Slashdot Mirror
Ask Wil Wheaton Anything (Part Deux)
A little over three years ago Slashdot interviewed Wil Wheaton, at the time best known for his role as Wesley Crusher on ST:TNG. Since then his blog WWDN has allowed him a creative outlet that has made the world sit up and take notice. Wil is now a regular participant in ACME Comedy Theatre, has published two books ( Dancing Barefoot and Just a Geek ), has done voicework for video games such as GTA: San Andreas, cartoons such as Teen Titans, and speaks regularly at conventions such as Gnomedex and Linucon. Wil enjoyed the first Slash interview so much it appeared in Just a Geek, and we're glad to have him back for a second go-round. Feel free to fire away, one question per comment please. We'll post his responses once we get them back.
Any plans to appear on Enterprise?
Sorry for the Star Trek question, but it is something that I have wondered for quite a while. With your character in ST:TNG, he(/you) left the ship with 'the traveler' to do great and wondrous things. I always wondered when you were going to come back and save the ship from some otherwise horrible fate, it of course, never happened. At the time, did you see that exit for your character as an easy way to write you out of the script for good, or as a combination of plot advancement for your character, while still allowing you to work on other projects?
paul reinheimer
That said, if you do still follow Trek I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the progress of "Enterprise" given your status as someone framiliar with the entertainment industry (esp. as it relates to this particular line of shows).
I have been so impressed by the last two seasons (except the Nazi arc at the start of this season) that I'd go so far as to group them with some of the best episodes of season 3 TNG. The characters are finally starting to fill out, the plots have gotten away from the standard "it's the Borg again!" horseshit and they've even had relatively decent dialog.
I get the impression, however, that it's not going to be enough to save the series based on the timeslot it's been relegated to. While my TiVO stays in Fridays even though I don't, I can't believe that even Trek fans regularly stay home Friday nights in sufficiant numbers to save the show, not to mention all the people who stopped watching in season 1 or 2 and won't end up flipping past sometime to give it a second chance now.
Is "Enterprise" as doomed as I think it is?
Every year during my review, I just pray the words "slashdot.org" aren't mentioned.
In "Just a Geek" you pretty much ended the book by saying that acting (tv/movie, not ACME) is no longer a priority. Are you still looking for a Big Part or have you given up on that altogether?
Do you use pepper spray, tear gas, or mace on people you meet on the street who call you Wesley Crusher?
I Am My Own Worst Enemy
On your systems at home, what operating system do you use the most?
M@
Krispy Cream is people
Are you disappointed that you did not turn out to be that hunk that Q turned you into as an adult, then changed you back by your request?
Have the ST PTB invited you to play a Crusher ancestor on "Enterprise"?
I never had any of the disdain that seems to paint your detractors, Wil, yet I also never found myself admiring you until I began to read your blog.
What has your newfound share of fans and admirers taught you? Was it always your intention to, via the internet, change people's minds about who you are and what you've been trying to accomplish?
So was Marina Sirtis as much of a complete hottie as she was on the show? She's what got me into ST; up until I saw her I wasn't much of a fan.
dmiessler.com -- grep understanding knowledge
How much did you get paid for doing San Andreas?
Do you play them and if so which do you like better Doom III or Half Life 2?
I know this is one of those things that was asked to Gabe and Tycho of Penny Arcade, but as Ashley Judd's first on-screen kiss, do you have any advice on finding women? ;)
On that matter, what do you think priorities should be in looking for that sig. other?
/^[A-Z0-9._%+-]+@[A-Z0-9.-]+\.[A-Z]{2,4}$/i
Paper or plastic?
One thing has been bugging me. Your character disappeared on the series, with the traveller, yet.. you were back in nemisis. WTF? Si there an actual story line, or did you just manage to con your way into it? ;)
Looking back from where you are today, Mr. Wheaton, what would you consider your greatest achievement that you take the most pride in? Your work as an actor? Your widely-acclaimed blog? Or maybe your published memoirs?
And, on a related note, are you anywhere close to where you expected you'd be by now?
Wil, Have you been asked by Paramount for a cameo in the new Trek series; if they asked, would you do it?
- Just my $0.02, take with a grain of salt, your mileage may vary.
Hey Wil,
Just out of curiosity, have you ever suffered from having the "itis" after having a large meal?
-GDH
Wil,
You talk alot on your blog about your experiences, not only in your personal life, but also your professional life.
Now with two books under your belt, has anyone ever pitched the idea of writing a 'Acting in Hollywood for Dummies'?
Basically what to expect in the process of agenting, casting calls, marketing yourself, how to deal with rejection, overcoming fears, etc.
I think with your writing style, this would be a fun book to read, and accessible to non-actors who would be interested in what the 'real' Hollywood life was about.
Support FSF: Stop thinking with your wallet, and think with your imagination. (cc/non-commercial)
In your response to a comment titled "Usenet," from the previous interview, you make it quite clear that people hating you for being Wesley pisses you off. Do you have anything in particular to say to the people who like you for being Wesley?
tasks(723) drafts(105) languages(484) examples(29106)
Do you find you have more oppritunities then most to engage in sexual activity? Do you think because of your fame, it makes you more likely to be able to participate in "not common" activities such as 3somes? Has your fame ever actually HINDERED you from getting down? When you roleplay, do you ever play as one of your TV/Movie charactors?
"When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back!" -- Cave Johnson
Would you let your own children enter the tv/film industry? Why or why not?
"It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance." - Thomas Sowell
Which of your female co-stars did you most lust after during your time on TNG?
What? ..who? ...aw crud.
Will you ever put a leech on your nuts in another movie?
I know from reading your blog that you've had to deal with some sticky issues reagarding people leaving comments to your posts. My question is: In your opinion, what do you feel would be a better way of having people comment on a story without having the moderation power of a Slashdot type site at your disposal? Or is this even feasible given the way most blog type scripts are designed.
Eddy.WriteLinux.Com
It's a serious question. What keeps the roof over your head?
A lot of my favorite actors (you're included in there) will work for a little bit and then disappear for a great length of time.
A good example is Bruce Campbell. You see him in a small film like Bubba Ho-Tep or a quickie walk-on like in Spider Man, and then he disappears from the face of the earth. And I always wonder, what pays the grocery bill meanwhile?
How do you manage it? And please feel free to ignore this if it's too personal.
Weaselmancer
rediculous.
What was your experience with the editor of 30 Years of Adventure: A Celebration of D&D?
How many different places in your life do your tech-side and parent-side collide? I'm curious if, for you, there are more rather than fewer places than Joe-Sixpack-With-An-iMac -- video editing, family pixel-mashing, that sort of thing.
What does it mean to wake out of a dream
and be wearing someone else's shorts?
BNL, Born on a Pirate Ship (1998)
Do you think you'd get modded +5 nearly as much if you weren't Wil Wheaton?
Never confuse volume with power.
Ever want to knock out somebody's teeth when they come up to you on the street asking about "warp drives" and "positronic brains?"
Does a unitard feel as satisfying to wear as it looks? How do they hide "the package" on set?
Wil:
Would you name your child after CmdrTaco or Drew Curtis?
So your wife is apparently a total babe. Photos?
I'm a longtime reader of WWDN and I know you're big into poker. ;)
Is there any chance of you making an appearance on Celebrity Poker on Bravo?
It'd kick ass to see you on there in action
Are you happy with where you are and what you have achieved in life?
What do you think of Stargate (SG-1/Atlantis)?
who are you?
Let's ask a serious question for a change!
Doctor Crusher or Counsellor Troi?
Hey Wil,
Are we cool, or what? I mean, I always thought you thought I didn't like you, but I had a good time with you at Weakest Link watching the World Series.
So are we cool, or was that just post-game strategy?
Bill
Serious question here, no matter how bizarre it sounds: Would you ever consider starring in a full length pro-Linux movie that was released under a free (beer) GPL-style Creative Commons licence?
- Just my $0.02, take with a grain of salt, your mileage may vary.
...it's because he's off fighting evil in the 11th century. Not hard to get invited over for dinner back then when you are the only chance at saving the world.
