Pirx Danford- More than a major Miner

[Donald]

Pirx Danford

Wanderer, Friend, Society Founder...

The Federation of Free Wanderers- It's not the biggest society in Entropia, neither is it the best known. In fact, it is not home to the most highly skilled residents of our fair land. So then, just what is so special about this society? The answer to that question is Pirx 'Dan' Danford, it's founder and leader. Just who is he, and what brought him to the Entropia Universe? What has kept him there, and what are his goals? Let's take a look and learn the answers to these, and other questions, as we consider this edition of Wednesday's Who's Who!

Typical of his humble nature, when approached with the idea of being a Wednesday's Who's Who subject, Pirx Danford replied that he was very flattered, but wondered whether anyone would be interested. As a matter of fact, the thought of starting one's own society is close to the heart of many an Entropian. Well, Pirx has done it and is in a good position to share that experience with others.

But first, it might be interesting to discover how he came to Entropia. Where did he first hear of it?

"...actually in the forum of a german browser based roleplaying/strategy game. Someone mentioned playing Project Entropia as it was called then and I started to look it up in Google."

Like so many others, he was intrigued by the concept of the Real Cash Economy. Also, Club NEVERDIE was in the news, at about that time, and that excited Pirx. One other thing, drew him in and made him stay. That was the Science Fiction setting. After too much fantasy, this was very much to his liking. And so, along with countless other newcomers, he seen set down in Port Atlantis. And was immediately confused by all the chatter.

"I was looking around for help and connection to people, some guideline of what to do. The help section on the Entropia forum was not as good as today and Alice's guide did not exist then."

In short order, he had acquired a mentor. And very soon afterward, he also became acquainted with Claire 'Lee' DeLioncourt, and Donald. In the time since then, he says he has met so many nice and wonderful people that he cannot even list them all. Is not that the Entropian way of life?

As for which profession piqued his interests, it was in the beginning and continues to be, mining. He passed his mentorship in Rifle, but that was just for expediency. His real love is mining. Holding himself back, where his EU budget is concerned, he feels that his progress is rather too slow. And yet, it's not all bad, either...

"...yesterday I got 250 peds of lyst, making up a lot for my losses in mining...." Good job, Mate!

How did the idea of starting a society come to him? It began with a feeling of discontent with the one he was in. Early on he joined the same society as his mentor. Unfortunately, it was a time of turmoil for those folks, and so Pirx left. After having been successful as an ambassador in two other games, he felt that being a society leader was a natural for him.

Says he, "Lee did encourage me, when I pondered about founding a society and I do not regret the decision ever after that."

In the early planning stages of the Federation of Free Wanderers, one prospective member had some concerns over the wording of the Codex. It was felt that certain terminology gave the society a particular political slant. So, in collaboration with Ms. DeLioncourt, Pirx changed the wording just a bit, and created a more neutral tone. This sort of willingness to listen to the concerns of his members, and to condescend to their needs, is part of what makes him an engaging personality, a great leader and deservant of respect.

Since then he has had his ups and downs. On the plus side, he always enjoys providing a place for others to prosper and become successful. Maintaining a positive atmosphere in the society, making it a source of strength for the members- a source of positive energy, is what brings him satisfaction. And yet occasionally, it can be tough. One of the more challenging aspects of being a leader is knowing when to release someone who has gone inactive. Or harder still, when there happens to be a conflict within the society, and the need arises to enforce a tough decision for the greater good. And yet, Mr. Danford has the respect of his peers. No doubt he is doing things right.

What are some of the highlights of his Entropian experience to date? He places the purchase of his first apartment and subsequent house-warming party, at the top of the list. Reaching the required quota of members, and having the Federation of Free Wanderers officially activated was yet another, and understandably so.

