Ghostbusters

A couple of weeks back I told you I had a surprise for you in the August/September 2010 issue of the Official German Sims 3 Magazine.  I was lucky enough (with the help of SimFans) to participate in an interview with EA Germany on the Ghosthunting career from The Sims 3 Ambitions.  As you know, Ghostbusters is another passion of mine and I joined a costuming group known as Alabama Ghostbusters (our state franchise) to help out raising money for local charities and to have a good time sharing our passion of all things Ghostbusters related.

I went crazy over the fact that EA included ghost hunting as a career for the 2nd expansion – it kind of felt like they were in some way it was their thanks to me for the long-time fandom.  Of course, I know that’s not true – but don’t spoil my moment of fun

Anyhow, since scans are frowned upon and I have a new camera, decided to take a shot of the said interview.  It is in German, but I did save the original English text from when I sent it off to EA.

(A question or 2 may have been cut from the published article due to limited space, the text below was the full interview I submitted):

Full Name and Age:  Judson Hudson – Age 24

Year since becoming a ‘Ghostbuster’:  2010

Description of Activity:  Dress up as a Ghostbuster to help raise money for various Charities and attending conventions/events to hang out with friends.

Questions:

So what made you decide to become a Ghostbuster?

Ghostbusters has always been one of my most favorite films.  I first started costuming back in early 2009 as a Stormtrooper from Star Wars.  Problem is, I wasn’t that happy with it – I was dragged into that position by my sister.  Later on, I discovered that in my state there was a local Ghostbusters franchise – Alabama Ghostbusters to be more exact (See their website at http://www.alabamagb.com/).  Seeing that there was a huge group of Ghostbusters fans in my surrounding area, I decided to make the switch!

What do you do as a Ghostbuster?

Our (Alabama Ghostbusters) group mostly gather together to participate in various charity activities, attend conventions and generally socialize.  Everyone shares a passion about Ghostbusters – whether it is the movies, the cartoon series – even fan-fiction!

Care to elaborate more on your charity work?  What you do at conventions?

Sure!  Past charity events include Relay for Life (American Cancer Society) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society!  We participate by raising money for the charities through taking pictures and even doing said activities.  I, myself, am new to the group, so I’ve yet to be a part of any charities, but I’m looking forward to the day I can be of help!

As for conventions (events in which fans from everywhere attend to dress up as their favorite actor, cartoon character, video game character, and so on) we set up a booth and try to do our re-cruiting for new members as well as to socialize.

How were your reactions when you tried out the Ghost Hunting career in The Sims 3 Ambitions?

I loved it – it was a hoot!  I understand that due to legal issues it had to part ways from actually being called ‘Ghostbusting’, but The Sims Team did an excellent job at capturing the performance of the job!  I loved it when the ghosts would take possession of various household items – and seeing the residents panic and run out of the room!

If you could add on to the Ghost Hunting Career, what would you do?

I’d love it if it could be a group job where you can have up to 3 other Sims come with you as a team to help banish the ghosts and spirits!  It’d even be pretty entertaining if the ghosts could put up a fight.  Not to mention a dedicated vehicle for the profession  would be nice!

Last but not least, have you yourself ever experience any paranormal events in your life?

I’m sorry to have to report but I do not happen to believe in Ghosts.  I mostly follow the mentality of “if I see it, then I’ll believe it”.  I’d love to be proven wrong and experience some sort of supernatural encounter!