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NEOPETS HQ - What comes to mind when you think of a ‘snowflake’? Perhaps a
lovely delicate work of art that gently floats down from the sky. If we add
talented and dedicated, you would have our own Neopian Times editor, Ms. Snowflake.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with Ms. Snowflake for an exclusive
interview. It was an exciting time full of wonder. It was also an eye opening
experience into her world, where we see just how much dedication she has to
fellow Neopians.
The day started out lovely and bright! As I entered the office, I was greeted
by a blue Shoyru. She was in the process of drawing quite a lovely picture.
No doubt as to where that picture may be ending up. She put it aside for a moment
to offer me assistance.
After the Shoyru artist asked me if she could help me, I informed her that
I had an appointment with Ms. Snowflake for an exclusive interview. The Shoyru
artist smiled and said she would go and announce my arrival.
Taking a seat in a small waiting area, I looked around the office of the Neopian
Times. I still could not believe that I was here! It was a bit smaller of an
area than I expected. However, it seemed to house a lot of little offices, in
the form of work stations. The room looked to be of a grey and white pattern
with lots of little splashes of color around various areas. Everywhere my eye
could see, were busy Neopian Times staff and pets, working hard to get the next
issue out.
A melodic voice called to me and I turned to find, Ms. Snowflake standing beside
me. Ms. Snowflake smiled and offered me her hand. She suggested that we go to
her office to conduct the interview.
I followed her down through the work stations to the door of her office. As
I was walking down the aisle, I took little glimpses around. I tried to hide
my look of surprise when I noticed some of the staff carrying a small iron ball
that had a chain connected to their legs!
Ms. Snowflake must have noticed my surprise because she informed me that the
ball and chain were part of an incentive program. As I entered her office, I
heard a yelp and saw a guard with a rather large Bearog chasing a staff member
down the corridor.
Once inside Ms. Snowflake’s office, she offered me a seat. Then she went to
sit behind her desk. That’s when we lost sight of each other. Her desk was covered
by a mountain of submissions that she had yet to look through! She quickly cleared
an area so we could at least get a bit of a view as we spoke with each other.
As I pulled out my notes to begin the interview, a young Grundo entered the
office. Ms. Snowflake asked him if he would bring us both a cup of house blend
coffee. Then she turned back to me and smiled.
Beau_lis (smiling back): The readers would love to know more about you. Would
you tell us something about yourself so the readers can get to know you a bit?
Ms. Snowflake (speaking in a melodic voice): I enjoy being editor of the NT.
I feel that I have learned a lot from it. It's tough sometimes, like when you
have to sift through thousands of e-mails and choose which ones you like the
most. I think it's definitely worth it, though. When you publish something that
you know a user put a lot of effort towards, it's great to know that other people
get to enjoy their hard work.
Beau_lis: When did you first become the NT editor?
Ms. Snowflake: About four months ago.
At this point, the little Grundo came back into the office with the House Blend
Coffee and offered it to Ms. Snowflake and myself. I also must point out that
it was a wonderful blend!
Beau_lis: What was your first day as editor like?
Ms. Snowflake (thinking back to the memory): Scary. I wasn't sure how I would
be able to choose what entries would be published. There were a lot to choose
from.
Beau_lis: What is your favorite part of being editor for the NT?
Ms. Snowflake: I think that would have to be the fact that I am able to make
the NT the best that I can. This makes readers happy, and that makes me happy.
Beau_lis: What is your most memorable moment working with The Neopian Times?
Ms. Snowflake (responded with a bit of excitement): Ah, this is the easiest
question. That would be the time many of The Neopian Times writers surprised
me on my birthday. They sent me artwork, stories, even comics. It was great!
Definitely something I will never forget.
Beau_lis: What article, story, or comic do you most remember?
Ms. Snowflake: Hrmm, hard to say... I'd have to say that the Neopinglish Dictionary
articles are pretty fun to read.
Beau_lis: What was the funniest or strangest thing that happened to you as
the editor?
Ms. Snowflake: Maybe the time I accidentally sent out rejection letters to
all the e-mails that should have gotten confirmation letters instead. Oops.
We were briefly interrupted by a rainbow Blumaroo bouncing in and carrying
another large pile of submissions. He bounced over to Ms. Snowflake and asked
where she would like these. I had to contain my laughter when she replied ‘on
someone else’s desk’.
Beau_lis: What are the biggest changes that have been made to the NT?
Ms. Snowflake (sifting through that new pile): Well, we started sending out
rejection and acceptance letters to those users who submit something to the
Neopian Times.
Beau_lis: What are the biggest obstacles you've come across in all your time
working with the NT?
Ms. Snowflake: Time. I would like to publish more of everything, but I just
don't have the time to do it. I feel quality is more important that quantity
;)
Beau_lis: Where do you see the NT going in the future?
Ms. Snowflake (thinking for a moment): I think I will eventually be able to
publish more things. I will probably also think of ways that can improve the
NT and make it more enjoyable.
Beau_lis: What advice would you give to aspiring authors and seasoned authors?
Ms. Snowflake (smiling): I know you hear this all the time, but remember to
pay attention in school. You may think you don't need to know certain things,
but you never know. Congratulations to those who are graduated this year!
Beau_lis: Do you have any comments or anything you would like to add?
Ms. Snowflake: I'm glad to be part of The Neopian Times. I am really impressed
with how well some of you write. It is amazing to see how so many users are
able to express their thoughts and ideas in an interesting and creative way.
Beau_lis (said gratefully): I think I have asked all my questions. Thanks so
much for allowing me this exclusive!
We finished the last of our House Blend Coffee and Ms. Snowflake showed me
to her door. With a final farewell, we parted ways. Her back to editing duties
and me to my typewriter to get this article written.
Author’s Note: Although I have used a bit of humor and fantasy in this article,
the heartfelt interview was real. I would like to send a special thanks to Ms.
Snowflake for allowing me to feature her and for all her hard work making the
NT what it is today!
I'd also like to thank Jolie for her help with advice for this article.
Please feel free to offer comments about my article.
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