Interview with Communications Senior Manager, Captain Richard Smith
Article by Cameron
Cameron: Well first of all let me give you a belated Congratulations for becoming the new Senior Manager of Communications, Have you had this position before, or is it a bit new?
Richard Smith: Thanks! Being an SM is a bit new. I've been a Division and Team Leader, but never lead a department. I've jumped in with both feet and we are getting things done.
Cameron: Are there any changes planned for the Communications Department?
Richard Smith: Well we've kickstarted the Unions Team again and the Blue Report is in dire need up being redesigned, and we are working on that. I'm also looking to foster leadership in the junior officers. I want Communications to have an abundance of qualified people who can do just about anything and have some fun doing it.
Cameron: Excellent. What new things will be added to the Blue Report after it's redesign?
Richard Smith: My vision is for the Blue Report to become a legit sci-fi news source. I'd like to see us with Interviews from Actors and those behind the scenes, we are going to have movie, book, and game reviews. The normal news from around the Outpost will still be there. The fun stuff will still be around too. The site will be totally be redesigned to b more user friendly. I'm really looking forward to see it done.
Cameron: Who will be working on this Project?
Richard Smith: Well truthfully I've been trying to get the project off the ground for almost 2 years. We've had a number of people interested, but we haven't had all the skill sets available at the same time. Lzrman and I did the original concept work way back when and he's still my go to guy when I have questions. I am looking for a coder and someone for the back end stuff right now. We had a couple guys ready but then real life got in the way. Come hell or high water though, the new Blue Report will become a reality.
Cameron: Do you have plans for any changes in the Blue Report Team Itself?
Richard Smith: I'd definitely like to hire some more writers. I'd like to find some more Outpost patrons interested in writing. I'd like for them to get experience with the publication and be able to use it as a resume point. I'd also like to add some more people familiar with HTML to do some of the clean up work. I've been doing a majority of that myself.
Cameron: So you intend to stay Blue Report Editor?
Richard Smith:Yes I do. Actually I'd like to see the Editor's job aligned with the Senior Manager. I think that the SM should have a job beside making sure things run smoothly and making sure the public face of the Outpost is published regularly and has good content seem the right job to me. I enjoy both putting it together and writing for it.
Cameron: Are there any other new Projects that Communications may be starting?
Richard Smith:Not at present, we have our hands full at the moment, but I'll entertain any ideas anyone has for growth.
Cameron: Thank you for the Interview, and all the best with your new position!
