FAQs

Q: How long did it take for you to reach a rank of CL11?

A: I assumed the rank of CL11 when the Outpost first opened. So no, I never was an Ensign.

Q: Did you build the Outpost?

A: The initial site which has now become Outpost 10F was built by me. Since that time many people from all over the world have participated in the construction and maintenance of the site.

Q: Who is the Fleet Admiral?

A: The Fleet Admiral is a friend I've known since grade 7. He's harmless, really.

Q: Why are you not the Fleet Admiral?

A: When the Outpost was first being built I wasn't that knowledgeable about Star Trek. So, I asked a friend of mine to assist. He wanted to be the Fleet Admiral and it was fine with me (as he fit the role well and knew more about Trek than I did).

Q: Why was Outpost 10F built?

A: I wanted to challenge myself one summer to see if I could learn what was needed to launch an online chat room.

Q: Where did you get the idea from to build a site such as the Outpost?

A: Half a year before the Outpost opened I frequented a chat room called Spooky's (an X Files chat room). It was here I became interested in the concept of online chat rooms.

Q: When did the Outpost first open?

A: It was opened in mid-June of 1997.

Q: What was the first version of the site like?

A: The site was initially only one Star Trek chat room titled, "Ten Forward - A Star Trek Chat." It did not have its own domain name and was located on the personal web space provided by my ISP of the time. The site was very simple and by today's standards, quite primitive. Check out some old screen shots and files.

Q: What's this about a pink handbag?

A: It's an ongoing joke. In the summer of 2001 we purchased a Cobalt RaQ4 server for the Outpost. Upon purchasing it I exclaimed to a mailing list, "the server is so small it can almost fit into my handbag." Apparently in Europe a purse is commonly referred to as a handbag and hence I have since been badgered about it. No, the Admiral doesn't really use a purse, however, the gang in Europe did send me one...

Q: Who is the "Intergalactic Cannibal?"

A: If you're asking this you've seen this avatar in the selection list for Ten Forward. This evil looking character is of Oilymion, an old friend of mine and a member of the Outpost. It was one of our first avatars and was implemented as a joke.

Q: Who is "Der Stinkenhund?"

A: If you're asking this question you've seen this avatar in the selection list for Ten Forward. This is not a polar bear, but rather our family pet. Naria as she was called, was sadly put to sleep in May of 2003 after falling ill in her 13th year. It was created as an avatar as when TK was visiting Vancouver Naria was sprayed by a skunk, and hence smelled worse than she usually did (which isn't by much).

Q: Are you a big Star Trek / Star Wars fan?

A: To be honest, I'm not a die hard fan of either series. You'd never catch me in a full uniform with my face painted.

Q: Shall I "sir" you?

A: No thanks. I prefer if people treat me just as they do everyone else.

Q: What do you do for a living?

A: Currently I'm working for a filing agent. Filing agents prepare and submit required documents to security commissions on behalf of reporting companies. I also own and manage a web hosting and design company, Atomation Web Solutions, Co.

Q: Are you still actively working on Outpost 10F?

A: These days it seems it's more of an off and on kind of hobby. As I am much busier these days as I was years ago the time I invest in the site has diminished. I have made a promise however, to ensure the Outpost remains online as long as possible. Thankfully I have the help of dozens of people who assist with the day-to-day operation and management of the site.

Q: What people come to mind when you consider all those who have helped over the years?

A: There have been dozens of people who have helped with Outpost 10F since its beginning. I am particularly thankful to Jesse (Sonata) for the hours of time he has invested, Georg (Josh Hal) for his technical ingenuity and enthusiasm, Robert (Robert Fox) for providing stability during the Outpost's early days, Donna (Zilette) for being a consistent and reliable presence over the years, Al (JKAD/Athos) for the construction and introduction of the Cloud City Cantina, Henri (Henri) for all of his organizational and technical assistance, Dave (Crazy Texan) for being such a big help in the past year, Jon (Jon) and Shellie (Toddy) for providing inspiration to continue and a stronger meaning to what the Outpost is all about, and of course Terrence (Piraeus) for his initial efforts in making Ten Forward a success and setting the path for the development of the community. I'd also like to thank Tommy, Robby, and Bill Maddox for their role in organizing the1999 Las Vegas union.

Q: How long do you think the Outpost will be around?

A: I'd hope that so long as it's possible there will be an Outpost 10F online enabling conversation between those who have helped make it is what it is today. Perhaps in the future the site is not as detailed and content-rich as it is now but then that's not really what's most important, is it.

Q: What are your plans for Outpost 10F?

A: I'd like to see the Outpost become a little more recognized on the Internet for its accomplishments. I think we need to focus more on advertising and promotion over the next few years.