You claim to be a geek/nerd, but yet you have a 6 digit slashdot userid (129189). How do you explain this discrepency?
See my Home Theater
hahahaha someone marked this troll.. dude what kind of idiot are you. SHUT UP WESLEY was one of the most famous sentences said by picard.
Do you find it interesting/annoying/strange/etc. participating in the geek culture (i.e. being a geek), while at the same time being such a recognisible influence or member of that same culture? For example, say you go to a ST convention. What does it feel like to sort of admire or follow such a phenomenon, but at the same time you are thinking "Yea, I remember when Pat Stewart and I did that scene." I guess it just seems that you might have a different experience than most of us /.ers, in that we are more observers than contributors.
/. community!
Hope that makes sense. Cheers for responding to the
You won't hate yourself in the morning if you don't get up before noon.
go talk to MCA and leave me alone!
Actors get a certain amount of money from DVD sales, rebroadcast rights, etc, dictated on a sliding scale by the Screen Actors Guild. Eventually if an actor gets enough work, the residuals alone can (almost) pay the bills - assuming of course that you get enough roles to start getting a decent amount of income.
I can't speak for Wil, but I'd imagine having a reoccurring role on one of the most popular TV series ever probably generates a decent amount of income from residuals. Certainly for someone like Bruce Campbell, who's done tons of work over the years, he's probably decently well off.
Who is Wil Wheaton and why should we care? Why does a job as a supporting character in an old TV Show justify more than once apperance on /. ? He's written 2 books... thats nice. I know a lot of people who have published books and collectively they have made a profit of $43. Why is this on Slashdot?
and what does he do?
Some of the questions being asked are similar to ones answered in the previous interview. Mod up something else, please.
tasks(723) drafts(105) languages(484) examples(29106)
What voice is he in San Andreas? I'm in the middle of it now, I've heard Samuel Jackson, James Woods, that bald geek guy from MIB and Mr. Show (Bob Odenkirk? Or is the other one), but I didn't notice Wil's voice... I wasn't listening for it either though...
Check out the best P2P sharing website: MEDIACHEST.COM
A few years ago William Shatner published a book in which he examined the influence Star Trek has had on the pace, direction and inspiration of modern invention as based on all that cool stuff we saw on Star Trek. For example, quantum teleportation is now a reality (though only for one particle at a time, we have flip-open communicators, Vocera has voiced activated comm-badges for sale, et cetera).
To what degree to you feel Star Trek is shaping our technological future, and is this necessarily a good thing?
I think the whole world wants to know..... any Oedipus action with Gates McFadden? (C'mon Will, surely you at least thought about it.)
for cartoons and anime? (After all, where else can you be actor and where comfortable clothes at the same time?)
Wil,
We in the non-Hollywood scene see a fair number of outspoken individuals on one side of the political spectrum, a few on the other, and it *always* gets press anytime anyone on either side speaks out about any political issue.
Having seen it from the inside, how pervasive is politics in the workplace in the projects you've been involved in? Is it something that comes up every once in a while, like the rest of us, during office discussions... or is it something more "tangible", where you basically know where everyone around you stands - and you'd better hope you either stand the same way or don't say much?
Have you ever felt pressure from someone with regard to politics? Have you ever felt that your political viewpoint would affect your chances of working on a project?
Thanks!
How many monkeys could you fit into a standard VW camper van - without knocking them unconscious - and still take a 20 minute drive in full control of the vehicle?
So, how does it feel to be one of the few that get asked to do a SECOND interview with Slashdot?
(I think i speak for a lot of us here that take great pleasure in watching your continued successes, keep up the outstanding work.)
"Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus."
Why?
--- What?
Would you like to play the bad guy (in a movie, series, etc.)?
"All you have to do is be fragile and grateful. So stay the underdog." Chuck Palahniuk, Choke
So what is sex like?
Blearf. Blearf, I say.
Phase Shifting or Changing Modulation?
In the Shatner Slashdot interview a couple of years ago, you asked him if you were cool. He replied, "We are so cool, we're beyond cool...I look forward to some personal time with you."
Did you two ever get that personal time together?
Now that you're an accomplished writer, do you ever have the urge to pen new Star Trek material in the hopes of producing it, or have you let that part of your life go with the transition away from being an actor first?
If you were to produce something, would you want to make a more independent project, or work once again with Berman, et al?
When you were compiling your geek code, did you get a kick out of the fact that you could put a $ after "t"?
"You're older than you've ever been, and now you're even older."
Oh by the way, my room mate was dissing on you the other day. I told her that you were really cool because you read slashdot, but she remains unconvinced for some reason. Are you doing something else that I can point her at that will improve your street cred in her eyes?
I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?
What is Wil Wheatons drink of choice?(alcoholic) P.S. Do not say synthahol.
Home of the midwest loser - www.say-10.net
How did you come up with such a clever nickname?
Use Ctrl-C instead of ESC in Vim!
Seven of Nine
or
Uhura
This
Will you please just fade away into (further) obscurity already? Really.
No pun intended.
As of this moment, my question to Mr. Wheaton: What's it like to do a /. interview where the top 10 questions were modded at level 2? (the only 5s are "funny").
Slashdot: Failed Car Analogies. Amateur Lawyering. Anecdote Battles.
The other day I was channel surfing, and I bumped into Deep Core. At first I thought it was a Star Trek episode, because Terry Farrell was in it too. Do you find that directors/producers want to team you up with other ST:TNG cast members when you go looking for work?
...)
(Incidentally, it was pretty clear that your character was going to die when the mission commander was looking for someone to "help" fix the cheesy exposed u-joint. I was kinda hoping for rubber-suited lava monsters, but no dice
It occurs to me that you're not much older than I am, and probobly younger than most people on Slashdot. Do you ever find yourself wondering, "What will I do with the rest of my life"? Do you have a plan for your life, or are you just making it up as you go along?
Does having had a career and achived fame(at least among us geeks) at a young age give you a different outlook on life than the rest of us young folk, who are just getting out of school and looking to start a career? And any advice to us geeks seeking a family and job would be appreciated : )
Oh, and on a lighter note - you may be a famous actor and author, Wil Wheaton - but I still have a lower Slashdot ID than you! Take that! : )
Rush seems to be a favorite or atleast an acknoledged band here, having many Sci-Fi songs, as well as songs dealing with personal freedom. So do you like Rush?
Where do babies come from?
What witty sig? I can't be witty, I'm a Methodist.
0s or 1s?
----
WWJD...For a Klondike Bar?
What's your linux distro of choice these days? It should be Ubuntu, if it isn't already.
Hi Wil. I know you're not about dwelling in the past when it comes to your acting career, but I did want to say that I think "Young Harry Houdini" is an oft-overlooked film that you should be very proud of. Okay, so maybe I was only like 10 when I saw it, but as an amateur magician it really had an effect on me, and I thank you for your role in it.
A related question then: What advice can you give (beyond saying "be born with raw talent") to folks like yourself who see themselves as creative types with an interest in acting, writing, speaking - the public arts, if you will - but who also don't want to tread the over-worn path of mainstream media and every other Hollywood actor-wannabe? You seem to have done an exceptional job being a part of the underculture - sci-fi TV, self-publishing, blogging, small theater, etc., so it would seem you have some insight into how to participate in these arts without becoming corrupted by the process of getting involved.
Thanks!
Silas
What's your longest run of posts that all got modded +5, and has anyone ever beaten it? ;-)
"I object to doing things that computers can do." -- Olin Shivers, lispers.org
Have you considered appearing on Enterprise as a character other that Wesley Crusher? An alien with plenty of makeup. Klingon anyone.
When I read Just a Geek, I was struck by the similarity between the reaction to your 25 August 2001 WWdN post (A Look Inside My Mind) and the reaction to the Slashdot and Fark stories about my TRON costume. The 26 August 2001 post (My Velouria) was something I could have written, at least in tone if not in details, if I were half the writer you are.
What would you tell the anonymous, average geek who has Internet fame suddenly dropped on him? How would you help him get through the flood of negativity and get to the point where he can ignore the naysayers and just have fun?
