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Fan Interview: Jon Levin

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Could you tell us something about yourself, where you live, how old are you?

My name is Jonathan Levin, I live in Scottsdale Arizona, in the U.S, and I’m 17 years old

Hobbies off the net?

I have a girlfriend of nearly a year and a half (so there goes the rumor that web nerds can’t have girlfriends), also hang out with my friends, see lots of movies, and enjoy life to the fullest.

Who is your favorite character on the Simpsons and can you explain why?

I find Ralph, circa mid-seasons to be the funniest, and that goes a long way. As far as overall character goes, Milhouse is my favorite. Maybe it’s because of my old milhouse character site, who knows?

What is your favorite episode?

It’s a tie, Deep space Homer or Homer at the bat.

How do you see future of The Simpsons?

Bleak, sadly.

Today, you run succesful Simpsons site called Behind the Laughter on the net. What got you into Simpsons webworld in the first place?

I looked at sites like Evergreen Terrace, The folder, and Last Exit To Springfield, and had a lot of respect for sites like that, but more importantly, the owners. I wanted to be able to create something that Eric, Jukka (well, you), and Adam did. Those sites were alive and thriving, respected by everyone and anyone. Viewing that, I began talking with Steven Kitchen about working with him. I credit him for almost everything I know today, actually.

You’re changing your site design pretty frequently. I remember at least three designs from this year only, if i remember right. Is redesigning worth a shot everytime or do you just love to do it?

I love designing. Back when I co-owned the simpsons odyssey, I did all the graphic aspects, while Steven did the programming. Now I take care of both, but my roots are as a designer. I taught myself photoshop, and forced myself to keep trying, and now I like to think I’ve got it down.

How do you see future of your site, Behind the Laughter?

Bright. I’ve got new things and ideas coming up daily, and so far, I’ve lost no interest what so ever.

Any memorable moments with your website?

I miss planet-hype (the site in between the odyssey and behind the laughter). It was the first time I did a site completely on my own in over 2 years. I programmed my own members area, with an original option for users to decide which design they want to view the site in. That was something, I think.

What is most important element on the simpsons designs (website) in your opinion?

Creativity. I don’t want to see another site with a header, nav on the left, options on the right, standard content in the middle, and a footer. I’ve done it before, sure, but it’s over. Move on.

If you could redesign official Simpsons site what would you do in first place?

Update all the old pages to the more modern style. The character bios pages, for example, is still from 2000 era.

Do you have any new projects coming up that you can tell us about?

By the time this interview is published, it’ll be launched I’m sure, but I’ve coded an addition to the already large episode guide at Behind the Laughter. Visitors can register online, and can create their custom list of their top 20 simpsons episodes. I think it’s pretty neat.

What do you think about the Simpsons sites on the net?

For a while, they were finally beginning to show a comeback, but lately it’s getting slower. That could be due to the end of summer, but I don’t think they’ll ever fully die. The days of ET are over, and it’s time people stop living in the past, and accept it. My humble opinion though, means nothing 😉

Any favorites?

The classics such as LETS, the folder, and SNPP are obvious choices. Some of the newer favorites of mine include: Simpsoncrazy, Go Simpsonic, and Springfield Weekly.

Are there any design styles you love and hate?

Ben, from simpsoncrazy has a unique, pop-modernish design style that I really like. Though, sometimes it gets a little crazy. I’m not a fan of the ultra-artsy designs, the ones that look more like a blog than a simpsons site. I won’t mention names.

The Simpsons community. Is it alive?

Yes, though maybe not as much as it used to be, but I don’t think it will die for years to come. I think it’s a great thing, that we need to hold on to.

If you could change something on the community. What would it be?

More competition for the top 100 general sites.

What kind of computer system do you use?

PC, Gateway to be exact.

Describe your desktop. What do you see around your computer?

a lot of paper, 4 empty water bottles, Ipod, cell phone, and some sticky notes. Oh, and some beef jerky.

Name 3 people from the community that you could meet in real life.

Well, I don’t think I could meet anyone in real life, but if I was able to, I’d meet: Jouni, Eric W., and of course Jukka, just to pick their brains.

Any final words?

keep on trucking everyone. Check out behind the laughter at http://blockoland.com!

Thanks!

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