Welcome to the Bitmobber Twitterview!
A Twitterview is an interview done over Twitter. Each Twitterview will consist of me asking various questions of one of the Members of the Bitmob Community.
This Twitterview is with J. Cosmo Cohen. Cosmo is one of the nicest guys on Bitmob. He has started the awesome Bitmob Game Club, and is a steady commenter of posts. A lot of mystery surrounds Cosmo. What does the "J" stand for? Is he as nice in real life as he seems in his comments? Does he prefer Splinter Cell or Metal Gear? These are the questions that haunt me day and night.
So without further adieu, here is a Twitterview with Cosmo:
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I currently live in Rhode Island, but was born in California. I'm married, have two children with one on the way. I've only recently gotten into music, but really enjoy deep lyrics, no matter what genre. I've also realized I enjoy reading books then watching the movies.
What is your earliest gaming memory?
Super Mario Bros. for the NES. I was at a friend's house and he handed me the controller, his dad explained how to move. I died on the first goomba, of course. His dad and him laughed, and then explained the jump button. I really haven't stopped playing since.
What got you interested in writing about video games?
I really have only done serious writing here on Bitmob, and that's mainly because of how the site is setup. My writing is occasionally recognized, and that's great. Plus reading all of the other wonderful writers pushes me to try harder, do better.
How did you find out about Bitmob?
I can't remember. I think someone linked it that I knew, but I'm not sure.
Toby and I are often pointed out for our abundant amount of comments, but I am sure you would be a close third. What is it that you love about Bitmob?
Everyone's perspective on the same thing: video games. We all love and play games, but each of us has a different take, and I absolutely love reading everyone's thoughts and ideas. There are some really great writers on the site and I hope they get recognized more and more.
You have also started several “columns” such as Bitmob Game Club, the Fictional Bitmob Editor Interview, and the Bitmob Most Wanted List. Which do you enjoy the most to produce?
Game Club is really cool. Like my previous answer, everyone has a different perspective, even on the same game! But to answer your question I'm going to say the Most Wanted. I think people misunderstood my original intention, which is mainly my fault. I began with a list, then did another list. I don't want it to be only lists, but rather what you want the most. Which developer hasn't come out with any games? You write about it because you really want them to. Or if a sequel excluded one of your favorite features, tell us! More often than not people agree. And if they don't, you two can discuss it.
I do have some other "columns" I've been thinking about. I tried to start one for myself, but I'm not overly excited about it (Side Dish), but the other one is kind of an off-shoot of Game Club.
My next question was going to be whether or not we will see another Game Club, so perhaps you can expand on your new idea?
First, yeah, Game Club is definitely moving forward. The next entry is the final Cave Story entry. Second, my new idea is just like Game Club, only not as involved. I'd like to gather up some people that would be willing to play games, any game, and write about it. Only instead of having a group of four or five, it would be two people writing about it. And instead of having them doing their own thing, it would be a collaborative effort. Meaning, they would work together on one piece, like a conversation, for instance. If it was you and I playing a game, I would begin by writing something about the game, then you would directly respond to what I've written.
What are some of your favorite posts or columns on Bitmob?
Oh man. Hmm. I love Toby's Daily Discussion Topic's, and James DeRosa's Jukebox is really fun. On the editors side I love 5HP by Michael Donahoe. A Youth Well Wasted by Lee Bradley is a really fun, interesting read. I can't really think of other things right now, but I know there's more!
What does J. stand for? Do you go by Cosmo?
J. stands for my first name. And yeah, I go by Cosmo.
Alright alright, it stands for Jehoshaphat.
Happy?
Q - With 2 children - and one on the way - and a wife and a job, how do you find time to play games anymore?
Honestly, I really don't. Plus every free minute I get I'm usually deciding between games and Bitmob, or sleep. I usually choose Bitmob.
There was recently a post about a Bitmobber feeling he needs to spend time with the family OVER video games, do you game at all with your family?
I don't game with my family, not yet anyway. My daughter is two and my son is almost a year old, but they're getting there. My wife doesn't really game. The only game she ever got into was Animal Crossing, and she one hundred percented that game, I kid you not.
How does your wife feel about your Bitmob habit?
As far as my Bitmob habit, she's glad I'm able to write and have some recognition, but she would prefer me to spend more time with her. And for the record, I do spend time with my wife. About eight hours every night when we're sleeping. Just kidding! I love my wife.
Considering that you probably had more time to play in your past than you do now, what are some older games that took up your time and defined your gaming experience?
Super Mario 64 made me realize what was possible in three dimensions, and Goldeneye secured my love for first-person shooters, both single and multiplayer. After that Final Fantasy VIII helped me realize the potential for story in games, as well as addict me to role-playing games. The next big thing was Soul Calibur, then Halo: Combat Evolved. I played the snot out of both of them. After that I went to college and played even more Halo: Combat Evolved. Then Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory came out and destroyed my conceptions of what an online multiplayer game could be. That's pretty much it, I think.
Do you prefer the Splinter Cell franchise to Metal Gear Solid and other stealth franchises?
No, actually. Well, wait, let me elaborate. I think the Metal Gear Solid franchise is more consistent when it comes to how fun the game plays, but I would choose the older Splinter Cell multiplayer over Metal Gear Solid any day. And this is just my personal opinion, but I think the Splinter Cell games have the potential for great storylines, but each time I'm severely disappointed. I think it's because it's more realistic, but that doesn't mean it's interesting.
Like myself, you comment a lot, and from what I have read you are one of the most supportive commenters on the site. Are you always this nice? Do you feel that those who post want criticism or just positive feedback?
I'd like to think I'm always this nice, yeah. Some people want criticism and it's obvious. If that's the case, I still try and be nice about it. And some people really like positive feedback, myself included. But I don't think everyone who posts want only positive things.
I've read more than once that Bitmob is too nice, to a fault. I agree in a way, but I'd like to think that we're just more adult about how we communicate with each other. I recently emailed an editor to GET criticism for something I'm writing, and he gladly obliged. He gave it to me straight, which I greatly appreciated, but he wasn't a jerk about it. Have I gone off-topic now?
Not at all! Do you feel that Bitmob's Staff and Community have helped you improve your writing?
Yes! I know it's not feasible, but I would love if the editors, when posting stuff on the front page, would email what they changed and why, and offer advice as to how to improve ones' writing skills. And since we're on the subject, one of my initial writings was about Fat Princess, and someone commented (I'm paraphrasing) "This would be fine for 1up, but this is Bitmob!" That really pushed me to write more detailed, thought-out articles.
Do you still ever play Fat Princess?
Actually, no! Ha ha! But that's mainly because I don't really have the time right now, not because I don't like the game.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In a perfect world, I'd like to be developing video games, writing books and painting -- and sharing all of these things with my family.
Any final thoughts on Bitmob, what you've said, or the state of the Nation?
I hope Bitmob continues to grow, and that the people who are currently contributing continue to do so. I'd also like to see more articles from all of the editors (where have they been lately?) as well as you, Lance!
I really don't care for politics or politicians, so I'm done.
Thanks Jehoshaphat!!!
Selected Blography:
A Fictional Interview with the Dreamcast
The next Twitterview will be with Bitmob Review Superstar Brian Shirk!