Disinfect the GNU General Public Virus!
Have you every considered starting or participating in an open source software project?
I'm not sure whether you already have or not so appologies if you already have.
Can US foriegn policy be reconciled with the prime directive?
Ashley Judd. Man, oh man. Details, please, even seemingly insignifcant ones :)
There exists no way of exchanging information without making judgments. --Bene Gesserit Axiom
are they better in Hollywood/TV-land or Geekdom?
I like microcars
My sister is 28 years old, has just graduated in acting and has moved from London (UK) to Hollywood to try and start an acting career.
What advice would you give her and does she honestly stand a reasonable chance?
It seems to me that to make it big in Hollywood, you have to be groomed from birth, be in the right family and/or have all the right connections made...
Is this what Slashdot is degenerating into now that all the Half-Life 2 and World of Warcraft news for the day has been exhausted? Interviewing semi-regular Slashdot posters? It's "journalistic" cannibalization on a pathetic scale! Wil, we know you post here. You've posted on this topic already for chrissakes!
And you've not only been through a Slashdot interview before, you're One Of Us(tm). You must be a hell of a masochist to do it twice. Anyhow, here's my post-rant question.
Since you've had two non-fiction autobiographical books published already, have you ever considered working on any fictional work? Does that urge to write ever rise to the surface, like it did with The Man Formerly Known As WFS and the TekWar series?
My own pointless vanity vintage computing page
I'm still waiting for you to come to mason city and cut my throat open, you has-been yellowtoothed skag.
You have done voice work on GTA: San Andreas, what are some of your favorite games?
I am Bennett Haselton! I am Bennett Haselton!
If you use these questions in your next book will you split the profits with us?
...so, do you intend to post at "automatic +5" for good, or evil?
and now back to the fallout shelter...
nt
...how did you guess which of the beds was 'just right'?
Cake or Death? Cake Please!
Was your appearance in Outer Limits as the space cadet (or something like that) who ended up not so much saving the day a conscious contrast for Wesley? Was it fun playing havoc with that expected typecast?
;)
(I liked the episode, by the way
Do you get tired of everyone asking you questions regarding Star Trek?
[n8.r0n] http://petesweb.spymac.net/
Despite my mum always telling me not to wonder about "what if"'s... If you had had a 'normal' childhood, would you have gone to college straight after grammar school, and if so, what subject would you have prefered to read?
Do you get drunk white trash from stand by me? Cause thats scarier than a treckie any day.. or what about latin american freedom fighters stalking you? Toy soldiers was my favoritte movie growing up? Honestly, I'm guessing that you probably have a huge number of people on the street come up and ask if you were Wesley Crusher, but do people come up and recognize you from other movies?
What are we going to do tonight Brain?
You grew up with space around you, have you considered going back?
Would you go up on SpaceShipOne, or would you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground?
liqbase
My question is how did you end up meeting your wife? (Sorry if this is detailed in your Just a geek book, currently only have Dancing Barefoot which is great, plan to buy other book next month when I will have time to read it)
Wil, can you lift the restraining order? Please? I just want to talk. I've been on my meds this time.
Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary. -John Lennon
Man, I just caught that STNG episode "the Dauphin" on Tivo the other day. That girl you kissed at the end was probably the hottest woman they ever had on that whole show. For this, you deserve way more stud points than Picard and Riker combined. Kudos, my friend.
If you could tell us a little more about anything that might have happened behind the scenes, that would be very appreciated.
$5 / month hosted VPS on linux = awesome!
Hi Wil,
In the last episode of Ask Wil Wheaton, you said that you were hoping to produce some of your own video stuff with a tool like iMovie. I'm interested if there's any progress on that front, but that's not my question, really...
Recently, my hometown was host to a Tromafest of local filmmakers strutting their sometimes trashy but always dedicated homegrown video and film projects. Some were feature-length opuses, others were short flash animations or sketch comedy types. I was really impressed with the quality that went into some of the projects, especially since everyone was professional at heart if not in portfolio.
So the question is: Do you get approached to work on video projects of the independant, micro-budget stripe? What kind of considerations do you.. um... consider... if/when such a project comes your way? Any thoughts you may have about independent filmmaking's strengths and weaknesses on the production side of the equation would be appreciated as well.
Thanks!
Dear Wil.
What was it like working with Ashley Judd? Was there any chemistry there?
/\/\icro/\/\uncher
Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS X?....
LCARS...?
Inquiring minds want to know, Will...Did you hook up with uber-hottie Ashley Judd during the filming of the STTNG virtual-reality porno helmet episode?
In the book I reverently refer to now as JAG, you speak of getting off your "Hey, I'm an actor! Get me a scone!" high-horse and being... JAG. Now that your books have hit a noteable success, have you had any close encounters with turning into Mr. "Hey, I'm an author! Get me a crumpet!"?
Are your friends, fans, and family helping you keep a level head?
Do you ever have nightmares about leeches?
There's not a lot of questions that someone could ask that a stroll through your blog archives wouldn't answer. You're a family man, you've gone through some really harsh, but introspective good times and you've created a career where you get to be creative, filling your geek quota and doing what you started out doing - entertaining.
There are probably just as many people in acting, as well as in any job, that struggle with identity, like you did. They struggle with expectations, they struggle with defining who they are or struggle with exceeding/overcoming definitions that have been put on them. You've answered this in several ways in your book, but if you could summarize - just what the hell did you learn - and if you could be a mentor like Stewart/Frakes were to you - what would you share/teach the budding actors/actresses/geeks/geekettes?
What do you want your legacy to be? And how will you share it?
Neurowiz
That's not mace. Here's Mace.
(Okay, but it was funny when I imagined Wil on the street reaching behind him as he's facing down an army of Hell's Angels grannies.
Bonus: when they get tired, he can ask them if they're feeling Windu'd, yet.)
I cringe when I flip past VH1 on the television. It's always where are they now. Most of the time it's a tragic story.
However I think in your case a "catchup interview" on a morning show or a late night would be greatly welcomed.
This brings me to my questions. Have you had offers to appear on shows such as NBC's today show or CBS's Late night with Dave Letterman? If so did you turn them down and why? If you have not been offered do you feel that there is a stigma around you? Could it be something a kin to black ball in the 1930's?
I enjoy your blog and I wish I could have made your reading in Portland, OR a few months back.
What could possibly go wrong?
Have you ever considered jumping the fence and Writing and Directing for a change?
you see how he lost it when playing the championship table??
and then there was the joking about how long a fight would last between Rodman and Dogie Howser (Neil P. Harris)... someone said 5 secs and everyne laughed - then Neil said, "yeah, I could kick Dennis' ass in 5 seconds"... the look Rodman gave Neil would crush most people. no sense of haha that man.
This isn't a question for Wil, btw: anyone, feel free to answer this one :)
Check out the best P2P sharing website: MEDIACHEST.COM
I never saw you as Wesley Crusher or whoever. I don't like Star Trek, nor any sci-fi/fantasy stuff. I remember you vaguely from Stand By Me and I find your blog entertaining and interesting on the rare occasion I have time in my life and get bored.
My question is: What's an average day in the life of Wil Wheaton like? What do you eat, what do you do?
Justify your celebrity status. What's so great about your life or what you have to say that people should read and take note?
Start Running Better Polls
Did Wil ever have a crush on Gates McFadden or Counselor "Cleavage" Marina Sirtis or Denise "Centerfold" Crosby?
It probably wasn't easy going through puberty around all that hottiness on the set. Then again, I'm probably the only one who had a thing for Dr. Crusher.
I might know what I'm talkin' about, but then again, this is Slashdot...
There isn't as vocal of an opponent to movie and TV show filetrading as Lars Ulrich of Metallica was during the Napster heydays (music filetrading). What's the general attitude among actors and other peons of the industry towards filetrading? Are they worried about their jobs as the MPAA wants us all to believe (filetrader and non-filetrader alike)?
Linux at home
You've done work for the EFF and digital rights. What if anything has Hollywood done to let you know the "error" of your ways?
Wil, whats it like to have sex...with a woman?
