Sharing modder and mapper interviews wasn’t that big of a deal early on. Let’s flash back to the years I dealt with Quake3world.com. We posted content around mods, skins, character models, and maps.
Most of the gaming websites enjoyed user generated content because it helped keep their news feeds buzzing. I never got denied when I emailed websites or posted in their forums. I always had something new happening because I dealt with content across the four gaming networks (Xtreme Network, Lucas Games Network, Gamers.com, Gamesmania). All of these websites had advertisements on them and they received a revenue based on viewership.
Years pass and I have my own fansite that does not serve any advertisements. Around this time I interviewed modders, skinners, mappers, and clan leaders dedicated to games like Battlefield, RTCW, Quake 3, and Unreal Tournament 2004. I didn’t mind the cost or effort. I put hours of effort into these interviews. I searched and read everything I could about what was already out there on the internet. I never wanted to ask a questions that somebody could find elsewhere. Of course I was proud of the new information or projects the modders revealed! Come to think of it, one of the modders I interviewed back in the day got a sequel made after his mod. These interviews were like a treasure hunt to me.