually read the scroll texts on the Crusaders Eurocharts, known as The Story About Ken - a true story from the future. The second one was reading the media coverage of The Gathering 1993, which was in my opinion the best Gathering ever.
For what specific reason(s) do you think that you are remembered ?
Compared to my fellow Crusader, Dr. Awesome, I've had a relatively low profile. The few people who might remember me probably remember The Story About Ken, The Gatherings '92,'93 and '94 and The Crusaders BBS. I can't imagine the two latter being very well known outside scandinavia.
What would you like to be remembered for ?
I'd like to be remembered for The Gathering 1993 and the Ken stories. Now that I've left the Gathering team for a while, and The Gathering seems to go commercial, I'll involve myself again to try and bring back some of the atmosphere from the previous parties.
What made you stop the scene activity ? (and do you remember when?)
I've never actually stopped completely. It's just that more and more of my time has been taken over by work. And in 1993 I had a daughter which also took a good deal of my time.
Thinking back on the good old days, is there anything you regret?
Now, I wish I'd had more time to spend with the scene. I'll do my best to get back in there with The Gathering 1997. Also, I've been persuaded to start writing Ken stories again! Look out for new chapters at http://www.team17.com/~elyngaas/kenindex.html
What was your favorite
GAME(S)
The only gave I've spent too much time with was Stunt Car Racer. I guess you can say that was my favourite.
DEMO(S)
It's been so long that I can't seem to remember any names. I've always liked demos from Spaceballs and Phenomena. Nowadays Spaceballs seems to have lost something, or someone and are really going down hill.
PROGRAMMER(S) (OR PROGRAMMING TEAM(S))
BEST COMPOSED TRACK(S)
There were hundreds of really good tracks, but the one that springs to mind was Graveyard Remix by Fleshbrain/Crusaders
EVENT(S) (E.G. COPYPARTY)
Naturally The Gathering 1993. I think it had everything a party needs. Loads of people, good demos, loss of electricity etc.
MEMORY(S)
Hundreds of good memories spring to mind, but the thing I probably remember best from the 'scene days' is the bust of the Cryptoburners copyparty in Drammen, Norway. The Crusaders smuggled gigabytes of warez out through the police blockade in sleeping bags and inside Amiga 2000's. Dr. M.D. Cub jumped from a second floor window with a bag full of disks almost on top of a police car and took off. Even though no demos were shown, we met almost no people and the whole thing lasted for only a few hours - this is still one of the best copyparties I've been to :-)
Also, the six months spent in the infamous house in Skoyenveien in Oslo. Dr. Awesome, Dr. M.D Cub and myself rented a big house and turned into a computer wiz hangout.
DRINK ?
Lemon Hooch and Galliano Hot Shot - obviously not mixed together.
What are you doing nowadays ?
I'm working for Team17 Software Ltd. (Worms) in England as a Network Manager.
What are you doing on your spare time?
Unfortunately I don't have any :-) My girlfriend has moved back to Norway with my daughter, and I'm now sharing a house with Dr. Awesome who also works for Team17.
Is there anything you'd like to say to the public (read: admires)
I wish that I could convince all new 'sceners' that they have to stop taking themselves so damn serious. The point is after all to have fun! From what I've seen of 'modern' demos, the humour is gone! You won't be remembered for the fancy code alone.
What is the meaning of life?
The meaning of life is to evolve. Uhn - that's deep.