Here's a shocker: Among the joys he has experienced to date, winning a pair of underpants at a dancing contest on CND! One can only imagine the joy that must have brought him... His first beacon run alongside Hrafninn also made the list. Regarding that event, Pirx has this to say:

"I was very suddenly invited by Hrafninn. And apart from the ammo and decay, it was a cost free run, I even got a set of plates borrowed to me as I am not good vs. bots in my Gremlin. We did not get all boxes opened but broke even at the end in regards to armour. We started at that outpost NW of Hadesheim and it all went very smooth."

Another. more recent highlight of his Entropia sojourn has been, "...meeting Silva Mak in the apartment where she created that awesome cage..."

But "totally the best thing to happen" in his whole EU experience, was the World of Firepower event.

"The German team even got very far", says Herr Danford who is German. "We lost to the USA in the battle for the finale, so one could say that we made it to the semi-finale and also that we lost to the #1 winner of the WoF. Ulla Jamira Braun was the team captain who lead us to success."

Surely something to be proud of! Here's wishing you many more successes in the years to come.

Among his other accomplishments in regard to Entropia is a comprehensive List of All Teleporters on both continents. The list includes the name and exact coordinates of each teleporter, and a photograph. Some feel that it ought to be required reading for any dedicated wanderer.

On the downside, there have been some less than gratifying moments.
Like the time when a society member's account was compromised, and his friend left Entropia in dismay. (He is pleased to announce that the friend has since returned, so it is not all bad.)

At present he is saddened by the fact that a befriended society may not be able to continue. He plans to meet with the other society leader to discuss plans for the future. Who knows, maybe a merger is in the works.... As for the FoFW, there have been times when he wondered whether or not it would survive. So far it is still going strong- still alive and kicking!

When asked if he could go back in time and do any one thing differently he states without hesitation that he wishes he could have taken Lee (Claire DeLioncourt) as a mentor. Such is life. On the plus side, she is still here, and no doubt still a good friend. But that's another story for another day, perhaps....

His current plans revolve around mining. It was his first love and continues to be a subject of great interest to him. However, when he is not out in the field looking for ore, "...I still strive to become a decorateur, and one day I will get there..."

In the meantime, ladies take note: For recreation Pirx enjoys leisurely mining along the beach. And to keep cool, he wears his CND underpants the while.

So there you have it. His two career choices are, mining and interior decoration. Only in the Entropia Universe could you find one such as this.

His final words to the community? "Hate is always the wrong choice. Concentrating on the negative aspects of life only drains energy and takes away from one's enjoyment." Truer words were never spoken. Kudos to you, Sir! This might be an opportune time to mention that the Federation of Free Wanderers are always open to experienced and dedicated players. It is an easygoing society with few squabbles or pressure. Check them out, should you get the chance. With a leader like Pirx 'Dan' Danford, you cannot go wrong!

[Shackleton]

Don't know how I missed seeing this until now Nice article on one of the nicest guys you are likely to meet in Entropia, and the FoFW are one of the coolest societies around. Wish I hadn't seen that screenshot at the bottom though

[Ozi]

Always great to get some insight into the stories behind other avatars. Everyone has their unique stories and it's great to read these interviews.

Leading a soc certainly brings a new element to the EU experience.

Keep up the good work with your soc Danford

[sir odd]

Excellent article Donald.

[Bones]

Nice article Donald



Bones

[desg90]

Nice insight into a player's biography.

I'm looking forward to your next article!

[Shadowsong]

Very cool article about one of the real gentlemen of Entropia. I consider myself fortunate to have Dan on my friends list... about time someone shone a light on him.

[Hally]

exlent article about a guy id never even had heard of if not here so quite interresting

[Lexxy]

Very nice to see a great article on a great guy

Thanks for making me smile Donald and keep up the good work Pirx,

- Those amoung us who are the stongest lead, these are Great wo/men. Those who keep us going,together, these are Heroes!

Ciao
Lexxy

[Burgerman]

Nice work Donald, great article.
And Pirx is a very cool guy, so it is nice to see him as Wednesday's Who's Who.