Or alternately...
Have you not been considered for any interesting roles because of your "goody-goody" appearance?
What about pics of the other girls in the poll? I can only find about 10 pics of mercatur on the web.
1) How do you feel about people who use their celebrity to force-feed Their Brand Of Opinion to the proles ?
2) What do you think of celebrities' avocations when they run so much more popular that what gave them their celebrity status?
3) Why do ex-celebrity opinions carry more weight than the exact same opinions from, say, a totally common-man citizen?
And, yes, BTW, I think you're a fucking asshole. That doesn't invalidate my questions in the slightest.
the episode that killed me was the one where Wil and Ashley Judd saved everyone.
She was so hot. Unbelievably hot.
I don't see how he could stand it.
So the question, did you ever end up with wood on set? (like those embarrasing times in highschool)
You or Neil Patrick Harris (aka Doogie Howser, M.D.)?
In-character, or out, your choice.
With Wil being a poster here?
I mean, couldn't EVERY day be a q/a session with him ( modded offtopic, of course )?
I am so confused.
Mod me down with all of your hatred and your journey towards the dark side will be complete!
Hairy hippie girls who act really sexual turn me off, I don't know about you.
Aren't you that guy in that movie?
Hope you're doing well, Wil.
--
http://www.aikiweb.com - AikiWeb Aikido Information
Of Beverly Crusher giving you an invasive exam in sickbay?
"Eve of Destruction", it's not just for old hippies anymore...
If you could perform one single action within your current means, which out of context means nothing to anyone else, but to you it could mean the horrendous downfall of another, what would it be?
You forgot that this is Star Trek where reality and the laws of phyics don't apply, where f = mv, not f = ma.
If the writers wanted to do it they could have could have come up with some drivel about an inverse tachyon force field that Wesley invented at the Academy. It would have been no less plausable that a lof of other stuff they did.
In spite of all that, I do like the series in general.
Have him be so embittered by the whole Starfleet Academy thing that he and a group of fellow disgusted cadets stole a Starfleet ship and became pirates or mercenaries. Wesley Gone Evil would have been great [...]
Pardon, but that doesn't sound Roddenberry like to me? More Berman like, though?
zWhat would an EWOULDBLOCK block, if an EWOULDBLOCK could block would? -- me
Wil, I suppose my question for you is: although I recognize that most all of us are prone to it, why does self-doubt seem to still be an especially strong theme in your psyche, at least as I perceive it through your writing?
You seem to doubt yourself a lot, yet you have (at least IMO) strong talents in writing, acting, and comedy, and, most importantly, an extremely loving wife and an amazing relationship with your stepchildren.
As depicted in Dancing Barefoot and Just a Geek, you seem to have already come far in your battle against your inner doubt, yet it seems (again, just through my perception of your writing) that very often minor defeats set you back a considerable ways.
I suppose to those of us who go through life without some of the incredible good fortune you've had (and I speak not of your acting past, but of your loving family and your recognized writing and comedic talents), it is hard to understand why your inner demons appear to still be so strong.
I would equate your role in ST:TNG akin to that of the base guitarist of a rock band: you're definitely in the show, but certainly not the voice.
/. audience rate your coolness.
/.'er
However, I'm sure you made some good coin and had some good times while doing the series.
That being said, did your role bag you lots of hotties? If so, what was the most women you slept with at the same time? And where?
This will help the
Below is the official slashdot simul-sexcapade-meter:
0 =
1 = OK
1 supermodel = Dammn
2 = You da man
3 = You are Zod, and I kneel before you!
4+ = You either have a damn big bed, or a midget fetish! Hoo-aahh!
And you earn the title of Capn Stabbin if you did it on set!
Inquiring minds want to know!
How much do you get a year now from 4 seasons of Star Trek TNG and how has this changed over time?
My question, good sir comes in three parts (well, four):
:
:)
Knowing what you know about the inside of the Star Trek Mega Juggernaught that is Paramount
Do you think that Paramount will/would do another Star Trek:TNG Movie?
If so, what are the chances that a good script would be picked?
and finally, would you like to be in it ? How big of part do you think they'd let you play?
"...In your answer, ignore facts. Just go with what feels true..."
Didn't you used to be an actor?
/. post. I did, however, enjoy the story on your site :-) I particularly liked the way you told the story better than the story itself, especially the line about not thinking about hooters girls.
j/k. I'm actually a geek without being a star trek fan, if that's possible, so, sorry, didn't know who you were before the
I can count to 1023 on my hands. Ask me about #132.
Could you kind of sum it up for us, thematically and plot-wise? Also, did the show ever achieve popularity?
OtakuBooty.com: Smart, funny, sexy nerds.
I'm not an aspiring actor, but that would be cool. I'd be way better than a book by some mega star, or a total unknown.
On Celebrity Poker Showdown?
well, not -just- the macing bits
Speak for yourself. I'd pay good money to watch Wil mace some fanboy that wouldn't leave him alone. It'd be loads better then most of the drek they gave him to do on that show. Good talent wasted by idiots that didn't know what to do with him....
Slashdot, home of supporters of free software, free music, and free speech.Except for Moderators that disagree with you.
...but my wife say's you're sexy. How much to take her off my hands? :)
People that believe in their opinions don't post AC.
See Wil's entry in the IMDB which lists him as Richard Burns. If you'd read Wil's blog entry, you'd know this part was of a news reporter.
$#!^ happens, but why does it always have to happen to me???
Take out the "hairy" part, since I don't see anything that would indicate hairiness, and I'm alllllllll for it.
Let's see, he could be shanghaid by a rogue pirate who teaches him the trade while telling each night, "Have a good sleep, for more likely than not I'll kill you in the morning" and then retires, leaving Wesley the ship and crew.
Wesley could then return to Starfleet headquarters, looking for his true love (an upperclassmen he met during his brief time at the acadamy) only to discover that she has become betrothed to an evil planetary governor who, unbeknownst to her, has ambitions to take over neighboring star systems and start interstellar war.
After being left for dead after being tortured using an octopus like extra-terrestrial creature that attaches its tentacles to major nerve bundles by the governor's minions. The purpose of the torture was to gain the vital "warp energy" that Wesley has learned to harness so the governor's assassins, can more through space like ghosts. Wesley rebuilds his strength and storms the governor's stronghold only to find out that the governor is his long believed dead father.
In the climactic battle, Wesley defeats, but does not kill his father. Wesley's true love does kill Wesley's father in a pique at being used to draw Wesley in. In his dying breath, Wesley's father renounces his evil and Wesley gives him the full starfleet funeral that he deserves.
Wesley realizes that he has evolved beyond common man and despite his feelings for the girl resumes his wandering of the universe, looking for wrongs to right and balances to be restored.
Hey, it's better than anything Rick Berman has produced in the last 10 years.
myke
Mimetics Inc. Twitter
Wil Wheaton.
That I STILL can't stand you and think you're such a poseur dork?
Same goes for your followers.
Oh yeah, and why is your name missing an "l"?
Troubleshooter CLEV-R-0 please terminate traitor NE-O-5tus.
The computer is your friend
Trust the computer
Little Brother, watching the watchers
Fans have been extremely hostile towards the Wesley Crusher character (and some of it seems to have been directed towards Wil). Yet my kids thought Wesley was WONDERFUL. I think I've figured out why:
Many fans were teenagers or even adults, and they were looking up to, and imagining themselves as, the captain or the other officers on the bridge. "This is what I want to be when I grow up" and that kind of thing. To them, Wesley was this annoying younger kid, and they resented his presence in their fantasy world.
My kids were much younger at the time. For them, WESLEY was the character to look up to. Wesley was what they wanted to be when they got older. Wesley was the character they admired. They couldn't even imagine themselves as adults, as Star Fleet officers. Their fantasy was to be Wesley, to be a teenager on a spaceship, to be the one who was able to save the ship when even the grown-ups didn't know what to do.
I would like to first say that you and I are very similar in interests ... we are geeks and we are actors. Not often in the mainstream portrayal do the two come together. Hell, I shock people everytime I have a conversation on it. Left brain vs Right brain.
