IA: Getting to know...Merle Corey

Day 831, 09:40 • Published in South Africa South Africa • by Independent Alternative

My interview today was with a friend and fellow party member, Merle Corey. He has recently become quite active within the party and also has a shining political career ahead of him. Here's his bio stuff, as always, first:

Birth date: 20 September 2009
Best skill: Lamnd (5.62) & Manufacturing (4.1😎
Level: 18
Friends: 40
Military rank: Colonel
Medals: 5x hard worker, 1x super soldier

Right ontot the questions I asked Merle:

Do you have a hero or role model in eRepublik - if so, who is that and why?

One of my first company GMs - who mentored me and made sure that I understood how to fight and heal - made the game so much more interesting...he was an ePolish national who ran a grain company here in eSA - I have no idea of his name! But he was a tremendous help to me.

What's your next big goal?

Next? I'm still working on my last goal! But I suppose it would be to find ways to become more involved in eSA...I"m starting to understand the interdependencies and nuances of the game...just in time for the admins to change the world. Literally. 😛

How much time do you spend on eRepublik a day?
Usually a few minutes in my RL morning, and then most of my time in the evening, after the kids are in bed. Maybe 2-3 hours/day. Unless I'm answering questions.

How did you start playing eRepublik?

I was injured in a freak fall, and was unable to work for a time - essentially, I was bedridden for 20 hours/day. Daytime television is not an option...I needed a diversion to keep me from going insane. I had been playing another browser-based game, which I had just finished. I was trying every browser-based game I could find! This one stuck. As with most things, there is a lot of crap out there.

(PS: I'm back working full-time, thanks for asking.)

How many people do you know in real life who plays eRepublik?

Nobody. This question makes me seem like some sort of hermit with no friends. It's only partly true.
But that's the beauty of browser games...you can make new friends thousands of miles away.

What positions do you current hold in eRepublik?

Deputy in the MoSD - I'm interested in trying help the newbies and two-clickers get more involved. I think it is sort of a design flaw in the game - those first few weeks are almost enforced two-clicking.
Co of PG 1st company
Like I said, I need to balance activity with RL time.

How long have you been part of the Independent Alternative?

I would say 3-4 months. Only really been more active since the new forums were put in place. I tend to lurk.

What made you join the Independent Alternative?

I like the "No Bullshit" approach. I dislike politics and the many of the people who want power (of any sort) tend to turn into tin-pot dictators with delusions of grandeur. I dont see that in IA.
I really like the way that the IA leadership is open to ideas, especially from people who maybe haven't been here for so long. I feel like I can contribute a few ideas, have some other people comment, and then see where they go. I'm a big believer in "the best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas" - many of them wont work out, but perhaps at least one will!

What in-game aspects would you say you're good at (e.g. politics, economics, media, networking and so on)?

I feel like I"m still learning about all of it. I would say consistency...I haven't missed a day of work since I started eRep. If I make a commitment, I keep it.

What has been a highlight so far in your e-life?

The recent victories over eIndonesia and the resulting eSA national pride. It was a great feeling to participate in something a bit larger than myself. You don't often get that in a browser game.


That's another interview complete. I hope you know Merle a little bit better now! He's actually quite famous, earning 3 votes in the recent elections, despite him being announced as a blocking (hero!) candidate!

Look out for the next edition of "Getting to know..."

Best regards
mulderpf
Party President - Independent Alternative

If you want to be part of the party that is the Independent Alternative or you just find the people interesting and you haven't joined yet, why not read what we're all about here on eRepublik: http://www.erepublik.com/en/article/independent-alternative-the-party-for-you--1156131/1/all or on the official eSouth AFrican forum: http://forums.erepubliksa.com/politics/independent-alternative-our-direction-for-february-2010/