Seven answers on 7Q (also known as the FAQs of life.)				Interviewed by Tom Mangan Tammy Hocking, keeper of the the Simpsonian Institute Her homepage is here.		AUTHORS Michael Fuchs Elizabeth Hilts Paul Riddell Gary Rivlin Jim Motavalli Barbara Shafferman Jules Siegel Keith Snyder ARTISTS/POETS/ PHILOSOPHERS Jon C. Allen Will Baker Mike Leung Jon Sarkin COOL SITE KEEPERS Mike Cash Scott O'Neal Colf Godfrey Daniels Cliff Davis, DDS Tammy Hocking Wes Modes Frank Rogan DIARISTS Ralph Becker J. D. Bruns Linda DeVault Mike Reed Moira Richardson Jessamyn West FILMMAKERS Ben Kufrin Dean Mermell JOURNALISTS Bernie Mary Cooley-Jones Lindsay Crysler Jamie Dupree M.O.A.T.M.A.I. David Moll Robert Niles John Orr Steven Ovadia Pierce Presley Mack Reed Rip Rense Curtis Ross Neal Ross John Scalzi Catherine Seipp David Sheets Dwight Silverman Matt Welch MOVIE MAVENS MaryAnn Johanson Brian Koller HUMORISTS Debbie Farmer Mike Jasper Madeleine Begun Kane Patrick Keller Bob Sassone Valerie Sprague Ken Swarmer Ian Wolff SOLDIERS Maj. Jon Anderson, USAF TEACHERS John Warner TECHIES Chris Adamson Mike Gunderloy Michael Ivey Greg Knauss Floyd Maxwell Ellen McDonough Mike Pingleton Wayne Thume John Worth TEENS Gary Baum Marty Beckerman UNDECLARED Bev Gibbs Beth Reid WEBLOGGERS Jason Kottke Jish Mukerji
ONE				I hear that Australian TV censors Simpsons episodes. What are some of the things they've cut out? Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason as to why certain sections are cut from Australian airings - most likely for more advertising time. However, things that have been known to disappear are snippets of Itchy & Scratchy cartoons, a scene or two where Swartzenegger-like movie hero McBain shoots up a croweded room of villains into a pool of blood, that type of thing. Basically any violent or criminal acts that appear to be condoned by the show, even if it's satirical. Generally however, most episodes can be seen in full in later reruns.
TWO				It seems odd to me that an American show that takes so many humorous shots at American culture would have much appeal outside the U.S, so I'm wondering, how do you account for the popularity of The Simpsons in Australia? Australians are very familiar with American culture, we've always been exposed to it (I would estimate that 2/3 of programming would be foreign, a lot of that coming from the U.S.). This helps us understand a lot of the jokes and references not only in The Simpsons, but in all other U.S. TV, films and music we're exposed to. Although occasionally a barrier is hit and the humour is a little too esoteric for Australians to understand, as seen with the axing of King of the Hill after only one season of airing (a very big shame).
THREE				At what point in your Simpsons fandom did you decide it was necessary to start a Web site devoted to the show? The more I surfed around, I noticed a severe lacking in the kind of information I was after - I'm fascinated by the production aspect of things, particularly animation and the people who make it happen (The Simpsons is responsible for my desire to work in animation). It gives me a huge buzz to read about how things happen and the stories behind it. When I saw this void and realized I'd been collecting various articles for years, I decided to share it with anyone who just might happen to be looking for the same info as I was. And The Simpsonian was born... just a small tribute to my animation heroes.
FOUR				You've grown up with the show, watching it as a child and as a young adult. I'm wondering, what's the main appeal for kids in a show whose jokes seem very much targeting savvy adult media consumers? I was almost 13 when The Simpsons hit the Australian airwaves, so I was out of my childhood and into early adolescence by then. I'm grateful I was able to go through all my teen years with them, it became quite a source of refuge at times. Although if I were a kid, I'd probably love the show because I could relate to Bart and Lisa, and watching a rather adult show would make me feel somewhat more "grown up." Groening has always said the show has an appeal at all levels.
FIVE				What did you think of the "Bart vs. Australia" episode? I thought it was pretty damn funny! There were some things that made no sense whatsoever in terms of our real culture (ie. the booting penalty), which was confusing and a bit disappointing. But there were many nice touches, such as the motto for Australian Cultural Museum: "Cart your arse on in."
SIX				Poking around at the episode your site, I was amazed at the zeal with which people dissect the characters, scenes, plots and jokes. Why does The Simpsons deserve such attention? I think a reason this happens a little more than other shows is because Groening has always believed in "rewarding" the viewer for paying attention (in a time when viewers' attention spans are at an all time low), using a lot of "freeze frame" gags and funny signs, etc. This promotes a lot of discussion amongst fans, as do the many pop and cultural references that some people get and others don't. So fans tend to share their knowledge around and everyone benefits.
SEVEN				The show even brought you together with the current love of your life, creating the small problem that the two of you live about 10,000 miles apart. Can you give us an idea of the logistics of maintaining what has to be one of the world's longest long-distance romances? Well, there seems to be a lot of sacrifices required -- whether it be one of us staying up until 5 or 6 am five days a week to talk to the other online, draining the bank balance with an airline ticket, or even moving to another country altogether. A huge amount of trust and patience is also a must. A good sense of humour (especially when having to deal with immigration departments). A good plan of execution. And above all, to never give up.
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