The first issue of Phoenix was released not too long ago, with the second issue coming this month if everything works out. Some people, including me, probably wonder why they decided to release another mag with so many out there already, so I decided to find out. I managed to find the man responsible for Phoenix on IRC and I was luckily granted an audience with him.




Wiseguy: No perverse questions, please!

Alvin: No perverse questions. I promise! So, could you perhaps start with an introduction of yourself?

Wiseguy: Argh! That is such a typical question, really! All there is to know about me I told in the Editorial of the first issue of Phoenix(I think). Well, I'm a 24 old (male) geezer. I'm the 'wannabe' mainEd of Phoenix and the alround nagging bitch in Giants (Just ask Wizard).

Alvin: Where did the idea of starting a new diskmag come from? I mean, there are after all plenty of mags already.

Wiseguy:Ah! Such sort of interview! I thought so, since I'm really a nobody. Well, before x-mas sometime I was supposed to write some for Soda's (Hi Soda) magazine RETRO. But as time went on I did realize that me and Soda was too different to work well together (Soda, you are one nagging bitch!). So I knew we had this mag in Giants, namely the Night Train (Hi Keldon). Well, I asked Hawk about it and he said: The job is yours if you want it! BUT! It was not something Hawk could decide. So after some mess, I don't want to mention here (good luck with TNT Keldon), it was decided that we were going to start a new mag with me as the mained. To many diskmags? No, I don't think so, there is allways room for one more. People shouldn't be afraid to start one, even it doesn't come close to the best ones around. Those who are interested will always read them, and who knows by time things happens to develop. Beside more mags will perhaps heat up the competition (Something I don't really care about).

Alvin: Where did the name Phoenix come from? Why Phoenix?

Wiseguy:Phoenix? Well, the name was just mentioned and we all seemed to like it. Besides, Phoenix was the bird that rose up from the ashes and we could say that since one mag did vanish from Giants a new came and took its place, a new one rose from the ashes. Figuratively speaking.

Alvin: So, now with the first issue out, do you think there will be enough support for Phoenix with all other mags around. The Scene is after all not as big as it used to be.

Wiseguy: Well, support! That is one funny thing. Since we started on this project, my intention was to put some effort into it and WRITE. Something the one in charge (ehm!), the MainEd should do, not sit on his ass and give orders to everybody else, write some shit in the editorial and then take the credit. If you aren't ready to spend a lot of time writing and stuff, then you aren't cut out to do such a job in the first place. The only thing I miss is perhaps some more votes for our phuny chart. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to get some articles from you guys (and girls) out there as well, but as I wrote in the first issue: to support is voluntary, not a duty.

Alvin: How has the response been from the Scene concerning Phoenix? Positive? Negative?

Wiseguy: Mostly there have been positive response, something that really boost my motivation for the next issue (out august'98, we hope). It's always fun with constructive cricticsm. Strange how everyone mentioned the same things that should be fixed, but those things will be fixed (Right Wizard?)

Alvin: I noticed that you already entered the magcharts in Showtime. A week after the release of Phoenix! How does that feel?

Wiseguy: Eeeek! Well, it was kind of cool just to see it on the chart. But in general: I believe there is a lot of people not listed on the chart that could as well deserve a place on it. But anyways, sure it's cool to be listed on it. But do we deserve it? Nah! Not yet...perhaps later. As long as the average Scener in the Scene appreciate what we are doing, then I don't care that much about charts and stuff. Those who is in it ONLY to climb the charts, is in it for all the wrong reasons. When you reaches the top then there is no place to go. Will they then continue? Well, that is my opinion. The charts have become to much friendship related as well, the I-vote-for-you-if-you- vote-for-me attitude. Well that is what I guess.

Alvin: Sounds like a good attitude to me. So, what are the plans for the next issue? Anything interesting you can reveal already?

Wiseguy: Oh! Well, issue 2? I can't really say. We are still working on it. Guess people just have to wait and see. However Phoenix will NEVER EVER be a 100% Scene mag only. That is just a hype, so stop complaining if you find anything non-Scene related stuff in Phoenix. I believe there can be found some interest in having a variety of things in the magazine. Perhaps thats why I liked Grapevine from LSD that much.

Alvin: You have a female editor, which is quite unusal. Where did you find her?

Wiseguy: Ah Leia! First time I meet her (not in real life) was at a BBS here in Norway, Dark Nature. That was like 2 years ago, perhaps more. She joined the 'infamous' Norwegian crew Apathy (Ehm! Hi, Strife!) Well, to make the story short: I offered her a job as an editor, she said yes and now she have her own corner in Phoenix: Leia's World. Please do support her section by sending her losta weird, phuny, silly, nasty, perverse things. She loves that! I guess she will hit me after reading this. (* laughs *)

Alvin: Is there anything you'd like to say to the readers concerning Phoenix or just whatever?

Wiseguy: Concerning Phoenix: Accept it for what it is, and not what you want it to be! If you want to make an difference? You could support us, but that is voulntary. So if you just want to relax and go easy that is fine too. In General? Carpe Diem - Seize the day. Don't wait until tomorrow to do something you could have done today, tomorrow will perhaps never be.

Alvin: I'd like to wish you good luck in all your future hours of authoring articles for Phoenix.

Wiseguy: Thanks! Can I say some last words?

Alvin: Sure, go ahead.

Wiseguy: Thanks to my mom and dad who made me in the first place. And thanks to everyone else that makes the Scene pulsating with life, the Scene isn't dead even most people think so, it's just changing to something different. To something better? Perhaps not. Special thanks to Soda who motivated me to start Phoenix in the first place!

Alvin: Ok, thanks a lot for your time. I'm looking forward to issue #2 already!

Wiseguy:Doesn't we all? Btw: wasn't this a bit short?

Interview performed by Alvin