So I'm married now apparently, but we'll get to that later because the Rewind is back to it's normal format and the Member of the Week is officially back in the swing of things as well, so without further ado welcome Katiegan to the Member of the Week madhouse!
1. First and foremost, you're officially the Member of the Week so what were your thoughts going into this and how does it feel to be recognized amidst the hundreds of thousands of other members here?
I don't really know what to say. To be honest, I'm very surprised! I take it everyone else declined the offer, then?
2. What brought you to GTPlanet and what keeps you coming back?
It was originally
suzq044 who brought GTP to my attention. We were both members of another forum and I was aware that she used to frequent this one too, and then she introduced photomode competitions on the other forum much like the ones here, which finally made me see what was going on here. This was probably late 2010/early 2011. However, I didn't pluck up the courage to sign up here until June 2011.
3. There's a lot to do around the forums so I have to ask: what sub-forums/threads do you frequent most often and why?
I roam quite a bit. I'm weird and I don't subscribe to threads, I like to go through the forums in order and see for myself if anyone has posted. I usually start out in the Racing Series section, sometimes I'll go into the Clubs & Leagues section to see if anything interesting is happening, then I'll go to Cars In General and take a look through the Did You See Anything Good Today? thread. I'll pop my head into the Member's Rides section and have a nosy at what you're all driving, then I'll go to the madness of the Rumble Strip and the Infield.
4. What was it that sparked your interest in Gran Turismo?
Back when I was around 8 or 9, a friend of mine bought GT4 for his PS2 and we used to play it at his house. We never played the game properly, we used to always race each other at the oval test track in Arcade Mode. I was browsing a local market one day and I saw GT4 for sale, so I asked my parents if I could buy it and I did. Even after I bought it for myself I only ever played Arcade Mode, because I always thought it was too 'grown-up' for me!
5. How did you come up with the name "Katiegan"?
There's quite a story behind that. Originally my username was 'wolfdragon97', because that was my old PSN username. I created it when I was 12 during my phase of loving wolves and dragons, and I was born in 1997, so that's how that name came about. Then in August last year when I treated myself to a year of red I wanted to change it, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to change it to 'Katie' or 'Hoonigan', so I asked on Twitter. Fellow GTPer
Classic replied to my tweet and suggested I combined the two and used 'Katiegan'. I loved the idea so much I've used it for my username everywhere since. If the name is already taken I add a '53' to the end.
6. Controversial question time: Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport or both?
To be honest, I like both, despite only owning a PS3. Said friend who introduced me to GT4 has since turned into a bit of an Xbox/Forza fanboy, and we've had many an arguement over that, but I've played Forza a few times on his Xbox (and even made my own speedy little Mitsubishi Colt) and I quite like it. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, so I like to think they're equal.
7. You're relatively new here so it must have come as a surprise that you're Member of the Week, thoughts?
It was indeed! Most of the past members of thy week have been here for quite some time, so to be such a new member compared to them and still be chosen for MOTW is quite an honor!
8. Finally found an avatar you're going to stick with, huh?
! As I'm sure you'll know it was
GT-R who bet me to keep the other one for a month. I succeeded, but I can't gurantee this one will stay for that long!
9. A month or so back you were asking for help on how to go about starting a blog, how's it been so far? (Feel free to shamelessly advertise it as well)
It's going rather well. I had a bit of an absence from it all because of exams and such, but I've started posting a little more now. It still hasn't got much on it, and it's a bit of a baby blog at the moment, but feel free to have a read of it!
Hoon Platoon is the name of it.
10. Mechanical or Membrane keyboard?
Uhh... ninjas! I'm no keyboard guru so I'll just go with that.
11. What was it that started your addiction to Monster Energy drinks?
April 2012, at a Pontins resort in Wales. I asked for a can of Monster Energy and never looked back. I'm quite surprised it took me that long to get into the drink.
12. You're a proud hoonigan, what was it about that that caught your attention?
A mix between my love of rallying and discovering a certain 45 year-old American. Ever since 2010 when the Hoonigan brand was formed I've been a proud hoonigan and loved the art of hooning. What's not to love about automotive aeronautics?
