Hi, everyone! Welcome to the first edition of Candid Conversations! We have two wonderful guests today. First we'll be talking with Catspaw about her recent rise to power. Then we'll chat with snubs about bringing back the Israelites. But first, I want to tell you just a little bit about this paper.

Back in early June of 2009, just after I registered here at the Town of Odyssey, I became quite interested in the newspapers that users had published over the years. At the time, there weren't many new issues being posted. So, in an effort to contribute to the town, and to make my mark, I decided to create my own newspaper.

When I was thinking about a name for the paper, an idea popped into my head. I could base my paper on Candid Conversations with Connie, the radio show from Adventures in Odyssey. Instead of filling the newspaper with articles, it would feature just interviews – or "candid conversations" – with people who were involved in recent events.

I posted my idea for the new paper only four days after registering as a citizen. I immediately got a great response from many different users who were eager to get behind the project. We set up a private faction, lined-up stories for the first issue, Irwin created some awesome graphics and layouts, and everyone was working hard. The whole thing seemed to be right on track.

But, as with many projects on the ToO, some of our staff got busy with other things and weren’t able to help as much as they had wanted to. Irwin and I had a hard time formatting the paper and creating a subscription system. Meanwhile, a few deadlines for interviews passed unnoticed, leaving us without content to put in the paper. There were also a few other factors, but all of this caused us to delay our premiere release, and eventually, the paper was dead.

But now, I’ve decided that it’s finally time to make Candid Conversations a reality. This past week I’ve been working hard to put this together. I hope that you enjoy our first issue!

Eugene: Thanks for agreeing to the interview!

Catspaw: Thank you for taking the time to interview me.

Eugene: No problem! How has your Canadian Thanksgiving weekend been going?

Catspaw: Thanksgiving weekend has been nice so far. My family is expecting to see a relative visiting from out of town soon, and there are many reasons to be thankful, with many more to come!

I hope you have had a pleasant Thanksgiving as well.

Eugene: Yes, it's been great so far!

Catspaw: Wonderful to hear.

All Catsville members should be celebrating Thanksgiving at the correct time of year.

Eugene: What would you say you are most thankful for this year?

Catspaw: I am most thankful for the return of good things. One example would be the ToO's return to good spelling, grammar, and manners. These things have been sorely lacking in recent days.

Eugene: About the ToO. This is the first election in which no teams have been able to meet the money requirements to run.

Catspaw: Yes, that is correct.

Eugene: Was you're taking over the only option you considered?

Catspaw: I must pause to correct your grammar. It is "your" instead of "you're" in the context that you used the word. I hope not to see further infractions during this interview.

Taking personal responsibility for ensuring the security of the ToO's future was the only thing that could be done. I was happy to step up and make sure that the people of the ToO had the best possible option.

Many people considered this to be the best choice, and to me, it was the only one that truly maintained the greatness of the ToO.

Eugene: It seemed to be the only logical solution to the problem.

Catspaw: Yes, it was the perfect solution to a sticky situation. Many members have even commented that this is even better than the typical term, and I have to agree.

Eugene: How would you say people have responded to the situation?

Catspaw: People have responded very favourably. Many have provided words of encouragement.

There are a few dissenters, of course. All great leaders run into troublesome mosquitoes along the way, but their concerns will soon be quashed, or else their departures will be forthcoming. Either way, the remainder of the citizens, the true members, will have a fantastic time!

Eugene: Well said.

Catspaw: Thank you.

Eugene: How would you describe the mood of the town?

Catspaw: The mood is very positive and optimistic.

Eugene: Why have you decided to enforce Canadian spelling over the more-used American spellings?

Catspaw: Just because something is commonly done or believed does not make it right. As Christians, we are regularly presented with examples of how the popular thing is not necessarily the right thing. Canadian and British spellings are the correct way to spell words. Lazy Americans have removed some letters to serve their own purposes.

It really does not take any effort to properly spell a word. For example, typing or writing "colour" (correct) instead of "color" (incorrect) is a very simple process that only requires a second, at the most, to include. I want people's minds to be expanded beyond their small part of the world.

Canadian and British spellings have been used across the world, and some Americans choose to use the correct spellings because they acknowledge the superiority of it. My job is to help people become better. This is one way of doing it.

Eugene: Do you have any other changes in mind for the board?

Catspaw: Yes, change is an inevitable part of life. I myself have been known to resist change at times, which is why I understand the need to make sure that the change is for the better. All the changes that are coming will be made with the interests of the members of Catsville in mind. Like children, sometimes they do not know what is best for them or want what is best for them, but they will receive it anyway, and they will come to fully appreciate it in time....or will not be around at all to complain.

I cannot release details at this time, but very soon people will hear about some changes, and more will be announced as needed. Of course, fines and bans will be used to enforce the new policies for the reluctant few who refuse to accept what is best for them.

Eugene: So far, most users have been receptive to your ideas. But there are a few people who have questioned your authority to make these kinds of changes. What do you say to them?

Catspaw: I do not have a lot to say to the detractors, merely because I do not care to waste my time. Either they will become accustomed to the new way of doing things, or they will leave, either by choice or necessity. That will become their decision.

