Welcome to another Friday packed full of [count them] 1… 2… 3… ...22 Questions of goodness. This week I had a chat with Sean Gailey. Sean who? Sean is the Creative Director and part Owner of J!NX, the online clothing store that appeals to gamers. Whether you are a computer nerd or a console geek, there are plenty of shirts that will make even the most serious gamers crack a smile. While I like some of the shirts more than others, I chuckle at nearly each one. Well, enough about my laughter and on to the interview at hand. Here are Sean’s answers to the questions. Enjoy.

• What is Your Gaming Alias:

Jinx (which is usually taken already), Heavy, or Oddjob

• What Are You Better at Than Anyone You Know:

Probably nothing. I surround myself with people that are better than me at everything I do. It’s the only way to get better IMO. However, I’m a damn good programmer and a dangerous Shaman.

• Little Known Fact:

While growing up, when other kids were sneaking out to party, I was sneaking out to go over to Windminstral’s (one of the other J!NX owners) house to program. Beat that.

• Closest You Have Come to Death:

Probably freestlying back in the day on my GT Pro Performer. I was doing some crazy shit on my bike growing up and bit it so hard (more than a few times) that I was surprised I was able to get up again. Since then I tend not to be omgXtreme.

• What Age Did You Start Gaming:

A young jinx was gaming hardcore at age 6 when dad brought home a Magnavox Odyssey. Close on the heels of the Odyssey came the TRS-80 Model III (Trash 80) that got me programming games. Since then its been one title after another.

• Who Would You Say is Responsible for Getting You Into Gaming:

Either my parents for footing the bill for the game systems, or TV for advertising the game systems I bought. It wasn’t hard to get me into it, I’ve always loved fantasy, gaming, D&D, sci-fi, and all aspects of geek life™

• Game That Was the Biggest Let Down:

Ahh, there have been so many. In recent years, I’d have to say Fable, NWN2, or DDO. I have always been a game developer at heart, so I know how hard it is to build a game. These dudes are all badasses that are making these games, so it’s not a dig on them. Sometimes a game just doesnt hit the mark, and the hype on these titles was outrageous. It would have been tough to live up to what was expected of them. However, I will say that some games are much better in theory, but are not fun to actually play. Also, I could give two shits about the next level of physics or super gigawatt turbo concusive water effects. Just make it fun, dude.

• First Game That Had You Hooked:

No question, Bard’s Tale on the Commodore64. There are some games better left in your memory, they rarely live up to how good you remember them being. Bard’s Tale is NOT one of those games. It still rocks.

• Song You Are Currently Listening to:

The new Shins album, and dabbling in Delta Spirit, Apples in Stereo, and Paul’s Boutique (Beastie Boys, best album IMO).

• When/How Was J!NX Created:

It was around in spirit for a long time. I use to make white T-shirts with a black sharpie marker. Nothing earth shattering, but I got some good feedback. Eventually, in 1999, we started J!NX in my 10’x10’ bedroom on the side while we did web dev (we had a company called Empire Technologies). About 3 years ago, we decided to really go for it. We quit our current contracts and brought in Windminstral and really focused on it. Since then, we’ve grown in leaps and bounds. Its crazy to think of how things have taken off in the last few years, it’s been a blast.

• What is Your Favorite Shirt at J1NX:

Currently, its the Disobey Shirt or the CounterCulture Shirt.

• Favorite Ending For a Game, Movie or Book:

Definately NOT Silent Hill. Great games, terrible endings. I don’t usually like endings in either books or games. Who wants a game or book to end? When I’m playing a good game like Prince of Persia, and it says 80% complete, I start to get bummed out. I have shed a tear when a kickass book series ends, such as Dragonlance, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Ok, maybe a little ashamed.

• Favorite Arcade Game:

Hmm, what did I plunk the most quarters into…I’d say Gauntlet would be the best since I think I literally pooped a little bit when I first saw it. Then I’d say Marios Bros, Star Wars, and Ghost and Goblins.

• Last Gadget Purchased:

I’m not a gadget person, not sure why. Probably because I hate having things in my pockets.

• The Worst or Most Frustrating Moment You’ve Had Gaming:

Every time I lose to a stun-lock Rogue in WoW. Nerf Rogues!

• If You Were to Make a Documentary, What Would it Be About:

I always wanted to do a documentary on LARP’ing. I’ve never LARP’ed personally, but I’m always fascinated by people that are absolutely immersed in eccentric interests. Documentaries are my first choice in cinema. It turns out a LARP’ing documentary just came out called Darkon. Check it out, its great.

• Ideal Game That Has Not Yet Been Created:

If I knew that, I’d have already tried making it. It would be some form of RPG though.

• Favorite Movie Quote:

Anything from Big Lebowski or Safe Men, two movies that anyone reading this is required to go rent and watch right now.

• Most Exciting Gaming Experience:

All of ‘em.

• What is Your Favorite Part of Your Job:

I like most aspects of my job, but the most rewarding thing is working with some of the people and companies I’ve always looked up to. For example, the first time Dragon magazine did a little blurb about us will forever be one of my greatest achievements. I would have never thought when playing D&D all those years that something I was doing would someday be IN the best D&D mag out there. Also, getting to meet personal heroes like Lord British (Ultima series) and R.A.Salvatore (who I JUST met yesterday) makes me a happy geek. I turn into a blathering fanboy, but I’m sure they’re used to it.

• What Movie Inspired Game Would You Love to See:

Well, movie-inspired games usually suck, but if I had to pick, I’d say Firefly (Serenity).

• What Message Would You Send to Gamers Everywhere:

Eat your vegetables.

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“Eat your vegetables.” Wise words (unless said medley of vegetables happens to include but are not limited to green beans, asparagus, cauliflower or sauerkraut). Thanks Sean for the interview. J!NX has some amazing products and a cool community of people as well. Readers, have a stop by the J!NX site and take a gander at some of the shirts and accessories there.

I hope everyone enjoyed this week’s interview. Stay tuned next week for another great person. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you have at tiedtheleaderblog@gmail.com.

Posted by Dweezle