13. Other than being a hoon, what other hobbies do you have?
I'm quite a keen camera pointer, I enjoy taking pictures of nature, animals and of course cars. I've only got a little Nikon bridge camera and a tripod so I wouldn't call myself a photographer. I'm also a bit of an artist, I like to draw now and again and I draw lot of Cars fanart. I like to think I'm a brony but with Cars instead. I've also recently started getting into BMX which is very fun, even if I am the only one in my circle of friends with a bike! When I'm not doing any of that I collect Monster cans. I currently have 36 cans in my room.
14. Given the opportunity, what would you do as a Moderator here?
I'd turn the site into a Ken Block fansite and brainwash you all into loving him as much as I do. I mean - I'd be very responsible and look after the GTP community! Yeah... sure... >_>
15. Are you driving anything special at the moment?
I can't legally drive him but he's very special. My first love,
Bruiser, my parents' 2003 Ford Mondeo Zetec. We've had him since he was 9 months old, so I've grown up with him and he's very close to my heart. Unfortunately, his health has taken a turn for the worst and we'll have to part ways in the late summer for him to be passed on at auction. I'll miss him.
16. You love Ken Block, that goes without saying, but have you seen his 2012 Schedule and Livery Launch video where he's spoofed by Nick Swardson?
Yes, I have seen it many times and I
love it! At one point I could say the whole script without watching it. Is that weird? That's weird, isn't it? ...Don't back away from me like that!
17. Where and when was your very first post here and how does it differ from your posting style used today?
My first post was in the...
drifting forum asking for a drift tune for a Camaro.
Anybody got a controller setup for a '10 Camaro SS? Been looking all over the net for one and I can't find one :c
I suppose it could've been worse. Also, I never got that tune for my Camaro.
18. How many of your controllers have died because of heavy physical abuse whilst playing a PS3 game?
None, actually. I've squeezed mine a few times in frustration which may be the cause of my squeeky R2 button which is rather annoying. I've broken the stand of my USB keyboard I use for my PS3 after slamming it down on the table. I also once knocked over my tower of Monster cans after throwing a hoodie in anger. I stood there in horror at the mess I'd made for a while.
19. Have you ever accessed the website during an unusual time and/or place?
Probably the most unusual place I've been using the site is a science lesson. I often check on the forum in my IT lessons but I once used the app in science after having a supply teacher who didn't really seem to acknowledge there was a class of students there.
20. What's the longest you've gone without logging onto GTPlanet since joining: Years, months, weeks, days, hours?
Probably a few months between 2011 and early 2012. I don't know what happened but in mid-2012 something made me decide I wanted to come back everyday!
21. Who (in your own opinion) is the most inspiring person / people here on GTPlanet?
Shem. He's been through quite a lot, and even though I haven't been posting in his thread, I've been supporting him from behind the screen. Good luck with your world record too, Shem!
Also, you, Mr. Terronium. Because you manage to find the time to write the weekly rewind and come up with amazing things like this! You're also the most lovable rude egg I know.
22. Now it's time for the "Daniel Special": If you could cross a hippo with any other animal - what will the animal be, what will it be called, and why? (Bonus points for creativity!
And it can't be another hippo because that's incest)
A dragon. A hippodragomous. Because, let's face it, a fire breathing hippo would just be amazing.
23. Will you marry me?
Yes. <3
24. What's the funniest thing you can remember from all of your time being a member here?
Oh, there's been too many times here where I've read something and laughed like an intoxicated Jimmy Carr. Because, unfortunately, that's how I laugh.
25. Have you ever participated in any of the racing series' found here?
Yes, in the GTP Global Rallycross Championship. I'm currently 3rd in the Super class championship and 1st in the Limited class championship.
26. Have you ever considered developing your own racing series, and if you have where can we find it?
GTP GRC is my creation and you can find it
here! Feel free to sign up, but we're low on spaces now. 3 spaces are left in Limited and only reserves and part-time drivers can sign up for Super now. /shamelessplug
27. Anything else you'd like to say?