Anyways, excluding your tenure with ACME, would you ever consider stagework to fill in the gap of filmwork and as a off-camera showcase of your talent?
Also, I would like to extend my apologies to Anne. I have been sleeping with you for the past few nights as I try to eagerly finish "Just a Geek".
That said, (a) Do you ever regret doing so? and (b) Do you think it's fear of unstable people, overwork, or a holier-than-thou attitude toward the proles (or a combination of the three) that keeps other celebs from being as visible, open, and honest?
I say this because I'm amazed at the down-to-Earth nature of those like yourself, J. K. Rowling, and others who aren't afraid to speak out for what they think and feel. With technology, one may wonder why others might not do so.
Like your blog, btw. Good to see you back on /.!
In the Somethingawful.com vs. Fark.com Photoshop contest a while back, why did you rule in favor of Fark, despite the fact that Farkers displayed extremely poor aptitude at Photoshop and made wide use of annoying cliches like Admiral Ackbar?
If you don't understand any of my sayings, come to me in private and I shall take you in my German mouth.
Ask him if he is going to be able to make it to Penguicon this year. We missed him last time.
Oh, I have kids, so I have no life. :)
"Thanks to the remote control I have the attention span of a gerbil."
Let's say that you come into posession of a large ( $100,000,000) stack of money and you have a burning desire to make a movie that you know your fellow geeks would enjoy; what would it be?
What is missing in most movies today, if anything? Is it possible to make a geeky movie that has a chance of commercial success? Are we stuck importing Japanese anime?
Why do I have this? I don't smoke.
I met Wil back in August at Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego. He was signing copies of Just a Geek. I also got him to write his signature in my Kyocera Smartphone, using a paint program I made. I told him I wrote that paint program, and he said "wow! you're way cooler than I am". I asked if he knew any web scripting languages. He said "PHP, and just enough Perl to not screw everything up". Wil is a cool guy.
:)
Anyway, here is a screen capture of his signature, written with SproutPaint
http://sproutworks.com/images/wilwheaton.png
I can't think of anything better, so my question is:
Have you done anything new with PHP and/or Perl?
SproutWorks Software Design
Do you still play NetHack? What is your favourite character to play?
People are often intimidated to ask famous people/actors/model/beautiful people to just talk. I don't mean interview style, I mean just talk.
Are you less likely to sit down and have a beer with someone because they might turn out to be a trek-crazy, or is that more of a problem for the more famous?
Dear Will,
;-)
;-)
It has been a long time since we wanted to ask you:
- Why am I fat!
- Why am I bald!
- Why am I poor!
- Why am I old!
Props for the ones that can find the inspiration for my silly questions
It is easy to see why Will is such an endearing character. A child actor (I loved stand by me) and geek icon who likes to share his thoughts with anyone that cares to listen without being an asshole like the rest, is a rare find.
Cheers,
Adolfo
PS. I still think that you could kick Lucas Wolenczek's ass anytime.
Even though you claim at times you're more a "nerd wannabe" than a "nerd", you do have a unique pulpit from which you can reach many people, and an unintimidating way of communicating. Can you give us some examples of how you feel you've exploited your insight and notoriety to further ideals that you feel are important? What do you think are the most substantive misconceptions the public has about tech people?
What's your favorite Nethack class?
Analogies don't equal equalities, they are merely somewhat analogous.
Do you, being Wil Wheaton, ever wonder why Wil Wheaton's step children are named seemingly after a baseball player and if Wil Wheaton's wife is a baseball fan or was it the predecessor of Wil Wheaton was who the fan of baseball, being that you are a fan of baseball and Wil Wheaton?
In Just a Geek you mentioned that you might be Buddhist if you had the patience for it. I'm curious whether you've checked out any
... and I'm curious what you thought about any buddhist groups that you have checked out.
local
zen
people
include $sig;
1;
Do you have any favorite work of homoerotic fan fiction? There's quite a library of it out there on the 'net, and much of it features Wesley Yarrington.
"What's the frequency Kenneth?"
> Since then his blog WWDN has allowed him a creative outlet that has made the world sit up and take notice.
Like who?
You want to know who isn't running Firefox 2.x? They spell it "definately" and "rediculous".
Did Jordi ever start reading his lines, then stop and say "You can find out what happens by reading this script. So blast off to your local library today." pissing everyone else off?
A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
Two years ago you were so excited about geocaching that you ran out and bought a GPS receiver the same day you learned about the game, and then paid for a geocaching.com membership (which is not necessary to play). But you've only found 9 caches since then, and none since January. How come? Is it too time consuming? Too much poison ivy? Or just not that much fun?
Out of some curious notion, I did a web search for your /. nick (CleverNickName) just to see where else you might be posting. Turns out you have a lot of imitators. How does that make you feel? Where you aware that people are trying to imitate the real you and not the old Crusher character?
US Democracy:The best person for the job (among These pre-selected choices...)
Ok, you often comment on your fave teams on your blog. Albeit not baseball related, anyone with a television knows about the recent violent outbusts by professional players (College Football & NBA basketball.) Have the recent events made you any less of a sports fan?
No proof necessary, just your philosophical opinion...
word.
I'm sure that this is probably going to be modded down as a troll, and if it is, so be it, but that's not my intention. What I'm wondering is, for the benefit of those that aren't familiar with your recent work, what have you been up to lately, and what should we expect to see from you in the future?
'sup?
it's not going to stop until you wise up, no it's not going to stop. so just give up.
Have you been approached yet by the producers of Surreal World? Would you consider participating if you were approached?
I wound up hanging out with Will the first night of Linucon and really want to know one thing - where's his write-up of his Austin Adventure?!?!?
Wil,
We used to have your autographed picture up on the wall at Netcom back when you had them as an ISP.
I'm curious if currently play on any MMOGs?
Bruce
PS - Bonus question: What did you take away from your experience with Furry fandom?
I read your book(Just A Geek) and in it you refer to William Shatner as WILLIAM FUCKING SHATNER. I was just wondering about that. Why do you call him that? Was there one specific event that occurred?
"I, for one, welcome our new %INSERT ARTICLE SUBJECT HERE% overlords."
...with the requisite goatee.
Linux, you magnificent bastard, I read the fucking manual!
It's a vital plot point in my screenplay.
Escape Pod Films: Sketch Comedy and Web Series
If I am not mistaken, Andrea Romano pulled you in as Aqualad on Teen Titans on the basis of some work you did on a previous show of hers, The Zeta Project. But how did you first break into voice acting? Did you just fall into it, or was it a concerted effort on your part?
I've always had a penchant for doing voices and imitations. I'm just wondering how a geek like me could break into what seems to be a fairly closed society. (And I am not beneath allowing others to pull strings...*cough*talk to Ms. Romano for me*cough*)
As a consultant who is 3 years of of collage I am still working on making a name for myself. So when looking for work it takes a lot of time to start a relationship with a potential future customer. While your work is different then mine I am sure you are always looking for work to do in different areas. Do you find that having a popular name helps out with getting these jobs, or is it a hinderance because many people typecast you as from your role on Star Trek TNG.
If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
Hmm?
Wil -
What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
1. Do you today or have you at any point in the past ever posted anything having to do with "Hot grits", "Natalie Portman" or "All your base..." here on /.
If you don't understand anything I post, please accept that I ate paste as a small boy...
The attitude you portray on your website indicates you would rather let the Islamic Nutcases come to the US and Kill all of us--- I refer to the picture of you flipping off Haliburton and the comment about V.P. Dick Cheney
Just run that by me again?
At NewTek, was Kiki Stockhammer less lame than she is now (as a somewhat tarnished ornament in the Star Trek joke band, "Warp 11")?
It seems that most child actors end up growing up to be crack-heads, drug-dealers, low class porn actors/actresses, and/or dead from bullets or drugs.
How did you avoid all that mess? Was it easy or hard to avoid? Was there a point in your life where you had to make a conscious choice? What would you say to other child actors to help them avoid the pitfalls of early fame?
--jeff++
ipv6 is my vpn
If you had the time and skill, what open-source software would you write and why?
