Bulls versus Bears

This is an interview with Mon Macutay from gmtristan.com, one of the rising gamer blogs in Southeast-Asia.

You may ask yourself why you should check out a gamer’s blog if you are not a gamer. Consider the below:

Most important is to see the success story with the blog. Success is not tied to the industry catered to but to the ability of the blogger to carve out a spot in the blogosphere and communicate content to readers. Mon has managed to do just that and he does a pretty good job.

Should you not really care about the blog itself Mon has a section that will catch everyone’s attention…The Gamer Girls…which will ensure that you come back and check for updates. Great job Mon!

Thank you for taking out the time to answer a few questions and wish you the best with blog and your future ambitions with it.


1. How old is GM Tristan?

I don't want to say my exact age. I'm over 30. I guess that's enough... hehe.


2. When did you come up with the idea for GM Tristan?

GM Tristan is my Game Master (GM) for Ragnarok Online (http://www.ragnarok.ph/). I was the head GM before being promoted to my current position of Marketing Manager for Level Up Games (http://www.levelupgames.ph/). We publish and market online games and MMORPGs here in the Philippines. The name really stuck. Tristan is the King of Midgard, the game world of Ragnarok. I've been using the same ever since.


3. If you have to describe GM Tristan with one word, what would it be?

Macho!


4. How long have you been blogging?

More than a year now…


5. Is GM Tristan your first blog?

I actually have an old blog at blogger - http://gmtristan.blogspot.com/ - but I've decided to buy my own domain. But yes, gmtristan.com is my first blog. But I plan to have more in the future.


6. How much time do you spend working on GM Tristan?

A couple of hours a day at most. I try to write all the posts for the week in advance. It's a good thing to get on my ‘writing mode’ and fire away. But if I find something interesting to share or cover, I'd blog about it right away


7. What are the three most useless things that you have learned since you blog?

1. Don't put a chat box in your blog.
2. Not all widgets are cool.
3. Sblogs, or stealers of content, are plain lazy and retards.


8. What is your favorite section of GM Tristan?

The girls - http://gmtristan.com/girls


9. Why?

Need I explain more?


10. Do you generate income with GM Tristan?

Yes, but not that much. It's enough to buy me a couple of DVDs and maybe a small gadget every now and then.


11. What are your future plans with GM Tristan, where do you see GM Tristan in three years?

I want it to become one of the top game blogs in the Southeast Asian region, if not Asia.


12. What are the best new developments in the blogosphere in your opinion?

I think its video ads. Finally a way to monetize those high views in your YouTube channel! Woot!


13. How do you feel about 'zombie' blogs (blogs that were started but failed and never taken off-line)?

Blogging is not for everyone. Some try and say "hey, this is not for me". I guess that's why they never took off. But if you find something that you're passionate about, you're sure to succeed.


14. What do you think about the surge in sblogs?

Are you referring to those who crawl and steal your content? They’re retards!


15. What is missing from the blogosphere that would make blogging even better?

A way for your readers to put content too... this is exciting


16. What do you dislike most about blogging?

The whiners who comment…


17. What are your three favorite blogs that you read?

1. problogger.net
2. shoemoney.com
3. techcrunch.com


18. What do you think is the single most important fact new bloggers should be aware off when they start to blog?

Original content and passion will bring in readers. But don't expect things to happen overnight.


19. What do think are the new hot trends in the blogosphere?

Live streaming video channels and video ads.


20. How long have you been a gamer?

Ever since I picked up Atari…since I was 7.


21. What are the new hot games on the markets right now?

I really think it's one of our games - Perfect World (http://perfectworld.levelupgames.ph/). It has all the elements one is looking for in a game: epic story, great graphics, quests and a great way to really customize your avatar. Check it out, folks!


22. What is your favorite game?

I would have to say it's Ragnarok.


23. Why?

It's the first MMORPG that I played and it's also the first online MMO here in our country. I love it because I met a LOT of new friends and learned a lot since I played it and eventually worked for the company that publishes it. Ragnarok will be my first love. The memories from that game to me are priceless.


24. What do you dislike most about the gaming industry?

Trash and copycat games…


25. What do you think about the Gamer Babes?

I like to prove to everyone that girls CAN'T possibly understand why guys love gaming. Also, the girls I featured think it's a cool idea to help with this sort of "evangelizing". Girls can game and sometimes they can kick your butt too.

The fact that most are pretty and sexy is a GREAT bonus! 'nuff said.


26. Who is your favorite?

It would have to be Gamer Babe Pam (http://gmtristan.com/gamer-babe-pam/).


27. Why?

She and I are very close friends and we share a lot of things in common. She's always there when I want to release any stress or rant about something. 'luv yah Pam!


28. When it comes to live do your prefer to play it safe or smart?

Play it both, if you can. Just plan for the best and expect the worst. Aim high always. Keep on doing what you love and success will follow naturally.

More power to you and this blog! And thanks for the opportunity. I'd like to take this opportunity to invite all your readers to visit my own little, virtual home:

http://www.gmtristan.com/