The Lost fan-verse extends into every facet of the Internet - websites, video, blogs, podcasts - and even the virtual world of Second Life. We spoke with Campetin of SL-Lost.com who, in 2007, began building a Lost island in Second Life and afterwards started SL-Lost.com to promote the project. Since then the site has expanded to cover Lost news and is behind the extremely popular 'In Preparation For...' videos - their YouTube channel has had an amazing 9.8 million views on YouTube to date. You can also follow SL-Lost on Twitter here.
Q: How long have you been watching Lost?
A: I bought Season One on DVD in early 2006. My first reaction was: wow, is this really a TV show? It felt so big, epic.
Q: How did Lost get its polar bear claws into you? What about it got you hooked?
A: I loved everything about the Pilot episode, but the ending of "Walkabout" got me really hooked to LOST. I still get shivers remembering the first time I watched it.
Q: Favorite character?
A: Hurley. He's been equally awesome through the five seasons. If the writers decide to kill him on the final season I'm going to be extremely angry. He deserves a happy ending.
Q: Least favorite character?
A: Nikki and Paolo. I hated them from the moment they showed up. I wasn't a big fan of the Freighter Folk at first, but they have grown on me.
Q: Favorite episode or season?
A: Season 1 is my favorite one. Favorite episodes: Walkabout, Through the Looking Glass, The Constant, The Incident, and many more. I don't really have one single favorite episode.
Q: Least favorite episode or season?
A: Season 2 and Season 4 are my least favorite seasons. My least favorite episode: "Fire and Water".
Q: Are you Team Jack or Team Locke?
A: I love both characters equally. My favorite scenes from the show are the ones where Jack and Locke talk to each other. I wish they had more scenes together. I can't wait to see Jack's reaction when/if he meets FLocke/Man In Black.
Q: If you had to be one of the following, which would it be and why: an 815 survivor, an Other or a member of the Dharma Initiative?
A: Without a doubt, an 815 survivor. I'd rather hunt boars with Locke or hang out with Sawyer than be an Other or a Dharma "workman".
Q: Which character’s demise were you most upset to see happening?
A: If Juliet is really dead, then I think her death was the saddest for me. Sure, I liked Charlie ("Greatest Hits" was a great episode and his death scene on the Season 3 finale was heartbreaking) but I just love Juliet/Elizabeth Mitchell. I don't usually cry watching any TV show or movie, but I got all teared up when Juliet fell down the hole.
Q: Tell us a bit about your site.
In early 2007 I downloaded "Second Life". I tried it for a couple of weeks and I hated it, I thought it was useless. But then I met fellow LOST fans who wanted to create a replica of the LOST island, and I decided to help out. I thought a website would really help promote our project, and that's how SL-LOST.com was launched in December 2007. Once the word about the 3D LOST island spread out, I started focusing the blog solely on news related to the show itself. The website is run by me, while other SL-LOST team members (Samantha, Felicity, Dario and many others) take care of the LOST Island in SL. We've known each other for almost 3 years and they are amazing.
Q: What are your favorite online Lost communities, blogs, podcasts, etc.?
A: There are dozens of really fantastic LOST blogs out there. I applaud DocArzt.com's decission of going spoiler-free for the final season (SL-LOST has been spoiler free since the beginning). I love Jay and Jack's podcast, I always listen to it after watching a new episode. The LOST message board I visit the most is Lostpedia's. I'm more of a lurker (I know, shame on me) but I check it more than once every day and I read almost every thread. I've also spent more time lately talking about LOST with fellow fans on Twitter. It's really fun!
Q: You’re in an elevator with someone who has never seen as much as a second of Lost. You got on in the lobby and you’re both headed to the fifteeth floor. How do you convince them to buy and watch all the DVDs before the elevator gets there?
A: Every time I've tried to get someone into LOST I've luckily succeded. I don't try to explain them what the show is about, I just tell them "watch the first 4 episodes and then let me know what you think". The answer I always get is "I'm hooked". Half of my family members are LOST fans thanks to this simple method!
Q: Has watching Lost sparked any creative inspiration in your life, i.e. writing, media, art, etc.?
I've always loved creating videos and editing them. When I was younger I would record every single trip or summer holiday and then edit them once I got back home. In 2007 I decided to start creating LOST music videos and trailers, and three years later my channel has become the most popular LOST channel on YouTube. I couldn't be more thankful for the fans' comments on my videos, they have really encouraged me to continue making more.
Q: How do you plan on combatting PLDS (Post Lost Distress Syndrome) or do you think we’re all destined to end up continuously re-watching our Lost: The Complete Series Ultimate Box Set for the rest of our lives?
A: SL-LOST.com will remain active after LOST ends, so I hope that helps me combatting PLDS. I think it will be extremly sad, but after a while we will all start getting used to the fact that the show is over.
Q: What do you think will be Lost’s legacy?
I think many aspects of the show will be remembered in the years to come: the creativity and bravery of its creators, the perfect mix of genres, the iconic characters, the mysteries, the fan community, etc.
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Thank you Campetin from everyone at the LOSTBlog.com!
