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Fan Interview: Simon Lau

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Could you tell who is Simon Lau, where you live and how old are you?

I’m a typical 20 year old, who lives in Toronto, and studies biochemistry at University of Ottawa. I was born in Hong Kong, and immigrated to Canada when
I was ten. I am the webmaster of New Springfield and Noiseland Arcade. I also maintain The Simpsons Comics Guide, and Robots and Aliens on The
Simpsons at snpp.com.

Hobbies off the net?

Playing basketball, watching TV, take a nap during lectures…. I spend a lot of time in front of my computer because I like to download Japanese anime off the internet. Most of those anime I download are still being aired in Japan, such as Hikaru no Go, Hunter X Hunter, and Prince of Tennis.

How was New Springfield born? What/who inspired you to create it?

Ever since I had internet access on my computer, I had always wanted to know how to build a webpage. Back then, I loved to browse Simpsons sites for sound clips and movie clips. Most of the Simpsons sites were either hosted by Geocities or Xoom. Unlike today, very few sites had their own domain. Visiting those Simpsons sites really inspired me building one for myself. After I learn some HTML and Photoshop techniques, I started my first homepage at Geocities. I remembered it had a section about “The Simpsons”. Later, I focused my homepage’s theme into “The Simpsons”. That’s basically how my first Simpsons site started, Bartholomew’s Quest for Knowledge”. Around two years later, I changed my site’s name into “New Springfield”, because many people had mistaken it as a Bart Simpsons site rather than a general Simpsons site.

You have news about Simpsons on your site. Do you see it as a future of the Simpsons sites where everyone’s doing it or more like it’s fun because it’s the Simpsons?

I hope not. However, to be honest, having Simpsons news on your website is probably the best and easiest way to keep your Simpsons site fresh and updated. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy the process of searching for news. It gives me more extra information about “The Simpsons” outside of the show. Simpsons news may be easy to find, but to keep updating the news daily throughout the year is extremely difficult. It really shows your dedication to the show. After the closure of Evergreen Terrace, I think Simpsons Crazy and The Simpsons Channel have done an excellent job on reporting Simpsons news.

What do you think about today’s Simpsons sites on the net?

Today’s Simpsons sites, either the design or content are repetitive and boring. Don’t get me wrong, most of the new Simpsons sites have a pretty nice design/ layout, but they are all pretty much the same, except different graphics are placed in the same area. There are no surprises. I know that coming up with something new is extremely hard, but it seems like that most people are following the same style of web designing. Try to break the traditional way, and I’m sure that many people can create their own type of style. There are a lot of excellent sites with tons of content, but it seems that there are not enough Simpsons sites with sound clips, movie clips and downloadable files. Most sites can only provide Simpsons pictures as their only media source. Seriously, I am not sure whether pictures can count as media… Anyways, media contents become very rare on today’s Simpsons sites. I guess we can blame Fox’s lawyers for shutting down all Simpsons sites that carry sound and movie clips. The C&D effect also works on other Simpsons webmasters too, because they don’t want to get any trouble from them. They might as well just obey them, and take off all the media files off their sites. Furthermore, most Simpsons sites are hosted on free servers. Those free servers only provide them very limited webspace and banner width. It’s very difficult for them to have a lot of media files on their websites.

Any favorites?

The Simpsons Archive, Eric Wirtanen’s Evergreen Terrace (RIP), and The Simpsons Folder, ICBIASS (RIP), The Definitive Frink, and The Simpsons Gallery.

Are there any Simpsons websites with an attractive design and layout in your opinion?

The Definitive Frink, Duff & Pretzels, The Simpsons Folder, Little Miss Springfield, Springfield Paradise.

What is the worst Simpsons site you have visited?

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What do you like and hate about the Simpsons society (community)?

The Simpsons community is great! There are so many message boards for the fans to gather around, and chat about the show and Simpsons merchandise. You can’t imagine how many enthusiastic fans are there who like to complain how the new episodes suck. Most of them, including me, are still remaining in the fantasy of the old seasons where “The Simpsons” was at its climax. What I hate about the community is that some webmasters are not being supportive to newcomers. They only like to laugh and make fun of newbies, and praise/suck up to the what they call “big shot” webmasters, which I just hate to see.

What is your favorite episode on The Simpsons and why?

This is a tough one…. There are just so many great episodes, but I would say “Homer Bad Man”, where Homer sexually harassed the baby sister, is my favorite. I really like the plot and its satire, like what Lisa said, “The media’s making a monster out of you because they don’t care about the truth! All they care about is entertainment.” There are a lot of hilarus Simpsons moments that I don’t think I could ever forget them in my life. The “Hard Bottom” segments are so funny because they are true. The Channel 6’s coverage on the Simpsons’ house and its “infrared heat-sensitive camera” are dumb, but really funny too. And who can forget the parody of Under the Sea.

How do you see future of The Simpsons?

I feel like ‘The Simpsons’ is in its regression stage. The show has lost its edge ever since the season 10. I know it is too much to ask to have the show fresh and funny for 14 years straight, but some of the new episodes are just horribly unacceptable. There are some episodes in the last 3 seasons that are actually good, but the terrible ending and stupid jokes really ruined the whole episode. It seems like the old episodes (from season 1 to 9) have more funny and intelligent jokes, but the newer episodes have more forced and stupid jokes. Although I’m still very excited about the upcoming episodes, but everytime I feel disappointed after watching the new episode. “Sigh…. yet another crappy episode in this season.”

What kind of computer system do you use?

I am using a Pentium III 800mHz processor with 40gb harddrive and 248mb ram (I think). I am still using Windows 98 SE. I should have installed Windows XP, but I’m just too lazy… eh… I mean I’m too busy at school.

And when designing, what programs do you use and why?

I use photoshop and paintshop for modifying graphics, and create animated gif(s). I use Flash a lot for my latest project. It’s an excellent program for webpage design. I like to use Flash as a drawing program for pictures and other graphics. Of course, I also use Flash to make animation for the design, too. You can make animation more interesting and interactive by adding action scripts into it.

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

I don’t like to put wallpapers on my desktop. I just use the plain ol’ green background that comes with Windows. I have some shortcuts icons on my desktop. Most of them are linked to some Chinese comics websites.
Around my computer, I can see a lot of my thick textbooks, and some Simpsons
figures on my bookshelves.

Any final comments?

Yes, is Smithers gay?

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