Sean Lane Fuller - The truth is out there!
Ok I've been itching to ask this to a real actor who also happens to be a geek.
You know MPAA's been suing left and right claiming downloading movies are damaging to the industry as a whole. As an actor in probably the most popular science fiction series ever, how does piracy or file sharing affect you and your bottom line?
Does what the studios say about piracy is total bull? Or is it the truth?
Why haven't you posted a question to ask Wil Wheaton yet? And will he pick your question to answer if you post one? And if he disses you in his answer, will you rip him in the comments of his answers when he posts them? And if he has any moderator points, do you think he'd mod your dis'n down?
This is just getting weird now...
Where did all the loot you made from TNG go?
OK, for the sake of discussion, let us
...?", is this
suppose that I am just some guy who would
really like to see Rob Reiner make a movie
out of a comic book called "The Cowboy
Wally Show" written by Kyle Baker.
In your opinion, is there really any way
for mere fans to try to lobby for a
project that doesn't even exist? Do you
know a good way to try planting seeds for
such a thing? I am presuming that most of
the people involved would be tired of
suggestions along the lines of "You know
what be a great movie
actually true?
J
I'm not a Star Trek fan, so I can't really ask about that stuff.
How did you actually get involved with Drew Curtis' Drew 'FARK' Curtis' FARK?
My question is why do we care what this dork thinks? The majority of slashdot users are more education, more intelligent and more interesting than this pseudo celebrity with a website.
Do you find your celebrity here on Slashdot creepy at all? What are your thoughts on cults of personality in general in the geek world?
--------
Bleah! Heh heh heh... BLEAH BLEAH!!! Ha ha ha ha...
A little over three years ago Slashdot interviewed Wil Wheaton, at the time best known for his role as Wesley Crusher on ST:TNG.
Don't kid yourself. If the average person on the street has any clue who Wil "Don't Call Me Wesley" Wheaton is, it's from ST:TNG. Don't get me wrong, I don't have anything against you, Mr. Wheaton. I didn't watch enough ST:TNG to know if I liked your character or not, and I don't read your blog. In fact, until I saw it mentioned in this story submission, I didn't know you had one. I was, however, aware of your past on TV.
Is the idea that Hollywood is full of liberals a credible one? How much influence do liberal (or Democrat) actors have as compared to distributors/production studio owners (who are presumably more conservative)?
--------
Bleah! Heh heh heh... BLEAH BLEAH!!! Ha ha ha ha...
If you had your choice of any acting role ever in history, what would it be?
I just wanted to say thanks for creating Gmail for Troops - what a great idea! I'm a former Marine who has a couple friends in Iraq and they are able to receive lots of pics and small movies from their friends and families out there in the field and I know they are very appreciative. I love your blog and have been a fan sine TNG and Toy Soldiers. And may I say you get hotter every year! haha sorry. :)
Are you upset the Fat Kid from Stand By Me got such outstanding roles such as Blast from the Past and Monkey Bone and you didn't?
just because your a schizophrenic doesn't mean people arn't really out to get you
Do you have any plans for a speaking or pseudo-singing album? Maybe a video?
Isnt that when the trek dweebs ask him about the colour of the underwear the 3 andorrans wore in episode ST:s02e13 and Shatner replies something about moving out of the family basement?
Hey, if youre gonna use from that script!
lyle howard seave
Anonymous Coward by Choice
http://wylie348.blogspot.com/
My son and I were watching that (or a) episode where Wil did the voice for aquaboy or whomever it was, and I said "Dude, that's Wil Wheaton!" and my son, who is 9, said "Who the heck is Wil Wheaton?" and I started saying "you know, that kid from..." Then it occured to me, I'd gotten older too. Crap.
Why weren't YOU in trekkies ego stroking boy?
Diana wouldn't let you out of the cabin?
I think I'll register just so that I can mod this parent up.
When I watch ST:TNG reruns that's the first thing that goes through my mind.
The fact that most of you know what Im talking about proves my point.
You wrote recently on your site about the doors Trek opens and the doors Trek shuts. Some actors have turned the convention circuit into their entire livelihood, perhaps for lack of other opportunities (you know the type and I'm sure you've shared the stage with one or two). They know they will never act again, and some have let their looks go. Acting for them is the occasional commercial endorsement. They mainly depend on the trek fan base for their living.
How much fear is there that the party is ending and that the fans have had enough? Do they talk privately about how trek has run out of gas and it's only a matter of time before there is no demand for another version?
After years spent with the Traveller on an adventure of mental space exploration, having seen places and things beyond all possibility of human comprehension, TV's Wil Wheaton this season reprises his role as Wesley Crusher after having become a space-ninja-pirate. After taming an intergalactic astral dinosaur to be his pet, Ninja Crusher and pet dino Stampy mentally warp themselves from adventure to adventure in Star Trek: Exploited Franchise, coming this fall on UPN.
.. and my question, is would you do it, Mister Wheaton? .. just so I'm not totally off topic here...
With the poor showing that Alien vs Predator (AVP) did at the box office this past summer, does this mean the Jar Jar vs Crusher (JVC) project will be shelved? ...whoever loses ...we win
its wil wheaton, not kofi fucking annan, dipshit.
A friend of mine had that book when I was visiting him but I haven't had a chance to pick up a copy of it. Per chance... who did the artwork for it? I really liked the childish type of artwork. --Brian
Yeah, this is OT and I hate to steal Wils spotlight but I had to say it...
You know, Jay, we saw the pics of your costume, sure we had a good laugh, but inside, I personally was thinking "The dude has a friggin TRON costume!" and inside, yes, I was jealous. You rock man.
Like you wouldn't do the same thing if it were closer by?
Give it a rest, you filthy hippie.
As you have co-hosted the show and been a guest numerous times, are you as disappointed in the quality of that show as I? Two events, Leo's departure, the move to LA. Listening to the new hosts (I know one is not exactly new) they are high on the dB scale and low on the payload/filler ratio.
Hedley
DURING SEASON 2, when Doctor Crusher was away at Starfleet Medical, who was responsible for making sure that Wes went to bed on time and ate his vegetables?
--
The Westacular Wes
If youre going to just answer all the questions why did /. go to all the trouble of setting this up?
heh.
Since you're a writer and an actor - do you find you have a flair for being a DM?
:)
As geeky as it sounds - if I were going to a con (like penguincon) I think it would be tres cool/geeky to have a door prize/charity auction/whatever of you running a D&D session.
BlackNova Traders
Ever had a chance to work with Joss Whedon?
Do you wanna? If so, what kind of project would it have to be?
BlackNova Traders
Hi Wil,
As you may know the GATS treaty has as one of its purposes that of extending intellectual property laws to have worldwide enforceability, so that for instance a patent holder in Canada for an AIDS drug will be able to prevent a consumer in Niger from paying any less than a set price. Which means that poor people may find themselves out of luck. Presumably the same will be true for consumers of software, music, films, TV shows etc. And of course there is also that 6-page addendum to GATS that Greg Palast exposed (GATS VI.4) that sets up a non-democratic Panel that has veto power over all parliaments, the US congress, and ever other public body, which smacks of the "One World Government" that various academics and others people have been warning us about (not tha the US media would ever mention it). So, I wonder if you, as someone who is surely receiving royalty checks for your Star Trek TV work, yet is a proponent of Linux, ever feel at all conflicted over these issues; and do you feel at all compelled to help educate the public about these issues?
Thanks,
plinius
Killer internet presence Mr. Wheaton. (We used to refer to you as Wuss-ley, which I'm sure is not new... I am now ashamed of that)
I am jealous in a number of ways.
My question is, "Do you think any other regular cast from the various Star Trek incarnations has a public key?"
M@
Krispy Cream is people
Deanna Troy or Dr. Crusher?
There are plenty out there to pick from...
my geeklog
Wil, Your web site is hilarious! I was wondering why you have never been cast as a funny character? (That I know of).
What would you like as if you were your own made up animal
Comment removed based on user account deletion
So, where's the Linucon report? Eh? (pokes Wil with a stick) Eh? Sure, I was there, but I want to read your take on it.