Eugene: Your choice of moderators was interesting. Is there a reason why you chose the users you did?

Catspaw: I cannot share all my reasons at this time, but of course each one was carefully considered. I had specific reasons for wanting each one as a member of the Catsville enforcement team, and those reasons were different for each person. Of course, as the town has already seen, changes can be made at any time for reasons that may not be fully explained to the average curious member.

Eugene: Have you given the moderators the authority to fine and/or ban members for infractions of your new laws?

Catspaw: I will be the one who applies all fines and bans to ensure that things are done consistently and fairly.

Eugene: Have you given the moderators any special directives?

Catspaw: They have been instructed regarding the extent of their duties.

Eugene: About the 21st election. Will it start in January like it is supposed to, or will you change the way the town's administration works?

Catspaw: Details regarding any future elections will be provided at a later date. I have no further comment at this time.

Eugene: Anything else you would like to add?

Catspaw: Thank you to the good citizens of Catsville for their continued support. I look forward to a future of proper spelling, proper grammar, and good manners.

Eugene: Thank you for taking some time to answer my questions.

Catspaw: Thank you for your insightful interview questions, Eugene. It has been a pleasure.

Eugene: Thanks for agreeing to do the interview, snubs!

snubs: No problem.

Eugene: So, the Israelites and the Bones. Was it your idea to restart the two groups?

snubs: In a manner of speaking, yes. See, a few months ago I asked Catspaw to see if she would revive them. I wasn't asking to be the leader, but I would if she wanted me to be. Actually, I wasn't really thinking about the Bones faction at the time. I really wanted the Israelites.

Anyway, Catspaw didn't really want to. So I let it go. Then I asked her again, and gave her some things on what I would do with the place. She liked it, so she let me take over.

Then I figured, it wouldn't be right to just have the Israelites. So, I asked Jelly if he would want to take up the Bones. And he agreed, obviously.

Eugene: Why did you want to re-start the Israelites? Is there a particular reason?

snubs: Because I had an idea about a real life gang; a gang that doesn't vandalize, but cleans up after the vandalizing. I thought I could encourage others to start a group like that. But not just to clean up things, but also to do Bible studies together. You know, build a community.

Eugene: That sounds great!

snubs: Thanks. I'm still fine tuning the idea.

Eugene: What has been the response from other members?

snubs: Well, a lot of them liked the idea of reviving the Israelites, and ended up joining us. Though, some of them think that it is only for a time, and that it won't last very long. I say, that it won't unless everyone contributes in posting and such. Otherwise, the faction will die.

Eugene: What have the Israelites been doing recently? Are they keeping busy?

snubs: As of now, we have been thinking up ideas on how to help people (on and off the board). Mostly we have been doing things for people here, on the Town of Odyssey, by greeting new members, and sending them a welcome PM. We also have been doing some anonymous kindness acts. So, I would say we aren't that busy. But busy enough.

Eugene: When you asked Jelly about heading up the Bones of Rath, what was his response?

snubs: He said that he didn't know how active he would be able to be, due to the fact that he is in college, but that he would like to lead the group. As far as I know, they are having some good success.

Eugene: Did he tell you any of his plans for the Bones?

snubs: No, he didn't. I figured he would do the same things the Bones did in the past.

Eugene: What do you see the Israelites doing for their "real-life" communities?

snubs: I would like to encourage them to help others (whether big or small) by doing yard work for their neighbors, opening doors for people, encouraging others with their words, evangelizing, and just giving a kind smile. Sometimes the smallest things have the biggest impact.

Eugene: That's very true. I can't wait to see how the group grows.

snubs: I know. I have a lot of things I would like to put into action. However, as of now, I must go slowly because I've been pretty busy, so I can't just sit down and really think about it.

Oh, and I would like to say that, Lee, so far, has progressed the most as an Israelite. She has shown a lot of enthusiasm, which is great for an Israelite.

Eugene: I have to agree on that. She has been a great addition to the team!

snubs: Yup, I don't think she realizes how important she actually is.

Eugene: Is there anything that you'd like to say? Maybe some advice or sage wisdom?

snubs: Yes, actually. I would like to share a couple quotes.

Eugene: Okay.

snubs: “You never know what happiness a simple act of kindness will bring about.” ~Bree Abel

"There is no better exercise for the heart than reaching down and lifting someone up." ~Unknown

And that's what the Israelites are all about.

Eugene: That's awesome, snubs!

One more question. Because it is Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend, what are you most thankful for this year?

snubs: Good question. There are a lot of things I could name. So I'll name a few that are most important to me.

I am thankful that Jesus loves me. I learned that these past months, and know that He loves me more than anything. I can't even express how much.

I'm also thankful that me and my family are safe and healthy.

And I'm thankful for all the people I am able to communicate with here, on this board, the ToO. I've learned a lot from some of the people here. To name one person, StrongNChrist. She taught me a valuable lesson. And to that, I am thankful.

Eugene: That's awesome.

snubs: Thanks. And thanks for doing this interview. =]

Eugene: You're welcome! Thank you, too, for the interview.

snubs: No problem, it was a pleasure.