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Hi kids!
This interview series is meant to inform more than entertain. OK now, settle down. We can still have fun with this. It won't be as bad as a 1950's film in science class. The eperson I'll be talking with started out just like you. We all did. I don't care how long they have been in the game. It's just that sometimes we forget where we came from. So today I'll be talking to Shaun Carter and we'll see how he got to where he is in the game. The goal here is to show what options are available in eRepublik and encourage you to be more than a 'two clicker'. For those who don't know what that is, trust me, you'll find out!

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Dill Hi Shaun, thanks for taking time out of your busy day to talk with us.

Shaun No problem.


I had no idea Shaun was this busy.

Dill How did you get into eRepublik?

Shaun I had dabbled in eRepublik a year or so ago and decided to get more seriously involved recently because of the economic engine behind the simulation and my current role as an Economics major.

Dill So you're going to school in RL to learn about Econmics and RPing using Economics to run your companies in the game. Doesn't that get old?

Shaun I LOVE Economics and business. eRep is a big part of my day and I've been playing everyday since I started my current account. I have actually discussed eRepublik with an Economics professor and perhaps it could make an appearance in her class someday.



Dill Please explain to us why ebusiness is so interesting to you.

Shaun eBusiness is so much better than RL. I am a former RL pizzeria owner and doing the virtual thing is so much more enjoyable, less risky and devoid of the headaches that a real business brings.

Dill What are the benifits of being the boss?

Shaun There is the positive satisfaction of being profitable and successful in eRep, even if it isn't real dollars.



Dill What should a new player do to get started and to be successful in ebusiness.

Shaun This is a tough question. Trial and error... Unfortunately there is not a good resource available to show players everything they need to enjoy and be successful in eRep. I had to scour the internet for information, it was a time consuming process. I can recomend this Company Simulator to give an idea of what it's like to run a business.

Dill How about some thoughts from someone who has been there?

Shaun My first piece of advice is to begin a dialogue with your employer as you start out in eRep. Learn what it's all about from someone who is already successful and you will soon find yourself following in their footsteps. Also, don't start your business too early! There is a reason you need 40 gold to form a company... because it takes a significant amount of money to keep it operating from day to day. When you become more experienced, then you can run things a little leaner, but for now give yourself a buffer to avoid bankruptcy.

Dill Is it a good idea to invest some RL money and buy gold to start an ebusiness?

Shaun It's just a game! DO NOT spend a bunch of RL money on buying gold. I have been very successful as a business owner in eRep and I have spent no money on the game whatsoever.



Dill Anything else?

Shaun I read a few papers, I mostly focus on operating my companies. Once I have a well established foundation of companies I plan to become more involved with the politics of eRep.

Dill Sounds like you've got a plan. How are you involved socially?

Shaun My RL brother plays eRep, but for the most part it's not easy to get friends interested in the game. Unfortunatly my busy schedule in RL prevents me from exploring other parts of the game at the moment.

Dill What's been your worst experiance so far in game?

Shaun Worst experience was surely losing about 70 gold in the whole ERX fiasco... nuff said.

Dill And the best?

Shaun The best are some of the people I have had the opportunity to interact with and meet because of this game. I only know them within eRep, but hopefully in the future some of these in-game relationships will extend to RL.



Dill Any special tips you want to pass on to new players?

Shaun Ask questions! Interact with your employer and fellow employees! If you want to be a fighter, join the military! Aspiring politician? Get involved in a political party! Just do it!

Dill Thanks for sharing your insight and understanding of ebusiness with us. I know I learned a thing or two.

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Shaun Carter is my boss at Nobel Grain and a good friend. And, um, I might be late for work tomorrow. Ya see I was up late workin' on this article and...

We've said our piece. Now what do you think?