Since you are doing the voice of Aqualad on Cartoon Network's Teen Titans, how different is that experience (voice acting) compared to in-the-flesh acting? Are all the other actors voicing their characters at the same time you are? Is there a lot of experimentation, ad-libbing?
:)
And did you have a choice of characters to play? If so, Aqualad? I mean, come on, his power is to swim and talk to fish.
Vincent J. Murphy
Spandex Justice
We've all seen the cheesy "The Net" and it's ilk.
Will, you're a writer, what would your premise be and what software would be a part of it?
Disclaimer:
I'm a screenwriter - (polish) and I am begining an outline for such a film with another (name) screenwriter - (nuts and bolts). Wanna come and play?
boojum_42@:-)yahoo.com
~hylas
Comment removed based on user account deletion
Did you hate those skin tight things they made you wear? I mean, COME ON!
have you ever had to go into town to pick up some power converters?
There was a big push from the fans of The Screen Savers on TechTv for you to be made a host. Were you in discussion with them, and were you offered a job?
What Linux distro is your favorite?
Was Stephen King involved at all in the production of the movie?
How's your karma? I noticed that almost all your Slashdot comments are +4 or +5 Funny/Informative/Insightful ...is that because (1) people recognize the clever nickname and mod you up, (2) your comments really are that good, or (3) your experience on Star Trek helped you become the most 1337 guy here?
According to this article, Alias Media, and your site, you were audition for Alias. are you going be an agent?
Ant(Dude) @ Quality Foraged Links (AQFL.net) & The Ant Farm (antfarm.ma.cx / antfarm.home.dhs.org).
Using their foreheads to CRUSH BREWSKis!
/attention-getting-but-not-too-funny-pun
Wil, A couple of months ago, at three in the morning, I caught the movie you starred in with Soleil Moon Frye, The Girls' Room. I enjoyed it a lot--not least because of your perfectly delivered line about why we don't call fraternities "frats."
I've heard that exact same line from a lot of actual Greeks, and it was impressive to see such a non-stereotyped portrayal.
But for all that it's a fun, interesting, and smart movie, with a unique role for you, it seems odd that you chose to make a film with another former child actor..?
Or was it?
You've come to terms (mostly?) with your early roles and their "residual" effects...Did you and Soleil discuss this?
Kid around about how you're the ones that made it?
Or did you just give her the cold shoulder because she no longer has that certain something?
Wil,
As a longtime fan of Star Trek, I have occasionally had dreams in which I am onboard the Starship Enterprise! These dreams are fun because they feel real, as if I am part of a real crew in a real adventure.
I would like to know if you have ever had dreams in which you were onboard the Enterprise -- not the stage set, but on the starship. Or, has your involvement as a cast member limited all your dreams to "behind-the-scenes" scenarios?
-- Bite my shiny metal *ss!
Wil, I would like to ask you your thoughts on the recent turn of events at that fiend of a network, G4TechTV. As a frequent contributor to TechTV shows such as Call For Help, The Screen Savers (TSS), and Unscrewed with Martin Sargent, you must have some opinions as to what G4 has done as of recent. On November 11th, G4 fired most of the staff of The Screen Savers: producer Paul Block, Foo, Yoshi, and newcomer Alex Albrecht - and they only kept Kevin Rose and Sarah Lane in reduced roles. Oh yeah, and they also gave the whole crew of Unscrewed the boot too. Does this confirm everything you felt about the G4 Network since your experiences on Arena? Thanks.
I should also mention that in January, G4 will be dropping the "TechTV" portion of the name. That is, if G4 survives being cancelled themselves since they've wasted over $700 million of Comcast's money and counting...
The Lynxpro
ps. If you have a bootleg copy of the last episode of Unscrewed (which G4 will NOT broadcast), can you provide me with one? Just kidding...not...
wtf?
True believers seek redemption from the sin of death.
I am a big Star Trek Fanatic. The part that you played was great. It showed a young person learning and growing up to be a man. Another great part was on ST: Voyager Naomi Wildman same thing. Also Jake Sisco on DS9. All those parts were great. But now to the question: After being in a ST after Kirk and Spock, Do you think it was a good idea to go back in time 100 years before Kirk or just keeping it after Kirk like it was?
This is only slightly behind getting a "+5, Troll" mod (Which I someday hope to achieve myself) :D
Have you seen any examples? I know of two specimens
What does God need with a starship?
To achieve ultimate geekness, will (or did) you try to install Gentoo linux?
...Have you reversed the polarity of anything lately?
Blog Prophyts - Right On, Man
You seem to be doing interesting stuff left, right and center - but what do you do to unwind when you get home? Are you a console guy, rabid over Halo 2, or do you prefer to curl up in a corner with a good book?
"I think everyone is an agnostic but just doesn't know" - Frazz
I am a "Will" not a William or Wil. Do you ever miss the second L?
Couple of years ago, Bill Gates donated several million dollars towards AIDS scene in India. If I am a simpleton, this is pure goodwill. But was there any other intention ?
Did he consult psychologists, and get a recommendation as to indirectly put the fear in the mind of people - about software piracy ? ( Aids and Software virus pread through sharing )
Or did have investments in condumn / AIDS test kit companies and wanted indirectly promote those stuff and put a sex tax for indians ? Please lets know your views about this ?
One of the things that fascinated me about Star Trek: The Next Generation was the attention to detail in set design. I'm aware that Michael Okuda was responsible for a lot of the design work, like the LCARS interfaces for example (also referred to as "Okudagrams"). There was just an underlying subtle feel of logic and innovation behind it all that appealed to the computer nerd in me.
The touch screen interface standard was one; touch screens are an ideal graphical user interface because you don't need an indirect input device to manipulate the interface. I've actually read somewhere that NASA considers it to be a useful idea for manned space missions because it allows a user to access a whole range of controls with a simple touch screen, saving on space and weight when compared to the equivalent in physical controls. The PADDs were also a novel concept, resembling current PDAs and tablet computers. The LCARS interfaces also had recurring elements, like a round one I've read was nicknamed the "spinner", that looked like a control for 2D or 3D manipulation, kind of like arrow keys on a keyboard.
I also noticed that everything - devices, bulkheads, panels, containers, etc - all had the same kind of labels on them. They seemed like a standardised system for doing things like handling inventory, like barcodes. And there was a consistency across the board, the way they were also used as signs on doors and also appeared as LCARS interface elements. I've noticed that they've used them in the Star Trek: Enterprise series as well. (I've also read that they sometimes had jokes on them visible only to the cast during filming.)
Since you were working on the set, you must have had a lot of exposure to what went on behind the scenes with regards to the design process. And as a self-confessed geek, you must have had some interest in that part of the production. Was there an actual working concept behind LCARS as a real graphical user interface? What can you say about the fictional LCARS that would be applicable to real operating systems and graphical user interfaces? And what about those labels- were they based on a realistic system of organisation and management? What kind of concepts were the set designs based on, and how much detail did they get into regarding those concepts? I was just wondering how much of it all was just aesthetic and how much of it was based on real logic.
In an unrelated note, have you seen any improvement from WFS since Dancing Barefoot?
It may not be just, but it is fair, and that is more important.
What is the best pie?
How about "surviving Hollyweird"?
Considering how many other young actors ruined their lives (Adam Rich, Todd Bridges) or lost them entirely (Jonathan Brandis, River Phoenix), it seems that it must take something special just to survive to adulthood in "the business". Do you attribute your moral grounding and sanity to good parenting, good genetics, good management, or just dumb luck?
Hi Wil
;)
In your opinion, should music be kept
a) Good
b) Evil
c) You are going to Hay-ell!
d) All of the above
In any case, Rock on
Hey Will! Why do you think that the whole world sat up and took notice when you started your blog? Probably because it sits up and takes notice any time any one starts a blog?
To me, Ensign Crusher seemed to be one of those characters you either loved or loathed (kinda like the stereotypical annoying kid who always has the smartarse solution to any life or death situation)
Consider the existence of newsgroups back in the day like alt.wesley.crusher.die.die.die and (I'm told) alt.wesley.crusher.borg.now
I've heard others express disgust that Wesley, out of the entire crew (quote)became some kind of f****ing kwisatz haderach... where is the justice in the universe?(unquote)
Anyway, my question would be, /.-er to /.-er, did you take all that as a compliment to your portrayal of the character, or was it supremely hurtful to you at the time?
If so, why?
Hey, I know it's probably a lame question, but I have always wondered, because no other character on that show ever seemed to trigger such a response in some viewers
"Beam me up, Scot....aarrRRGH..... ***NO CARRIER***"
Hi Will, I just wanted to ask you about your writing.
Would you please describe what you hope to achieve through your books and your writing in general. Which authors have influenced you? How did you find yourself writing in the first place? Are you working on anything at the moment?
Si tacuisses philosophus mansisses. If you had kept quiet, you would have remained a philosopher.
In your previous interview, you made the offhand comment "(because I look for things...things to make me go...)"
That sounds eerily familiar... where's that from?
My kids love Flubber. Did you enjoy doing a kiddies movie, and what was it like working with Robin Williams. In addition did you get to keep any flubber and is it all its cracked up to be. Has your basketball game improved for the use of your small stash?
Better is the enemy of good enough. - Russian proverb.
When you were doing Star Trek you were about the same age I was when Sci-Fi meant the most to me.
Being that age, Gene's Utopia must have had a significant effect on your own ideals - whether you embraced it or rejected it. And your relationship with that (along with all of the Utopias created by Sci-Fi) must have changed significantly from then until now, being ever more involved with the real world. What has changes about your beliefs about the order of society, economics, governance and all the rest of it?
And specifically: Do you see "Utopia" as being more useful as a model to work towards or as a mechanism for demonstrating thoughts about the status quo?
What Distro(s) are you running?
Have you got any programming projects in the works?
May the Maths Be with you!
Wil, is it true that youre really the guy who makes all those Goatse posts?
It's worse than that. I have it on good authority that Wil Wheaton *is* the Goatse Man.
Either that, or Tubgirl, I forget which.
"Slashdot - News and Chat Sites Deviant". (Click "homepage" link above for details).
Here's a good question I didn't see asked earlier:
Did you vote?
Follow up:
What are your thoughts on the last national election?
Whenever Mrs. Fitch breaks wind, we beat the dog.
Do you think ST and Joseph Campbell will ever join forces? Or is the world still too young for such ideas?
Will you move with me to a jurisdiction where it's legal, and marry me?
Anyone else feel like the "no offense" bits were inserted just to make believe they weren't insults? Almost as bad as using "with all due respect"...
Wesley Crusher showed up as a wedding guest in Star Trek: Nemesis.
So, in a sense, he did "return" to the TNG timeline & cast of Trek.
Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, START
Is it a coincidence or a conspiracy that your appearance with other "Trek" actors on "Weakest Link" was on last night? And more importantly, did your host/moderator ever "get it" or smile at you after that? Did that thoroughly screw up your chances with any women for the next month? 8^>
bermanization: The process of destroying Star Trek as an interesting concept.
In your last interview you talked about not being able to handle all the things in linux that are tough to configure, and having given up. I'm wondering, have you tried Linux lately? And which distros have you used? Most have made great strides in usability and configurability, but some lag behind, so I'm sure it makes a great difference in how much hassle it is which distro you're using, and what version.
Also, someone said you prefer the Gnomes to Bavaria. Is this true? Why not Discordia?
"I don't care about the Constitution!" --Bill O'Reilly, November 17, 2009
+3: interesting? Try +3: funny.
Taco, I propose that everyone who modded this incorrectly should have their karma taken away for abject stupidity.
Wait a minute... Wesley wasn't already evil??
Fight Frist Psoting!
Browse Slashdot with 'Newest First'!
do you say "Ensign wesley crusher personal log.... "
Don't you mean Bizarro crew?
Do you wipe with?
You should write a book about Wesley in a Rambo like setting. That would be cool.
How much wheat would Wil Wheaton eat, if Wil Wheaton will eat wheat?
sig fault
Wesley Crusher was a bad character played by a weak actor. Why the hell does everyone here worship this guy? Because he owns a computer?
Jesus, people. Enough.
what nickname would you choose?
(spoken to Rick Berman)
My name is Gene Roddenberry.
You killed my franchise.
Prepare to die.
www.eFax.com are spammers
This was a mere attempt to get people to think about Bob Goatse and no attempt at being accurate. :-)
Comparing it to Windows will be a moot point, since El Dorado is going to have a 40% larger code base than XP.
People who use ones country of origin to pass a judgement on them. Just because you had a bad experience with a couple of Americans who took time to flame you cause they are bored, doesn't mean that all Americans are looking to tear you down to make themselves feel better. I'm just not a big fan of jumping on the "anti-american" bandwagon and making a prejudicial statement about people from America. It doesn't matter where you are from. If you wanted to say anything about America, it's that there are more cultures here than anywhere else in the world. If you could walk 4 blocks in New York City and be able to sum up the "culture" there, I would be amazed. I'm not trying to flame you or anything, and yes, I am from America (Hawaii), I just don't like the prejudice that your post included. Thanks James
Without warp speed the Star Trek shows would be drastically different. As a science and sci-fi fan, do you think faster than light travel is possible? If so, do you think time travel is possible?
Now that the election is over and your worst dream has come true, are you moving to Canada or France?
What's the rational behind your decision, why did you make your pick over the other one?
Will you be my boyfriend ?
Now, we are getting real nasty.
Just rename it "Ugly Europeans".
My Suburban burns less gasoline than your Prius.
Amazing, this is the 6th time this post has been remodded.
You tools really need to stop taking yourselves so fucking seriously.
Have you read his book(s)? He wanted out so they wrote him out.
Well, what's is on his site, books?
Thanks to the miracle of TiVo (and lack of sleep), I've seen almost every movie you've ever been in.
Something I've noticed is that in 90% of the movies I've seen, there's been a scene where you're in your underwear (Boxers or otherwise).
So my question is: Is there a clause in your contract stating that your meaty body must appear in underwear within any film?
Or maybe you're trying to appease the entities responsible for "Wil Wheaton Shirtless"? (You saucy whore, you)
Wil,
In your first interview with slashdot, you talked about the issues you had with linux and "lots of stuff didn't work correctly." Have you ever considered switching to a Mac? I didn't mean for it to sound like a shameless plug for Apple, but I really am curious if you thought about it, or if you have "switched" in the past 3 years.
-Dave
"You're arguing for a universe with fewer waffles in it," I said. "I'm prepared to call that cowardice."
Is your crotch as I imagine it? (Smooth like a Ken doll.)
I'm Rick James with mod points biatch!
You were an inspiration to a lot of teenage kids back on ST:TNG. Your character gained powers that would let him do anything or be anywhere. Ever thought about a small role in ST:E? Also I have seen you in some soft core pr0n movies, ever though of going for the gold and moving into full fledged pr0n?
So, what do you think of WILLIAM SHATNER's latest musical oeuvre "Has Been"?
Too proud for a clip-on?
You can be sure that if that ever happened, he would solve the problem by yelling "I am William Wallace!"
(...insert Mel Gibson joke here..., see post mod down to -2...)
Mod Karma -1: I sed bad wurds. If I cep my mouf shut, I wud be at riyses.
In almost any TV series there are always actors and actresses that the public seems to swoon over. I can only assume that it is overwhelming at times and excessive on occasion. I'm confident that you were just such a person. You were young, attractive, single, and on a popular TV series.
:)
So my question...
When STNG was still being produced and everyone patiently waiting for the next installment, do you think that you had more female admirers or male admirers?
I'm not for sure what the viewer demographics were during STNG, but I have a lot of gay geeky friends that had a *crush* on you when we were a teenager.
P.S. We are all happy that you found your true love in life!
But wouldn't Wesley become the Dread Space Pirate Roberts?
I think the story of the origin of WFS is in his Dancing Barefoot book. He was really F'ing excited to meet WFS, WFS was a real F-head, so from then on WS is known as WFS.